Fair Winds, Following Seas

Team,

This will be my last posting to the CNRFC Blog.  I will be relieved on 25 September by RDML Eric Young and retire from the Navy.  As I close out this blog, I’d like to offer some thoughts about our Navy Reserve through the looking glass of 31 years of service:

--We are an operational force more than ever before.  When I entered service in 1983 our Reserve force was primarily a strategic force, a force structured to mirror the active force, a force that trained independently and autonomously and had a very structured, deliberate and lengthy mobilization process.  While today’s force still has strategic surge inherent in its mission, we are now an agile, responsive, smaller force able to respond in hours and days, not months.  Our mission sets run the gamut but we bring many more complementary capabilities, some found only in the Navy Reserve.    

--Our force is ever more diverse and that diversity brings great strength.  Our Sailors bring unique civilian skills highly valued by our active counterparts.  As always, our Navy veteran accession source makes us a more mature and experienced force, one of our key attributes.    

--We have become more and more integrated into the active force.  Our Navy Reserve leaders need to continue to provide the active component with easy access to their Reserve Sailors.  We do this through our Operational Support Officer network, the one-stop shopping place for every Commander to get operational support. 

--We are lean.  Since 9/11, we have re-shaped the force down to a head count of 59,700.  We have focused on key capabilities and divested of any excess.  

--As we start to turn the page on OEF and continue to deal with the fiscal challenges of sequestration, our force will need to remain operational.  We must look for opportunities to take on additional capabilities.   The Reserve component must do what we can, so the active force can do what it must. 

As I hang up the uniform for the last time, seeing the talent, energy and dedication of our young Sailors of today allows me to transition with confidence in knowing those capable Sailors stand ready to assume the watch, manning the finest Navy in the world. 

Fair Winds and Following Seas, shipmates. 

Regards,

Clutch

  

Happy Independence Day

Greetings Shipmates,

As we prepare to celebrate our 238^th Independence Day, I’d like everyone to take a moment to reflect on the inspiration and idealism of those who laid the foundation for the country and society we are today.  On July 4, 1776, 56 men representing 13 colonies approved the final draft of our nation’s Declaration of Independence, formally declaring their separation from Great Britain, the establishment of 13 sovereign states and the establishment of the United States of America. Few would dispute that these determined men altered the future of this country, and the world.

These men had great faith in what our country could become. They embodied the same characteristics and convictions I see every day in our Navy Reserve Sailors, and throughout our military.  They, like you, are Patriots.   

Many of you have traveled to foreign soil to support both fleet and joint forces. You stand ready and willing to defend our nation and its citizens at a moment’s notice, and protect those who have no one to defend them.  As members of the Navy Reserve, you make sacrifices every day to support the same values and convictions of those men who stood up together against tyranny over two centuries ago.

You should all be proud of your service and patriotism.

I wish you all the best as we get ready for our country’s 238^th birthday.  Enjoy the fireworks, barbeques and time with your family and friends.  As always, be safe, be responsible and look out for each other.

Have a great 4th of July holiday!

Regards,

Clutch

Motorcycle Safety: How Not to Hit the Pavement at Top Speed

Greetings Shipmates,

Keeping our Sailors safe and healthy is a priority for all of us in the Navy Reserve, and it’s important that we remind each other to act responsibly and ensure everyone has a great summer.  With that being said, please read the Motorcycle Safety blog below, courtesy of the CNRFC Safety Office.  Encourage everyone at your command to read it and share the information.  We’ll be talking more about summer safety over the next couple months so stay tuned and stay safe!!!!!

Regards,
Clutch
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Did you know that 46% of all motorcycle accidents occur at intersections, and that three motorcyclists are killed every day in the U.S.?

It’s a fact that as the sunny days of summer approach the number of motorcyclists on the roads increases.  Motorcycle safety isn’t just for motorcyclists. Whether on a bike or in a car, it’s important that we all stay safe and do what we can to reduce these numbers.

If you operate a motor vehicle, watch out for motorcyclists, don’t tailgate and always look twice before switching lanes.  Leave room for mistakes and USE YOUR SIGNALS!

For those on bikes, the best way to avoid becoming the next statistic is to pay attention to your surroundings, obey road signs and laws and use all the recommended personal protective equipment which includes: 

·         Wearing a helmet! A helmet increases your chance of surviving a motorcycle accident by 29 percent.  Make sure it holds a federal standard rating by looking for the Department of Transportation label on the helmet.

