After getting back from the class Saltwater Trip in Norfolk, we settled back into the second round of classes at the Navy Supply Corps School. Sales and disbursing were taught in a very similar fashion to food service and supply management. Not to say that either food service or supply management are any less important but for junior officers these two classes are definitely more relevant. The one exception being for those Ensigns who are still contemplating serving on board a submarine. There are no Sales or Management divisions on a submarine. Depending on the ship, the junior supply officer may be the only individual in the Disbursing division. Sales is a completely different animal all together.
Where disbursing is focused on following procedures and policies to a "T", sales is often more about interacting with the crew and improvising depending on unique situations. In disbursing an Officer can be dealing with large sums of money but is more than likely handling issues with pay, Navy Cash (basically a debit card for the Navy since most ships have gone cashless), or managing the finances for food service and sales. Unlike the government, which seems to misplace funds every once in a while, we are accountable for every dollar. At the end of every month a report is filled out and sent in, that is the main factor that establishes the Disbursing Officer's accountability.
It is a little harder to describe the duties of a Sales Officer. His/Her primary responsibility is running the ship's store but he/she also handles laundry and the barber shop. The daily routine is fluid when dealing with so many aspects; purchasing miscellaneous supplies, managing storerooms, overseeing vending machines, keeping an eye on laundry and barber services and of course running the ship's store. Many of the duties generally associated with the sales division can get quite monotonous for the crew so careful supervision takes a certain amount of time out of the day. On the other hand, being the Sales Officer can be fun, you have a certain amount of freedom when choosing what to order or how to design the store. As long as the operation runs smoothly you are one of the more appreciated Officers on the ship. If clothes start coming back wet or the store runs out of something, that is another story.
Midway into sales and disbursing we received the class billet list. This list contained all the possible billets or positions that the Navy needed filled in the next few months following our graduation. Depending on how well you did in your classes up to this point will have a huge impact on your choices.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Saltwater Trip
Keeping in mind that Athens, GA is no where near a major body of water, the Supply Corps decided it would be a good idea for every class to visit a naval station. Up to this point, the only warship I had ever seen was during OCS and that was a quick tour. Considering that I will be spending the better part of the next two years working on a ship, I was rather anxious for a chance to spend a week living on board one. The trip usually alternates between San Diego and Norfolk, being the two largest naval stations. This trip was scheduled for Norfolk.
About midway through our training at NSCS, between finishing FSM and SM and before starting the next round of classes, one week is set aside to visit the various platforms we could be serving on in the near future. We are given group tours of as many ships as we can fit into our schedule. Personally, I was given the opportunity to see an LSD, Destroyer (DDG), Submarine (SSN), Carrier (CVN), and Cruiser (CG). I was considering several different billet options and these tours helped me rule out wanting to serve on board a bigger ship like a Carrier or LSD. The choice between a small boy (Cruisers, Destroyers, and Frigates) and a Submarine was creating a dilemma for me. This quandary deserves its own post later on, so to be continued...
Our stay on board a warship was interesting, not exactly in a good way though. I am going to let this particular ship remain anonymous, though I do not think I will ever forget its name. Most people are probably used to sleeping in a large bed at home, some may have experienced bunk beds. On a ship, berths are stacked three high, and the ceilings are no higher than at home. That can be a little tight, especially for a guy as big as I am. We were given quarters usually reserved for marine detachments so about thirty of us fit in a large room. This would not have annoyed me so much except for several extenuating circumstances. The first being that air conditioning was never a guarantee from day to day. The second was the bathroom (head). I am not complaining about the fact that about fifty guys shared one head, it was much worse at OCS. What eventually got on my nerves were the stopped up drains in the shower room. This ship was probably not the greatest example to be showing a group of new Officers, although perhaps it gave us a taste of the realities of life at sea.
