Guardians,
Yesterday, VADM Pekoske presided over the graduation of the first Maritime Enforcement Specialist (ME) "A" school class from the Maritime Law Enforcement Academy in Charleston, SC. Ms. Connie Patrick, the Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) which is co-located with the MLEA in Charleston, also participated in the ceremony. Here is the ALCOAST (/MEAlcoast.pdf) we released to highlight this event.
Twenty four Coast Guard members, 15 Reservists and 9 active duty, completed the nine and a half week course that focused on law enforcement, security, physical fitness, firearms, Tactical Casualty Combat Care (TCCC), and Apprentice Leadership Fundamentals. The "A" school course is groundbreaking through its partnership with FLETC and their expertise in firearms training.
Although the ME rate was officially established on January 01, 2010 when 1,053 active duty and 988 reserve members lateraled over to become MEs, this graduation represented the first formal training opportunity for the future leaders of this rate. Two subsequent classes will be convened in fiscal year 2010 and will produce an additional 24 active duty and 48 reserve MEs for the Service.
The ME rating will help us build a more responsive workforce and fulfill our obligations as America's Maritime Guardian.
