Navy News Service PLAN OF THE WEEK for Thursday, February 19, 2015
Navy.mil Wants Your Feedback on the Plan of the Day AnnouncementsWould you like to see more information included in the Plan of the Day Announcements? Or do you find them useful as is? In order to provide the best personnel and career guidance to sailors, we're looking for feedback from our viewers on how to improve these important notices. Please send your comments/suggestions to april.grant@navy.mil.
Using Pay and Personnel Standard Operating Procedures In order to ensure that pay and personnel transactions conducted on behalf of service members are completed accurately, on time, and in accordance with the current policy, NPC provides guidance for using Pay and Personnel Standard Operating Procedures. View NAVADMIN 043/15 at http://www.public.navy.mil/
Navy's Voluntary Education (VOLED) Program RealigningNaval Education and Training Command (NETC) will administratively realign the Navy's Voluntary Education (VOLED) program under Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center (NETPDTC) in Pensacola, Florida, Feb 23. Visit http://www.navy.mil/submit/
Democracy is a Year-Round Business ... VOTE!With the 2014 mid-term election in their wake, Sailors might be tempted to forget about absentee voting and politics in general until 2016. See more details at http://www.navy.mil/submit/
Sea Tour Incentive Pay Overseas Aviation Machinist Mates are undermanned at the E-8 level. Become a leader and bring in extra cash with back-to-back sea tours. For more on the Sea Tour Incentive Pay visit http://www.public.navy.mil/…/
Shore Special Assignments Motivated ADs are needed for Recruit Division Commanders (RDC) and Recruiting Positions. For more on Shore Special Programs, visit: http://www.public.navy.mil/
Leave Use or Lose Carry OverSince 2008 Sailors have been allowed to carryover up to 75 days of leave each fiscal year as authorized by Congress. That authorization will end at the end of fiscal year 2015 after which leave carryover will revert to 60 days. In general, any leave balance in excess of 60 days on September 30, 2015 will be lost. Talk with the Command Pass Coordinator (CPC) for help understanding your correct use/lose balance.
Officer Women Leadership Symposium Scheduled for MarchThe annual AcademyWomen Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS) will be held March 6-7 at the Women In Military Service for America (WIMSA) Memorial, Arlington, Virginia. Go to http://www.navy.mil/submit/
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act is a program that provides servicemembers with protections from civil actions involving financial management such as rental agreements, security deposits, evictions, installment contracts, credit card interest rates, mortgages, civil judicial proceedings and income tax payments. Visit the website athttps://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/
Commander U.S. Fleet Forces Command Discusses Fleet Readiness at AFCEA WestCommander U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Adm. Phil Davidson, speaking to increase the fleet's readiness during a key note address at the United States Navy Institute 25th Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) West Conference Feb. 11. Read the full story at http://www.navy.mil/submit/
Eight Ways to Boost Resilience Between Military CouplesThe Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control (NCCOSC) facilitates research and develops evidence-based programs that provide Sailors and Marines with important tools to build and maintain resilience. For more information visithttps://navcms.dma.mil/submit/
Domestic Violence Incident Count-Consequent Command ActionsNAVADMIN 037/15 outlines new Department of Defense guidelines for Navy commands to report domestic violence incidences. Get all the details at http://www.public.navy.mil/
Career ToolboxEnsure that you’re familiar with all of your Navy Career Tools. Visit http://www.public.navy.mil/
Navy Leaders Talk Resilience at NCCOSC
Resilience programs director for the Navy's 21st Century Sailor office, Capt. Mike Smith, visited the Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control (NCCOSC) in San Diego, Calif., Feb. 12. Read the full story athttps://navcms.dma.mil/submit/
Resilience programs director for the Navy's 21st Century Sailor office, Capt. Mike Smith, visited the Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control (NCCOSC) in San Diego, Calif., Feb. 12. Read the full story athttps://navcms.dma.mil/submit/
Medical Record Disposition
Sailors must ensure their medical and dental records are at the appropriate medical and dental facilities prior to retirement or separation. Failure to do so could result in future delays and other issues when seeking treatment from the VA. Read NAVADMIN 187/14 at www.npc.navy.mil.
Sailors must ensure their medical and dental records are at the appropriate medical and dental facilities prior to retirement or separation. Failure to do so could result in future delays and other issues when seeking treatment from the VA. Read NAVADMIN 187/14 at www.npc.navy.mil.
On the Minds of the DetailersFrom the AD Detailers: Requesting spouse colocation? Talk to your detailer 10-12 months prior to PRD and review MILPERSMAN 1300-1000; submit all Personnel Action Requests 10-12 months prior to PRD; review your orders in their entirety upon receipt; ADs are needed for RDC, recruiting, and the USS GERALD R FORD (CVN 78) – talk to your detailer; make sure your CMS/ID contact info is up to date.
Take a Run - Distance Makes the Heart Grow Stronger
Don't you just love it when an article from a reputable source validates what you're doing and helps strengthen Navy Medicine's February theme of 'Heart Health?' To learn more visit http://www.navy.mil/submit/
Don't you just love it when an article from a reputable source validates what you're doing and helps strengthen Navy Medicine's February theme of 'Heart Health?' To learn more visit http://www.navy.mil/submit/
HOMES.mil Offers Navy OCONUS Online Community Listings For the First TimeHOMES.mil, the official Department of Defense (DoD) housing website, which was activated on Dec. 14, is dedicated to helping service members, families and DoD civilians find housing, wherever they choose to live. Read more athttp://www.navy.mil/submit/
Learning and Development Roadmaps Now Instantly Updatable Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) announced Feb. 10 that the Navy's comprehensive enlisted career guides, Learning and Development Roadmaps (LaDR), have transitioned to a Web application that is easily-accessed and instantly updatable. For more on this story go to http://www.navy.mil/submit/
Annual Cyber Security and Information System Security Awareness Training
All Navy military, civilian and contractor personnel with access to unclassified and secret networks must complete Cyber Security and Information System Security Awareness Training for FY2015. For more go to http://www.public.navy.mil/
All Navy military, civilian and contractor personnel with access to unclassified and secret networks must complete Cyber Security and Information System Security Awareness Training for FY2015. For more go to http://www.public.navy.mil/
Navy Creates Designation to Identify Officers with Pacific Region ExpertiseThe Navy has created five Additional Qualification Designators (AQD) to identify officers with experience and education relating to the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) area of responsibility (AOR). For more on this story visithttp://www.navy.mil/submit/
Senior Enlisted Continuation Board Results Now Available Senior Enlisted Continuation Board results have been posted for individual access through BUPERS online (BOL) accounts. Find more details at http://www.public.navy.mil/
2014 W-2 Tax Statements AvailableIt's that time again...it's tax season and your 2014 W-2 tax statements are now available. Take a look at the All Hands Update video at http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.
Department of the Navy Releases Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Proposal
The Department of the Navy released its proposed $161.0 billion budget Feb. 2 for fiscal year 2016. This budget is part of the $534.3 billion defense budget President Barack Obama submitted to Congress on the same day. Read the full story at http://www.navy.mil/submit/
The Department of the Navy released its proposed $161.0 billion budget Feb. 2 for fiscal year 2016. This budget is part of the $534.3 billion defense budget President Barack Obama submitted to Congress on the same day. Read the full story at http://www.navy.mil/submit/
Sailor Career Toolbox The Navy's Sailor Career Toolbox allows Sailors to manage personnel and career information, enhance professional and personnel growth and explore career opportunities. Get step-by-step user information at http://www.public.navy.mil/
SECNAV Establishes Task Force InnovationSecretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus announced the establishment of Task Force Innovation (TFI) within the Department of the Navy Jan. 22. Get the full story at http://www.navy.mil/submit/
Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) Offers Free College TuitionSailors assigned to Type 2 or 4 duty may be eligible to participate in NCPACE, which offers college courses with tuition funded at 100%. Sailors are responsible only for the cost of textbooks and related materials. NCPACE courses do not impact Sailors’ annual tuition assistance funding limits. Contact a Navy College Office for more information.https://www.navycollege.navy.
Command Operations Report Due March 1, File ElectronicallyIt's time to write your CNO-mandated Command Operations Report (COR) in order to meet the March 1 deadline. To make it easier for commands to fully comply with OPNAV 5750.12K, you can file yours electronically. For more details, see the Naval History and Heritage Command website here: http://www.history.navy.mil/
Joint Services Transcript (JST) Request Process ChangingJST requests have been streamlined by moving the processing from the Virtual Education Center (VEC) to JST Operations in Pensacola, Fla. Navy Voluntary Education retains JST program management responsibilities. As of 15 DEC 2014, Sailors should send JST requests to jst@doded.mil, fax to (850) 473-6013 / DSN 753-6013 or visit the website athttps://jst.doded.mil.
New Program Offers Hometown Media Recognition for Sailors and Civilians of the Year
The Navy honors thousands of Sailors and Navy civilians with Sailor, Junior Sailor, Bluejacket and Civilian of the Year honors. Through a new program, the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) stands ready to help Navy commands share these stories and photos with each honoree's hometown media. For more information, visithttp://www.navy.mil/submit/
The Navy honors thousands of Sailors and Navy civilians with Sailor, Junior Sailor, Bluejacket and Civilian of the Year honors. Through a new program, the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) stands ready to help Navy commands share these stories and photos with each honoree's hometown media. For more information, visithttp://www.navy.mil/submit/
Changes to Senior Enlisted Academy
The Navy Senior Enlisted Academy is expanding its delivery format to afford every senior chief petty officer the opportunity to attend the SEA prior to selection to master chief petty officer. Its delivery format modified to nine weeks of distance learning online and three week residence. See NAVADMIN 266/14.
The Navy Senior Enlisted Academy is expanding its delivery format to afford every senior chief petty officer the opportunity to attend the SEA prior to selection to master chief petty officer. Its delivery format modified to nine weeks of distance learning online and three week residence. See NAVADMIN 266/14.
Road Show Scouts Female SubmarinersCapt. Rod Hutton, deputy commander for the Enlisted Women in Submarines Task Force, led the Enlisted Women in Submarines Road Show to different military bases in the San Diego area Feb. 9-11. For more on this story go tohttp://www.navy.mil/submit/
THIS WEEK IN NAVAL HISTORY
FEBRUARY 26
1944 - Sue Sophia Dauser, Superintendent of the Navy's Nurse Corps, is the first woman in the Navy to receive rank of captain.
1945 - TBMs (VC 82) from USS Anzio (CVE 57) sink two Japanese submarines: I 368, 35 miles west of Iwo Jima, and RO 43, 50 miles west-northwest of Iwo Jima.
1945 - USS Finnegan (DE 307) sinks Japanese submarine I 370, 120 miles south of Iwo Jima.
1991 - During Operation Desert Storm, A-6E aircraft of VA-155 from USS Ranger (CVA 61) and Marine aircraft bomb Iraqi troops fleeing Kuwait City to Basra.
1945 - USS Finnegan (DE 307) sinks Japanese submarine I 370, 120 miles south of Iwo Jima.
1991 - During Operation Desert Storm, A-6E aircraft of VA-155 from USS Ranger (CVA 61) and Marine aircraft bomb Iraqi troops fleeing Kuwait City to Basra.
FEBRUARY 27
1928 - Cmdr. Theodore G. Ellyson, the Navy's first aviator, along with Lt. Cmdr. Hugo Schmidt and Lt. Rogers Ransehounsen, crash to their deaths in a Loening Amphibian, a 2-seat amphibious biplane, on a night flight from Norfolk, Va. to Annapolis, Md.
1942 - Seaplane tender USS Langley (AV 3), carrying 32 U.S. Army Air Force P-40 aircraft for the defense of Java, is bombed by Japanese naval land attack planes 75 miles south of Tjilatjap, Java. Due to the damage, Langley is shelled and torpedoed by USS Whipple (DD 217).
1942 - The Battle of the Java Sea begins, where the 14-ship Allied forces (American, Dutch, British and Australian) attempt to stop the 28-ship Japanese invasion of the Dutch East Indies colony of Java. The Japanese, during battles over three days, decimates the Allied forces, sinking at least 11 ships, killing more than 3,370 and taking nearly 1,500 prisoners.
1944 - Three US Navy submarines sink three Japanese cargo ships: Grayback (SS 208) sinks Ceylon Maru in the East China Sea; Cod (SS 244) sinks Taisoku Maru west of Halmahera while Trout (SS 202) sinks Aki Maru.
1945 - Submarine USS Scabbardfish (SS 397) sinks Japanese guardboat No. 6 Kikau Maru, 100 miles northeast of Keelung, Formosa, while USS Blenny (SS 324) attacks a Japanese convoy off French Indochina and sinks merchant tanker Amato Maru off Cape Padaran.
1945 - Land-based patrol aircraft from VPB 112, along with others from three British vessels, HMS Labaun and HMS Loch Fada and HMS Wild Goose, sink German submarine U 327 in the English Channel.
1973 - First airborne mine sweep in a live minefield takes place in the Haiphong, Vietnam ship channel by helicopters from Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Twelve on board USS New Orleans (LPH 11).
1942 - The Battle of the Java Sea begins, where the 14-ship Allied forces (American, Dutch, British and Australian) attempt to stop the 28-ship Japanese invasion of the Dutch East Indies colony of Java. The Japanese, during battles over three days, decimates the Allied forces, sinking at least 11 ships, killing more than 3,370 and taking nearly 1,500 prisoners.
1944 - Three US Navy submarines sink three Japanese cargo ships: Grayback (SS 208) sinks Ceylon Maru in the East China Sea; Cod (SS 244) sinks Taisoku Maru west of Halmahera while Trout (SS 202) sinks Aki Maru.
1945 - Submarine USS Scabbardfish (SS 397) sinks Japanese guardboat No. 6 Kikau Maru, 100 miles northeast of Keelung, Formosa, while USS Blenny (SS 324) attacks a Japanese convoy off French Indochina and sinks merchant tanker Amato Maru off Cape Padaran.
1945 - Land-based patrol aircraft from VPB 112, along with others from three British vessels, HMS Labaun and HMS Loch Fada and HMS Wild Goose, sink German submarine U 327 in the English Channel.
1973 - First airborne mine sweep in a live minefield takes place in the Haiphong, Vietnam ship channel by helicopters from Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Twelve on board USS New Orleans (LPH 11).
FEBRUARY 28
1844 - An experimental 14-inch gun explodes on board USS Princeton, killing Secretary of State (former Secretary of the Navy) Abel P. Upshur, Secretary of the Navy Thomas W. Gilmer, and five other dignitaries and injuring 20 people.
1893 - The first true U.S. Navy battleship, USS Indiana (BB 1), launches.
1942 - USS Jacob Jones (DE 130) is sunk by German submarine U 578 off the Delaware capes.
1942 - USS Houston (CA 30) engages the Japanese in the Battle of Sunda Strait and is sunk the next day.
1944 - USS Balao (SS 285) and USS Sand Lance (SS 381) sink Japanese army cargo ship Akiura Maru, transport Shoho Maru about 90 miles northwest of Manokawari, New Guinea and transport Kaiko Maru just east of Musashi Wan, off Paramushir, Kurils.