The other first for me and most of my fellow classmates was interacting with enlisted men and women. OCS and NSCS are both training bases, junior enlisted, who make up the bulk of the military, are seldom seen. I could not walk anywhere without having to return at least a dozen salutes, it actually got a little monotonous. We startled quite a few of them walking in groups of a dozen or so Officers at a time. It is extremely rare to see that many Officers in one place at one time, even on a Carrier. It was funny to gauge some of their reactions, they ranged from a couple of choice words followed by an apology to walking across the street to avoid passing us.
One of the last scheduled events involved attending a social with senior Supply Officers. The ranks ranged from Lieutenants all the way up to an Admiral. They had experience serving on every platform and base imaginable. We took every opportunity to pick their brains for any new knowledge and advice. That element is something that makes me sincerely happy I chose this community. You are never really alone, there are always people out their willing and able to lend a hand.
About midway through our training at NSCS, between finishing FSM and SM and before starting the next round of classes, one week is set aside to visit the various platforms we could be serving on in the near future. We are given group tours of as many ships as we can fit into our schedule. Personally, I was given the opportunity to see an LSD, Destroyer (DDG), Submarine (SSN), Carrier (CVN), and Cruiser (CG). I was considering several different billet options and these tours helped me rule out wanting to serve on board a bigger ship like a Carrier or LSD. The choice between a small boy (Cruisers, Destroyers, and Frigates) and a Submarine was creating a dilemma for me. This quandary deserves its own post later on, so to be continued...
Our stay on board a warship was interesting, not exactly in a good way though. I am going to let this particular ship remain anonymous, though I do not think I will ever forget its name. Most people are probably used to sleeping in a large bed at home, some may have experienced bunk beds. On a ship, berths are stacked three high, and the ceilings are no higher than at home. That can be a little tight, especially for a guy as big as I am. We were given quarters usually reserved for marine detachments so about thirty of us fit in a large room. This would not have annoyed me so much except for several extenuating circumstances. The first being that air conditioning was never a guarantee from day to day. The second was the bathroom (head). I am not complaining about the fact that about fifty guys shared one head, it was much worse at OCS. What eventually got on my nerves were the stopped up drains in the shower room. This ship was probably not the greatest example to be showing a group of new Officers, although perhaps it gave us a taste of the realities of life at sea.
The other first for me and most of my fellow classmates was interacting with enlisted men and women. OCS and NSCS are both training bases, junior enlisted, who make up the bulk of the military, are seldom seen. I could not walk anywhere without having to return at least a dozen salutes, it actually got a little monotonous. We startled quite a few of them walking in groups of a dozen or so Officers at a time. It is extremely rare to see that many Officers in one place at one time, even on a Carrier. It was funny to gauge some of their reactions, they ranged from a couple of choice words followed by an apology to walking across the street to avoid passing us.
One of the last scheduled events involved attending a social with senior Supply Officers. The ranks ranged from Lieutenants all the way up to an Admiral. They had experience serving on every platform and base imaginable. We took every opportunity to pick their brains for any new knowledge and advice. That element is something that makes me sincerely happy I chose this community. You are never really alone, there are always people out their willing and able to lend a hand.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
First Supply Classes
First off, I have to issue a warning, compared to OCS, Supply School is going to sound somewhat bland. There are weeks of intense activity, anxiety and excitement but the focus is on creating a learning environment much like a college. For the most part, the classes we attend every weekday are no different from high school and college. There are some slight differences, one being the level of respect we show our instructors.
For the first two months, we studied Food Service Management (FSM) and Supply Management (SM). Food Service deals with aspects such as ordering food and supplies for the crew, managing that specific department, and auditing a massive quantity of paperwork. Overseeing a menu, keeping spaces sanitary and organized, and managing a budget are just a few of the responsibilities. FSM is probably the hardest department to oversee, feeding the entire crew is a massive undertaking and highly visible to everyone on up to the Commanding Officer.
