Speaking with Sailors

All Hands, May, 2005 by Terry D. Scott

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to fulfill what I consider to be one of the most significant responsibilities I have to Sailors as the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy--testifying on their behalf to the United States Congress. This year's testimony was before the House Appropriations Committee (HAC). Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life and Veterans' Affairs.

The HAC has jurisdiction over discretionary spending. which is approximately one-third of the federal budget. It consists of thousands of programs controlled through annual appropriations acts.

Highlighting accomplishments such as the successful and continuing operations in the global war on terrorism as well as the outstanding efforts in humanitarian missions and tsunami relief, the statement to the subcommittee concentrated on the areas of improvement in housing for families and single Sailors, professional military education and providing support to family members stationed around the globe.

Providing for our families means funding our family support resources; Morale, Welfare and Recreation activities; medical care; commissaries and exchanges; and housing. To me, the latter is especially important.

The resources for adequate and comfortable living conditions ashore are the foundation of the support for Sailors and their families. I have spoken to thousands of Sailors during the past year and have concluded that while the quality of life they enjoy is important, the quality of their work life and the work they do is just as crucial in electing whether to depart the Navy after their first term or to devote a career to the service of our country.

With the demands we have accepted as our duties in the global war on terrorism, we must pay particular attention to these factors if we hope to retain the best quality Sailors.

Operational demands of the global war on terrorism have hindered some Sailors from using their accrued leave, causing some to lose leave because of policy and statutory limitations on the amount of leave service members may carry over from the previous year. Those who do not have the opportunity to use leave due to operational commitments should have the ability to sell beck more than the current limit of 60 days over a career.

Advanced education will emphasize the development of a technical or analytical knowledge base, critical thinking skills, an innovative mindset and competencies to lead the Navy in the future. These education opportunities will include certificates, degree programs, and courses and seminars tailored to meet the professional requirements of all Sailors. We are transforming the way our Navy develops and equips our men and women. As our Navy becomes even more technologically advanced, our workforce is going to need critical thinkers and agile learners.

In addition, we are focusing efforts on caring for the families of our deployed Sailors. Navy OneSource seeks to expand its service to at least 15 percent of the force through an aggressive campaign to market the services it offers. There is a value for our Sailors and their families in a one-stop shop to request information on military life, deployments. separations, reunion adjustments, parenting challenges, relocation, emotional well-being, legal issues and parenting and child care, and a variety of personal financial issues such as home buying and consumer information.

Even as our mission continues to find us fighting the global war on terrorism, our Navy can be proud of the Job we have done in the past year. The images and stories of the hopeful Iraqi people as they participated in their country's first free election, the first tentative steps toward freedom for that nation, are a reward for the sacrifices our service members have made in this effort.

A copy of my full testimony Is available at the following web address: http://www.chinfo.navy.mill/navpalib/ mcpon/mcponpg.html

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy MCPON (SS/AW) Terry D. Scott