1959 - USS Strong (DD 758) rescues 13 Arab fishermen from Bahrain when their fishing boats flounders in a storm.
1987 - Guided Missile Frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59) is commissioned.
1893 - The first true U.S. Navy battleship, USS Indiana (BB 1), launches.
1942 - USS Jacob Jones (DE 130) is sunk by German submarine U 578 off the Delaware capes.
1942 - USS Houston (CA 30) engages the Japanese in the Battle of Sunda Strait and is sunk the next day.
1944 - USS Balao (SS 285) and USS Sand Lance (SS 381) sink Japanese army cargo ship Akiura Maru, transport Shoho Maru about 90 miles northwest of Manokawari, New Guinea and transport Kaiko Maru just east of Musashi Wan, off Paramushir, Kurils.
1959 - USS Strong (DD 758) rescues 13 Arab fishermen from Bahrain when their fishing boats flounders in a storm.
1987 - Guided Missile Frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59) is commissioned.
MARCH 1
1854 - Commodore Matthew Perry negotiates the Treaty of Kanagawa, opening trade between U.S. and Japan. The treaty also provided protection for American merchant seamen wrecked in Japanese waters.
1917 - Rear Adm. James H. Oliver takes possession of the Danish West Indies for the United States, and they were renamed the U.S. Virgin Islands. He also becomes the first governor of the islands under American control.
1945 - USS Morrison (DD 560) and USS Stockton (DD 646) sink the Japanese submarine I 8, 65 miles southeast of Okinawa.
1992 - USS Missouri (BB-63), the last active American battleship, is decommissioned. Commissioned in June 1944, she served during World War II, notably for the location of the official Japanese surrender on Sept. 2, 1945. Today, the "Mighty Mo" is open for visitors in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as the Battleship Missouri Memorial, under the care of the USS Missouri Memorial Association, Inc.
MARCH 2
1844 - Uriah P. Levy, the Navy's first Jewish flag officer, is promoted to the rank of captain.
1863 - Union troops brought ashore by USS Norwich to Jacksonville, Fla., ransack and loot the residents before evacuating the city. Also on this date, USS South Carolina, captures the schooner Nellie off Port Royal, S.C.
1944 - USS Haddo (SS 255) torpedoes and sinks Japanese army cargo ship Nichian Maru in South China Sea. Also on this date, USS Tunny (SS 282) torpedoes the Japanese battleship Musashi off Palau, necessitating her to be repair in Japan.
1944 - USS Ericsson (DD 440) and USS Kearny (DD 432), along with three submarine chasers, sink German U 223, which had sunk five Allied merchant vessels.
1960 - The first fully integrated Fleet Ballistic Missile system test, an A1X test vehicle, is launched from USS Observation Island (EAG 154).
1985 - The Navy awards a contract to the McDonnell Douglas Corporation for development of night attack capabilities for the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft.
1991 - USS Francis Hammond (FF 1067), USS Shasta (AE 33), USS Niagara Falls (AFS-33) assist Sri Lankan merchant vessel burning in the Arabian Gulf.
MARCH 3
1944 - TF 58 begins bombing of Japanese airfields, shipping, fleet servicing facilities, and other installations at Palau, Yap, Ulithi, and Woleai in the Carolines. TBFs and TBMs from USS Lexington (CV 16), USS Bunker Hill (CV 19), and USS Hornet (CV 12) bomb extensive minefields in and around the channels and approaches to the Palaus in the first tactical use of mines laid by carrier aircraft.
1944 - USS Darter (SS 227) sinks a Japanese army cargo ship near New Guinea, despite the presence of an escort vessel. Also on this date, USS Picuda (SS 382) attacks a Japanese convoy and sinks a transport ship near Guam while USS Stingray (SS 186) sinks a transport ship near Saipan.
1953 - During the Korean War, five enemy guns in the Wonsan area fire about 20 rounds at USS Prichett (DD 561), falling about 150 yards short. Prichett silences the enemy guns with counterbattery fire.
1973 - USS Forrestal (CVA 59) and Sixth Fleet ships provide aid to Tunisia following a disastrous flood, relocating 729 persons, 27 tons of cargo and an entire herd of 227 sheep.
1991 - USS Princeton (CG-59) and crew are awarded the Combat Action Ribbon in recognition of the superior and arduous work the crew put in to keep the ship in war-fighting status following the Feb. 18 mining of the ship where three crew members are injured and the ship's propeller is damaged during Operation Desert Storm.
2007 - USS Hawes (FFG 53) provides medical assistance to Liberian cargo vessel, MV Harmony, while conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the southern Persian Gulf.
MARCH 4
1903 - Adm. George Dewey is commissioned as first and only Admiral of the Navy.
1919 - The battleship USS Idaho (BB 42) is commissioned.
1936 - USS Balch (DD 363), named after Rear Adm. George B. Balch, is launched.
1944 - USS Bowfin (SS 287) attacks Japanese convoy, sinking a transport and army cargo ship.
1977 - The initial service acceptance trials for the CH-53E Super Stallion are completed at Naval Air Test Center (NATC), Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
1986 - The first operational use of a Harpoon missile in combat is used by A-6A aircraft from VA-34 against a Libyan Combatant II G-class fast-attack missile craft. The engagement occurs after Libyan armed forces fire missiles at U.S. Navy forces operating in the Gulf of Sidra.
2009 - Coastal patrol craft USS Chinook (PC 9) arrives at Umm Qasr, Iraq. During this port visit to Iraq, she is the first U.S. Navy ship to stay overnight.
RELATED NEWS
Navy's Voluntary Education (VOLED) Program Realigning
From Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs
PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) will administratively realign the Navy's Voluntary Education (VOLED) program under Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center (NETPDTC) in Pensacola, Florida, Feb 23.
According to Rear Adm. Mike White, commander of the Naval Education and Training Command, the move will be administrative and will have zero impact on the purpose, mission or abilities of VOLED.
"For the Sailor using VOLED, the change will be seamless and transparent," said White. "In fact, each of the 33 Navy College Offices worldwide and the Virtual Education Center (VEC) will remain unchanged; they will retain the same physical locations, the same telephone numbers, the same email addresses, and the same commitment to serving service members."
VOLED will continue to support Sailors with dedicated, committed assistance and counseling to help them develop tailored plans to meet their educational and credentialing goals.
VOLED is currently celebrating 40 years of Sailors' educational successes through diverse programs including tuition assistance, numerous testing programs, the Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) - where Sailors can complete courses while on type 2 and 4 sea duty, and the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) - which provides Sailors with the opportunity to earn a certificate of apprenticeship from the U.S. Department of Labor by documenting tasks of their Navy rating while on the job.
Regardless of the educational goal, Navy College Offices and the Virtual Education Center are available to assist Sailors in accelerating their future.
For more information on Navy Voluntary Education, visit the Navy College Program website:https://www.navycollege.navy.
For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnet/.
From Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs
PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) will administratively realign the Navy's Voluntary Education (VOLED) program under Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center (NETPDTC) in Pensacola, Florida, Feb 23.
According to Rear Adm. Mike White, commander of the Naval Education and Training Command, the move will be administrative and will have zero impact on the purpose, mission or abilities of VOLED.
"For the Sailor using VOLED, the change will be seamless and transparent," said White. "In fact, each of the 33 Navy College Offices worldwide and the Virtual Education Center (VEC) will remain unchanged; they will retain the same physical locations, the same telephone numbers, the same email addresses, and the same commitment to serving service members."
VOLED will continue to support Sailors with dedicated, committed assistance and counseling to help them develop tailored plans to meet their educational and credentialing goals.
VOLED is currently celebrating 40 years of Sailors' educational successes through diverse programs including tuition assistance, numerous testing programs, the Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) - where Sailors can complete courses while on type 2 and 4 sea duty, and the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) - which provides Sailors with the opportunity to earn a certificate of apprenticeship from the U.S. Department of Labor by documenting tasks of their Navy rating while on the job.
Regardless of the educational goal, Navy College Offices and the Virtual Education Center are available to assist Sailors in accelerating their future.
For more information on Navy Voluntary Education, visit the Navy College Program website:https://www.navycollege.navy.
For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnet/.
Democracy is a Year-Round Business ... VOTE!
From Navy Installations Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- With the 2014 mid-term election in their wake, Sailors might be tempted to forget about absentee voting and politics in general until 2016.
"Not so fast," said Lt. Whit Abraham, the Navy Voting Action Officer.
Odd-numbered years are historically considered "off-years" for voting, and draw fewer voters to the polls. So why should Sailors think about voting now?
Although they often take a back seat to national races, local elections are just as important. Sailors stationed far from home have family members in their hometowns, and may even intend to reside there permanently at some point. Odd-year elections drive important community issues - issues with direct consequences for voters.
"2015 marks many statewide races, mayoral and town elections, and even some special elections for Congress," said Abraham, who manages the Navy's Voting Assistance Program from Washington, D.C.. "The local officials up for election in 2015 are the ones who set property tax rates for municipalities and school districts, they're the folks who administer police departments and maintain millions of miles of local roads and bridges, and in many states the judges -- from state Supreme Courts down to local district judges -- are on the ballot this year as well. So you can argue that many of these local officeholders have more to do with the daily lives of American citizens’ day in and day out than any other elected officials."
As defenders of the right to vote, Sailors are encouraged to participate. "Absentee voting is easy, but the key is giving the process time," said Abraham.
A major first step in the process is visiting the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website at http//www.fvap.gov. Here, Sailors can click on their state or territory to get detailed information about registration guidelines and local elections.
Sailors wishing to vote absentee should complete an electronic Federal Post Card Applications (FPCA) early in 2015. The FPCA is a registration form, a request for a ballot, and the preferred way to update your address. Filling out and returning the FPCA updates local election officials on a member's absentee status, and it is especially important if Sailors and spouses have changed duty stations. "An updated FPCA puts you on the radar screen," said Abraham. "When the time comes to mail ballots later this year, election officials will know how to reach you."
Across the Navy, voting assistance is administered at the unit level. Voting assistance officers are appointed by their commanding officer and are trained by the Federal Voting Assistance Program. Besides accessing the FVAP website, voters can speak directly to these individuals who stand ready to assist Sailors and family members.
"Democracy is a year-round business, and so is the Navy Voting Assistance Program. Elections are always happening, and we encourage people to ask questions and take a proactive stance" said Abraham. "We're here to ensure your voice is heard - not just in Washington, but in your local community as well. That's what this year is all about."
For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cni/.
From Navy Installations Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- With the 2014 mid-term election in their wake, Sailors might be tempted to forget about absentee voting and politics in general until 2016.
"Not so fast," said Lt. Whit Abraham, the Navy Voting Action Officer.
Odd-numbered years are historically considered "off-years" for voting, and draw fewer voters to the polls. So why should Sailors think about voting now?
Although they often take a back seat to national races, local elections are just as important. Sailors stationed far from home have family members in their hometowns, and may even intend to reside there permanently at some point. Odd-year elections drive important community issues - issues with direct consequences for voters.
"2015 marks many statewide races, mayoral and town elections, and even some special elections for Congress," said Abraham, who manages the Navy's Voting Assistance Program from Washington, D.C.. "The local officials up for election in 2015 are the ones who set property tax rates for municipalities and school districts, they're the folks who administer police departments and maintain millions of miles of local roads and bridges, and in many states the judges -- from state Supreme Courts down to local district judges -- are on the ballot this year as well. So you can argue that many of these local officeholders have more to do with the daily lives of American citizens’ day in and day out than any other elected officials."
As defenders of the right to vote, Sailors are encouraged to participate. "Absentee voting is easy, but the key is giving the process time," said Abraham.
A major first step in the process is visiting the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website at http//www.fvap.gov. Here, Sailors can click on their state or territory to get detailed information about registration guidelines and local elections.
Sailors wishing to vote absentee should complete an electronic Federal Post Card Applications (FPCA) early in 2015. The FPCA is a registration form, a request for a ballot, and the preferred way to update your address. Filling out and returning the FPCA updates local election officials on a member's absentee status, and it is especially important if Sailors and spouses have changed duty stations. "An updated FPCA puts you on the radar screen," said Abraham. "When the time comes to mail ballots later this year, election officials will know how to reach you."
Across the Navy, voting assistance is administered at the unit level. Voting assistance officers are appointed by their commanding officer and are trained by the Federal Voting Assistance Program. Besides accessing the FVAP website, voters can speak directly to these individuals who stand ready to assist Sailors and family members.
"Democracy is a year-round business, and so is the Navy Voting Assistance Program. Elections are always happening, and we encourage people to ask questions and take a proactive stance" said Abraham. "We're here to ensure your voice is heard - not just in Washington, but in your local community as well. That's what this year is all about."
For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cni/.
Leave-Use It or Lose It
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Military service members' February leave and earning statement (LES) will carry a reminder that as of Oct. 1, any accrued leave more than 60 days will be lost.
Since 2008 Sailors have been allowed to carryover up to 75 days of leave each fiscal year as authorized by Congress. That authorization will end at the end of fiscal year 2015 after which leave carryover will revert to 60 days. In general, any leave balance in excess of 60 days on Sept. 30, 2015 will be lost.
Service members' LES may have an incorrect use/lose leave balance. Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) is reprogramming pay systems to account for the return to the 60 day leave carryover by the June 2015 LES.
Sailors should check their LES and talk with their Command Pass Coordinator (CPC) for help understanding their correct use/lose balance.
There are some specific exceptions. Sailors with more leave days than the authorized carryover limit, who are also assigned to hostile fire or imminent danger pay areas or deployed on a ship or mobile unit for at least 60 continuous days, may apply for special leave accrual (SLA) to retain any excess leave days. This request is typically done at the command level. Instructions on how to apply for and administer SLA are outlined in MILPERSMAN 1050-070.
Sailors are encouraged to work with their commands to manage their leave balances throughout FY15.
Commands with questions on leave policies should contact their local Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) or call the NPC Customer Service Center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC (1-866-827-5672).
For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Military service members' February leave and earning statement (LES) will carry a reminder that as of Oct. 1, any accrued leave more than 60 days will be lost.
Since 2008 Sailors have been allowed to carryover up to 75 days of leave each fiscal year as authorized by Congress. That authorization will end at the end of fiscal year 2015 after which leave carryover will revert to 60 days. In general, any leave balance in excess of 60 days on Sept. 30, 2015 will be lost.
Service members' LES may have an incorrect use/lose leave balance. Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) is reprogramming pay systems to account for the return to the 60 day leave carryover by the June 2015 LES.
Sailors should check their LES and talk with their Command Pass Coordinator (CPC) for help understanding their correct use/lose balance.
There are some specific exceptions. Sailors with more leave days than the authorized carryover limit, who are also assigned to hostile fire or imminent danger pay areas or deployed on a ship or mobile unit for at least 60 continuous days, may apply for special leave accrual (SLA) to retain any excess leave days. This request is typically done at the command level. Instructions on how to apply for and administer SLA are outlined in MILPERSMAN 1050-070.
