The Establishment of the Chief Warrant Officer Professional Development Course

Written by: CWO4 George Borlase Jr
Past President / Distinguished Member

​Introduction
The development of formal training for Chief Warrant Officers (CWOs) in the United States Coast Guard marked a significant evolution in leadership preparation within the service. Prior to the 1990s, newly appointed CWOs were expected to transition from the enlisted ranks to the officer corps without structured guidance. While informal discussions about an indoctrination course had occurred within the Chief Warrant Officer Association (CWOA), the Coast Guard had not identified a clear need for such a program. This paper examines the origins, challenges, and eventual establishment of the Coast Guard CWO Professional Development Course, highlighting the leadership and persistence required to bring the initiative to fruition.

Recognition of the Need for Formal Training
The catalyst for establishing a formal indoctrination course came in 1990, when an article in Navy Times described the Navy’s LDO/CWO Indoctrination Course in Pensacola. The course focused on easing the transition from enlisted service to the officer corps while instilling leadership principles and encouraging CWOs to “leave a legacy.” Inspired by this model, George Borlase Jr, then newly elected President of the CWOA, recognized a similar need within the Coast Guard.
At the time, the Coast Guard was undergoing organizational changes that blurred the role of CWOs, with some billets being converted to junior officer positions. Newly appointed CWOs faced increasing expectations, including mentoring junior officers and serving as role models, yet lacked formal preparation. Borlase identified this gap and made it his goal to establish a structured indoctrination program.

Advocacy and Initial Support
Borlase’s first step was to present the proposal to Admiral J. William Kime, Commandant of the Coast Guard. Admiral Kime expressed support for the concept, encouraging further development. Subsequent meetings with senior leadership, including Admiral James Loy, reinforced the value of the idea, though significant challenges remained—particularly the lack of funding and the need for curriculum development.
Despite these obstacles, the Office of Personnel authorized an evaluation of the Navy’s existing program. Borlase and Roger Mason were sent to Pensacola to assess the feasibility of sending Coast Guard CWOs to the Navy’s course.

Evaluation of the Navy Program
The visit to the Navy’s LDO/CWO Indoctrination Course proved highly influential. Borlase and Mason were impressed by the curriculum, instructional quality, and integration of civilian academic expertise. They concluded that the program provided an effective framework for preparing CWOs for their new roles.
However, participation required a commitment from the Coast Guard, including funding of approximately $500,000 and the assignment of two instructors. These requirements posed additional challenges but did not deter continued advocacy. Feedback from the 1993 CWOA Annual Meeting further validated the initiative, as attendees strongly supported the concept.

Securing Resources and Implementation
Recognizing that progress required higher-level intervention, Borlase and CWOA Vice President Bill Mattoon engaged with Admiral Robert Kramek. Admiral Kramek acknowledged the importance of the initiative and prioritized securing the necessary funding. Shortly thereafter, resources were allocated, allowing Coast Guard CWOs to attend the Navy’s program as an interim solution.
This phase represented a critical turning point, as it demonstrated institutional commitment to improving CWO professional development while providing immediate training opportunities.

Development of a Coast Guard-Specific Course
Between 1995 and 1996, strategic decisions within the Coast Guard led to the relocation of key training programs to the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. This transition created an opportunity to establish a dedicated Coast Guard CWO Indoctrination Course.
A development team composed of CWOA leadership and Coast Guard personnel collaborated with training staff to adapt the Navy curriculum to Coast Guard-specific requirements. The revised program incorporated organizational policies, leadership expectations, and mission-focused training unique to the service.

Establishment and Impact
In 1997, the first Coast Guard CWO Indoctrination Course was conducted at the Coast Guard Academy. This milestone marked the successful realization of years of advocacy and collaboration. The course provided newly appointed CWOs with the tools necessary to navigate their transition into the officer corps effectively.
The program’s establishment had a lasting impact on the Coast Guard by formalizing leadership development for CWOs, clarifying their roles within the organization, and strengthening their ability to mentor and lead. It also reinforced the importance of continuous professional development within the service.

Conclusion
The establishment of the Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Professional Development Course was the result of vision, persistence, and collaboration. Spearheaded by George Borlase Jr and supported by senior leadership, the initiative overcame significant challenges, including funding constraints and institutional inertia. By leveraging an existing Navy program and adapting it to meet Coast Guard needs, the service successfully implemented a training program that continues to benefit its leadership corps.
The course stands as a testament to the importance of structured professional development and the enduring impact of committed leadership in driving organizational change.