TEAM COAST GUARD
Team Coast Guard is a term we use often. I see it on letterhead, email signatures and much of our printed material.
There are four components that comprise Team Coast Guard. They are, Active Duty Reserves, Auxiliary and civilians.
Working together, with true team spirit, we accomplished the Coast Guard’s goals and missions. We guard our shores, we’re an integral part of Homeland Security, we save lives and we work together to keep the boating public safe. We cover the globe protecting America and America’s interests.
As you’re reading this, you probably have realized that I’ve used the words team, we and together a few times, after all the term team suggests both we and togetherness. A team, a group of individuals working together to achieve a common goal.
Experience has taught us that there’s strength in unity, so why would we choose such divisive terms as “Gold side “or “Sliver side” when referring to our Active Duty or Reserve brothers and sisters or ourselves? Teams do not have sides. They may have components, squads or teams within teams, but they do not have sides.
It would seem to me that it would be both more respectful and honorable to refer to the Active Duty and Reserve components of Team Coast Guard, as Active Duty or Reserve and not “Gold Side.”
While our sleeve lace differs, our missions and goals remain the same.
As RADM Poulin is fond of saying “One team, one fight.” There’s much to be said for that. Going forward I believe this is a philosophy we should all adopt.
Semper Paratus.
Gus Formato
Commodore Gus Formato
District Commodore,
First District Southern Region
District Commodore's Message
L-R Rear Admiral Linda Fagan, COMO Alex Malewski, COMO Gus Formato.
US Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo