JoeNavy:  As a Navy Veteran looking back at your service what advice would you share with Sailors today?
Brian Walsh:  If I could give one piece of sound advice to today's Sailors, it would be to take FULL advantage of the Navy's educational programs. These Navy's Programs assist Sailors in obtaining college credits leading to a college degree. The Navy has definitely changed over the past years and education has been pushed to the forefront of the list of personal growth items. Military experience coupled with a college degree makes for an impressive resume for those retiring or separating. Don't put this off for tomorrow...

JoeNavy: Who were some of your mentors and how did they affect you?
Brian Walsh:  I have been blessed to have so many Sailors which I consider to be my mentors. Shipmates like BM1 Timothy Matthews were one of the BMs that I looked up to and tried to emulate when I reported onboard my first ship. Others include BMC William Malloy, BMCM Thomas Christensen and BM1 Charles Vesce...all of whom not only showed me, but demonstrated the leadership qualities that I have tried to utilize myself.

JoeNavy:  Which do you like best being a boatswain mate or being a Chief?
Brian Walsh:  This is a tough one... But if I had to pick one - it would have to be being a Chief. Navy Chief Petty Officers share a special bond that is unmatched in the other military services. Becoming a Chief was not a moment in my career, but rather the result of a process. This process involved being mentored, guided and "groomed" by my Supervisors who took the time and effort to show me the ropes. The end result was my selection and initiation to CPO. With the history and honor of the Boatswain's Mate rate, only made being a BMC even more special for me. 

JoeNavy:  What habits, guiding principles, help make you successful?
Brian Walsh:  I try to remember the principles that I was shown by my Chiefs. They are:

(a) Always do the right thing;

(b) Everyone deserves a second chance; and,

(c) If you do your best the first time - you probably won't need to do the job over again.

JoeNavy:  What sea story would you use to motivate Sailors?
Brian Walsh:  If motivating people was as easy as telling a "Sea Story", then we wouldn't need all these Leadership Courses that the USN now requires. I have always found a few key items that proved to be effective motivational tools. Always be honest...never lie to your people. You can BS them a little, but never outright lie. For the most part - everyone has some redeeming quality that can be utilized to make them feel like a contributing member. Being in Deck Department I have had a few "problem" Sailors that with a little additional grooming and confidence building I have seen them become outstanding Sailors.