Publication:Sea Talk Summer 2007/Reserves column
By the Director of Naval Reserve Capability, CAPT Joseph Lukaitis
A Warfare Officers Career Handbook has recently been published which is a valuable resource for PN and NR members of the RAN’s warfare community which includes all seaman, pilot and observer PQ officers.
The handbook is intended to inform and stimulate consideration of career issues and to provide a coherent guide that articulates Navy’s requirements and expectations. It provides a summary of the warfare branch specialisations and the sub-specialisations that are embedded within them, leading in due course to entry into the charge program and the command opportunities that follow.
The Warfare Officers Career Handbook also describes the historical derivation of current warfare streams to provide contemporary relevance and the cultural background within which maritime warfare duties are conducted. It discusses the national context in which warfare officers discharge their duties. Leadership and ethical matters are explored, as is the inter-relationship between personal attributes, values, leadership, performance and sense of purpose.
The handbook focusses on the enduring features of maritime warfare. Therefore, as far as possible, it deals with broad principles and not more narrowly defined policies that rightly belong in other documents.
Readers are therefore urged to use this book as background and to refer to extant policy and seek informed advice when considering career decisions, and to consult career managers for the latest information.If you would like a copy of the new handbook you can obtain one by contacting your local Reserve Regional Pool Manager.
As you read this edition of SeaTalk over the summer break you may be pondering your future Navy career as a Reservist.
There is an increasing range of opportunities for Reservists to work in the force element groups and on continuous full time service. There are also a number and variety of part time vacancies in FRC positions around Australia. In short, there is no shortage of work.
You may also be considering your advancement and the chances of promotion. Promotion of sailors and officers is vital for individuals to maintain motivation and to receive recognition of experience and ability. Promotion is also vital for the Navy to ensure it has the best people available at the right rank to do the jobs that must be done. Competition for promotions and a rigorous selection process ensures the health and vigour of the Navy into the future.
Reserve officers and sailors who are seeking promotion must inform DNOP or DSCM by letter that they wish to be considered or preferably by submitting a member’s statement which addresses personal competency, performance past and present, qualifications and aspirations.
Promotion competitiveness is hampered if there is a lack of recent NOPARS on SPARS an individual’s file so if you are submitting a member’s statement for the promotion board you should ensure you have recent reports on your file. If you are short on full annual reports, ensure you have obtained supplementary reports for periods of work less than 20 days. Member statements must be submitted before Jun 30. Further details are available on the Reserve website.
Reserve sailors in particular should be encouraged by a recent increase in Reserve sailor promotions. There were 41 in the last list.
The promotion boards provide valuable feedback to those who are not selected in a particular year for promotion and this can be invaluable to applicants.
Good Luck and have a go!
