This Reflash is a double feature.

Two conversations brought back together in one episode, centered on accountability, perception, and how Sailors navigate the system. Featuring ABCM (Ret.) Alquin Parker, the discussion takes a deep dive into the CPO selection board process and the decisions that shape a career.

From how board members are selected to what should be included in your package, the conversation breaks down the process in a way that’s direct and practical. The team also explores what really matters when preparing for advancement. Sustained superior performance versus early promote, the role of the career summary letter, and whether common beliefs like the “five year penalty box” actually hold weight.

They also get into the reality of sitting a selection board, offering perspective on how records are viewed, how decisions are made, and what Sailors should be thinking about long before their package is submitted.

This isn’t just about making Chief. It’s about understanding the process, challenging assumptions, and being intentional about how you show up on paper and in practice.

Two episodes. One conversation that still matters.

Damon, Damo, and Aaron are joined by AZ2 Makel Jackson, a listener-turned-guest and active duty Navy Aviation Maintenance Administrator. The episode kicks off with Damo discussing question submissions for an upcoming episode, board eligible results, a discussion on Maintenance Master Chiefs, and military vs. civilian education. The hosts then dive into Makel’s background, tracing his journey from the south side of Chicago to Houston and ultimately to the Navy. They debate pizza, discuss what drew him to enlist, and break down his boot camp and A School experiences. The conversation turns to his biggest misconception about the fleet, his first dirtbag encounter, and what it really means to “play the game.” Makel shares the first moral lesson he learned at his first command and reflects on how mentorship shaped his early career. The group discusses Full Power Navy and how Makel navigated the decision to stay or separate. Damon asks about balancing being liked versus being respected as Makel prepares to transition to sea duty. The crew explores whether junior Sailors correct each other for uniform infractions, debate which host would be the toughest at DRB, and unpack what kills morale the fastest. Makel shares his take on the biggest problem the Navy is facing and the best thing about serving. The conversation also covers Navy bucket lists, whether new accession Sailors expect too much when it comes to quality of life, and what actually motivates Sailors today. The group discusses good leadership, the Chief’s Mess, and the unique structure of leadership in aviation squadrons. The episode closes with Makel’s #DoBetter, his Hero of the Week, and his picks for favorite episode and favorite guest. These topics and more are covered in this episode.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Picks of the Week:

Damo - Immortal Valor (Robert Child) https://www.ospreypublishing.com/us/immortal-valor-9781472852847/

AZ2 Jackson - Tommy G’s YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@tommygmcgee?si=jdi-_Ycp_szWJJQQ

PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0

About our Guest: Master Chief Hollingsworth, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, enlisted in the United States Navy on 27 October 1998 after graduating from Alcee Fortier High School in 1998. She attended Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, and completed Cryptologic Technician Communications training in Pensacola, Florida. After seven years as a Cryptologic Technician Communications, she converted to Information Systems Technician in 2005. Her sea duty assignments include COMSEVENTHFLT permanently embarked aboard USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19), USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), and USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77). Her shore assignments include NSGA Pensacola, NSGA Misawa, Commander Task Force 72 (two tours), NAS Pensacola, CID Unit Corry Station, and Naval Education and Training Command Supply Operations Chain. She was tried, tested, and accepted into the Chief’s Mess on September 16, 2011. She is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy Class 209 (Khaki) and CMC/COB Course #25070. She has earned her Information Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, Aviation Warfare Specialist, and Master Training Specialist designations, and is also a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt. Master Chief Hollingsworth holds an Associate degree in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Human Services Management, and is currently completing a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. Her personal awards include six Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and numerous unit and campaign awards.

About the Episode: From this point forward, we’re calling her Kedia. Damo opens the episode by telling the story of the first time he met Kedia on USS George H. W. Bush… during a disciplinary review board where she didn’t hesitate to call him out. That moment sets the tone for a conversation about accountability, leadership, and the importance of practicing what you preach. The crew discusses the recent shooting involving an ROTC instructor at Old Dominion University and reflect on the loss of CSSN Angelina Resendiz, leading into a deeper conversation about responsibility, influence, and leading by example. Damon asks Kedia if she remembers her first 72 hours in the Navy, and the group talks about how those early experiences shape the leaders we become. Is it okay to follow your Sailors or your leadership on social media? Is there value in having an “anger translator”? What does lazy leadership actually look like? Damo asks Kedia how she balances being a Command Master Chief, a mother, and a graduate student working toward her Master’s degree. The group also tackles a tough question… how do you respond when people use their struggles as an excuse for poor decisions? The conversation turns to Admiral Caudle’s recently released CNOte 5, but the crew goes so deep into the first two principles they realize they could spend an entire episode on it alone. They also discuss what’s happening aboard USS Gerald R. Ford, take a listener question about self-righteous leaders, and read some of Kedia’s social media posts that sparked real conversation across the Fleet. Kedia shares how she spends the holidays with her Sailors, talks about betting on your leadership even when the risk is high, and reflects on how you know when it’s time to retire. The episode closes with one of the most personal Do Better segments we’ve had, as she speaks on legacy, mentorship, and the responsibility of wearing the anchors. These topics and much more are covered in this episode of the PTSF Podcast.

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com

Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0