A new training session

The ship’s current mission has hit its half-way mark. We’ve finished our operational task group training, and are now performing our diplomatic mission.

In addition to changing mission focus, we have changed trainee crew. Several people who have finished their training packages, or whose temporary duty has expired, flew home during our port visit to Singapore. To replace them, received a new group of trainees. Some of these have shipboard experience, and are training for new positions within their trades. Some have just returned from shore-based training (yes, it still exists). Some are fresh-faced, eager new Ordinary Seamen, stepping on ship for the first time.

My department has a large selection of the last group. We have five new trainees who will be the pilot group for our new training system. The Weapons Engineering Technicians (W Eng Tech) have started with a basic classroom introduction to systems. Now, they get to solidify that classroom training with real-world experience on live equipment. The difference between the old system and the new is that they have no specialty at this point. They will get a basic introduction to each of the five combat systems technical sections (Communications, Sonar, Radar, Armament, and Fire Control), followed by more in-depth training in each of the sections. Only after that has been completed will they make their specialty selections.

Another change to the training is the inclusion of boards in the training process. Sitting a board used to be done at the senior levels only. Now, each apprentice will sit a board to determine their progression to journeyman. The old classroom setting is gone at this level – now, the trainee will learn on live kit in the field¹ and will have to convince the CSE chief, the CSE officer, and the senior tech that they are capable of handling the systems that will be entrusted to them. This will be a challenge, as the student will be given limited time to answer verbal questions. This will eliminate the possibility to return to a question after reviewing the other parts of the exam. It will also challenge those who may not be comfortable with the idea of public speaking, which is unfortunate as many good techs are uncomfortable with being in front of an audience; especially when said audience knows the subject better than they do themselves.

As with all new systems, this training system will have its own set of growing pains. Hopefully these will be worked out fairly quickly, but in the meantime it will give everyone involved, from trainee to trainer, a challenge.