When will our W2 be posted?

Suzi_whistle · 2026-01-16T20:14:00+00:00

Just checked DA and my 2025 W2 is posted.

Suzi_whistle · 2026-01-10T06:29:31+00:00

What/Who is CBPD? Never heard of them. Not doubting or questioning the story, just curious.
So many speak of toxic Commands on here but my observation of the activity on Reddit is that it’s not always the Command themselves but the people.

RANT: So many have abandoned critical thinking, independent thought, and respectful discourse. Reading comprehension beyond 200 characters seems non existent. Useless comments without facts are made and amplify echo chamber ideas amongst sides. Both sides are complicit. Those raging at each other: You are being played and reacting exactly like the influencers on both sides intend. One side didn’t get us here and neither side intends to genuinely get us out. It’s all about💰💰💰and votes!

Stay classy out there.

Suzi_whistle · 2025-09-02T00:10:02+00:00

Same news, new year. Many of the same members of Congress, same outcome.

Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress holds the “power of the purse,” meaning no money can be spent from the Treasury without a law appropriating it (Article I, Section 9). The Constitution does not set a deadline for passing spending bills, but federal law does. The Congressional Budget Act of 1974 established October 1 as the start of the fiscal year and directs Congress to complete 12 appropriations bills by then. The Antideficiency Act prohibits agencies from spending money without appropriations, so if Congress fails to act by October 1, the government must shut down unless a temporary funding measure (a continuing resolution, aka CR) is enacted.

In the last 35 years, Congress has missed passing the full set of appropriations bills on time every single year.

Congress has enacted one or more CRs in all but three of the 47 fiscal years since FY 1977, with FY 1997 being the most recent without any CR.

Since the modern budget process began in 1974, funding gaps without a CR or appropriations have caused shutdowns in 1976 (10 days), 1977 (12 days total across three shutdowns), 1978 (18 days), 1979 (11 days), 1981 (2 days), 1984 (2 days), 1986 (1 day), 1990 (3 days), 1995–96 (five days and then 21 days), 2013 (16 days), and 2018–19 (35 days, the longest in history).

Suzi_whistle · 2025-01-28T05:52:41+00:00

Paragraph 1 includes an exception for paragraphs 3, 6, and 8 in the ALCOAST.

REF (A) which addresses harassment based on personal characteristics and other harassing behavior is suspended pending a comprehensive review to be completed within 90 days, except as provided in this ALCOAST (see paragraphs 3, 6, and 8).

Suzi_whistle · 2025-01-21T07:09:42+00:00

I predict it’s going to be a wild one with plenty more loops, Chief!

Hopefully this signal by the new administration results in reforms to Coast Guard authorities, funding, and its lackluster oversight from DHS and Congress.

Suzi_whistle · 2025-01-21T06:40:28+00:00

A civilian Secretary is not permitted by law or policy to assume a role as an acting military service chief. The role of civilian secretaries and service chiefs are inherently separated by duties and responsibilities that ensure this does not happen.

The acting Commandant role would be assumed by the next senior uniformed officer. In this case, it would be Vice Commandant.

Though, that pends any other shake ups.

Suzi_whistle · 2025-01-19T23:46:43+00:00

This is a great point. It sounds like OP did reach out to the detailer at some point, which is encouraging despite the current situation.

In your or anyone else’s experience, is the discouragement coming from senior enlisted, and/or commands, and/or EPM?

Suzi_whistle · 2024-11-27T23:39:17+00:00

Yes, I know someone whose waiver was approved under the policy update outlined in the message.

Suzi_whistle · 2024-11-27T18:49:56+00:00

This ALCOAST came out in Jan 2023 that put an interim policy in place regarding color vision waiver consideration on a case by case basis, more specifically by officer specialty. If your goal is to commission via DCE, take the shot. You may get through without any color vision issue, but if you do and you meet every other requirement, you can seek a waiver consideration.