·         Protective Clothing. Riders and passengers should wear a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers, and full-fingered gloves or mittens designed for use on a motorcycle. Motorcycle jackets constructed of abrasion resistant materials such as leather, Kevlar, and or Cordura and containing impact-absorbing padding are highly recommended. To enhance the ability of other vehicle operators to see and avoid motorcyclists, outer garments constructed of brightly colored, fluorescent or reflective materials are highly recommended.   It’s important, as a motorcyclist, to be seen. A high percentage of accidents occur because the driver of the other vehicle did not see the rider in time to avoid the crash.   Wearing bright colors including neon and/or reflective vests help other vehicles see you, especially at night.

·         Eye protection.  Visibility is not only important on the road but in order to maintain good vision, eye protection while riding is a must.  Dust, random stones and other debris can be extremely harmful to your eyes. Protect them!

·         Foot Protection. Sturdy over the ankle footwear that affords protection for the feet and ankles shall be worn.

Approximately 80 percent of reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death; a comparable figure for automobiles is about 20 percent.  Don’t become part of the statistic!

Motorcycle safety is everyone’s responsibility! Talk to your Sailors, family members and friends about motorcycle safety. Let’s make this the summer with the least motorcycle accidents yet!  

Regards,

Cecilia Daley

CNRF Safety Director

Improving Billet Assignments: CMS-ID

Force,

Last month we implemented significant improvements to the CMS-ID enlisted assignment process, specifically the Cross Assignment (CA) process and associated policies.

These improvements include almost doubling the number of billet opportunities for Sailors as assignments are correlated to a six-month PRD window; extending the application phase to four-weeks to allow you more time to review open billets; allowing you to submit up to seven applications per cycle; and adding a "Request Local Assignment" functionality so that you can apply for local billets.

There are also other improvements that will allow career counselors of CA and In Assignment Processing (IAP) Sailors to submit applications for local billets on their behalf and a one-week period designated specifically for a command ranking and comment phase.

It was your feedback which prompted establishing a working group to review the cross assignment process and provide recommendations to improve the process and maximize efficiency, training and support. The new process allows us to put the "right Sailor with the right skills" into billets that best support the gaining command.

As with all improvements this is not an end-all solution but an on-going process that will not only need the support of various stakeholders but also feedback on how it is working. Stakeholders include supported commands, the leadership of Training Unit Identification Codes (TRUIC), Unit Mobilization Unit Codes (UMUIC), and Navy Operational Support Centers (NOSC), and YOU.

Cross assignment policies and processes, expectation management and constant proactive communications are absolutely critical to effectively executing our missions with prepared and empowered Sailors. These improvements will allow us to manage cross assignments more effectively and efficiently, and represents an important investment in our Sailors and ability to execute the missions of the Navy.

Your feedback is vital to the improvement of all of our processes. Keep sending them in. We’re listening!

Regards,

Clutch

* For more information visit the N12 website, or contact your NOSC career counselor, N1/manpower department or Reserve unit career counselor.

　

Celebrating the Month of the Military Child and How Our Children Serve

Greetings,

My wife, Sissy Cutchen, wrote this blog in honor of "The Month of the Military Child."  I'm sure it will speak to many of you and I hope you enjoy reading it.

Regards, Clutch

When my husband and I attended a Returning Warrior Weekend the feedback included this comment, “Why didn’t you let your wife speak?” Consequently I am honored and touched to be his guest blogger. I am especially pleased to blog during the Month of the Military Child, as I consider the issues surrounding military children one of my greatest concerns and my success as a military mom my crowning achievement.

Very early in my life as a Navy spouse, at every dining out I would say, “Bryan, ask Mr. Vice if I can make a toast.” My toast would always be the same, “To our children who serve without a choice and without a voice!” In those days, I would sometimes be approached by an officer who took exception to what I said. They would want to point out my children were “not serving.”

In 2005-2007 Peter Pace was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, I wrote him about our children’s service. He wrote me back, and for the first time, I actually found someone who agreed with my opinion. He also was one of the first senior military officers to express awareness that military children also serve.

While 2007 was only 7 years ago; the idea we recognize our children’s service is a new one. We have come a long way since the culture of military life portrayed in movies like “The Great Santini.” A time when many military children lived in a world of “suck it up” and “attention on deck.”  Telling our children, “Thank you for your service” is a progressive change in culture. I propose that we can do even better than a “thank you.” For many children I don’t think “Thank you for your service” is meaningful. It doesn’t change how they feel about themselves. It doesn’t make them feel rewarded. They move into too many new houses, they eat lunch alone at too many new schools, and they say good-bye to too many good friends for just a “thank you.” In actuality, their sacrifices are supporting a career that is someone else’s goal.  However, that career is inspired by those very children. It is inspired to keep them safe, to provide a strong nation, and a bright future. 

