Welcome to DINFOS and to Fort George G. Meade. As Coast Guard liaison officer and Coast Guard detachment commander for DINFOS, I'm looking forward to meeting you and helping with any issues that may arise while you're here. There are also two first class petty officer billets here at the schoolhouse, and the folks filling those billets will also be glad to assist you.

Some things to keep in mind while you're here:
First and foremost, remember ALWAYS that you are one of the very few representatives of the United States Coast Guard at DINFOS as well as on the post itself, regardless of how long you will be here. Fort Meade is an Army post, but DINFOS is a joint-service school attended by members of all five U.S. armed forces, as well as civilian government employees and military service members from allied nations. It is very likely that, in many cases, you will be the first Coastie many people in the school and elsewhere on the post have had the opportunity to come into contact with. It is imperative that you always be mindful of this, both on and off duty, in or out of uniform. I expect you to behave in a manner befitting a member of the United States Coast Guard at all times: with honor, respect and devotion to duty. Your actions here - or anywhere else, for that matter - reflect upon our service, especially when you are working and training in the public affairs arena.

Because there are so few Coasties aboard Fort Meade at any given time, failure to recognize Coast Guard uniforms and insignia is a common problem here. If your rank requires a salute (or if you are being saluted and should not be), be sure to POLITELY educate those who may be ignorant of Coast Guard insignia. To do otherwise would be unprofessional and will only help perpetuate the problem.

Along those same lines, if you are an "A" school attendee, you will often be surrounded by those of higher rank; if you are a "C" school student, it's entirely possible that you will outrank many of those around you. You may even outrank one or more of your instructors, but this does not mean you should question their authority. I expect all Coast Guard students to maintain a professional attitude and treat others with respect always, regardless of their service/affiliation, rank or position.

I also expect you to perform to your fullest ability in whatever course you are attending at DINFOS. Public affairs is a serious business, and DINFOS instructors are the best at what they do; don't waste their time or the Coast Guard's. I expect you'll have a lot of fun while you're here, both in and out of the classroom, but don't ever forget that you are here to LEARN.

Please take a moment to read through the additional information provided under the Coast Guard heading. It will give you guidance on uniforms, administration, the smoking policy, etc. If you have further questions, you're more than welcome to contact me or one of the petty officers.

Again, welcome to DINFOS and to Fort Meade. I hope your stay here will be fun, rewarding and, most importantly, educational. Semper Paratus!