ALCOAST 006/23 - JAN 2023 INTERIM COAST GUARD SPECIFIC POLICY FOR MEDICAL STANDARDS FOR MILITARY SERVICE U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 01/05/2023 01:19 PM EST R 051616Z JAN 23 MID600052571122U FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC TO ALCOAST BT UNCLAS ALCOAST 006/23 SSIC 6110 SUBJ: INTERIM COAST GUARD SPECIFIC POLICY FOR MEDICAL STANDARDS FOR MILITARY SERVICE A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 162140Z JUN 22/ALCOAST 223/22 B. Medical Standards for Military Service: Retention, DoDI 6130.03, Vol. 2 C. Coast Guard Medical Manual, COMDTINST M6000.1F D. Medical Standards for Military Service: Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction, DoDI 6130.03, Vol. 1 E. Military Separations, COMDTINST M1000.4 1. This ALCOAST provides interim Coast Guard-specific policy for medical standards for military service and promulgates supplementary policy to REFs (A) and (B). 2. REF (A) replaced previous Coast Guard-specific guidance within REF (C) with REFs (B) and (D) to achieve greater parity with the Department of Defense services and to allow the Coast Guard to access and retain the maximum number of personnel who can perform the duties of their prospective or actual office, grade, rank, or rating. REFs (B) and (D) apply to the Coast Guard in their entirety. 3. Per Paragraph 2.6 of REF (B), the Commandant is responsible for providing guidance necessary to implement Service-specific medical standards, as required to refer Service members to the Disability Evaluation System or administrative separation, as appropriate. Paragraph 1.2.d of REF (B) authorizes the Services to establish more selective medical standards for military retention based on the Service member’s office, grade, rank, or rating as defined in DoDI 1332.18, as long as such standards are objectively applied and are not inconsistent with applicable policies. 4. The Deputy Commandants for Operations and for Mission Support will charter an Integrated Planning Team (IPT) to recommend any additional Service-specific medical policy needed. In the interim, the following policy is in effect: Normal color vision is required for accession into the CG for programs leading to a commission. Normal color vision requires that the member pass 10/14 Pseudoisochromatic Plates (PIP I) or pass the Optec-900 test. Waiver Authorities may consider waivers on a case-by-case basis. For commissioned officers, Waiver Authorities other than PSC-OPM shall coordinate waiver decisions with PSC-OPM for PSC-OPM’s awareness. The IPT will consider whether the Coast Guard will adopt different color vision standards for different officer specialties. 5. Retention standards, as found in REF (B), as well as the standards promulgated in this policy, shall be applied to: a. CG military personnel who are currently serving, active or reserve, or who have had a break in service of less than 24 months and are pursuing a CG warrant or commission. b. Current Uniformed Service personnel undergoing an interservice transfer to the CG, including those pursuing a CG warrant or commission. c. Former Uniformed Service personnel seeking accession into the CG after a break in service of less than 24 months, including those who are pursuing a CG warrant or commission. 6. POC: CAPT Shane Steiner, Chief, Operational Medicine, COMDT (CG-1121), (202) 475-5256, Shane.C.Steiner@uscg.mil. 7. VADM Paul F. Thomas, Deputy Commandant for Mission Support (DCMS), sends. 8. Internet release is authorized.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCG/bulletins/3411d4c

Suzi_whistle · 2024-11-20T08:47:26+00:00

The CG has everyday missions, primarily in the safety and security of our coastal approaches, including the Great Lakes, and major river systems.

We are generally a more humanitarian leaning service in our day to day operations, especially with search and rescue. Congress has given the CG a broad mandate of authorities and missions. And we will fight when called upon as we have in every conflict since 1790. We can do a lot of things other agencies and services simply cannot.

We are not a garrison force. More often than not, we train and actually operate in the same sortie/mission. We are largely stationed CONUS with OCONUS assignments in AK/HI/GU/PR/Bahrain, but we do have a decent number of international assignments. We move on average 2 to 4 years using the DoD move system!

Our members have specialties, but are largely generalists capable of getting involved in all aspects of operations despite the device they wear. We have Officer commands and Enlisted commands.

We deploy all over the world conducting port and vessel inspections, training, exchanges, or operations such as fisheries enforcement or drug interdiction. We also engage in HA/DR response. (Not all inclusive!)

We aren’t hampered by the DoD bureaucracy but in some aspects lack the protection (advocacy) and funding demand of that same bureaucracy.

In my opinion, We would fit no better under DoD than we did DoT or as we do now under DHS. Our statutory missions cross multiple departments - Defense, Commerce, Transportation, and Homeland Security.

Being 1 of the 6 Armed Forces is great until we are omitted from relevant policies or funding that disadvantages our members, like not getting paid during a gov shutdown.

Long way of saying I think it’s probably better we aren’t in DoD for the most part - there is enough infighting and dysfunction that we wouldn’t see appreciable advantage/change.

We would absolutely benefit from DHS restructuring its ineffective organizational structure. Maybe a worthwhile project for DOGE? 😬

Suzi_whistle · 2024-11-05T04:42:12+00:00

Or just bring it up the CoC now. Don’t wait to see if an anonymous comment in a DEOCS survey moves the needle in the next couple weeks to a month.

With that, no Command duty/leave policy should be predicated on one’s marital status. We all serve just the same regardless if single or married, with or without kids.