So, this is what worked for our family. Every morning I told my children, “At least you can know you are serving your country.” And we didn’t just acknowledge their sacrifice; we reminded them, their service inspired us to serve. In many different ways we let them know they played a role. When my husband got a medal, sometimes he would give the kids a medal too. In these small ways our children were moved to feel a spirit of service. 

So, I am advocating for a progression in our awareness and expression of our military children’s experience. I am advocating for the message of “Thank You for your service” to evolve. Yes, I want us to be thankful, but I want us to start telling the world “Our military children inspire our service” and to start telling our children “You inspire me to serve my country.” I for one would rather be told I inspired something, than to be thanked. A young person who can inspire someone, and consequently, can be inspired, is on their way to being an awesome citizen.

Just a blog thought from the Admiral’s other half, and the mother of Ensign Max Cutchen and Petty Officer Annie Cutchen.

-Sissy Cutchen Navy wife, Navy Mom, Navy sister

How the Navy Reserve's Sexual Assault Prevention Officer Works for You

Greetings Shipmates,

Please take the time to read this month's blog, guest written by Cmdr. Jean Steenson, RESFOR Sexual Assault Prevention Officer, on the role of the Force SAPRO. It's an important job and I hope you will find it informative and helpful.

Regards,Clutch


How the Navy Reserve's Sexual Assault Prevention Officer works for youBy Cmdr. Jean Steenson, RESFOR SAPRO

I think we all have heard of the acronym SAPR, but have you heard of SAPRO? My name is Cmdr Jean Steenson and I am the RESFOR SAPRO (Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Officer). I am responsible for the Force SAPR Program and ensure it complies with DoD policy, tracking, and training. But most importantly, I'm responsible for the safety and well-being of our Sailors who fall victim to crimes of sexual assault and for ensuring the Navy Reserve Force is doing everything it can to prevent these assaults from happening.

That means a victim of sexual assault can report (unrestricted) an incident and know that every stage from the initial report through investigation, and if substantiated, the judicial process will be handled properly and expeditiously. This goes for both the victim and the alleged offender to make sure all rights are protected and due process is served. 

 For Reserve Sailors, I personally track every stage and guarantee that every report (no matter the duty status of a SELRES) is briefed at the Flag level. While briefing the Flag(s), we talk about victim's safety, alleged offender's rights, command climate, destructive behaviors, and most importantly, we discuss victim care. In addition, I work to ensure procedures are in place to maintain the anonymity of a victim filing a restricted report.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and Commander Navy Installations Command (CNIC) has compiled over 800 activities that are being hosted CONUS and OCONUS, so no excuses, get involved. Every RCC, NOSC, and squadron is sponsoring SAAM events, so look for those this month. This year's theme is: "Live Our Values" every day, all year long. Do the right thing by intervening when appropriate, reporting crimes, and supporting victims. If we do, we can help stop sexual assaults.

Lastly, please take the time to learn who the Victim Advocate is at your NOSC, squadron or command and thank them. They have volunteered to take on an difficult job, and greatly deserve your appreciation.

CDR Jean Steenson

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Conflict Management: Resolving Issues at the Lowest Level

Shipmates,

I can’t say it enough: your hard work and professionalism shines in every job you do. Carrying the burden of balancing family responsibilities, civilian career and your service can be extremely challenging and stressful, yet you are unwavering in your commitment and continue to amaze me and make me very proud. But, if you’re having issues with another Shipmate’s treatment, or behavior toward you or others, don’t let that add to your stress. Know that your leadership has the authority, experience and my support to address problems as they occur. So this month I want to stress the importance of using your chain of command to resolve issues at the lowest level possible.

All too often, we find out that if a Sailor with a grievance had used their chain of command as the first means toward conflict resolution, the problem could have been dealt with satisfactorily and swiftly. But effective problem resolution can only happen when the command is aware there’s a problem and they are given all the information.

While part of the burden lies with the Sailor to use the chain of command, the other part rests on leadership to encourage open communication and feedback. If you’re in a leadership position, it is important for you to communicate down to the deckplates the commitment the chain of command has to resolving issues when they arise. Honesty across the board, even if the message is undesirable, allows leadership and their Sailors assigned to identify and resolve potential issues as they arise.