Sailors are encouraged to work with their commands to manage their leave balances throughout FY15.
Commands with questions on leave policies should contact their local Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) or call the NPC Customer Service Center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC (1-866-827-5672).
For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.
Officer Women Leadership Symposium Scheduled for March
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The annual AcademyWomen Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS) will be held March 6-7 at the Women In Military Service for America (WIMSA) Memorial, Arlington, Virginia.
Held annually, OWLS includes educational and professional development workshops, seminars and exhibits designed to enhance the professional knowledge of attendees while increasing overall awareness of issues affecting women in the military. The symposium offers an invaluable opportunity for female officers, midshipmen and senior enlisted to benefit from the open dialogue, career enhancing information, and mentoring opportunities.
While all service members are eligible, ideal candidates for the symposium include outstanding officers, midshipmen, and senior enlisted, who are at a career decision point. All 66 available Navy-funded registrations will be coordinated through the Navy Office of Diversity and Inclusion - Women's Policy. To obtain a conference registration reservation, contact Lt. Tawney Nakamura at (703) 604-5077 or tawney.nakamura@navy.mil. Registrants must be from the local National Capital Region. Uniform for Navy personnel will be service khaki for E-7 and above and service uniform for E-6 and below.
Individual commands are not authorized to expend travel funds, including lodging, transportation, and meals and incidental expenses (M&IE). Travel funding for those who are attending in an official capacity has already been coordinated and approved; all other travel is not authorized. Lunch will be provided on March 6 and 7 for those attending. All other meals will be purchased by the attendee.
More information can be found on the AcademyWomen website at
http://academywomen.org/
For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The annual AcademyWomen Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS) will be held March 6-7 at the Women In Military Service for America (WIMSA) Memorial, Arlington, Virginia.
Held annually, OWLS includes educational and professional development workshops, seminars and exhibits designed to enhance the professional knowledge of attendees while increasing overall awareness of issues affecting women in the military. The symposium offers an invaluable opportunity for female officers, midshipmen and senior enlisted to benefit from the open dialogue, career enhancing information, and mentoring opportunities.
While all service members are eligible, ideal candidates for the symposium include outstanding officers, midshipmen, and senior enlisted, who are at a career decision point. All 66 available Navy-funded registrations will be coordinated through the Navy Office of Diversity and Inclusion - Women's Policy. To obtain a conference registration reservation, contact Lt. Tawney Nakamura at (703) 604-5077 or tawney.nakamura@navy.mil. Registrants must be from the local National Capital Region. Uniform for Navy personnel will be service khaki for E-7 and above and service uniform for E-6 and below.
Individual commands are not authorized to expend travel funds, including lodging, transportation, and meals and incidental expenses (M&IE). Travel funding for those who are attending in an official capacity has already been coordinated and approved; all other travel is not authorized. Lunch will be provided on March 6 and 7 for those attending. All other meals will be purchased by the attendee.
More information can be found on the AcademyWomen website at
http://academywomen.org/
For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.
Commander U.S. Fleet Forces Command Discusses Fleet Readiness at AFCEA West
From U.S. Fleet Forces Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Commander U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Adm. Phil Davidson, speaking to a group of military leaders, government officials and members of private industry discussed the need to increase the fleet's readiness during a key note address at the United States Navy Institute 25th Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) West Conference Feb. 11.
"It is quite clear to me that my job - the job of Fleet Forces Command - is to make the fleet ready to fight and win - both today and tomorrow," said Davidson.
Praising the fleet's performance in 2014, Davidson expressed his appreciation to Sailors for answering the nation's call to duty. "You met every challenge, whether directing the neutralization of Syrian chemical weapon stockpiles at sea, meeting the rise of ISIS in Syria and Iraq, or deploying an expeditionary response to the outbreak of Ebola in Western Africa," said Davidson.
"But today's fight is evolving rapidly. America's competitors and potential adversaries are flexing their muscles abroad and attempting to match our capability with vastly improved technologies in the air, on and under the sea, and in space and cyberspace," said Davidson. Given all our forward fleets are observing in the Pacific, the Arabian Gulf, and the Mediterranean, Davidson stressed that technology alone will not provide sufficient tactical advantage in contested and denied environments of the future.
"Simply put, the firing key cannot be our only tactic in the battle space. We need to cultivate the minds of our warfighters to think in new and creative ways to fight. I believe we have the tools, and most importantly, the people, to set the course to work through the challenges and succeed today and in the future."
Davidson also addressed the importance of implementing the optimized fleet response plan (OFRP). OFRP sets the framework to improve stability and predictability of the fleet and the fleet's readiness by better aligning maintenance, manpower and training.
"We are already beginning to see the goodness that OFRP will bring," said Davidson. "We have seen improvements in our manpower at sea by aligning personnel to fleet units before the training cycle, not just before deployment. This has reduced the number of previously required cross-decks of critical personnel." OFRP is also bringing predictability back in the maintenance phase as the fleet works through maintenance and modernization deferrals - both critical to readiness.
Another benefit of the improved OFRP alignment is a more predictable and focused integrated training phase. Our Sailors will be in place prior to the integrated training phase and will benefit from exercising as a complete strike group team with advanced warfare tactics across all warfighting domains in contested and denied battle space.
Davidson sited the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group's recent composite training exercise which saw increased time in denied electromagnetic environments, advanced anti-submarine warfare against a live opposition-force submarine and TRCSG's employment of Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air (NIFC-CA) - the first NIFC-CA capable strike group.
The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) West conference is the largest event on the West Coast and is designed to bring a diverse group of professionals together to discuss issues and share ideas and solutions for the technological challenges of today and tomorrow, including those of the maritime domain.
For more news from U.S. Fleet Forces, visit www.usff.navy.mil.
For more news from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/clf/.
From U.S. Fleet Forces Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Commander U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Adm. Phil Davidson, speaking to a group of military leaders, government officials and members of private industry discussed the need to increase the fleet's readiness during a key note address at the United States Navy Institute 25th Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) West Conference Feb. 11.
"It is quite clear to me that my job - the job of Fleet Forces Command - is to make the fleet ready to fight and win - both today and tomorrow," said Davidson.
Praising the fleet's performance in 2014, Davidson expressed his appreciation to Sailors for answering the nation's call to duty. "You met every challenge, whether directing the neutralization of Syrian chemical weapon stockpiles at sea, meeting the rise of ISIS in Syria and Iraq, or deploying an expeditionary response to the outbreak of Ebola in Western Africa," said Davidson.
"But today's fight is evolving rapidly. America's competitors and potential adversaries are flexing their muscles abroad and attempting to match our capability with vastly improved technologies in the air, on and under the sea, and in space and cyberspace," said Davidson. Given all our forward fleets are observing in the Pacific, the Arabian Gulf, and the Mediterranean, Davidson stressed that technology alone will not provide sufficient tactical advantage in contested and denied environments of the future.
"Simply put, the firing key cannot be our only tactic in the battle space. We need to cultivate the minds of our warfighters to think in new and creative ways to fight. I believe we have the tools, and most importantly, the people, to set the course to work through the challenges and succeed today and in the future."
Davidson also addressed the importance of implementing the optimized fleet response plan (OFRP). OFRP sets the framework to improve stability and predictability of the fleet and the fleet's readiness by better aligning maintenance, manpower and training.
"We are already beginning to see the goodness that OFRP will bring," said Davidson. "We have seen improvements in our manpower at sea by aligning personnel to fleet units before the training cycle, not just before deployment. This has reduced the number of previously required cross-decks of critical personnel." OFRP is also bringing predictability back in the maintenance phase as the fleet works through maintenance and modernization deferrals - both critical to readiness.
Another benefit of the improved OFRP alignment is a more predictable and focused integrated training phase. Our Sailors will be in place prior to the integrated training phase and will benefit from exercising as a complete strike group team with advanced warfare tactics across all warfighting domains in contested and denied battle space.
Davidson sited the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group's recent composite training exercise which saw increased time in denied electromagnetic environments, advanced anti-submarine warfare against a live opposition-force submarine and TRCSG's employment of Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air (NIFC-CA) - the first NIFC-CA capable strike group.
The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) West conference is the largest event on the West Coast and is designed to bring a diverse group of professionals together to discuss issues and share ideas and solutions for the technological challenges of today and tomorrow, including those of the maritime domain.
For more news from U.S. Fleet Forces, visit www.usff.navy.mil.
For more news from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/clf/.
Eight Ways to Boost Resilience Between Military Couples
By Jenny Collins, Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control (NCCOSC) facilitates research and develops evidence-based programs that provide Sailors and Marines with important tools to build and maintain resilience.
As service members build resilience, military couples can also take steps to boost their resilience as well.
Military spouses and significant others play an important part in offering encouragement and support to today's service members.
With a military career that often includes deployments and extended separations, military couples must work harder at being able to withstand, recover, and grow together in the face of stressors, adversity, and changing demands.
Below are 8 ways military couples can improve their resilience.
1. Maintain Your Connection. Being apart can be tough. By figuring out a system of regular contact, couples can build a strong foundation of open communication. It's best to time conversations about upsetting issues as to not overwhelm your partner. Open conversations should still consist of an overall positive and supportive tone.
2. Reshape Interpretation. Some highly stressful life events are inevitable in military life. One cannot change when or how these events happen, but couples can certainly shape their attitudes to best react and respond. Use flexible thinking to place some perspective on the situation.
3. Remain Optimistic. Maintaining optimism in the face of stressors is a couple's best chance to move forward during stressful times. Try to envision what you both want instead of worrying about what you're both scared of.
4. Trust. Discuss in detail your expectations of one another on the home front and while you are apart. Work together to find ways to maintain trust. Talk about concerns but don't dwell on them. Focus on how to work past them.
5. Take Care of Yourself... and Each Other. Set aside a couple of minutes a day to decompress. Meditation is a great tool to alleviate stress. Make sure that your partner is doing the same or offer ways to help one another. Taking care of yourselves helps keep your minds ready to deal with situations that require resilience.
6. Understanding. If you and your partner are in the middle of a conflict, focus on what is upsetting you and vice versa. Try to disregard what caused the fight. Concentrate and work together to find the solution. This type of behavior control will be much more effective.
7. Create and Work Towards Goals Together. Couples who have common goals are often more successful in their relationship. Develop realistic goals with deadlines. Even completing small accomplishments can help improve your relationship.
8. Professional Help. It's important to recognize that unresolved relationship problems have the potential to impact a service member's well-being and focus on the job. If the stress of military life becomes overwhelming for either party, don't hesitate to seek help from a support group, counselor, clinician, or chaplain. Reaching out for support can help you manage any reaction and boost your resilience.
Resilience is very effective in helping our active duty population manage operational and combat stress, both in their work life and their home life.
At NCCOSC, we envision a future of innovative and relevant research that will increase our knowledge of psychological health. The knowledge that is gained will ultimately contribute to the readiness and resilience of our Sailors and Marines as they face the future challenges of military service.
For more information about NCCOSC, visit www.nccosc.navy.mil, and follow on Facebook or Twitter
For more news from Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control , visit www.navy.mil/local/nccosc/.
By Jenny Collins, Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control (NCCOSC) facilitates research and develops evidence-based programs that provide Sailors and Marines with important tools to build and maintain resilience.
As service members build resilience, military couples can also take steps to boost their resilience as well.
Military spouses and significant others play an important part in offering encouragement and support to today's service members.
With a military career that often includes deployments and extended separations, military couples must work harder at being able to withstand, recover, and grow together in the face of stressors, adversity, and changing demands.
Below are 8 ways military couples can improve their resilience.
1. Maintain Your Connection. Being apart can be tough. By figuring out a system of regular contact, couples can build a strong foundation of open communication. It's best to time conversations about upsetting issues as to not overwhelm your partner. Open conversations should still consist of an overall positive and supportive tone.
2. Reshape Interpretation. Some highly stressful life events are inevitable in military life. One cannot change when or how these events happen, but couples can certainly shape their attitudes to best react and respond. Use flexible thinking to place some perspective on the situation.
3. Remain Optimistic. Maintaining optimism in the face of stressors is a couple's best chance to move forward during stressful times. Try to envision what you both want instead of worrying about what you're both scared of.
4. Trust. Discuss in detail your expectations of one another on the home front and while you are apart. Work together to find ways to maintain trust. Talk about concerns but don't dwell on them. Focus on how to work past them.
5. Take Care of Yourself... and Each Other. Set aside a couple of minutes a day to decompress. Meditation is a great tool to alleviate stress. Make sure that your partner is doing the same or offer ways to help one another. Taking care of yourselves helps keep your minds ready to deal with situations that require resilience.
6. Understanding. If you and your partner are in the middle of a conflict, focus on what is upsetting you and vice versa. Try to disregard what caused the fight. Concentrate and work together to find the solution. This type of behavior control will be much more effective.
7. Create and Work Towards Goals Together. Couples who have common goals are often more successful in their relationship. Develop realistic goals with deadlines. Even completing small accomplishments can help improve your relationship.
8. Professional Help. It's important to recognize that unresolved relationship problems have the potential to impact a service member's well-being and focus on the job. If the stress of military life becomes overwhelming for either party, don't hesitate to seek help from a support group, counselor, clinician, or chaplain. Reaching out for support can help you manage any reaction and boost your resilience.
Resilience is very effective in helping our active duty population manage operational and combat stress, both in their work life and their home life.
At NCCOSC, we envision a future of innovative and relevant research that will increase our knowledge of psychological health. The knowledge that is gained will ultimately contribute to the readiness and resilience of our Sailors and Marines as they face the future challenges of military service.
For more information about NCCOSC, visit www.nccosc.navy.mil, and follow on Facebook or Twitter
For more news from Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control , visit www.navy.mil/local/nccosc/.
Navy Leaders Talk Resilience at NCCOSC
By Jenny Collins, Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Resilience programs director for the Navy's 21st Century Sailor office, Capt. Mike Smith, visited the Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control (NCCOSC) in San Diego, Calif., Feb. 12. The purpose of the visit was to foster the relationship between the two programs and discuss how each is working to push the principles of operational stress control (OSC) and resilience to the fleet.
The hot topic of Smith's visit was building resilience in support of Total Sailor Fitness (TSF). NCCOSC staff informed Smith on the various studies, tools, and initiatives currently in use within the center's programs and research facilitation departments. These included the Stress Resilience Training System (SRTS), resilience training, and Servicemember Evaluation Tool (SET) pilots at Recruit Division Commander (RDC) School and Wounded Warrior Battalion.
NCCOSC Director Capt. Scott L. Johnston shared his reflections on the partnership between NCCOSC and 21st Century Sailor.
"NCCOSC appreciates the opportunity to work with [21st Century Sailor] and TSF. We have been collaborating for several years with the same goal to improve the well-being of Sailors and their families," said Johnston. "OSC as a part of TSF is critical. Resilience goes beyond preparing for and identifying stress associated with the military service."
Service members can build resilience through such tools as optimism, flexible thinking, and positive coping. These techniques can be applied to virtually any situation in life, improving an individual's ability to respond to and treat their stress, eventually leading to improved work performance, job satisfaction, and unit cohesion.
