Mentor

RECRUIT COMPANY MENTOR PROGRAM

As a Company Mentor, strong performing, active-duty uniformed leaders (E-7 and above) have the unique opportunity to help prepare recruits for service in the Coast Guard. Between 3,000 and 4,000 recruits complete the 7-1/2 week program at Cape May every year. When they arrive, recruits are often homesick, apprehensive, and uncertain about their futures. Company Mentors can act as a “lifeline” for the recruits outside of the stringent training environment, helping them mature on a personal and professional level.

Company Mentors visit their company at least three times during boot camp, which includes being the guest speaker at graduation. In addition to answering recruits' specific questions, Company Mentors offer a realistic perspective on Coast Guard life by sharing experiences and insights from their own careers. Building the Coast Guard’s workforce of the 21st century is a "Three Team Commitment" that involves recruiting, recruit training, and the first unit. Recruit Company Mentors are essential to successfully bridging recruit training and the first unit.

Mentor Criteria and Responsibilities

The mission of Training Center Cape May is to graduate motivated men and women ready and able to serve with pride, professionalism, and commitment in the Coast Guard. Mentors play a key role in developing the civilian men and women who enlisted into highly motivated apprentices needed to do Coast Guard work. Mentors help instill accountability for performance, the will to succeed, and a commitment to excellence. A vital partner in the “Three Team Commitment”, the Mentor bridges training and the first unit by helping prepare recruits to meet the field's expectations.

Training Center Cape May encourages prospective Mentors to submit an application to Training Center Cape May's Battalion Officer via e-mail. Funding for travel and expenses is the responsibility of the Mentor. Candidates need to be willing to pay for these expenses on their own.

For an candidate to become a Mentor, fill out the following application: Recruit Company Mentor Application and email it to the Battalion Officer – LTJG Wyatt.A.Nelson.

The Training Center Cape May Staff will select Mentors using the following screening criteria:

Volunteers must be active duty or reserve military members in grades E-7 and above, CWO2-CWO4, and O3 and above with extensive experience, maturity, and exemplary performance. Applicants from the Officer Corps who do not have prior enlisted experience are encouraged to apply concurrently with an eligible enlisted member.
As role models to the service's newest members, Mentors must exemplify the finest traditions of military customs and protocol, including meticulous uniform appearance and grooming. Compliance with the Commandant's weight standards is essential.
Candidates are reminded that this role requires good interpersonal and communication skills. Mentoring involves one-on-one discussions as well as group presentations to companies of varying sizes. Mentors will employ coaching, counseling, and active listening during meetings with the company.
Applications are accepted in conjunction with the annual ALCOAST solicitation message ONLY, and visitation dates will be assigned for the current year of solicitation only.

After notification of selection the Mentor shall:

Coordinate with the Lead Company Commander the specific arrangements for visits during the second, fifth, and eighth weeks of training. The Company Mentor shall attend an out-brief with the Commanding Officer from 0945-1000 on graduation morning.
Be prepared to answer career related questions (advancement opportunities, education, transfers, first unit expectations, etc.) and speak at the Company’s graduation ceremony. If travel plans allow, the Company Mentor is also invited to eat lunch with the recruit award winners the day before graduation.
Comply with Training Center Cape May’s rules and regulations for recruits and the training program. The Recruit Company Mentor Guide clearly delineates the Mentor’s responsibilities and provides valuable insight for making the Mentor visits as effective as possible. If questions arise during the mentoring program, seek clarification from the Lead Company Commander or Battalion Officer.

How do I apply to become a Recruit Company Mentor?
Look for the solicitation ALCOAST message that is released each fall (September/October). There will be a link to the Mentor section of our website, which will direct you to most Current version of the Mentor Guide.
Are Mentor applications accepted continually throughout the year?
No. Mentor applications are only accepted in response to the ALCOAST up to the deadline listed in the message. In order to keep the application process fair to all, no applications will be accepted after the deadline has passed
How and when will I be notified of the selection results?
All applicants will be notified by the Battalion Officer via e-mail regardless of selection status (i.e. Selected, Alternate, Not Selected) prior to the Christmas Holiday once the final mentor list has been certified by the Commanding Officer.
Are travel expenses for the Company Mentor Program funded by TRACEN Cape May?
No. All travel related expenses should be funded by the unit or individual. The only exception to this is the CG-wide Leadership Award winners (i.e. Munro, Jarvis, Witherspoon, McShan, EPOY). Travel expenses for these individuals are funded by HQ. Although we do not fund travel, we do reserve a room in the UPH on base for each mentor to help defray lodging expenses. We highly recommend that you consult with your command prior to applying to ensure they will support your travel and time away from the unit to meet the obligations of the mentor program.
Who is eligible to apply to become a Recruit Company Mentor?
A. The requirements to become a company mentor are as follows: i Enlisted: E7 and above ii Officer: CWO2-4, O3 and above

B. Being above the cut for E7 or selected but not promoted to O3 does not qualify.
How much time will I be required to obligate during the Mentor Process?
We reserve two hours of dedicated one-on-one time between you and the recruits for each visit. There are also additional opportunities to interact more with your company throughout training if you choose; you should consult with the Lead Company Commander for specifics regarding those opportunities. At a minimum, you should anticipate obligating travel days before and after the day of your visit, unless your unit is close enough to drive. The graduation visit also includes some activities the evening before, so you should plan to arrive by early Thursday afternoon.
If I was not selected during this year's application process, do I need to re-apply next year?
Yes, if you were not selected during the application process for a given year you must re-apply per the ALCOAST that is released any subsequent year. This also applies to applicants who were selected as an Alternate, but did not serve as a mentor in the year of selection to the Alternate list.
What can I do to improve my chances of selection?
The mentor program is highly competitive with most years having around 130 applicants for an average of 35 spots. Do not take non-selection personally, there are just not enough spots for the number of highly qualified applicants we have. We do give extra consideration for members who have applied multiple times, so please keep applying! The best way to strengthen your application is by including examples that demonstrate strong leadership & mentoring. Your reasons for mentoring are also a key part of the application/selection process. Please remember that mentoring is all about benefiting the Recruits - not mentors or units.
What is the prescribed uniform for Mentor visits?
We leave the uniform choice up to you, and trust that you will represent the CG well in your appearance and grooming. However, most mentors will wear Tropical Blue or Service Dress Blue (depending on the season) for the first visit, ODU for the second visit and for the pizza party on Thursday evening before graduation. The uniform for graduation is Tropical Blue or Service Dress Blue (depending on the season).
Will I be given any information about the company I am mentoring prior to my visits?
Yes, you will be sent a 'read ahead' at least one week prior to each of your visits. This includes background information on the members of the company, and lets you know what they have been doing. Prior to your week 5 visit we will send you a list of the company orders (a hard copy will also be available when you arrive). This should help you prepare for the types of unit-related questions you will get during that visit.