The U. S. Coast Guard announced an organizational change in which Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force Jeffrey Smith, its senior reserve enlisted advisor, will report directly to Adm. Thad Allen, commandant of the Coast Guard. The reserve component’s chief enlisted policy adviser previously reported to the Coast Guard’s director of reserve and training.
The Coast Guard disbanded traditional reserve units in the mid-1990s, assigning most reservists directly to commands where they work and train alongside active-duty Coast Guardsmen. This current organizational change will continue and enhance the integration of the Coast Guard’s active and reserve components.
Smith, who has held the post since December 2003, is the fourth person to serve in the position since it was created in 1991. He will continue to maintain a close working relationship with the director of reserve and training, as well as with Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Charles Bowen, the senior enlisted advisor to the commandant.