Charting a New Course
CGF 2011 Volume: 3 Issue: 6 (December)
Coast Guard Forum editor Maura McCarthy posed the following question to the American Military University and the State University of New York:
Coast Guardsmen already possess real-world experience as environmental stewards. How can a degree or certificate in environmental studies/policy and planning equip Coast Guardsmen with the education needed to complement their experience and advance in rank or transition to a civilian career?
Cmdr. Carol A. Pollio, Ph.D.
Program Director of Environmental Science
American Military University
The Coast Guard does provide an outstanding learning environment for the environmental field for its members. A degree or certificate in environmental science or policy, though, pulls together this hands-on experience with the knowledge and critical thinking skills gained in the classroom, allowing you to function on a higher level. Why is that important? The skills gained through formal education are very much in demand, both in the Coast Guard and with potential employers. Employers seek out problem solvers—people that can be challenged with a complex environmental problem and find a solution that works on many levels and with a broad range of stakeholders. So, while you’re an expert in your field as an marine science technician or pollution investigator, for example, a degree in environmental science not only supports your previous work experience, it opens the door to the wide range of the field of environmental issues and exposes you to what I like to call “application science.” Application science is applying your knowledge and experience to find solutions to difficult or complex problems.
In addition to employer demand for critical thinking skills, employers also are looking for employees that have the most to offer their organization. A degree in the field of environmental science or policy demonstrates not only knowledge, but also commitment, initiative and dedication to the career field you’re hoping to enter. This is true of both the Coast Guard (for promotions) and external employers (post-service employment). When you complete a degree, it says a lot about the type of person that you are! It sets you apart from your competition. You have an advantage over your competition because you have educational opportunities, such as tuition assistance and support from your command to pursue an education. Why not take advantage of that opportunity to prepare for your future?
Finally, pursuing a degree is something you should do for yourself. How often do we take time to develop ourselves? As you move up in the Coast Guard, doesn’t it make sense to continue to grow and develop, not only as a technical expert, but as a leader in your field? As a member of the Coast Guard for the past 28 years, I have obtained several degrees; each of them has been motivated internally—simply me wanting to learn more about my career field—but also because when I am learning, I am developing myself as an individual. A degree puts you on a path of personal development unlike other pursuits. It challenges you in ways you can’t imagine.
Do something for yourself, for the Coast Guard and for your future. Think about the person you want to be tomorrow. A degree in environmental science and policy will help you achieve your goals, whatever they might be, by preparing you to solve the complex environmental problems we face as a society. You’ve already chosen to work for the world’s most respected sea going service—why not be the best of the best within it?
American Public University System, winner of the Sloan Consortium’s 2009 Ralph E. Gomory Award for Quality Online Education and two-time recipient of Sloan’s Effective Practices Award, offers 87 online degree programs through American Public University and American Military University. APUS’s relevant curriculum, affordability and flexibility help more than 100,000 working adults worldwide pursue degrees in subjects ranging from homeland security to management and liberal arts.
For the past 27 years, Dr. Pollio has actively served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. Now a commander, she was activated in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, serving as a member of the U.S.C.G. Lessons Learned Team responsible for evaluating the largest mobilization of the Coast Guard Reserve since WWII. She was also deployed to the Gulf Oil Spill in 2010 and served as the liaison officer to Santa Rosa County, Fla.
Valerie A. Luzadis, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Environmental Studies
Assistant Provost for Assessment and Academic Initiatives
State University of New York (SUNY)
College of Environmental Science and Forestry
As population grows and pressure increases on our natural environment to provide resources and basic life support functions, environmental stewards become increasingly needed. Coast Guardsmen can enhance their value as environmental stewards with a degree or certificate in environmental studies or science. Building on the experiences of protecting the environment by pursuing an environmental degree or certificate provides a great way to transition to civilian life.
The best academic programs provide opportunities to build on experience with coursework, actively engaging students in the classroom. SUNY-ESF offers strong environmental programs to complement Coast Guardsmen’s experiences as environmental stewards. ESF has programs in environmental studies and environmental science at all levels: associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate as well as a graduate certificate in environmen tal decision-making. Within these programs, Coast Guardsmen can focus on environmental policy, planning and law or environmental communication and public participation. As a doctoral granting institution, students have tremendous opportunities to pursue research at all levels of study.
Founded in 1911 as the New York State College of Forestry at Syracuse University, ESF is one of SUNY’s oldest and most unique colleges. The ESF campus occupies 17 acres in Syracuse and 25,000 acres on its regional campuses throughout Central New York and the Adirondack Park. US News & World Report ranks ESF among the “Top 50 Public National Universities” and is in the top 50 of all national universities in the “Best Values” category. Forbes ranks ESF the third best college in the nation for women in science and engineering.
As one of the only institutions in the U.S. with a primary focus on the environment, SUNY-ESF students, faculty and staff have a common interest that strengthens our campus community. The campus culture is influenced by a strong commitment to protecting the environment and a long-standing partnership with adjoining Syracuse University, which provides ESF students with expanded academic and extracurricular opportunities.
The values Coast Guardsmen exemplify as ‘always ready’ fit well with the environmental stewardship ethic at ESF. As a community, ESF is committed to the highest standards of personal and professional behavior. The college celebrates the diverse backgrounds, cultures and perspectives represented in the campus community, and we believe that respect for one’s self and others leads to a community characterized by integrity and honor. ESF is attentive to the health, safety and well-being of the community, realizing that its greatest assets are faculty, staff and students. Through this concern and compassion for others, the college strives for continual improvement and excellence in service provision. As part of the State University of New York, ESF’s service to the community extends beyond the bounds of the campus. The college is committed to sharing its discoveries and knowledge with public and private constituencies, organizations and citizens throughout our state, our nation and the world.
A degree or certificate in environmental studies or science will provide Coast Guards build a rewarding civilian life. ♦