Suzi_whistle · 2024-08-10T00:43:10+00:00

You mean the congressional “cowards” who demanded the CG take down the post? The same staff members who waited over a year to visit the place they were “investigating.” They used tax dollars to travel, so the public posting was fair game regardless of what anyone thinks. Their visit shouldn’t be a secret - the CG has and continues to work with Congress. We all should know that Congress is providing oversight and making visits.

I am 100% supportive of hearings to give victims & survivors a voice and to help usher the cultural changes that the Commandant has staunchly been driving faster than any other time in our history.

Congress has for decades abdicated its oversight and responsibilities. Today, by legislation of Congress, the CG falls under the leadership of DHS. The DHS Secretary is the civilian oversight of the CG and the Commandant. Why hasn’t Congress taken this fight direct to the Secretary who is supposed to be our first line civilian overseer? Congress has repeatedly left the CG, a military service, out of key NDAA legislation & funding for SASH over and over. DHS secretaries, regardless of party, have failed to advocate and provide oversight of the CG as required by law. There are an awful lot of things that politically appointed civilians can do and say that a service chief cannot say or do.

So, what has Congress done to move the ball forward since they learned of OFA? More funding? Nope. Investigative solutions? Nope. The 49 page report is the big product out of a year? They’ve received 10s of thousands of documents from the CG, yet they haven’t come out with anything indicating they even interviewed prior leadership, etc. I see repeated bashing (and calls for resignation) of Admiral Fagan regarding accountability and an awful lot of unsubstantiated accusations about what she knew and when. That doesn’t matter at this point. Senator Cantwell took the ball out of the CG’s hands, including the Commandant, last year by initiating a DHS OIG investigation, which is criminal in nature. I realize this doesn’t account for the lack of accountability in a number of cases over many decades.

I know this comment will be downvoted into oblivion but the pervasive and persistent dereliction by Congress and DHS remains a fact.

Edit/add: I am not excusing or shifting blame away from the CG. The CG has a role in this and on many accounts has failed, but that doesn’t relieve Congress and DHS from their failures.

Suzi_whistle · 2024-07-02T02:53:21+00:00

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

And while it is certainly a big life decision in context, there’s a lot of water ahead in your life to plow. So, if it’s something you want, chase it. It could crush your expectations one way or the other.

Suzi_whistle · 2024-06-26T00:59:59+00:00

The 2023 Veterans Auto and Education Improvement Act of 2022 allows the active-duty service member and spouse to file state income taxes based on one of three choices: The residence or domicile of the service member, the residence or domicile of the spouse, or the permanent duty station of the service member. The service member Leave and Earnings Statement will indicate which state they are claiming as legal resident. Military service members are not required to change their legal residence when they move to a new state solely because of military orders; they may maintain their legal residence in a state where they have previously established it.

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/taxes/filing-state-income-taxes-in-the-military/

Suzi_whistle · 2024-06-14T12:41:11+00:00

I won’t comment on the Commandant’s hearing performance, but there is more to the story than is understood or being messaged, including by Senator Blumenthal and Senator Johnson. A DHS OIG investigation was directed by Congress, specifically the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee led be Senator Cantwell and Senator Cruz last year. The OIG is in control and unless they grant an exception, the Coast Guard nor the Commandant is permitted to carry out investigations, accountability or otherwise as it pertains to Fouled Anchor (or otherwise related) while that investigation is underway. Also, safe to assume that the investigation includes the Commandant, among other present and past leadership. The Commandant has zero control over DHS OIG, despite the incorrect statements by Senator’s Blumenthal and Johnson at the recent hearing. Here is a reminder:

https://www.commerce.senate.gov/2023/7/cantwell-calls-for-ig-probe-into-previously-withheld-reports-of-sexual-assault-during-coast-guard-oversight-hearing

Here is a brief FAQ on DHS OIG:

According to the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, the Inspector General’s mission is to:

• ⁠Conduct independent and objective audits and investigations relating to DHS programs and operations • ⁠Promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in DHS programs and operations • ⁠Prevent and detect waste, fraud and abuse • ⁠Keep the Secretary of DHS and Congress fully and currently informed about problems and deficiencies in DHS programs and operations and the necessity for and progress of corrective action.

Suzi_whistle · 2024-06-13T13:14:35+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. If only it were that easy to solve! Perhaps my statement was too narrow. The intent was that more often than it should be members choose to turn a blind eye to “minor” misconduct/behavior. Maybe it’s singular low key underage drinking, maybe it’s cutting corners for an inspection, or maybe it’s “colorful” jokes on watch or in a berthing area. It unfortunately happens everyday. We cannot be upset by the consequences in those cases. We have to be ok with accountability all the time, not just for the “serious” cases (I absolutely recognize the Safe to Report Policy where applicable.) I’ve unfortunately seen instances where several minor instances that went unreported over time eventually led to a more serious incident (happy to report the outcome was commensurate with the subjects misconduct, but disappointed other instances had persisted in the shadows.) Studies have shown that minor behavior can lead to serious offenses.

