Speaking with Sailors - Brief Article

All Hands, Sept, 2001

These questions are from a recent MCPON all hands call:

Q: Will serving as a Recruit Division Commander (RDC) help or hurt my career?

A: Serving in any role in the Navy does not automatically guarantee that you will be advanced in rate, but advancement rates among petty officers 1st class who are serving as RDCs have historically been very good. Selection boards look favorably upon Sailors who are involved in the "Sailorization" process, when a Sailor has a good record going into RDC duty and performs well in that capacity. That would include anyone who is involved in the initial training and development of new Sailors, including RDCs, recruiters and A-School instructors.

Q: What do you think of the idea of Individual commands requiring Sailors to earn their command ball caps by qualifying in general damage control before being allowed to wear the command ball cap?

A: I like the idea. I had my doubts about the idea when, as the Force Master Chief for Chief of Naval Education and Training, I first heard of the concept of earning the Navy ball caps following successful completion of battle stations in basic training.

As it turned out, earning the right to wear the Navy ball cap became one of the most meaningful turning points in Boot Camp for recruits as they grew into Sailors.

I think the same concept could apply to individual commands. Having Sailors meet a certain level of standards before allowing them the privilege of wearing the command's ball cap sends a clear signal to new crew members that obtaining qualifications is important.