In October 2022, 315 lieutenants were selected for promotion to lieutenant commander by the U.S. Coast Guard, and by May 2023, the Senate had confirmed all of them—except me. When I was notified, my mind raced with questions and fears. I revisited Commander Andrew Grantham’s 2022 Proceedings article Passed Over, pondering what I might have done to catch the attention of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
When the Coast Guard’s Officer Personnel Management Division contacted me, they offered no clear insight, only deepening my confusion. They did tell me the situation was unprecedented; no lieutenant commander-select had ever faced such a delay. Not getting selected by a promotion board is not as uncommon as it once was, and many officers understand the nuances of the process. However, the Senate confirmation procedure is not much discussed within the Sea Services below the flag level.
The Senate Confirmation Procedure
Each Sea Service has its own method of managing its selection board and its promotion and nomination referral processes for officers selected to the rank of O4 and above. However, the Senate confirmation process, regardless of which committee has oversight, is dictated by Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution and Senate rules.1 This includes not only individual presidential appointees, but also thousands of annual military promotions.
When the President submits a nomination to the Senate, it is referred to the committee that has jurisdiction over the service in question. In committee, staffers conduct due diligence checks on the nominees, including identifying past or current federal-level investigations and even investigating social media use. Nominations can remain pending in committee for periods running from a few months to well more than a year.
Once staffers have reviewed information on the nominees, the committee, in executive session, has the option to report the nomination favorably, unfavorably, or without recommendation, or to take no action at all. If the committee votes to report the nomination favorably, it is filed with the legislative clerk and scheduled for a Senate vote. One Congressional Research Service report specifies that military promotions are considered routine nominations and are usually “placed on the secretary’s desk” once provided to the Senate, typically being considered and approved by unanimous consent, frequently en bloc, and without committee action.
(Reluctantly) Embracing the Process
For 15 months, I worked tirelessly to uncover the reason behind my delayed confirmation. I also dedicated myself to understanding the detailed procedures that accompany Senate confirmations. Finally, on 31 July 2024, the Senate confirmed my promotion to lieutenant commander, and my date of rank was restored to 1 July 2023. The 15 months spent in promotion purgatory marked the most challenging period of my Coast Guard career. Nevertheless, the experience imparted invaluable lessons for all officers:
1. Never Burn Professional Bridges
The Sea Services are highly interconnected. I have crossed paths with former colleagues and bosses in a variety of contexts throughout my career. Maintaining these relationships is a must to facilitate collaboration, mentorship, and support when needed. Former bosses can help guide and support your career. Especially because you have some shared professional history, their advice is valuable. Plus, you never know who your previous bosses know and when they might become your champion.
2. If You Think You Have Thick Skin, Think Again
I thought I was impervious to idle criticism, but the rumors that ran rampant among colleagues while my nomination was pending proved me wrong. The looks I received and comments I overheard from people who did not know the specifics of my situation became increasingly difficult to take. But “having thick skin” is more than just a catchphrase; it is a vital skill. Resilience in the face of criticism and setbacks is essential for personal development. I learned not to ignore criticism but rather to process it constructively: maintain composure, stay focused on long-term goals, and do not let rumors derail your efforts or destroy your self-esteem.
3. No One Cares About Your Career as Much as You
Years ago, an officer shared this piece of wisdom with me. At the time, I appreciated the insight, but I had yet to face such a difficult professional challenge as those months before promotion. Near the end of this period, a senior officer remarked, “I’ll give it to Lieutenant Ray, he is persistent.” I felt like my career was under threat, yet I was receiving little information about what was happening, so I became the squeaky wheel. Throughout this ordeal, I reminded myself of two key lessons from Admiral William McRaven: Do not be afraid of the circus, and do not back down from the sharks. Both can be intimidating, but only you own your best professional interests.
Preparing for Future Success
If you have not reached out to a mentor or former supervisor recently, make it a priority. Maintaining positive relationships and a rapport with superiors is key. You never know when a former supervisor might be able to help you through adverse personal and professional situations. You may be but one out of thousands of officers in your service, but to your former supervisors, you are much more than just a number.
I owe a great amount of thanks to a small group of Coast Guard senior officers who continually advocated on my behalf and used their network to provide answers to me. I attribute their willingness to help to the rapport I built and the relationships I maintain with each of them. The unwavering support from former supervisors reinforced my belief in the power of people, and it reminded me that even in the toughest times, there are those who will stand by you.
1. The Senate Committee on Armed Services has jurisdiction of the Department of the Navy, and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation has jurisdiction of the Coast Guard. Each committee may have slight procedural and scheduling differences that impact how frequently nominations are marked-up, reviewed and voted on during executive sessions, as long as they do not conflict with Senate rules.