As the visit concluded, Smith revealed his own methods for staying resilient.
"If I get stressed out.... the first thing I will do is leave my desk and take a walk just to momentarily take my mind off of things. It helps to clear your mind to actually think about things better," said Smith. "I think the important thing for operational stress control is to inform people of these tools so they can know what works best for them."
Resilience remains a key initiative throughout the Navy Medicine enterprise. The 21st Century Sailor office will continue to utilize NCCOSC as a resource for the joint effort on OSC and resilience.
"The collaboration between [21st Century Sailor] and NCCOSC is critically important because NCCOSC and the U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) organization as a whole are the subject-matter experts on psychological health and care," said Smith. "By having these conversations, it helps to better understand what OSC is and how we can best focus our training and tools."
For more news from NCCOSC, visit www.nccosc.navy.mil or www.navy.mil/local/nccosc, or connect with us on social media: www.facebook.com/nccosc and www.twitter.com/nccosc.
For more news from Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control, visit www.navy.mil/local/nccosc/.
By Jenny Collins, Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Resilience programs director for the Navy's 21st Century Sailor office, Capt. Mike Smith, visited the Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control (NCCOSC) in San Diego, Calif., Feb. 12. The purpose of the visit was to foster the relationship between the two programs and discuss how each is working to push the principles of operational stress control (OSC) and resilience to the fleet.
The hot topic of Smith's visit was building resilience in support of Total Sailor Fitness (TSF). NCCOSC staff informed Smith on the various studies, tools, and initiatives currently in use within the center's programs and research facilitation departments. These included the Stress Resilience Training System (SRTS), resilience training, and Servicemember Evaluation Tool (SET) pilots at Recruit Division Commander (RDC) School and Wounded Warrior Battalion.
NCCOSC Director Capt. Scott L. Johnston shared his reflections on the partnership between NCCOSC and 21st Century Sailor.
"NCCOSC appreciates the opportunity to work with [21st Century Sailor] and TSF. We have been collaborating for several years with the same goal to improve the well-being of Sailors and their families," said Johnston. "OSC as a part of TSF is critical. Resilience goes beyond preparing for and identifying stress associated with the military service."
Service members can build resilience through such tools as optimism, flexible thinking, and positive coping. These techniques can be applied to virtually any situation in life, improving an individual's ability to respond to and treat their stress, eventually leading to improved work performance, job satisfaction, and unit cohesion.
As the visit concluded, Smith revealed his own methods for staying resilient.
"If I get stressed out.... the first thing I will do is leave my desk and take a walk just to momentarily take my mind off of things. It helps to clear your mind to actually think about things better," said Smith. "I think the important thing for operational stress control is to inform people of these tools so they can know what works best for them."
Resilience remains a key initiative throughout the Navy Medicine enterprise. The 21st Century Sailor office will continue to utilize NCCOSC as a resource for the joint effort on OSC and resilience.
"The collaboration between [21st Century Sailor] and NCCOSC is critically important because NCCOSC and the U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) organization as a whole are the subject-matter experts on psychological health and care," said Smith. "By having these conversations, it helps to better understand what OSC is and how we can best focus our training and tools."
For more news from NCCOSC, visit www.nccosc.navy.mil or www.navy.mil/local/nccosc, or connect with us on social media: www.facebook.com/nccosc and www.twitter.com/nccosc.
For more news from Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control, visit www.navy.mil/local/nccosc/.
Take a Run - Distance makes the Heart Grow Stronger
By Douglas H Stutz, Naval Hospital Bremerton Public Affairs
BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- Don't you just love it when an article from a reputable source validates what you're doing and helps strengthen Navy Medicine's February theme of 'Heart Health?'
"Distance makes the heart grow stronger"
Jenni Osborne, MPH, CHES, Health Educator assigned to Health Promotion and Wellness Department at Naval Hospital Bremerton shared an article recently published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology entitled, 'Running reduces risk of death regardless of duration, speed.'
"The real purpose of running isn't to win a race; it's to test the limits of the human heart"
The premise of the article is that running for only a few minutes a day or at slow speeds may significantly reduce a person's risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared to someone who does not run.
In other words, running to the restroom at halftime might be better than nothing, but if a person dedicates a bit more energy and a little less sedentary, the benefits far outweigh the chips and dips.
"Run with your heart - not with your legs"
Exercise is a well-established manner to prevent heart disease and is essential to a well-rounded healthy lifestyle," said Osborne.
"Your legs can make you fast, your mind can make you faster, and your heart...every mile makes it stronger and your heart returns the favor"
Researchers studied 55,137 adults between the ages of 18 and 100 over a 15-year period to determine whether there is a relationship between running and longevity. Data was drawn from the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study, where participants were asked to complete a questionnaire about their running habits. In the study period, 3,413 participants died, including 1,217 whose deaths were related to cardiovascular disease. In this population, 24 percent of the participants reported running as part of their leisure-time exercise.
"You don't need a runner body - just a runner's heart"
Compared with non-runners, the runners had a 30 percent lower risk of death from all causes and a 45 percent lower risk of death from heart disease or stroke.
Runners on average lived three years longer compared to non-runners. Also, to reduce mortality risk at a population level from a public health perspective, the authors concluded that promoting running is as important as preventing smoking, obesity or hypertension. The benefits were the same no matter how long, far, frequently or fast participants reported running. Benefits were also the same regardless of sex, age, body mass index, health conditions, smoking status or alcohol use.
"Running is like a metaphor for life - there's always someone faster, and always someone slower - all you can do is hang in there and put your heart in it"
"Short of quitting smoking, staying physically active with something like running is the best thing someone can do for themselves," said Capt. Steven Kewish, NHB director for Medical Services.
"You're a runner if you run. It's not about how far or how long or how fast. It's all about your heart"
NHB's Health Promotion and Wellness is actively showcasing the Heart Health theme at local events such as the Naval Base Kitsap Sweetheart 5K Fun Run held on Feb. 12, 2015. The fun run attracted more than 125 runners and walkers and also included a Kid's Dash for younger family members.
"By supporting these events we are able to show other commands and communities what we offer in the way of support groups, classes and other events which help individuals and groups meet or exceed their health and wellness goals. Our vision is to empower people to live healthier lives," explained Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (Fleet Marine Force) Christopher Spangler,
Health Promotion and Wellness Department leading petty officer.
"You don't have to train for competition; you don't have to try and set a personal best and you don't need to impress anyone. Yet every run helps to strengthen your heart, fuel your soul and improve your life"
Spangler notes an event like a fun run offers an avenue for people to be healthy and have fun. These events eliminate the competitive spirit most fear by attending a marathon or race.
"This allows runners from beginners to advanced to compete but still have fun," Spangler said.
"If you're in it for the long run...your heart appreciates that..."
According to Spangler, there are some people who might have read or heard that running is overrated, bad or not good for knees. But not if a person is properly trained and prepared.
"The sweet spot for many appears to be five to 19 miles per week, spread throughout three or four sessions per week. Runners who followed these guidelines reaped the greatest health benefits. Their risk of death dropped by 25 percent, according to results published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise," cited Spangler, adding that consistency is key.
"Tempo Runs - where your heart takes a licking' but keeps on ticking'!"
Spangler attests that for those unable (or unwilling) to run, even if they are able to participate at a fun run by walking they can have just as much fun and reap the benefits. Runs are open to all family members and some even allow the family dog on the course.
"A fun run can be a great opportunity for dog walkers to meet and walk or run while supporting a great event for a good cause, and improve heart health for themselves and their pet," Spangler said.
"The question was once asked, 'does running hills ever get easier?' The truthful reply was, 'No, but a person can get stronger and their heart can get healthier in taking on the challenge.'"
Starting up a program of running or walking, or combining both on a course, might be undertaken as a New Year's resolution or because the command's physical readiness training is around the corner. There are even marathoners and ultra-distance athletes who understand that adding a walk portion to a long run is okay. The bottom line is still putting one foot in front of the other.
"We forget the reason we do cardiovascular fitness is for the health benefits and to feel good! Moving around increases blood flow to our muscles, strengthens the heart and lungs and teaches the heart to work more efficiently," Spangler added.
"Whether it's a ten miler or one mile run, your heart will never regret you lacing up those sneakers and just taking that first step"
It's proven that cardiovascular exercise also benefits more than just a stronger heart and lungs. It promotes weight loss; increased bone density; reduced stress; reduced risk of heart disease and some types of cancer; temporary relief from depression and anxiety; more confidence about how you feel and how you look; better sleep; more energy; and even the intangible element of setting a good example for children to stay active as they get older.
"Make your heart smile"
Studies have shown that running promotes a Heart Health by helping to manage or prevent high blood pressure; keep arteries clear of plaque by boosting good cholesterol and lowering triglycerides (fats in blood); lower risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attack and stroke. Running can also help prevent or manage other chronic conditions that greatly impact heart health such as diabetes, overweight and obesity, as it burns more calories than most other forms of aerobics.
For more news from Naval Hospital Bremerton, visit www.navy.mil/local/nhb/.
By Douglas H Stutz, Naval Hospital Bremerton Public Affairs
BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- Don't you just love it when an article from a reputable source validates what you're doing and helps strengthen Navy Medicine's February theme of 'Heart Health?'
"Distance makes the heart grow stronger"
Jenni Osborne, MPH, CHES, Health Educator assigned to Health Promotion and Wellness Department at Naval Hospital Bremerton shared an article recently published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology entitled, 'Running reduces risk of death regardless of duration, speed.'
"The real purpose of running isn't to win a race; it's to test the limits of the human heart"
The premise of the article is that running for only a few minutes a day or at slow speeds may significantly reduce a person's risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared to someone who does not run.
In other words, running to the restroom at halftime might be better than nothing, but if a person dedicates a bit more energy and a little less sedentary, the benefits far outweigh the chips and dips.
"Run with your heart - not with your legs"
Exercise is a well-established manner to prevent heart disease and is essential to a well-rounded healthy lifestyle," said Osborne.
"Your legs can make you fast, your mind can make you faster, and your heart...every mile makes it stronger and your heart returns the favor"
Researchers studied 55,137 adults between the ages of 18 and 100 over a 15-year period to determine whether there is a relationship between running and longevity. Data was drawn from the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study, where participants were asked to complete a questionnaire about their running habits. In the study period, 3,413 participants died, including 1,217 whose deaths were related to cardiovascular disease. In this population, 24 percent of the participants reported running as part of their leisure-time exercise.
"You don't need a runner body - just a runner's heart"
Compared with non-runners, the runners had a 30 percent lower risk of death from all causes and a 45 percent lower risk of death from heart disease or stroke.
Runners on average lived three years longer compared to non-runners. Also, to reduce mortality risk at a population level from a public health perspective, the authors concluded that promoting running is as important as preventing smoking, obesity or hypertension. The benefits were the same no matter how long, far, frequently or fast participants reported running. Benefits were also the same regardless of sex, age, body mass index, health conditions, smoking status or alcohol use.
"Running is like a metaphor for life - there's always someone faster, and always someone slower - all you can do is hang in there and put your heart in it"
"Short of quitting smoking, staying physically active with something like running is the best thing someone can do for themselves," said Capt. Steven Kewish, NHB director for Medical Services.
"You're a runner if you run. It's not about how far or how long or how fast. It's all about your heart"
NHB's Health Promotion and Wellness is actively showcasing the Heart Health theme at local events such as the Naval Base Kitsap Sweetheart 5K Fun Run held on Feb. 12, 2015. The fun run attracted more than 125 runners and walkers and also included a Kid's Dash for younger family members.
"By supporting these events we are able to show other commands and communities what we offer in the way of support groups, classes and other events which help individuals and groups meet or exceed their health and wellness goals. Our vision is to empower people to live healthier lives," explained Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (Fleet Marine Force) Christopher Spangler,
Health Promotion and Wellness Department leading petty officer.
"You don't have to train for competition; you don't have to try and set a personal best and you don't need to impress anyone. Yet every run helps to strengthen your heart, fuel your soul and improve your life"
Spangler notes an event like a fun run offers an avenue for people to be healthy and have fun. These events eliminate the competitive spirit most fear by attending a marathon or race.
"This allows runners from beginners to advanced to compete but still have fun," Spangler said.
"If you're in it for the long run...your heart appreciates that..."
According to Spangler, there are some people who might have read or heard that running is overrated, bad or not good for knees. But not if a person is properly trained and prepared.
"The sweet spot for many appears to be five to 19 miles per week, spread throughout three or four sessions per week. Runners who followed these guidelines reaped the greatest health benefits. Their risk of death dropped by 25 percent, according to results published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise," cited Spangler, adding that consistency is key.
"Tempo Runs - where your heart takes a licking' but keeps on ticking'!"
Spangler attests that for those unable (or unwilling) to run, even if they are able to participate at a fun run by walking they can have just as much fun and reap the benefits. Runs are open to all family members and some even allow the family dog on the course.
"A fun run can be a great opportunity for dog walkers to meet and walk or run while supporting a great event for a good cause, and improve heart health for themselves and their pet," Spangler said.
"The question was once asked, 'does running hills ever get easier?' The truthful reply was, 'No, but a person can get stronger and their heart can get healthier in taking on the challenge.'"
Starting up a program of running or walking, or combining both on a course, might be undertaken as a New Year's resolution or because the command's physical readiness training is around the corner. There are even marathoners and ultra-distance athletes who understand that adding a walk portion to a long run is okay. The bottom line is still putting one foot in front of the other.
"We forget the reason we do cardiovascular fitness is for the health benefits and to feel good! Moving around increases blood flow to our muscles, strengthens the heart and lungs and teaches the heart to work more efficiently," Spangler added.
"Whether it's a ten miler or one mile run, your heart will never regret you lacing up those sneakers and just taking that first step"
It's proven that cardiovascular exercise also benefits more than just a stronger heart and lungs. It promotes weight loss; increased bone density; reduced stress; reduced risk of heart disease and some types of cancer; temporary relief from depression and anxiety; more confidence about how you feel and how you look; better sleep; more energy; and even the intangible element of setting a good example for children to stay active as they get older.
"Make your heart smile"
Studies have shown that running promotes a Heart Health by helping to manage or prevent high blood pressure; keep arteries clear of plaque by boosting good cholesterol and lowering triglycerides (fats in blood); lower risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attack and stroke. Running can also help prevent or manage other chronic conditions that greatly impact heart health such as diabetes, overweight and obesity, as it burns more calories than most other forms of aerobics.
For more news from Naval Hospital Bremerton, visit www.navy.mil/local/nhb/.
HOMES.mil Offers Navy OCONUS Online Community Listings For the First Time
By Carol Casto, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- HOMES.mil, the official Department of Defense (DoD) housing website, which was activated on Dec. 14, is dedicated to helping service members, families, and DoD civilians find housing, wherever they choose to live.
For the first time, the HOMES.mil website is offering Navy housing listings for those living outside the continental United States (OCONUS).