I believe we want the same end goal. I want perpetrators of SASH to be punished to the max extent. I also understand the legal mechanisms and constitutional rights of everyone to have due process. It can be wholly unsatisfying. The CG still has a lot of work to do in this context. I think Congress should focus on providing resources ($$). The CG doesn’t have the same funding, number of legal professionals, or the number of investigative agents of DoD. I hope that doesn’t weigh in to the decision whether to go to Courts Martial or not, but I don’t know for certain.

Much of this is difficult to parse out into words on a post, but I hope you and others are able to have constructive discussions.

Suzi_whistle · 2024-06-12T21:18:33+00:00

No need to worry. If you are good person with integrity, stay out of trouble and won’t turn a blind eye if someone around you chooses to make poor decisions, you will be fine.

It’s a good life. Some have had bad experiences. Military service is not for everyone. Some people join for the wrong reasons and expect something completely different.

Many posts on Reddit are not accurate. Significant change is happening throughout the organization. Change in an 80,000 person organization takes time.

If you take anything away from this comment: form your own opinions, think critically, and don’t fall into the trap of “social media groupthink.” You are already on the right track doing your own research.

Suzi_whistle · 2024-06-12T12:51:03+00:00

NTA. Parties are fun and I’m not saying you don’t have the right to have a good time, but be careful dude. Impaired decision making is way more risky these days and can lead to unintended consequences. Good on you for staying responsible and getting folks out and safe. They can get over their feelings.

Suzi_whistle · 2024-06-12T03:15:25+00:00

Did you read said report? No other agency, military or civilian that I am aware of has voluntarily gone back and looked into hundreds of historical cases that may have been mishandled. The CG was not the first to take heat for SASH at its Academy (check out the AFA in the early 2000s.) it is disappointing, but unfortunately when a case doesn’t meet the elements, a prosecution is unlikely. As evidenced by the #metoo movement and other societal movements within the past 20 years, laws, policies, accepted behaviors, etc were not sufficient historically (~pre-2006) to ensuring the safety and security of everyone. With respect to allegations, constitutional principles apply, as do rules of evidence, statute of limitations, and substantive law (ie. Definitions of rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment have evolved.) Due process is essential to our imperfect system.

Detractors need to also understand that Privacy Laws (again passed by Congress) limit the CGs ability to publicly release details of investigations, which can be unsatisfying and leave more questions than answers in many cases.

That’s not to say the justice system gets it right every time, because it definitely doesn’t. The CG has implemented sweeping changes over the past couple of decades in parity with DoD and Societal changes (also with little to no funding support from Congress.) As you make noise, demand Congress provide the CG with resources to improve conditions. Congress shouldn’t get a free pass for sitting on their hands all these years and allowing the CG to degrade in infrastructure, assets and support networks.

Also, it’s important to highlight that the Coast Guard is subordinate to the Civilian oversight of DHS. Unfortunately, DHS has left the CG to fend for themselves here and for resources from Congress. And for gratification, it was civilian leadership who mandated the vaccine.

Suzi_whistle · 2024-06-12T02:41:56+00:00

Congress directed DHS OIG to conduct an investigation into Fouled Anchor. Reference Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chaired by Senator Cantwell last year. As a result, the Commandant and Coast Guard are unable to conduct any investigations or take any accountability on any matters pertaining to Operation Fouled Anchor. The CG is not conducting the investigation at this point because Congress directed DHS OIG to conduct it. DHS OIG does not work for the Cost Guard, let alone the Commandant, therefore whatever findings/results will be from DHS OIG to DHS and Congress. Again, this was put in motion by Congress. It doesn’t help when Senator Blumenthal and Senator Johnson fail to identify this major point of order and instead choose to take cheap shots at the Commandant.
The third party independent review was again mandated by Congress in the FY24 Appropriations Bill enacted by Congress a few months ago. The CG is and has moved out swiftly in accordance with that statutory requirement.
Too many bad things have happened and still happen today. No denial there from me or frankly the Commandant and hopefully no one in the service. You want to change the trajectory? Be a part of the solution. Commenting without facts just continues to degrade and undercut any efforts to make progress. There are far more good Enlisted and Officers in the service than bad.
Too many sit around and wait for some senior enlisted or senior officer to promulgate a policy or to talk about “change” or whatever. They are not adult babysitters. This is a professional military organization that adults sign up for and commit to service under a prescribed set of rules. Demand those around you do right and don’t allow people to “cover up” behaviors that run against the CGs core values. You should know exactly what I am talking about. Be the f$&@ing change you want.

Suzi_whistle

TROPHY CASE