Supply Management is critical to the operation and well being of the ship or boat in the case of a submarine. Prompt and consist maintenance is always the first consideration of a warship. Every warship needs to be kept in optimal fighting condition. However, it is inevitable that parts will wear out over time. When a part malfunctions or breaks, it needs to be fixed or replaced. Depending on the importance of the part in question, it can impact the mission capabilities of the ship. Most common parts are stocked on board and issued as required but some need to be special ordered. Depending on the importance of the part and current status of the ship there are strict procedures that need to be followed.
The typical structure of classes consist of units taught in a time period of one to two weeks, followed by an exam. Depending on how well students do on the exams, they will be ranked against each other. Unlike OCS, when ranks did not matter, these do. Ranks will determine the pecking order for billet assignments later on. Since the classes are relatively easy, this is the primary motivating factor. Some ships (platforms) are plentiful like Destroyers and Cruisers but others like Submarines and Minesweepers can be scarce.
Aside from classes, students are still expected to perform collateral duties like quarterdeck watches, colors and duty driver. We are encouraged to volunteer in the community, I chose to work with a local animal shelter every weekend. Some of my classmates volunteer for the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and Boy Scouts just to name a few. Giving back to the community is a big deal and part of the image we very much want to portray. Overall though, we have quite a bit of free time to do whatever we want. As much as I am loathe to admit it, I caught up on all my favorite TV series and movies I missed while at OCS.
For the first two months, we studied Food Service Management (FSM) and Supply Management (SM). Food Service deals with aspects such as ordering food and supplies for the crew, managing that specific department, and auditing a massive quantity of paperwork. Overseeing a menu, keeping spaces sanitary and organized, and managing a budget are just a few of the responsibilities. FSM is probably the hardest department to oversee, feeding the entire crew is a massive undertaking and highly visible to everyone on up to the Commanding Officer.
Supply Management is critical to the operation and well being of the ship or boat in the case of a submarine. Prompt and consist maintenance is always the first consideration of a warship. Every warship needs to be kept in optimal fighting condition. However, it is inevitable that parts will wear out over time. When a part malfunctions or breaks, it needs to be fixed or replaced. Depending on the importance of the part in question, it can impact the mission capabilities of the ship. Most common parts are stocked on board and issued as required but some need to be special ordered. Depending on the importance of the part and current status of the ship there are strict procedures that need to be followed.
The typical structure of classes consist of units taught in a time period of one to two weeks, followed by an exam. Depending on how well students do on the exams, they will be ranked against each other. Unlike OCS, when ranks did not matter, these do. Ranks will determine the pecking order for billet assignments later on. Since the classes are relatively easy, this is the primary motivating factor. Some ships (platforms) are plentiful like Destroyers and Cruisers but others like Submarines and Minesweepers can be scarce.
Aside from classes, students are still expected to perform collateral duties like quarterdeck watches, colors and duty driver. We are encouraged to volunteer in the community, I chose to work with a local animal shelter every weekend. Some of my classmates volunteer for the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and Boy Scouts just to name a few. Giving back to the community is a big deal and part of the image we very much want to portray. Overall though, we have quite a bit of free time to do whatever we want. As much as I am loathe to admit it, I caught up on all my favorite TV series and movies I missed while at OCS.
Reporting for NSCS
Every Ensign is faced with a different situation after they graduate from OCS. This depends on their chosen community. Surface Warfare Officers will usually go to their ships right off the bat. All the other communities require specialized training. Pilots and Naval Flight Officers have a few months to wait before classing up in Pensacola for flight school. Nukes and Intelligence Officers have their own respective schools but I honestly know nothing about them other than rumors and speculation.
Since my community was supply, I was ordered to report to Athens, GA by the beginning of the next week. Seemed like a strange place to have a Naval Training Base but Supply School has been there for over fifty years now. Training at OCS consisted of twelve weeks, Navy Supply Corps School (NSCS) consists of about 4 months of highly specialized Supply Corps instruction. I was "stashed" in Athens for several weeks prior to starting my classes. Many of my classmates, having graduated from earlier OCS classes, had been there for months.