The website enables Housing Service Center (HSC) professionals, landlords, and property managers to find and share vital information about community rental listings. Just as in the continental United States, OCONUS HSCs work closely with landlords in their communities to assist service members with finding safe, suitable and affordable housing.
"Living OCONUS is a unique experience, and our HSC staff works directly with landlords to ensure the listings available on HOMES.mil are accurate and meet our minimum requirements," said Anne-Marie Snodgrass, EURAFSWA regional housing director. "We are excited to finally have the opportunity to provide our customers with the additional service of being able to search for community housing listings online, before they arrive."
"The HSC staff is experienced in working with landlords throughout the world," said Snodgrass. "Each location has its own set of local customs, agreements, laws and command policies that the HSC staff considers before accepting local listings, as necessary."
HOMES.mil is part of the integrated services offered OCONUS through the HSC. In addition to home finding in the community, the HSC also offers showing services and language translation services (when needed). HSC counselors can provide translation services between the Service member and landlord during home tours, lease negotiation, and issue resolution.
"The staffs post each listing on HOMES.mil and work with their translators and the local community to offer service members and their families the best possible local housing," said Snodgrass.
Additional HSC services OCONUS may offer include community orientation; providing information about entitlements such as overseas housing allowance, temporary lodging allowance, and cost of living allowance; and temporary and full-tour furnishings.
Service members should contact their local HSC or sponsor to determine if there is a mandatory military family housing assignment or on-base first policy at their location.
The Navy HSC is available to assist service members and their families find a home wherever they choose to live, either OCONUS or stateside. HOMES.mil improves the home finding experience for service members and their families and alleviates some of the burdens and stress of PCS.
To find information about your local HSC, including contact information, visit Navy Housing online at www.cnic.navy.mil/
For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cni/.
By Carol Casto, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- HOMES.mil, the official Department of Defense (DoD) housing website, which was activated on Dec. 14, is dedicated to helping service members, families, and DoD civilians find housing, wherever they choose to live.
For the first time, the HOMES.mil website is offering Navy housing listings for those living outside the continental United States (OCONUS).
The website enables Housing Service Center (HSC) professionals, landlords, and property managers to find and share vital information about community rental listings. Just as in the continental United States, OCONUS HSCs work closely with landlords in their communities to assist service members with finding safe, suitable and affordable housing.
"Living OCONUS is a unique experience, and our HSC staff works directly with landlords to ensure the listings available on HOMES.mil are accurate and meet our minimum requirements," said Anne-Marie Snodgrass, EURAFSWA regional housing director. "We are excited to finally have the opportunity to provide our customers with the additional service of being able to search for community housing listings online, before they arrive."
"The HSC staff is experienced in working with landlords throughout the world," said Snodgrass. "Each location has its own set of local customs, agreements, laws and command policies that the HSC staff considers before accepting local listings, as necessary."
HOMES.mil is part of the integrated services offered OCONUS through the HSC. In addition to home finding in the community, the HSC also offers showing services and language translation services (when needed). HSC counselors can provide translation services between the Service member and landlord during home tours, lease negotiation, and issue resolution.
"The staffs post each listing on HOMES.mil and work with their translators and the local community to offer service members and their families the best possible local housing," said Snodgrass.
Additional HSC services OCONUS may offer include community orientation; providing information about entitlements such as overseas housing allowance, temporary lodging allowance, and cost of living allowance; and temporary and full-tour furnishings.
Service members should contact their local HSC or sponsor to determine if there is a mandatory military family housing assignment or on-base first policy at their location.
The Navy HSC is available to assist service members and their families find a home wherever they choose to live, either OCONUS or stateside. HOMES.mil improves the home finding experience for service members and their families and alleviates some of the burdens and stress of PCS.
To find information about your local HSC, including contact information, visit Navy Housing online at www.cnic.navy.mil/
For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cni/.
Learning and Development Roadmaps Now Instantly Updatable
By Lt. j.g. Michael Hathaway, Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs
PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) announced Feb. 10 that the Navy's comprehensive enlisted career guides, Learning and Development Roadmaps (LaDR), have transitioned to a Web application that is easily-accessed and instantly updatable.
Available through Navy Knowledge Online (NKO) and Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (Navy COOL), LaDRs are a vital tool that help guide enlisted Sailors throughout their career advancement, and are available for all enlisted ratings and paygrades.
"The LaDRs effectively provide Sailors and their leadership a guide that displays in one location all of their current and projected enlisted training and education requirements as they advance," said Richard Nein, NETC LaDR program analyst. "The LaDRs also include suggested certifications, apprenticeships and educational opportunities that can help with job performance and advancement."
Previously, LaDRs were static .pdf documents reviewed and updated annually, drawing from revisions and modifications submitted to NETC by 13 separate learning centers and three training support centers throughout the Navy.
By using the newly-launched application, the learning centers are able to review and directly update the LaDRs as needed for their specific ratings and the changes are reflected and available to Sailors immediately. LaDRs support a career-long learning continuum, helping Sailors prepare for their role in the fleet.
"LaDR accuracy and standardization are now greatly improved," said Tom Smith, NETC Enlisted Professional Military Program coordinator. "We've added a sample career path to all LaDRs; a short document developed by detailers and community managers that outlines the ideal career for a Sailor to follow in their given rate, to include tours, education, and assignments. It's a valuable tool for a senior and a subordinate to have a discussion about that person's career. It gives a junior Sailor a career path to follow."
Master Chief Navy Counselor James Brady, Command Career Counselor for the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), is a strong believer that LaDRs are tools that can significantly help a Sailor's career navigation.
"LaDRs play a vital role in a Sailor's career right from the start," explained Brady. "We as command career counselors should ensure that every Sailor gets a detailed explanation of how to utilize this valuable tool throughout their time in the Navy. Not only will it make them a better Sailor, but it will also prepare them for the private sector, college, and life itself. It is highly stressed the LaDR be reviewed regularly by the Sailor and referenced by the chain of command during Career Development Boards."
Air-Traffic Controller 2nd Class Michelle Coleman plans to make master chief one day.
"I like that the LaDR shows you where you need to be for the next pay grade," said Coleman. "It's a lot of valuable information, including online courses, a degree plan, and shipboard qualifications. Also, the recommended readings and leadership courses are appreciated."
For more information about LaDRs, visit Navy Knowledge Online: www.nko.navy.mil. For more information about Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-Line, visit www.cool.navy.mil
For more information about the Naval Education and Training Command, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/ andwww.navy.mil/local/cnet/.
By Lt. j.g. Michael Hathaway, Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs
PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) announced Feb. 10 that the Navy's comprehensive enlisted career guides, Learning and Development Roadmaps (LaDR), have transitioned to a Web application that is easily-accessed and instantly updatable.
Available through Navy Knowledge Online (NKO) and Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (Navy COOL), LaDRs are a vital tool that help guide enlisted Sailors throughout their career advancement, and are available for all enlisted ratings and paygrades.
"The LaDRs effectively provide Sailors and their leadership a guide that displays in one location all of their current and projected enlisted training and education requirements as they advance," said Richard Nein, NETC LaDR program analyst. "The LaDRs also include suggested certifications, apprenticeships and educational opportunities that can help with job performance and advancement."
Previously, LaDRs were static .pdf documents reviewed and updated annually, drawing from revisions and modifications submitted to NETC by 13 separate learning centers and three training support centers throughout the Navy.
By using the newly-launched application, the learning centers are able to review and directly update the LaDRs as needed for their specific ratings and the changes are reflected and available to Sailors immediately. LaDRs support a career-long learning continuum, helping Sailors prepare for their role in the fleet.
"LaDR accuracy and standardization are now greatly improved," said Tom Smith, NETC Enlisted Professional Military Program coordinator. "We've added a sample career path to all LaDRs; a short document developed by detailers and community managers that outlines the ideal career for a Sailor to follow in their given rate, to include tours, education, and assignments. It's a valuable tool for a senior and a subordinate to have a discussion about that person's career. It gives a junior Sailor a career path to follow."
Master Chief Navy Counselor James Brady, Command Career Counselor for the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), is a strong believer that LaDRs are tools that can significantly help a Sailor's career navigation.
"LaDRs play a vital role in a Sailor's career right from the start," explained Brady. "We as command career counselors should ensure that every Sailor gets a detailed explanation of how to utilize this valuable tool throughout their time in the Navy. Not only will it make them a better Sailor, but it will also prepare them for the private sector, college, and life itself. It is highly stressed the LaDR be reviewed regularly by the Sailor and referenced by the chain of command during Career Development Boards."
Air-Traffic Controller 2nd Class Michelle Coleman plans to make master chief one day.
"I like that the LaDR shows you where you need to be for the next pay grade," said Coleman. "It's a lot of valuable information, including online courses, a degree plan, and shipboard qualifications. Also, the recommended readings and leadership courses are appreciated."
For more information about LaDRs, visit Navy Knowledge Online: www.nko.navy.mil. For more information about Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-Line, visit www.cool.navy.mil
For more information about the Naval Education and Training Command, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/ andwww.navy.mil/local/cnet/.
Navy Creates Designation to Identify Officers with Pacific Region Expertise
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy has created five Additional Qualification Designators (AQD) to identify officers with experience and education relating to the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) area of responsibility (AOR).
In an effort to identify and manage the talent that exists in the Navy, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus wanted to create a way of tracking those with regional expertise so they can be effectively used.
The AQDs align with the Asia Pacific (APAC) Hands concept, which supports the "rebalance toward the APAC region." The goal of the APAC Hands program is to develop officers with enhanced regional and operational understanding who then are able to continue to progress to senior decision making levels within their communities.
The five PACOM AOR-focused AQDs are structured to identify increasing levels of regional proficiency. This proficiency is gained through education or experience, or a combination of both. The AQDs align with the regional proficiency skill level guidelines outlined in the Department of Defense (DOD) Instruction 5160.70, Management of DOD Language and Regional Proficiency Capabilities and are applicable both to billets and officers of all designators. The AQDs will facilitate distribution, requirements identification, and personnel tracking.
More information on the AQD series and corresponding requirements for each level are found in the Manual of Navy Officer Manpower and Personnel Classifications, Volume I, and on the Navy Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture (LREC) website at http://www.public.navy.mil/
Eligible officers will be coded with an AQD corresponding to the appropriate level of PACOM AOR-related experience and/or education. Experience typically will be accumulated by serving in AQD-coded billets, which are aligned to existing community requirements (e.g. regional desk officers, attaches and other embassy personnel, intelligence staffs, operational planners, public affairs officers). Because APAC Hands will be assigned to billets consistent with their designators, they will remain competitive within their communities.
All commands are highly encouraged to identify APAC Hand positions that may require or be enhanced by regional knowledge. Typically, these billets will be found on staffs at the operational or strategic level and will be related to the work required by the incumbent rather than based on a physical location. Coding billets will facilitate opportunities for education en route, which should reduce manning shortfalls and minimize the requirement for on the job training to learn regional dynamics.
Officers who already have qualifying experience and/or education may self-nominate for an APAC Hands AQD. Information on how to apply, along with other amplifying information, can be found in NAVADMIN 034/15.
For more information, visit Navy's LREC website and the Facebook page at
http://www.facebook.com/
For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy has created five Additional Qualification Designators (AQD) to identify officers with experience and education relating to the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) area of responsibility (AOR).
In an effort to identify and manage the talent that exists in the Navy, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus wanted to create a way of tracking those with regional expertise so they can be effectively used.
The AQDs align with the Asia Pacific (APAC) Hands concept, which supports the "rebalance toward the APAC region." The goal of the APAC Hands program is to develop officers with enhanced regional and operational understanding who then are able to continue to progress to senior decision making levels within their communities.
The five PACOM AOR-focused AQDs are structured to identify increasing levels of regional proficiency. This proficiency is gained through education or experience, or a combination of both. The AQDs align with the regional proficiency skill level guidelines outlined in the Department of Defense (DOD) Instruction 5160.70, Management of DOD Language and Regional Proficiency Capabilities and are applicable both to billets and officers of all designators. The AQDs will facilitate distribution, requirements identification, and personnel tracking.
More information on the AQD series and corresponding requirements for each level are found in the Manual of Navy Officer Manpower and Personnel Classifications, Volume I, and on the Navy Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture (LREC) website at http://www.public.navy.mil/
Eligible officers will be coded with an AQD corresponding to the appropriate level of PACOM AOR-related experience and/or education. Experience typically will be accumulated by serving in AQD-coded billets, which are aligned to existing community requirements (e.g. regional desk officers, attaches and other embassy personnel, intelligence staffs, operational planners, public affairs officers). Because APAC Hands will be assigned to billets consistent with their designators, they will remain competitive within their communities.
All commands are highly encouraged to identify APAC Hand positions that may require or be enhanced by regional knowledge. Typically, these billets will be found on staffs at the operational or strategic level and will be related to the work required by the incumbent rather than based on a physical location. Coding billets will facilitate opportunities for education en route, which should reduce manning shortfalls and minimize the requirement for on the job training to learn regional dynamics.
Officers who already have qualifying experience and/or education may self-nominate for an APAC Hands AQD. Information on how to apply, along with other amplifying information, can be found in NAVADMIN 034/15.
For more information, visit Navy's LREC website and the Facebook page at
http://www.facebook.com/
For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.
Department of the Navy Releases Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Proposal
From the Office of the Chief of Information
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of the Navy released its proposed $161.0 billion budget Feb. 2 for fiscal year 2016.
This budget is part of the $534.3 billion defense budget President Barack Obama submitted to Congress on the same day.
Rear Adm. William Lescher, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Budget, briefed media at the Department of Defense budget press conference about the Navy and Marine Corps portion of the budget.
"Our PB16 budget submission balances warfighting readiness with our Nation's fiscal challenges," said Lescher. "Our force employment approach aligns capability, capacity and readiness to regional mission demands, ensuring our most modern and technologically advanced forces are located where their combat power is needed most, delivering presence where it matters, when it matters."
This year's budget submission was guided by the Chief of Naval Operations' tenants of warfighting first, operate forward, and be ready. It makes critical investments in people, ships, and innovation, so that the Department of the Navy can execute the Defense Strategy.
The Department of the Navy requested $44.4 billion for procurement, focused on providing stability in the shipbuilding account and keeping the Navy on track to reach 304 ships by FY20. In FY16 the Navy will buy nine new ships, including two Arleigh Burke destroyers, two Virginia-class submarines, three Littoral Combat Ships as well as the first next generation logistics fleet resupply ship, the T-AO(X).
Additionally, this includes fully funding the refueling for the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, and the procurement of a Dock Landing Ship (LPD 28) that Congress provided partial funds for in the FY15 budget. The budget includes a $50.4 billion request for operations and maintenance, reflecting a strong emphasis on restoring stressed readiness as the Navy and Marine Corps team continue to operate forward in a challenging security environment.
This year's submission includes $17.9 billion for research and development, reflecting the emphasis on developing key capabilities for the future. This increase in research and development funding supports the Navy-Marine Corps team by providing technological advantages against adversaries in all environments and spectrums.
