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28<br />
THE TRADES<br />
Naval Communicator MOS Advisor<br />
By CPO 2 Todd Kelly, CD, HMCS BRUNSWICKER<br />
T<br />
his is the first in a series of articles that will depict the<br />
exciting challenges and opportunities that have been<br />
afforded to us as Naval Communicators today. As a<br />
frame of reference, you should be aware that our trade is undergoing<br />
dramatic and relatively rapid change. Surprising, I know!<br />
Change has been the focus of Annual State of the Trade articles<br />
such as this one since well before 2008. There are a plethora of<br />
documents that are readily available on the DWAN that provide<br />
both background and insight as to the driving force behind this<br />
constant forward migration towards a “One Navy” seagoing force<br />
and, in particular, the ongoing realignment of our trade. I encourage<br />
you to seek these out so that you have a clean trim as to the<br />
way ahead.<br />
So where are we as we near the end of 2012 and what’s coming<br />
up in 2013? The JBOS for the QL1/QL2–QL5A/B have been<br />
aligned such that there is no longer a gap between Reserve and<br />
Regular Force course contents. This presents an important step<br />
away from over 10 years of platform-specific coursing and will<br />
lead to training that can be utilized in any ship of our Fleet,<br />
increasing your opportunities to sail and serve. The focus on<br />
modularized training continues with the goal of creating a training<br />
programme flexible to the needs of part-time sailors. As of this<br />
writing, the discussions on QL3/QL6A are proceeding with the<br />
goal for alignment to be completed in 2013. The alignment<br />
process includes the development of a common Occupational<br />
Function Point (OFP) that will result in greater employability of<br />
our trade personnel.<br />
In August, funding was identified for the CISN OP/ADM course<br />
as part of the KINGSTON-Class High Speed Data Connection<br />
Project (KHSDC). More will follow on this exciting development<br />
in the next edition.<br />
Train to excite is a phrase that you will continue to hear throughout<br />
2013. I will be looking to all of you once again for your valuable<br />
input and suggestions. Our trade site on the DIN will come<br />
down in the coming days to have its content revalidated, and then<br />
translated. In addition, a working group has been established to<br />
produce both Regional and a National competitions that are sure<br />
to test the pigeonholes of your flag locker and your overall trade<br />
knowledge, so get prepared!<br />
LINK Vol. 21, No. 3, November 2012<br />
Our trade is rebuilding. Yes, we are short just over 200 personnel,<br />
however this is not a situation that has occurred over the last<br />
year, rather it reflects an over-eight-year struggle in both recruiting<br />
and retention that we have faced whilst undergoing unprecedented<br />
changes and increased expectations. The Nav Comms in the Fleet<br />
are professional, determined, enthusiastic, competent, intuitive,<br />
problem solvers that have kept our warships at sea despite this<br />
shortage. This has been no small feat and needs to be applauded!<br />
Shortages of personnel mean that we have room for advancement<br />
at all levels, which is also healthy. Going forward, a<br />
Strategic Intake Plan (SIP) is intended to encourage growth<br />
within the trade while maximizing throughput. The approved<br />
2012/13 SIP for Nav Comms is 73 positions—so encourage<br />
your friends and family to join to fill them, and we will move forward<br />
together.<br />
As you can expect, 73 new Nav Comms will need experienced<br />
and motivated instructors in the schools to ensure our traditional<br />
‘elite-of-the-fleet’ trainees receive the best education possible.<br />
Schools have struggled in recent years to maintain appropriate<br />
instructor/student ratios and WE need to turn this around. This is<br />
well within our ability and is paramount to our future success. I<br />
know it is only the fall of 2012. However I ask you to take a critical<br />
look at how you are going to be engaged with the Navy in the<br />
coming months. Then forecast yourself to contribute through<br />
instructional staff, filling a sea-going position or consolidating<br />
your trade knowledge. There has never been a better time to<br />
renew our commitment to the Navy.<br />
In closing, I wish to thank my predecessor CPO 2 Karyn Sihvonen<br />
for her always tactful, diligent, tireless efforts, and overarching<br />
commitment in seeing through the transformation for the betterment<br />
of our trade during the last few years. Standing by principlebased<br />
arguments and justifications is not for the weak at heart<br />
when you are charting new territory. I look forward to working<br />
with you all and on your behalf throughout my appointment as<br />
your Occupational Advisor.
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