In this environment we are treated like Officers, not recruits in boot camp. Most of us live off base and since there is no chow hall, generally fend for ourselves. Having department (NEX) and grocery (Commissary) stores on base is nice, mostly because they are tax free. We have free access to fitness facilities and a small library. There is also a bank, barber shop and doctor's office on the base, just about everything you could ever need.
I have to say it was nice to get settled in before starting up classes. The anticipation of what was to come did start to build day by day. The class started to fill up and each day I reported in there were a few more friends and otherwise new faces.
Since my community was supply, I was ordered to report to Athens, GA by the beginning of the next week. Seemed like a strange place to have a Naval Training Base but Supply School has been there for over fifty years now. Training at OCS consisted of twelve weeks, Navy Supply Corps School (NSCS) consists of about 4 months of highly specialized Supply Corps instruction. I was "stashed" in Athens for several weeks prior to starting my classes. Many of my classmates, having graduated from earlier OCS classes, had been there for months.
In this environment we are treated like Officers, not recruits in boot camp. Most of us live off base and since there is no chow hall, generally fend for ourselves. Having department (NEX) and grocery (Commissary) stores on base is nice, mostly because they are tax free. We have free access to fitness facilities and a small library. There is also a bank, barber shop and doctor's office on the base, just about everything you could ever need.
I have to say it was nice to get settled in before starting up classes. The anticipation of what was to come did start to build day by day. The class started to fill up and each day I reported in there were a few more friends and otherwise new faces.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
OCS Finale Graduation
As the last week of OCS starts spirits are unusually high in the class. All arrangements have been made with families; who is coming, where they are staying and what events they will be attending. Graduation is more than just showing up and walking across a stage. Preparing for this event started many weeks before with spaces being rented and menu choices needing to be decided on.
The first part of the graduation ceremonies is called "Hi Mom's." This is the first chance families have to see their sons and daughters in their officer uniforms. Black electrical tape is still covering the gold Ensign strip on our dress blue jackets but this does not reduce the effect at all. Families meet the class chief petty officers and drill instructors as well as many of the officers who have interacted with the class throughout their stay at OCS. Refreshments are served while introductions are made and then towards the end a slideshow is presented documenting the transition from civilian to naval officer.
The next ceremony is called a Pass and Review. The class lines up in formation with drill rifles and executes a carefully planned march. Friends and family look on while candidates perform the drill moves they put so much blood and sweat into learning. The Commanding Officer looks on as the class marches in step to a band. Afterwords, the class will turn in their rifles and many will leave the barracks for good.
On last PT session is performed early in the morning the day of graduation, although this will be the lightest PT exercise ever performed while at OCS. Friends and family can join in on a run behind the formation while drill instructors bellow their favorite Marine Corps Cadence. Then the only only task left to perform is to get ready for graduation by donning their dress uniforms. The tape is taken off the jacket sleeves reveling a bright gold stripe, never to be covered again. Uniforms are inspected for any lose lent (contraband) and shoes are polished to show a "mirror shine."
The graduation ceremony is fairly typical for any military ceremony. A guest speaker makes a speech followed by an Oath of Office. Then it is time to walk across the stage as an officer for the first time. Ensigns return the salutes from their class chief petty officer and drill instructor for the first time and shake their hands. A first salute picture is taken to celebrate the moment. A silver dollar is presented to them in payment for the expert guidance and training received. Ensigns are presented with their commissions before leaving the stage. A class photo is taken and this concludes both the ceremony and Officer Candidate School.
The first part of the graduation ceremonies is called "Hi Mom's." This is the first chance families have to see their sons and daughters in their officer uniforms. Black electrical tape is still covering the gold Ensign strip on our dress blue jackets but this does not reduce the effect at all. Families meet the class chief petty officers and drill instructors as well as many of the officers who have interacted with the class throughout their stay at OCS. Refreshments are served while introductions are made and then towards the end a slideshow is presented documenting the transition from civilian to naval officer.
