Project Description
LCDR Mark Tatara
Lieutenant Commander Mark Tatara has completed six PCS moves in his 11-year career. He will be conducting his seventh PCS this summer after completing his master’s degree program. He is currently a graduate student at Indiana University in the Instructional Systems Technology program.
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Lieutenant Commander Tatara graduated from United States Coast Guard Academy 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. Upon commissioning, he reported to USCGC CONFIDENCE (WMEC 619), homeported in Cape Canaveral, FL as a Deck Watch Officer. From 2013-2015, he served as Commanding Officer of USCGC DORADO (WPB 87306), an 87-foot patrol boat, homeported in Crescent City, CA.
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While ashore, from 2015-2017, Lieutenant Commander Tatara served as Military Aide to the Coast Guard Eleventh District Commander in Alameda, California. Subsequently, he returned to sea from 2017-2019 as the Operations Officer onboard USCGC VENTUROUS (WMEC 625), a 210-foot medium endurance cutter, homeported in St. Petersburg, FL. From 2019-2021 he served as Commanding Officer of USCGC CHARLES SEXTON (WPC 1108), a 154-foot patrol boat, homeported in Key West, FL.
Navigating Coast Guard PCS is LCDR Mark Tatara’s capstone project as part of his Instructional Systems Technology master’s degree program at Indiana University.
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The project originated after observing spouses and members using social media sites for information regarding common PCS-related issues. However, information is not stored anywhere for future reference, and posts are pushed down the page. Similar questions are repeatedly asked, and responses are inconsistent. Additionally, during his last PCS, LCDR Tatara found the information on DoD websites is outdated, too DoD-centric, vague, or buried deep within the website, making it difficult for novice members to use.
The goal of the project and website is to provide various performance improvement tools in one centralized location to enhance the performance of members, dependents, and family members in the execution of the Permanent Change of Station move process. These performance improvement tools include informational reference pages, job aids, accurate links to important information, and tips and tricks guides. Additionally, the website and tools were designed to ensure members, family, and dependents know how to effectively navigate critical phases of the PCS process and reduce the overall stress of the PCS process.
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The project was built as a website to allow the user to locate and use the information that they needed for their specific situation. The design audience for the project is Coast Guard members, dependents, and family members who are novices to the PCS process and moving. However, the site contains information that could benefit a more experienced mover.
What is IST and HPT?
Instructional Systems Technology (IST) at Indiana University
Instructional Systems Technology is about improving human learning and performance in various contexts through the use of instructional and non-instructional tools. IST incorporates learning theories, instructional design theories, learning strategies, emerging learning technologies, and workplace learning and performance improvement. IST takes a systematic approach to analyzing, designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating instructional and workplace improvement tools. The foundation of IST crosses over into the field of Human Performance Technology. Learn more about IST at Indiana University here.
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The field of Human Performance Technology (HPT) is the systematic study of performance gaps within an organization and the challenges preventing people from completing their work effectively. Through detailed analysis, a Human Performance Technology Specialist can identify the root causes of a performance gap and implement interventions tailored to the specific organization designed to eliminate the performance gap and improve the organization's effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity. Learn more about HPT here.
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Members of the Coast Guard who are part of the HPT community work at Training Centers, Force Readiness Command, and Headquarters and are dedicated to ensuring the Coast Guard has a highly trained, professional, and ready workforce. Learn more about HPT in the Coast Guard here.
Indiana University is located in Bloomington, IN, and is a part of the Big Ten Conference. Check out IU here.