I think it's time we had a chat. An open and honest discussion about issues affecting morale and job satisfaction in the BM rating. With nearly 300 vacant billets and retention rates reaching historic lows, we must look ourselves, and our Service, in the face and address the factors driving BMs out of the rating and influencing qualified candidates to seek out others.  There is no better person to have this conversation with than LT Eddie Oropeza from the Office of Boat Forces. From his experience as a BMCS OIC to BOSN CO, and now a Lieutenant at CG-731, he's precisely who we need alongside us in this effort and is behind many of the solutions that you'll learn about in this episode.  Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Course Made Good podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of the United States Coast Guard or any other government agency.  The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute official policy guidance from the speakers nor the United States Coast Guard.