The next ceremony is called a Pass and Review. The class lines up in formation with drill rifles and executes a carefully planned march. Friends and family look on while candidates perform the drill moves they put so much blood and sweat into learning. The Commanding Officer looks on as the class marches in step to a band. Afterwords, the class will turn in their rifles and many will leave the barracks for good.
On last PT session is performed early in the morning the day of graduation, although this will be the lightest PT exercise ever performed while at OCS. Friends and family can join in on a run behind the formation while drill instructors bellow their favorite Marine Corps Cadence. Then the only only task left to perform is to get ready for graduation by donning their dress uniforms. The tape is taken off the jacket sleeves reveling a bright gold stripe, never to be covered again. Uniforms are inspected for any lose lent (contraband) and shoes are polished to show a "mirror shine."
The graduation ceremony is fairly typical for any military ceremony. A guest speaker makes a speech followed by an Oath of Office. Then it is time to walk across the stage as an officer for the first time. Ensigns return the salutes from their class chief petty officer and drill instructor for the first time and shake their hands. A first salute picture is taken to celebrate the moment. A silver dollar is presented to them in payment for the expert guidance and training received. Ensigns are presented with their commissions before leaving the stage. A class photo is taken and this concludes both the ceremony and Officer Candidate School.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
OCS Part 6 Candio Phase
Candidate Officer phase is what everyone looks forward to the moment they get to OCS. They have all the perks, everything from being able to yell at the new candidates to being able to actually leave the base for the first time. Candidate officers usually don't get beat and don't have to jump to attention when a drill instructor walks by. Probably the biggest exception is being able to use a cell phone, up until this point candidates should consider themselves lucky to get a five minute phone call every week. Candios are looked up to by the junior classes, and are expected to mentor those who are struggling to adapt to the OCS lifestyle. A good candidate officer can have a big impact on moral and class team building.
Not every aspect of being a candidate officer is rosy though, there are collateral duties that need to be filled. They are responsible for standing watches between several buildings on base. This usually isn't a big deal unless you stand a midnight watch and lose about four hours of sleep that night. A few of them will be duty drivers. These individuals pickup and drop off candidates anytime they need medical attention or supplies from the Navy Exchange (NEX).
Candidate officers have a busy schedule and will probably get less sleep than they did during the previous 9 weeks. They go to bed after the rest of the battalion and wake up earlier to set up morning PT. Screwing up morning PT is one of the few remaining ways to get beat. The junior classes need constant supervision until their drill instructor trusts them enough to function on their own. That supervision comes from the candidate officers working in shifts. Depending on the class and their drill instructor this can be a rewarding experience or a painful one.
There is one thing on the mind of most candidate officers at this point, graduation. Being able to see their families for the first time in months and show them just how much their efforts have paid off in the end.
Not every aspect of being a candidate officer is rosy though, there are collateral duties that need to be filled. They are responsible for standing watches between several buildings on base. This usually isn't a big deal unless you stand a midnight watch and lose about four hours of sleep that night. A few of them will be duty drivers. These individuals pickup and drop off candidates anytime they need medical attention or supplies from the Navy Exchange (NEX).
Candidate officers have a busy schedule and will probably get less sleep than they did during the previous 9 weeks. They go to bed after the rest of the battalion and wake up earlier to set up morning PT. Screwing up morning PT is one of the few remaining ways to get beat. The junior classes need constant supervision until their drill instructor trusts them enough to function on their own. That supervision comes from the candidate officers working in shifts. Depending on the class and their drill instructor this can be a rewarding experience or a painful one.
There is one thing on the mind of most candidate officers at this point, graduation. Being able to see their families for the first time in months and show them just how much their efforts have paid off in the end.
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