"Overall, the budget presented to Congress for FY16 reflects a balance of investments guided by the Quadrennial Defense Review strategy and Combatant Commander requirements across capacity, capability and readiness," said Lescher. "Across the full scope of the request, a strong focus on innovation and reform provided the foundation for maximizing the value of resources invested and sustaining our warfighting edge."
To view the proposed FY16 DoN budget documents, visit http://www.finance.hq.navy.
Highlights of the proposed DoD budget are outlined at http://www.finance.hq.navy.
For more news, visit www.navy.mil.
From the Office of the Chief of Information
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of the Navy released its proposed $161.0 billion budget Feb. 2 for fiscal year 2016.
This budget is part of the $534.3 billion defense budget President Barack Obama submitted to Congress on the same day.
Rear Adm. William Lescher, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Budget, briefed media at the Department of Defense budget press conference about the Navy and Marine Corps portion of the budget.
"Our PB16 budget submission balances warfighting readiness with our Nation's fiscal challenges," said Lescher. "Our force employment approach aligns capability, capacity and readiness to regional mission demands, ensuring our most modern and technologically advanced forces are located where their combat power is needed most, delivering presence where it matters, when it matters."
This year's budget submission was guided by the Chief of Naval Operations' tenants of warfighting first, operate forward, and be ready. It makes critical investments in people, ships, and innovation, so that the Department of the Navy can execute the Defense Strategy.
The Department of the Navy requested $44.4 billion for procurement, focused on providing stability in the shipbuilding account and keeping the Navy on track to reach 304 ships by FY20. In FY16 the Navy will buy nine new ships, including two Arleigh Burke destroyers, two Virginia-class submarines, three Littoral Combat Ships as well as the first next generation logistics fleet resupply ship, the T-AO(X).
Additionally, this includes fully funding the refueling for the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, and the procurement of a Dock Landing Ship (LPD 28) that Congress provided partial funds for in the FY15 budget. The budget includes a $50.4 billion request for operations and maintenance, reflecting a strong emphasis on restoring stressed readiness as the Navy and Marine Corps team continue to operate forward in a challenging security environment.
This year's submission includes $17.9 billion for research and development, reflecting the emphasis on developing key capabilities for the future. This increase in research and development funding supports the Navy-Marine Corps team by providing technological advantages against adversaries in all environments and spectrums.
"Overall, the budget presented to Congress for FY16 reflects a balance of investments guided by the Quadrennial Defense Review strategy and Combatant Commander requirements across capacity, capability and readiness," said Lescher. "Across the full scope of the request, a strong focus on innovation and reform provided the foundation for maximizing the value of resources invested and sustaining our warfighting edge."
To view the proposed FY16 DoN budget documents, visit http://www.finance.hq.navy.
Highlights of the proposed DoD budget are outlined at http://www.finance.hq.navy.
For more news, visit www.navy.mil.
SECNAV Establishes Task Force Innovation
From Secretary of Navy Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus announced the establishment of Task Force Innovation (TFI) within the Department of the Navy Jan. 22.
Consisting of subject matter experts from across the department, TFI has been charged with developing a comprehensive innovation agenda for the Navy and Marine Corps.
Specific tasking for TFI includes the creation of the Department of the Navy's innovation vision, the development of bold short and long-term innovation goals and metrics, oversight of coordination across the department and the removal of bureaucratic roadblocks preventing the achievement of these goals.
"From non-state actors, to rising powers, today's threats to our national security and our interests are not just becoming more numerous, they are also accelerating," said Mabus. "Establishing Task Force Innovation will help us develop the best ways to improve our systems and ensure that we are also able to embrace our innovative ideas at a pace that keeps us ahead."
The task force, comprised of special advisors to the Secretary of the Navy as well as representatives from the offices of the Assistant Secretaries of the Navy, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Navy (Policy), the General Counsel, and the Office of Naval Research will focus its efforts on three main areas.
The first, according to a memorandum signed by Mabus establishing TFI, is leveraging innovative practices to create and maintain an adaptive workforce.
This area of focus will involve evaluating the Department of the Navy's culture, policies and processes to ensure the Navy and Marine Corps are attracting, developing and retaining the best talent while creating a risk-tolerant environment that allows these men and women to anticipate and solve the services' most demanding problems.
"This isn't about creating an innovative workforce," said Mabus. "This is about harnessing the creative energy which our Sailors, Marines and civilians already have."
TFI's second area of focus will be ensuring the Department of the Navy is effectively viewing information as an asset.
"We develop large amounts of data in the Navy and Marine Corps - everything from measuring our acquisition programs to the lessons learned from deployments and operations," Mabus said. "We should be taking advantage of modern advances in computing power and analytical tools to ensure we are using all this information as a strategic asset."
TFI has also been charged with rethinking how the Department of the Navy values and shares information to ensure that processes within the Navy and Marine Corps allow the services to move at the speed required to perform their mission in the information age.
The final area of focus for TFI will be ensuring emerging operational capabilities have a clear and expedient path to the fleet. The new concepts specifically being addressed by TFI will include adaptive force packages, unmanned systems, non-lethal weapons, directed energy weapons and additive manufacturing.
"The Navy and Marine Corps need to continue to press forward with emerging capabilities and our next generation weapons and operating concepts," said Mabus.
TFI will have 60 days to provide a detailed innovation agenda clearly stating the actions required to prepare the Department of the Navy for the future. They will report directly to the Undersecretary of the Navy.
"Innovation requires bringing together novel ideas and repurposing resources in order to fundamentally do things differently and to create beneficial outcomes," said Mabus. "This involves using our greatest asset to its full potential - the intellectual capital of our remarkable workforce. I am confident that by working together, we will develop creative solutions to the most demanding challenges that lie ahead of us."
For more news from the Secretary of the Navy, visit www.navy.mil/local/secnav or www.facebook.com/
From Secretary of Navy Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus announced the establishment of Task Force Innovation (TFI) within the Department of the Navy Jan. 22.
Consisting of subject matter experts from across the department, TFI has been charged with developing a comprehensive innovation agenda for the Navy and Marine Corps.
Specific tasking for TFI includes the creation of the Department of the Navy's innovation vision, the development of bold short and long-term innovation goals and metrics, oversight of coordination across the department and the removal of bureaucratic roadblocks preventing the achievement of these goals.
"From non-state actors, to rising powers, today's threats to our national security and our interests are not just becoming more numerous, they are also accelerating," said Mabus. "Establishing Task Force Innovation will help us develop the best ways to improve our systems and ensure that we are also able to embrace our innovative ideas at a pace that keeps us ahead."
The task force, comprised of special advisors to the Secretary of the Navy as well as representatives from the offices of the Assistant Secretaries of the Navy, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Navy (Policy), the General Counsel, and the Office of Naval Research will focus its efforts on three main areas.
The first, according to a memorandum signed by Mabus establishing TFI, is leveraging innovative practices to create and maintain an adaptive workforce.
This area of focus will involve evaluating the Department of the Navy's culture, policies and processes to ensure the Navy and Marine Corps are attracting, developing and retaining the best talent while creating a risk-tolerant environment that allows these men and women to anticipate and solve the services' most demanding problems.
"This isn't about creating an innovative workforce," said Mabus. "This is about harnessing the creative energy which our Sailors, Marines and civilians already have."
TFI's second area of focus will be ensuring the Department of the Navy is effectively viewing information as an asset.
"We develop large amounts of data in the Navy and Marine Corps - everything from measuring our acquisition programs to the lessons learned from deployments and operations," Mabus said. "We should be taking advantage of modern advances in computing power and analytical tools to ensure we are using all this information as a strategic asset."
TFI has also been charged with rethinking how the Department of the Navy values and shares information to ensure that processes within the Navy and Marine Corps allow the services to move at the speed required to perform their mission in the information age.
The final area of focus for TFI will be ensuring emerging operational capabilities have a clear and expedient path to the fleet. The new concepts specifically being addressed by TFI will include adaptive force packages, unmanned systems, non-lethal weapons, directed energy weapons and additive manufacturing.
"The Navy and Marine Corps need to continue to press forward with emerging capabilities and our next generation weapons and operating concepts," said Mabus.
TFI will have 60 days to provide a detailed innovation agenda clearly stating the actions required to prepare the Department of the Navy for the future. They will report directly to the Undersecretary of the Navy.
"Innovation requires bringing together novel ideas and repurposing resources in order to fundamentally do things differently and to create beneficial outcomes," said Mabus. "This involves using our greatest asset to its full potential - the intellectual capital of our remarkable workforce. I am confident that by working together, we will develop creative solutions to the most demanding challenges that lie ahead of us."
For more news from the Secretary of the Navy, visit www.navy.mil/local/secnav or www.facebook.com/
(Nearly) Free College Degree Possible Through NCPACE
By Susan D. Henson, Center for Personal and Professional Development Public Affairs Officer
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- College tuition is a huge bargain for Sailors taking classes through Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) - in fact it's almost free.
NCPACE, one of numerous programs administered by Navy Voluntary Education (VOLED), is offered to officer and enlisted Sailors assigned to ships and deployable commands (Type 2 and 4 duty) to provide undergraduate and graduate educational opportunities on par with those available to Sailors on shore duty. With tuition funded at 100 percent, students are responsible only for the cost of textbooks and related materials.
Approximately 7,200 individual Sailors participated in NCPACE in FY-13, accounting for more than 10,700 enrollments.
Commands must have an active NCPACE program for Sailors to participate. One such command is the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, which Maintenance Control team member and Education Services Officer (ESO) Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class (AW) John Phillips is glad about. Using NCPACE, he completed a Master of Arts in administrative leadership with the University of Oklahoma in December.
"I enlisted in the Navy to serve my country and was aware the GI Bill provided an opportunity to complete my education," said Philips. "Once in the Navy, the additional educational benefits offered such as Tuition Assistance (TA), NCPACE, and college-level exams came as a welcome surprise. Each time I reenlisted, the educational benefits -- which far exceed those offered in most civilian employment -- became a reinforcing factor for staying in."
Most Sailors hear "Voluntary Education" (VOLED) and tend to think of TA, which pays tuition for courses toward completion of a high school diploma, certificate, or technical or college degree. While TA is the most popular VOLED program the Navy offers, it has annual caps for each participant to ensure as many Sailors as possible have an opportunity to use it. NCPACE courses, however, don't count against a Sailor's annual maximum TA funding cap while still providing the means for Sailors to complete coursework toward a diploma or degree.
This, coupled with the low cost, makes NCPACE among the best educational deals the Navy offers, according to Lt. Cmdr. Mark Wadsworth, director of Voluntary Education Support Site Saufley Field in Pensacola, Florida.
"Sailors only having to foot the bill for books and course materials is a big savings for them," said Wadsworth. "Taking courses through NCPACE is a really good way for Sailors to continue their education, especially when they've maxed out their TA for the year."
Wadsworth pointed out that all NCPACE schools are regionally accredited, meaning Sailors will have maximum flexibility in transferring credits to their home college. Another benefit of NCPACE is flexible term dates that can be tailored to a unit's deployment cycle at the unit ESO's request.
"While NCPACE doesn't have an annual credit hour cap like TA, we do limit Sailors to two NCPACE courses per term regardless of the delivery method being Instructor Led (IL) or Distance Led (DL)," he said. "This, along with the number of terms a command requests, will determine the number of NCPACE courses a Sailor can potentially complete in a year."
The IL delivery method provides an instructor teaching courses while a ship is underway or pierside, while the DL program allows the flexibility of independent study. NCPACE can be continued during in-port periods through coordination with the local Navy College Office, according to Wadsworth. The NCPACE program also offers IL academic skills classes in math, reading and writing to help Sailors improve their skills in those areas.
Chief Navy Counselor (SW/AW) Travis Cook, command career counselor and ESO for Assault Craft Unit One in Coronado, California, has taken NCPACE courses at four commands, which allowed him to earn an Associate of Applied Science through Excelsior College.
"I found out about NCPACE early in my career through my command career counselor and career development boards," said Cook. "I have no doubt that earning my degree has helped me reach the level I've obtained in the Navy as a chief petty officer. So now when I talk to junior Sailors, I tell them that education will not only benefit you when you decide to leave the service, but it can help you while you're still active."
Cook said finding time to participate in NCPACE is, indeed, possible.
"The most challenging part for me was balancing family, work and the education requirements," said Cook. "I would recommend that any Sailor who's interested to first talk to their command career counselor, a mentor or someone in their chain of command for guidance to make sure they meet command requirements and are eligible."
Phillips said Sailors participating in NCPACE should choose the right course delivery method and be ready to maintain self-discipline.
"The DL program is an outstanding opportunity for those who have the drive and tenacity to complete courses outside of a classroom environment, but it can be challenging for those who appreciate continual interaction from an instructor," said Phillips. "The IL program brings the instructor to the student, but it's still challenging because Sailors must dedicate what little free time they may have toward attending class and completing the coursework."
Cook said the key to any Sailor's success in NCPACE is to effectively prioritize personal responsibilities.
"I tell Sailors to remember that your job comes first," said Cook. "Make sure you're ready to handle the responsibility of work and taking classes. Don't rush into something you're not mentally prepared for. When the time is right, take advantage of all the benefits the Navy has to offer."
"Our leadership recognizes that off-duty education is voluntary, but they consider it valuable and a direct reflection on a Sailor's level of motivation for self-improvement," said Phillips. "As such, off-duty education has become a standard question during our Sailor of the Year and Quarter boards, mid-term counselings, and career development boards. Every Sailor is encouraged to take advantage of the various VOLED programs the Navy offers."
Navy VOLED Director Ernest D'Antonio, also a retired U.S. Marine, is personally aware of the challenge of taking courses while assigned to a deployed unit. He still hopes more Sailors will take advantage of NCPACE. "If Sailors who want a college degree take advantage of NCPACE when they can, it will cost them less time and money in the long run," he said. "This program is an all-around win for Sailors who are working toward their degree and trying to save money. It's also a win for participating commands because, just like all VOLED programs, their Sailors are learning critical thinking and analytical skills that help them make informed decision and perform at a higher level, which contributes to overall mission accomplishment."
To sign up for NCPACE, Sailors should contact their unit ESO or servicing Navy College Office.
For more information on the Navy College Program, visit: https://www.navycollege.navy.
For more news from Center for Personal and Professional Development, visit www.navy.mil/local/voledpao/.
By Susan D. Henson, Center for Personal and Professional Development Public Affairs Officer
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- College tuition is a huge bargain for Sailors taking classes through Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) - in fact it's almost free.
NCPACE, one of numerous programs administered by Navy Voluntary Education (VOLED), is offered to officer and enlisted Sailors assigned to ships and deployable commands (Type 2 and 4 duty) to provide undergraduate and graduate educational opportunities on par with those available to Sailors on shore duty. With tuition funded at 100 percent, students are responsible only for the cost of textbooks and related materials.
Approximately 7,200 individual Sailors participated in NCPACE in FY-13, accounting for more than 10,700 enrollments.