Of course, for the few issues that can’t be resolved using the chain of command, the Office of Inspector General (IG) is in place to address allegations of gross fraud, waste, and mismanagement. However, a majority of complaints to CNRF IG would have been better and more quickly resolved though established processes using the chain of command. Every service member has the right to talk to the IG and CNRF IG is committed to helping Sailors resolve their concerns, to include educating them on the resources available to them.

If you’re struggling to resolve a conflict within your unit or command, talk to your leadership or your mentor. Let them listen, provide valuable guidance, and empower you with the tools to aide you in resolving your conflict. To keep our Force strong and effective, from the CO to the LPO, you must take care of your people. And to that end, remind yourself to listen and approach each day and situation with honor and professionalism so your Sailors know that they can approach you with an issue and trust you’re there for them.

As always, I appreciate all you do. Keep up the good work!

Regards,

Clutch

Happy 99th Birthday, Navy Reserve!

On March 3, we celebrated the 99th anniversary of the Navy Reserve. This is a celebration of you and all of the Reserve Sailors who have served in the past.

While Congressional legislation established the Navy Reserve on March 3, 1915, its roots stretch back to the days before the Revolution when in 1775 the citizens of Machias, Maine commandeered the schooner Unity and engaged the British warship HMS Margaretta in close quarters combat, forcing her to surrender. However it was during the Spanish-American War when the nation recognized a need for an organized Navy Reserve. Ships were becoming more advanced and a better trained seaman was required than what was currently being filled by the state naval militias.

The legislation of 1915 enabled the Navy to provide a group of trained personnel during the initial stages of the U.S.'s involvement in WWI through the establishment of the Naval Reserve Force. Believe it or not, by the end of WWII, almost 90% of naval personnel were Reserve Sailors, thanks to Naval Aviation Cadet (NAVCAD) and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC).

Reserve Sailors were recalled to active duty during the Korean War to man ships mothballed after WWII. Some were 100% manned by Reserve Sailors, as were some carrier air groups. Subsequently, more than 50% of the "brown water"  Navy during Vietnam were Reserve Sailors ... and volunteers.

As you can see, you have always been more than a force in Reserve. You are an integral part of naval operations. Reserve Sailors have always been fully integrated - you are not just weekend warriors. Since 2001, more than 70,000 Reserve Sailors have mobilized to support joint missions around the globe.  Be it strategic placement within the 5th Fleet AOR, leading humanitarian missions or boots on the ground while filling critical IA billets; your Honor, Courage and Commitment are a reflection of a strong Navy Reserve.

I am extremely proud of each and every one of you. Through your outstanding efforts and perseverance, and by carrying on the traditions of the Reserve Sailors who have gone before you, you continue to remind us all that the Navy cannot operate without a strong Navy Reserve.

Wr,
Clutch

What's Inside the 2014 Almanac?

Shipmates,

By now most of you will have received the new 2014 TNR Almanac. Our goal for this edition was to give you a resource to help navigate all the programs you use to make your career in the Navy Reserve a success.

While we pride ourselves on the exciting photos and stories of our Reserve Sailors in the monthly TNR magazine, you will find the 2014 Almanac to be completely different in style and design.  Our goal was to provide simple and clear information on programs you need and use, and I think you will find we’ve done that.

We’ve included a whole section on career development to explain the function of each site and how to get there to include your Electronic Service Record, U.S. Navy Awards and Navy e-Learning, among others. We’ve also included the latest Continuum of Service programs to assist you in identifying which program or option best suits your needs and career goals.

For those of you interested in mobilization opportunities, this year’s Almanac provides an overview of the process, how those opportunities are advertised and where to go to put in an application.

These are just a few of the areas covered.   You’ll also find information on medical and educational benefits, reserve retirement as well as other benefits that are available to you and your families.  

You can view the electronic version of the Almanac at: https://www.navyreserve.navy.mil/Documents/tnr_current/tnr_almanac_current.pdf. 

If you have not received an Almanac in the mail, be sure to update NSIPs with your latest address.

I hope you’ll find the Almanac to be a helpful resource.  I welcome your feedback and look forward to hearing from you!!

Regards,

Clutch

Holiday Safety at Home

Greetings Shipmates,

I hope you are all enjoying the holiday season. 

Over the past month, I have written about travel safety and the dangers of driving under the influence, however, there is one other area I would like to highlight and that is holiday safety at home.   

When preparing for the holidays, think about what you are doing. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 30% of all home fires and 38% of home fire deaths occur during the months of December, January and February. Help minimize your risk by planning in advance, practicing good situational awareness and using common sense. 

Properly working smoke and fire detectors are an essential part of a safe holiday. Make sure to change batteries once a year and check to ensure they are in good working order.

