PC Reservist Environmental Unit Tasks Discussions

Reply to the following posts

Post 1

Monitor performance of organizational members or partners

As we are beginning the new fiscal year 2024, our detachments are currently in the planning phase of our site assist visits for the fiscal year. Each detachment is carefully planning out dates that will not conflict with their civilian jobs and other at-home responsibilities. Remember, we are an Environmental Services Division comprised of just reservist. Reservist that also have commitments in the civilian sector that they must account for, so this phase is crucial. Once the detachments have solidified dates with the unit being assisted, they will send me a roster with the dates, sites, and the name of the Marines who will participate in the visit. This helps me keep track of when the visits are happening and if there’s a conflict to where the detachment is unable to perform the visit, we can task another detachment to assist. 

Implement organizational process or policy changes

As of yesterday, 11/1/2023, we have been advised that an updated Environmental Compliance and Protection Standard Operating Procedure (ECPSOP) has been published which I’d say it came out just in time to implement any changes to the sites that are being visited. This is very important because our job as an environmental unit is to ensure that every Marine Reserve Unit is adhering to the new ECPSOP. 

Determine resource needs

The biggest resource we need within our environmental detachment is the manpower. Our detachments are avidly recruiting SNCO’s from nearby Marine Reserve Units to fill our ranks. One of the key points we drive when we pitch the idea of joining our environmental unit is that the training, they will receive is invaluable and it easily translates to the civilian sector. Whether is working for a Hazardous Material Management Team within any environmental agency or assisting as part of being a first responder, the training can be used anywhere.  

Prepare and/or implement staff schedules or work assignments.

As previously mentioned, our detachments are currently in the planning phase for the site assist visits. Once they have determined and coordinated the dates with the visiting unit, they will send me a spreadsheet which will detail the dates, sites, and Marines participating in the site assist visits. This is important as these numbers must be reported to HQ Marine Forces Reserve and HQ Marine Corps to show how important our work is and obviously for funding purposes as well. 

Post 2

Monitor performance of organizational members or partners

This month we have had a lot of fluctuations in our unit due to the redesignation from a Landing Support Battalion to a Distribution Support Battalion.  Due to these changes, we have seen a lot of issues and we have had to be especially watchful of our Marines to ensure that they are not being affected in a negative manner.  Our supply office has seen a significant uptake in tempo and work requirements, which directly translates into longer hours, which in turn can lead to more stress for our Marines.  Keeping an eye out for any changes in performance and/or behavior can assist us in identifying any issues that may require special focus and attention.

Implement organizational process or policy changes

With our unit redesignation, there has been a lot of policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that have been updated and/or created.  In the supply office, we’ve had to conduct training for all personnel in order to ensure every Marine is up to the new standards.  We’ve also updated templates and regularly used forms to be in line with our current policies. 

Determine resource needs

After a few months in the unit, I have been able to identify possible SOP improvements to better support our customers.  Identifying areas in which our resources were being wasted or not being used effectively, and then changing our procedures to address those discrepancies has had a positive effect on our section.  We’ve continued to conduct leadership meetings in order to identify requirements and assign the proper resources and Marines to complete the tasks.

Prepare and/or implement staff schedules or work assignments

As stated earlier, our work tempo has been unusually high as of late.  Now more than ever, it is imperative that we operate as efficient as possible.  This means that our work assignments must be clearly identified and discussed so that our Marines can complete the mission correctly.