Commands must have an active NCPACE program for Sailors to participate. One such command is the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, which Maintenance Control team member and Education Services Officer (ESO) Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class (AW) John Phillips is glad about. Using NCPACE, he completed a Master of Arts in administrative leadership with the University of Oklahoma in December.
"I enlisted in the Navy to serve my country and was aware the GI Bill provided an opportunity to complete my education," said Philips. "Once in the Navy, the additional educational benefits offered such as Tuition Assistance (TA), NCPACE, and college-level exams came as a welcome surprise. Each time I reenlisted, the educational benefits -- which far exceed those offered in most civilian employment -- became a reinforcing factor for staying in."
Most Sailors hear "Voluntary Education" (VOLED) and tend to think of TA, which pays tuition for courses toward completion of a high school diploma, certificate, or technical or college degree. While TA is the most popular VOLED program the Navy offers, it has annual caps for each participant to ensure as many Sailors as possible have an opportunity to use it. NCPACE courses, however, don't count against a Sailor's annual maximum TA funding cap while still providing the means for Sailors to complete coursework toward a diploma or degree.
This, coupled with the low cost, makes NCPACE among the best educational deals the Navy offers, according to Lt. Cmdr. Mark Wadsworth, director of Voluntary Education Support Site Saufley Field in Pensacola, Florida.
"Sailors only having to foot the bill for books and course materials is a big savings for them," said Wadsworth. "Taking courses through NCPACE is a really good way for Sailors to continue their education, especially when they've maxed out their TA for the year."
Wadsworth pointed out that all NCPACE schools are regionally accredited, meaning Sailors will have maximum flexibility in transferring credits to their home college. Another benefit of NCPACE is flexible term dates that can be tailored to a unit's deployment cycle at the unit ESO's request.
"While NCPACE doesn't have an annual credit hour cap like TA, we do limit Sailors to two NCPACE courses per term regardless of the delivery method being Instructor Led (IL) or Distance Led (DL)," he said. "This, along with the number of terms a command requests, will determine the number of NCPACE courses a Sailor can potentially complete in a year."
The IL delivery method provides an instructor teaching courses while a ship is underway or pierside, while the DL program allows the flexibility of independent study. NCPACE can be continued during in-port periods through coordination with the local Navy College Office, according to Wadsworth. The NCPACE program also offers IL academic skills classes in math, reading and writing to help Sailors improve their skills in those areas.
Chief Navy Counselor (SW/AW) Travis Cook, command career counselor and ESO for Assault Craft Unit One in Coronado, California, has taken NCPACE courses at four commands, which allowed him to earn an Associate of Applied Science through Excelsior College.
"I found out about NCPACE early in my career through my command career counselor and career development boards," said Cook. "I have no doubt that earning my degree has helped me reach the level I've obtained in the Navy as a chief petty officer. So now when I talk to junior Sailors, I tell them that education will not only benefit you when you decide to leave the service, but it can help you while you're still active."
Cook said finding time to participate in NCPACE is, indeed, possible.
"The most challenging part for me was balancing family, work and the education requirements," said Cook. "I would recommend that any Sailor who's interested to first talk to their command career counselor, a mentor or someone in their chain of command for guidance to make sure they meet command requirements and are eligible."
Phillips said Sailors participating in NCPACE should choose the right course delivery method and be ready to maintain self-discipline.
"The DL program is an outstanding opportunity for those who have the drive and tenacity to complete courses outside of a classroom environment, but it can be challenging for those who appreciate continual interaction from an instructor," said Phillips. "The IL program brings the instructor to the student, but it's still challenging because Sailors must dedicate what little free time they may have toward attending class and completing the coursework."
Cook said the key to any Sailor's success in NCPACE is to effectively prioritize personal responsibilities.
"I tell Sailors to remember that your job comes first," said Cook. "Make sure you're ready to handle the responsibility of work and taking classes. Don't rush into something you're not mentally prepared for. When the time is right, take advantage of all the benefits the Navy has to offer."
"Our leadership recognizes that off-duty education is voluntary, but they consider it valuable and a direct reflection on a Sailor's level of motivation for self-improvement," said Phillips. "As such, off-duty education has become a standard question during our Sailor of the Year and Quarter boards, mid-term counselings, and career development boards. Every Sailor is encouraged to take advantage of the various VOLED programs the Navy offers."
Navy VOLED Director Ernest D'Antonio, also a retired U.S. Marine, is personally aware of the challenge of taking courses while assigned to a deployed unit. He still hopes more Sailors will take advantage of NCPACE. "If Sailors who want a college degree take advantage of NCPACE when they can, it will cost them less time and money in the long run," he said. "This program is an all-around win for Sailors who are working toward their degree and trying to save money. It's also a win for participating commands because, just like all VOLED programs, their Sailors are learning critical thinking and analytical skills that help them make informed decision and perform at a higher level, which contributes to overall mission accomplishment."
To sign up for NCPACE, Sailors should contact their unit ESO or servicing Navy College Office.
For more information on the Navy College Program, visit: https://www.navycollege.navy.
For more news from Center for Personal and Professional Development, visit www.navy.mil/local/voledpao/.
Back to the Future: The Time to Write Your Chapter of Naval History is Now
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Lockwood,
Naval History and Heritage Command, Communication and Outreach Division
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- If you haven't started, now's the time to begin gathering together your command's Command Operations Report (COR) in preparation for the March 1 deadline, and to make the process easier, commands can now submit their reports electronically.
By policy, all ships, submarines, squadrons and Navy commands listed in the Standard Navy Distribution List are required to submit a COR to the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) operational archive.
The COR archive permanently records command operations and major achievements for future generations. For shore commands and squadrons, it's the only record that remains reliably on file for future reference as they, unlike ships, don't use deck logs.
"In previous years, NHHC didn't have reliable electronic storage capacity to receive all of the reports commands submitted via email," said Joe Gordon, NHHC's lead reference archivist. This year, that limitation has been removed.
It's also been simplified.
"In the past, we have had three smaller electronic mailboxes for Unclassified COR submissions. This year, we would like ALL Unclassified COR submissions sent to archivemail@navy.mil in order to avoid confusion and decrease duplicate submissions. Confidential and Secret CORs should be sent to the classified electronic mailbox, archives@navy.smil.mil."
However, Gordon said, "Top Secret CORs should be forwarded via courier to NHHC, and SCI CORs and supporting materials should be forwarded via courier to the Office of Naval Intelligence. Reports and enclosures too large to be sent electronically may still be mailed-being careful to follow the guidelines for submitting classified material."
When emailing CORs, commands should use this subject heading: "[Title of Command] COR Submission." For example: "USS George Washington (CVN 73) COR Submission."
Additionally, said Laura Waayers, an archivist at NHHC, "If people are sending photographs, CD-ROMs, or any other hard copy item, those need to be sent via UPS or FedEx, not via the postal service. Our incoming mail is subjected to security measures and this process tends to damage just about everything. Unfortunately in the past, we have received historically valuable items in the mail that have been completely ruined. Photographs have been stuck together, ink has peeled off of documents, CD-ROMs have been damaged, etc."
For those who may never have written a COR before, the guiding instruction is OPNAV 5750.12K. While the entire document should be read and understood, the heart of it is section three, the monthly chronology and narrative. The monthly chronology includes major operational and other significant events by month, and the narrative provides details and context for each major event. Please note: the listed email address in the instruction has been replaced by the email address listed above for providing NHHC with unclassified material.
When familiarizing yourself with the instruction, said Gordon, "Note the list of enclosures for each type of COR: fleet command, ship command, aviation command, and shore command. The list of enclosures will not apply to every command and only indicates the type of information we have found to be useful from a historical point of view."
When writing and compiling the report, commands should include any documents related to their primary activities, like deployments, underway periods, qualifications achieved and awards earned. Accuracy is essential. According to the archives staff, in the past, some important activities and information have been left out and "unpleasant" information deliberately omitted altogether, distorting the historical record.
"A piece of advice to keep in mind is to use plain language," said Waayers. Spell out acronyms, describe operation names, etc.
"The people who will be using these reports, for the most part, do not know what all the acronyms and abbreviations mean. I've been working for the Navy for five years, but I'm still learning 'Navy speak,'" she said.
Examples of documents often missing in the report or incomplete include:
-- Detailed chronologies that show the dates of movements and major operations of a command, with a narrative elaborating on the chronology
-- An accurate description of the command's mission
-- Supporting reports, which can be submitted "as is"
-- Operational and administrative chains of command listing at least commanding and executive officers and command master chiefs
-- Official records, such as medical logs, patrol reports, records about ship modifications, and message traffic.
-- Also, commands with rotational crews, such as some submarines and patrol craft, need to submit complete reports for each crew.
These records retained at NHHC are a key source to respond to questions from veterans, Congress, scholars, media and the public about general naval history as well as historic details from specific ships and commands. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests are common, as well. When there's no report to refer to, there is a gaping hole in the Navy's historical narrative which also means the hard work and efforts of Navy commands and people go unrecognized. What's worse is a missing COR may have contained the piece of information a veteran needed to acquire essential benefits such as medical care.
To help compile a report, authors may consider keeping a diary throughout the year and have access to key documents and reports.
Exceptions to the March 1 deadline are possible, but commands need to contact NHHC in order to get this extension. Even if a command doesn't call or have an extension, they should still try to get the COR submitted as soon as possible.
A delinquent list will be published by NHHC listing all commands which have not submitted a report, or been granted an extension.
Additional information about Command Operations Reports as well as a COR template can be downloaded at NHHC's website here: http://www.history.navy.mil/
For more information, please contact John Greco at John.Greco1@navy.mil, Laura Waayers at laura.waayers@navy.mil, or Dale "Joe" Gordon at dale.gordon@navy.mil, or call the NHHC Operational Archive front desk at 202-433-3224.
For more news from Naval History and Heritage Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navhist/.
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Lockwood,
Naval History and Heritage Command, Communication and Outreach Division
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- If you haven't started, now's the time to begin gathering together your command's Command Operations Report (COR) in preparation for the March 1 deadline, and to make the process easier, commands can now submit their reports electronically.
By policy, all ships, submarines, squadrons and Navy commands listed in the Standard Navy Distribution List are required to submit a COR to the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) operational archive.
The COR archive permanently records command operations and major achievements for future generations. For shore commands and squadrons, it's the only record that remains reliably on file for future reference as they, unlike ships, don't use deck logs.
"In previous years, NHHC didn't have reliable electronic storage capacity to receive all of the reports commands submitted via email," said Joe Gordon, NHHC's lead reference archivist. This year, that limitation has been removed.
It's also been simplified.
"In the past, we have had three smaller electronic mailboxes for Unclassified COR submissions. This year, we would like ALL Unclassified COR submissions sent to archivemail@navy.mil in order to avoid confusion and decrease duplicate submissions. Confidential and Secret CORs should be sent to the classified electronic mailbox, archives@navy.smil.mil."
However, Gordon said, "Top Secret CORs should be forwarded via courier to NHHC, and SCI CORs and supporting materials should be forwarded via courier to the Office of Naval Intelligence. Reports and enclosures too large to be sent electronically may still be mailed-being careful to follow the guidelines for submitting classified material."
When emailing CORs, commands should use this subject heading: "[Title of Command] COR Submission." For example: "USS George Washington (CVN 73) COR Submission."
Additionally, said Laura Waayers, an archivist at NHHC, "If people are sending photographs, CD-ROMs, or any other hard copy item, those need to be sent via UPS or FedEx, not via the postal service. Our incoming mail is subjected to security measures and this process tends to damage just about everything. Unfortunately in the past, we have received historically valuable items in the mail that have been completely ruined. Photographs have been stuck together, ink has peeled off of documents, CD-ROMs have been damaged, etc."
For those who may never have written a COR before, the guiding instruction is OPNAV 5750.12K. While the entire document should be read and understood, the heart of it is section three, the monthly chronology and narrative. The monthly chronology includes major operational and other significant events by month, and the narrative provides details and context for each major event. Please note: the listed email address in the instruction has been replaced by the email address listed above for providing NHHC with unclassified material.
When familiarizing yourself with the instruction, said Gordon, "Note the list of enclosures for each type of COR: fleet command, ship command, aviation command, and shore command. The list of enclosures will not apply to every command and only indicates the type of information we have found to be useful from a historical point of view."
When writing and compiling the report, commands should include any documents related to their primary activities, like deployments, underway periods, qualifications achieved and awards earned. Accuracy is essential. According to the archives staff, in the past, some important activities and information have been left out and "unpleasant" information deliberately omitted altogether, distorting the historical record.
"A piece of advice to keep in mind is to use plain language," said Waayers. Spell out acronyms, describe operation names, etc.
"The people who will be using these reports, for the most part, do not know what all the acronyms and abbreviations mean. I've been working for the Navy for five years, but I'm still learning 'Navy speak,'" she said.
Examples of documents often missing in the report or incomplete include:
-- Detailed chronologies that show the dates of movements and major operations of a command, with a narrative elaborating on the chronology
-- An accurate description of the command's mission
-- Supporting reports, which can be submitted "as is"
-- Operational and administrative chains of command listing at least commanding and executive officers and command master chiefs
-- Official records, such as medical logs, patrol reports, records about ship modifications, and message traffic.
-- Also, commands with rotational crews, such as some submarines and patrol craft, need to submit complete reports for each crew.
These records retained at NHHC are a key source to respond to questions from veterans, Congress, scholars, media and the public about general naval history as well as historic details from specific ships and commands. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests are common, as well. When there's no report to refer to, there is a gaping hole in the Navy's historical narrative which also means the hard work and efforts of Navy commands and people go unrecognized. What's worse is a missing COR may have contained the piece of information a veteran needed to acquire essential benefits such as medical care.
To help compile a report, authors may consider keeping a diary throughout the year and have access to key documents and reports.
Exceptions to the March 1 deadline are possible, but commands need to contact NHHC in order to get this extension. Even if a command doesn't call or have an extension, they should still try to get the COR submitted as soon as possible.
A delinquent list will be published by NHHC listing all commands which have not submitted a report, or been granted an extension.
Additional information about Command Operations Reports as well as a COR template can be downloaded at NHHC's website here: http://www.history.navy.mil/
For more information, please contact John Greco at John.Greco1@navy.mil, Laura Waayers at laura.waayers@navy.mil, or Dale "Joe" Gordon at dale.gordon@navy.mil, or call the NHHC Operational Archive front desk at 202-433-3224.
For more news from Naval History and Heritage Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navhist/.
Joint Services Transcript Request Process Streamlined
By Susan D. Henson, Center for Personal and Professional Development Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors can expect their requests for Joint Services Transcript (JST) updates to take less time with a streamlined process that will begin Dec. 15.
The processing change removes the intermediate step of Sailors submitting JST requests to the Center for Personal and Professional Development's (CPPD) Virtual Education Center (VEC) in Virginia Beach.
Sailors will, instead, submit JST requests directly via mail, email or fax to JST Operations at Naval Education and Training Professional Development Technology Center (NETPDTC) in Pensacola, Florida.
