Rear Commodore and Deputy Department Chief Academy
Article by Linda Nelson, Past Department Chief-Operations
Photos by Mel Borofsky, Editor SITREP

NACO Budar addressing the Academy

The theme of the 2008 N-Train is "Discover, Learn and Lead". For two and one half days, Rear Commodores from across the country and Deputy Chiefs of the National Departments worked together to do just that.

Bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for the Coast Guard Auxiliary, these members searched for how they could be more successful in their jobs at this Rear Commodore and Deputy Department Chief Academy.

The topics of discussion included an examination of transition management and helping your team during transition. Exploring strategic leadership and influencing volunteers promoted a rich dialogue. Project management, conflict management and communication tips provided some practical tools for job performance.

As the participants shared their perspectives, they found that they shared much more. These elected and selected officers gained a new appreciation for the role of the other in achieving our goal of a robust, well trained and mission capable membership.

The 2008 Rear Commodore and Deputy Department Chief Academy is proof that if we discover more about one another and learn from shared experiences, we can lead in partnership to the future.