Publication:Sea Talk Autumn 2006/Recording award and commendations
By Annie Casey
Improved recording of commendations has been identified as a priority for sailors and officers alike.
Feedback to the Sea Change Implementation Team has led to a recommendation for greater attention and emphasis on recording commanding officers' commendations and letters of appreciation etc on personnel service records.
Director General Navy Personnel and Training CDRE Nigel Coates said: "It's important a member's high performance and efforts are recognised, and in turn the commendations and documents supporting this recognition, are recorded on a member's personnel service record."
It has been suggested that such documentation is sent to the appropriate desk officer at the Directorate of Navy Officers Posting (DNOP) or the Directorate of Sailors and Career Management (DSCM) and recorded in an individual's personnel file and ensure the documents are noted.
Documents should be recorded both at an individual's local unit and at DNOP/ in their "replica" file.
All members are encouraged and reminded to take responsibility for sending copies of their qualifications, commendations and certificates to DNOP/DSCM so as to minimise the chance that they may have been missed.
Providing and recording such documentation is in an individual's best interests, particularly in the context of assisting or maximising prospects for highly competitive postings and promotion.
The ideal opportunity to provide details of your achievements -including commendations - is in the Members Statement which is requested for consideration as part of your file at promotion boards and selection panels.
Concerns have been raised that joint taskforce, taskforce and commanding officers' commendations (received for outstanding service) while on active service are not fully recognised by the ADF or noted in an individual's personnel service record.
Personnel who receive these commendations are usually completing arduous and dangerous tasks, undertaking long hours and working in high danger. Frequently such commendations are given to members whose service falls just short of the requirements for formal commendations.
Increased awareness regarding the procedure for handling/recording the documents maximises their value for both personnel and the Australian Defence Force.
Remember:
- Make two copies of the citation. Add a covering page with extra information if the citation is not self explanatory.
- Give one copy to your Divisional Officer or registry (to go in your personnel file). Send the other to your promotion cell (for sailors the address is R8-5-051 Russell Offices, RUSSELL ACT 2600 and for officers, R8-4-052).