According to Ernest D'Antonio, CPPD's Voluntary Education (VOLED) program director, the change will benefit Sailors in a few ways.
"Although Navy Voluntary Education still retains program management responsibilities for JST, under the new process Sailors will wait less time to get updates to their JSTs," said D'Antonio. "The VEC team will also have more time to assist Sailors enrolling in and pursuing off-duty education since the VEC will no longer be reviewing JST documents."
Under the outgoing system, the VEC received and reviewed documents such as official JST requests, special mailings, JST corrections and updates, DD-214 documents, and official college transcripts to add degrees. After the review was completed, the VEC forwarded eligible documents to JST operations to process.
Under the new system, Sailors and veterans send their documents directly to JST operations.
"This change will streamline the process and ensure JST corrections and additions are processed more quickly," said Susan Sutter, VEC supervisor. "It also means that a degree added to Sailors' JSTs will transmit faster to their other Navy records."
The VEC is continuing to process JST requests during the transition until Dec. 15. Any JST requests received at the VEC after that date will be forwarded to JST Operations for processing, Sutter said.
JST processing is already relatively user friendly, Sutter said.
"For example, Sailors can request an official JST be sent to their education institution in just a few minutes. All they have to do is log on the JST website and submit an official transcript request.
"And to add non-academic certifications such as master training specialist and Homeland Security to a JST, they simply email, fax or mail a certified true copy of their certificate to JST operations," she said.
Although the VEC will still assist Sailors with questions about the JST process, Sailors may also contact JST Operations directly at the following:
NETPDTC
ATTN: JST Operations Center, N615
6490 Saufley Field Road
Pensacola, FL 32509
Website: https://jst.doded.mil
Email: jst@doded.mil
Fax: (850) 473-6013 or DSN 753-6013
For more information about the Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD), visit:https://www.netc.navy.mil/
For more news from the Center for Personal and Professional Development, visit www.navy.mil/local/voledpao/.
Find CPPD on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/
CPPD: Where Mind Meets Mission
By Susan D. Henson, Center for Personal and Professional Development Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors can expect their requests for Joint Services Transcript (JST) updates to take less time with a streamlined process that will begin Dec. 15.
The processing change removes the intermediate step of Sailors submitting JST requests to the Center for Personal and Professional Development's (CPPD) Virtual Education Center (VEC) in Virginia Beach.
Sailors will, instead, submit JST requests directly via mail, email or fax to JST Operations at Naval Education and Training Professional Development Technology Center (NETPDTC) in Pensacola, Florida.
According to Ernest D'Antonio, CPPD's Voluntary Education (VOLED) program director, the change will benefit Sailors in a few ways.
"Although Navy Voluntary Education still retains program management responsibilities for JST, under the new process Sailors will wait less time to get updates to their JSTs," said D'Antonio. "The VEC team will also have more time to assist Sailors enrolling in and pursuing off-duty education since the VEC will no longer be reviewing JST documents."
Under the outgoing system, the VEC received and reviewed documents such as official JST requests, special mailings, JST corrections and updates, DD-214 documents, and official college transcripts to add degrees. After the review was completed, the VEC forwarded eligible documents to JST operations to process.
Under the new system, Sailors and veterans send their documents directly to JST operations.
"This change will streamline the process and ensure JST corrections and additions are processed more quickly," said Susan Sutter, VEC supervisor. "It also means that a degree added to Sailors' JSTs will transmit faster to their other Navy records."
The VEC is continuing to process JST requests during the transition until Dec. 15. Any JST requests received at the VEC after that date will be forwarded to JST Operations for processing, Sutter said.
JST processing is already relatively user friendly, Sutter said.
"For example, Sailors can request an official JST be sent to their education institution in just a few minutes. All they have to do is log on the JST website and submit an official transcript request.
"And to add non-academic certifications such as master training specialist and Homeland Security to a JST, they simply email, fax or mail a certified true copy of their certificate to JST operations," she said.
Although the VEC will still assist Sailors with questions about the JST process, Sailors may also contact JST Operations directly at the following:
NETPDTC
ATTN: JST Operations Center, N615
6490 Saufley Field Road
Pensacola, FL 32509
Website: https://jst.doded.mil
Email: jst@doded.mil
Fax: (850) 473-6013 or DSN 753-6013
For more information about the Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD), visit:https://www.netc.navy.mil/
For more news from the Center for Personal and Professional Development, visit www.navy.mil/local/voledpao/.
Find CPPD on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/
CPPD: Where Mind Meets Mission
Changes to Senior Enlisted Academy
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (SEA) is expanding its delivery format to afford every senior chief petty officer the opportunity to attend the SEA prior to selection to master chief petty officer.
This change aligns with the Chief of Naval Operations' vision set forth in the Navy Leader Development Strategy and the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy's focus on developing leaders.
Starting in Fiscal Year 2017, all newly selected senior chief petty officers will be required to complete the SEA in Newport, Rhode Island, or attend either the Air Force Senior Enlisted Academy, Marine Corps Senior Enlisted Academy, Coast Guard Senior Enlisted Academy or Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy, in order to be eligible for advancement to master chief petty officer.
Currently, the SEA resident course is six weeks. To meet the increased resident demand without compromising content, the SEA will modify its delivery format to nine weeks of distance learning online, prior to three weeks of resident education in Newport. By October 2015, all active duty personnel attending the SEA will be required to complete newer, longer requirement, followed by the three-week residence.
During the nine weeks of distance learning, each senior chief should expect to spend approximately three to five hours per week on assignments. Reducing the resident portion to three weeks allows the SEA to increase the number of classes per year without increasing the SEA's footprint requirements for base infrastructure. The shorter course also reduces the Sailor's time away from home and parent command, while not compromising educational content.
The present SEA blended course format, six weeks of distance learning followed by two weeks of rigorous in resident education, will continue to be the primary method to attend the SEA for Reservists.
The enrollment requirements remain the same.
Those Sailors who have already earned the rank of senior chief or are selected prior to the FY17 board will be grandfathered under the old policy and will not be required to attend the SEA. The course still remains a requirement for those who have been selected to become a command senior chief, command master chief or chief of the boat. Additionally, senior chiefs who are selected from the FY17 selection board will have to attend the SEA in order to be eligible for master chief.
Limited funding will be available during a permanent-change-of-station transfer. The vast majority of senior chiefs will attend the SEA on temporary-assigned duty orders. The primary funding for the program will come from the Naval War College.
As a prerequisite to attending the SEA, students must have completed the required 70 hours of online Primary Professional Military Education via Navy Knowledge Online.
It is mandatory that this work be completed prior to arrival at the SEA. The DoD Cyber Awareness Challenge and the Personally Identifiable Information training modules are also mandatory for all users of DoD information systems as required by the Federal Information Security Management Act. All students must provide a printed certificate of completion upon check-in at the SEA.
Students must also be within body composition assessment standards upon arrival. Any student arriving to the SEA out of standards will not be enrolled and required to wait 12 months prior to re-enrollment in the course. Any student who fails the course due to academic performance will also have to wait 12 months to re-enroll.
In general, waivers will not be approved. However, exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis to deal with any extenuating circumstances.
Additional information can be found in NAVADMIN 266/14.
For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (SEA) is expanding its delivery format to afford every senior chief petty officer the opportunity to attend the SEA prior to selection to master chief petty officer.
This change aligns with the Chief of Naval Operations' vision set forth in the Navy Leader Development Strategy and the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy's focus on developing leaders.
Starting in Fiscal Year 2017, all newly selected senior chief petty officers will be required to complete the SEA in Newport, Rhode Island, or attend either the Air Force Senior Enlisted Academy, Marine Corps Senior Enlisted Academy, Coast Guard Senior Enlisted Academy or Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy, in order to be eligible for advancement to master chief petty officer.
Currently, the SEA resident course is six weeks. To meet the increased resident demand without compromising content, the SEA will modify its delivery format to nine weeks of distance learning online, prior to three weeks of resident education in Newport. By October 2015, all active duty personnel attending the SEA will be required to complete newer, longer requirement, followed by the three-week residence.
During the nine weeks of distance learning, each senior chief should expect to spend approximately three to five hours per week on assignments. Reducing the resident portion to three weeks allows the SEA to increase the number of classes per year without increasing the SEA's footprint requirements for base infrastructure. The shorter course also reduces the Sailor's time away from home and parent command, while not compromising educational content.
The present SEA blended course format, six weeks of distance learning followed by two weeks of rigorous in resident education, will continue to be the primary method to attend the SEA for Reservists.
The enrollment requirements remain the same.
Those Sailors who have already earned the rank of senior chief or are selected prior to the FY17 board will be grandfathered under the old policy and will not be required to attend the SEA. The course still remains a requirement for those who have been selected to become a command senior chief, command master chief or chief of the boat. Additionally, senior chiefs who are selected from the FY17 selection board will have to attend the SEA in order to be eligible for master chief.
Limited funding will be available during a permanent-change-of-station transfer. The vast majority of senior chiefs will attend the SEA on temporary-assigned duty orders. The primary funding for the program will come from the Naval War College.
As a prerequisite to attending the SEA, students must have completed the required 70 hours of online Primary Professional Military Education via Navy Knowledge Online.
It is mandatory that this work be completed prior to arrival at the SEA. The DoD Cyber Awareness Challenge and the Personally Identifiable Information training modules are also mandatory for all users of DoD information systems as required by the Federal Information Security Management Act. All students must provide a printed certificate of completion upon check-in at the SEA.
Students must also be within body composition assessment standards upon arrival. Any student arriving to the SEA out of standards will not be enrolled and required to wait 12 months prior to re-enrollment in the course. Any student who fails the course due to academic performance will also have to wait 12 months to re-enroll.
In general, waivers will not be approved. However, exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis to deal with any extenuating circumstances.
Additional information can be found in NAVADMIN 266/14.
For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.
Road Show Scouts Female Submariners
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joe Bishop, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Capt. Rod Hutton, deputy commander for the Enlisted Women in Submarines Task Force, led the Enlisted Women in Submarines Road Show to different military bases in the San Diego area Feb. 9-11.
The road show is spreading the word that the submarine force is now open to female enlisted Sailors from E-1 to E-8. Speakers discussed how junior female Sailors could convert to rates in the submarine force and the type of candidates the force is seeking. In addition, they provided an insight of the lifestyle aboard submarines.
"Up until 21 January all the enlisted billets in the submarine force were previously closed to women," said Hutton. "That policy has now changed and there is an opportunity for our female Sailors to cross the fleet and conduct rating conversions into the submarine force."
Currently, more than 60 female officers are serving throughout the Navy's 76 submarines. They serve aboard guided-missile nuclear submarines (SSGN) and ballistic-missile nuclear submarines (SSBN). They are also slated to be integrated aboard the Virginia-class fast attack submarines (SSN).
In January, three officers reported aboard USS Minnesota (SSN 783), home ported in Groton, Connecticut. USS Virginia (SSN 774), home ported in Groton, will be integrated in calendar year 2015, and the Pearl Harbor, Hawaii-based USS Texas (SSN 775) and USS Mississippi (SSN 782) will be integrated in Fiscal Year 2016.
"It's important for the Navy to incorporate females into the submarine community," said Command Master Chief Veronica Holliday, from the guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108). "There's a lot of talent that female leadership and female Sailors themselves bring to the table that our male counterparts aren't aware of because the experiences have been different."
Phase I of female enlisted integration will begin with the SSGN and SSBN crews in Kings Bay, Georgia, and Bangor, Washington, starting in 2016 and continuing through 2021. Phase II of the integration will begin with the Virginia-class attack submarines in 2020.
"There's an opportunity to bring in, recruit and select for conversion some immense talent and great Sailors to make our submarine force and our Navy across the board stronger," said Hutton. "We're looking for Sailors that are going to bring experience from the surface and aviation communities into the submarine ratings for tomorrow to make the submarine force stronger."
Enlisted females who complete a non-nuclear rating conversion will attend Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS) in Groton, Connecticut, prior to arriving aboard their ship. BESS provides screening of future submariners in adaptability and reliability and prepares Sailors to pursue submarine qualifications aboard an operational submarine.
"It's fantastic to see females integrated into submarines," said Seaman Apprentice Renee Vouy, an A-school student studying to be a sonar technician - surface (advanced electronics field). "I'm excited for the opportunity to be one of the first enlisted females on a submarine."
For more information about enlisted females in submarines go to: http://www.public.navy.mil/
For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, visit www.navy.mil/local/
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joe Bishop, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Capt. Rod Hutton, deputy commander for the Enlisted Women in Submarines Task Force, led the Enlisted Women in Submarines Road Show to different military bases in the San Diego area Feb. 9-11.
The road show is spreading the word that the submarine force is now open to female enlisted Sailors from E-1 to E-8. Speakers discussed how junior female Sailors could convert to rates in the submarine force and the type of candidates the force is seeking. In addition, they provided an insight of the lifestyle aboard submarines.
"Up until 21 January all the enlisted billets in the submarine force were previously closed to women," said Hutton. "That policy has now changed and there is an opportunity for our female Sailors to cross the fleet and conduct rating conversions into the submarine force."
Currently, more than 60 female officers are serving throughout the Navy's 76 submarines. They serve aboard guided-missile nuclear submarines (SSGN) and ballistic-missile nuclear submarines (SSBN). They are also slated to be integrated aboard the Virginia-class fast attack submarines (SSN).
In January, three officers reported aboard USS Minnesota (SSN 783), home ported in Groton, Connecticut. USS Virginia (SSN 774), home ported in Groton, will be integrated in calendar year 2015, and the Pearl Harbor, Hawaii-based USS Texas (SSN 775) and USS Mississippi (SSN 782) will be integrated in Fiscal Year 2016.
"It's important for the Navy to incorporate females into the submarine community," said Command Master Chief Veronica Holliday, from the guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108). "There's a lot of talent that female leadership and female Sailors themselves bring to the table that our male counterparts aren't aware of because the experiences have been different."
Phase I of female enlisted integration will begin with the SSGN and SSBN crews in Kings Bay, Georgia, and Bangor, Washington, starting in 2016 and continuing through 2021. Phase II of the integration will begin with the Virginia-class attack submarines in 2020.
"There's an opportunity to bring in, recruit and select for conversion some immense talent and great Sailors to make our submarine force and our Navy across the board stronger," said Hutton. "We're looking for Sailors that are going to bring experience from the surface and aviation communities into the submarine ratings for tomorrow to make the submarine force stronger."
Enlisted females who complete a non-nuclear rating conversion will attend Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS) in Groton, Connecticut, prior to arriving aboard their ship. BESS provides screening of future submariners in adaptability and reliability and prepares Sailors to pursue submarine qualifications aboard an operational submarine.
"It's fantastic to see females integrated into submarines," said Seaman Apprentice Renee Vouy, an A-school student studying to be a sonar technician - surface (advanced electronics field). "I'm excited for the opportunity to be one of the first enlisted females on a submarine."
For more information about enlisted females in submarines go to: http://www.public.navy.mil/
For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, visit www.navy.mil/local/
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