Familiarize yourself with how to put out a kitchen fire and ensure your fire extinguisher inspections are up to date.

Get your chimney checked before lighting the first fire of the season and make sure the vent is open for the smoke to escape.

Christmas trees and lights pose another fire risk.  When attempting to string lights together, make sure you are not exceeding the number of strings recommended on the box. Also, use the right kind and number of extension cords and surge protectors and refrain from running extension cords under rugs, as this is the cause of many electrical fires.

It should go without saying you should never leave a burning candle unattended, but you should also make sure you keep your space heaters away from trees and flammable objects.  

Lastly on a personal note, at one of my previous commands, a young Sailor lost his entire home during the holidays due to improper use and placement of a turkey fryer.  If you must use a fryer, don’t place it close to structures or on the deck and never, ever place a frozen or partially thawed turkey into the oil.

Make sure your home is safe this holiday season.  Think about what can go wrong, how you can prevent it and what you would do if it happened anyway.  Prepare, pay attention to what you are doing and use common sense.  A little common sense can go a long way in keeping you safe throughout this holiday season. 

Have a safe and happy holiday!

Clutch

2013 Holiday: Driving/Travel Safety

Last week, I discussed the importance of drinking responsibly and alternatives to getting behind the wheel. Over the next few weeks, the highways will be filled with people so plan your trip accordingly and keep safety in mind.  When it comes to the holiday season, weather is always a concern, especially if you are heading to places up North or in the upper Mid-West.  Be realistic about your vehicle’s condition, how far you’re going and who’s driving. 

I am well aware the desire to see loved ones can make driving 14 hours in one day through ice and snow seem like an acceptable risk.  It’s not. Fatigue or drowsy driving WILL affect your reflexes and judgment even if you don’t fall asleep and drive off the road.   Plan for rest stops, more than one driver and make sure you get enough sleep BEFORE hitting the road both to and from your destination.  Better yet, if you’re traveling a long distance, take a train.  You’ll be able to relax and travel safely and at a reasonable cost.

Next week, I will discuss another important safety-related area: cooking and decorating.

Regards,
Clutch

2013 Holiday: Responsible Drinking

The holiday season is fast approaching and if you are one who marks its arrival by the shop displays or the holiday music already playing in some drugstores, the “Season of Giving” is already here.  

Many of you have finalized your Thanksgiving plans and are looking forward to time with friends and family, and it’s no secret that the Thanksgiving weekend is the biggest traveling weekend of the year.   Now throw in the numerous ways you can cook a ham and fry a turkey, add the afternoon beer and football, and top it off with the post-Thanksgiving celebration desire to “deck the halls” in a manner that does credit to Chevy Chase’s National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and you can see why it’s important we stop for a moment and talk about safety, and appropriate risk management.  

It’s vital to the health and well-being of our Force that we all put meaningful thought into assessing the risks and potential hazards in our holiday preparations, and that we ensure our Shipmates are doing the same.  Every one of you is too important, not only to me and the Navy Reserve as a whole, but to your families and friends as well.  We want each and every one of you to stay healthy and alive during this holiday season. 

Everyone is responsible for the decisions they make from top leaders on down to our newest Sailors, and while there are times when accidents and incidents happen, we all have to the 

power to make decisions to mitigate the risk of accident or injury.

First, let’s talk about alcohol-related incidents.  During the holiday season we are bombarded with images of happy revelers at perfectly staged holiday events with the must-have alcoholic drink in their hand.  If you go by the alcohol industry’s aggressive marketing campaign, a party is not a party without a glass of Disarrono over ice.  You’re not really watching football unless you have ice-cold Coors Light straight from a glacier or have a Bud Light in one hand while expertly whipping your Terrible Towel above your head in the other.  There’s no denying the pressure is there.   But, we are all capable of putting controls in place to ensure we drink responsibly.  Know your limits, use the buddy system and look out for each other.  When you see your friend has had too much to drink, say something.  If you’re hosting a party, have a plan for taking car keys. Ensure your guests are eating and pay attention to how much they’re drinking and their overall state.  You are responsible and you do have the obligation to ensure everyone who attends makes it home safely.

There’s no excuse at any time, for any Sailor to get a DUI.  There is ALWAYS another option to avoid getting behind the wheel when you’ve had too much to drink.  There are many safe ride programs throughout the country to assist you if you need a ride.  Nothing is worth getting behind the wheel if you’ve had too much to drink.  Each command and unit should be emphasizing this and communicating alternatives to drinking and driving.  It’s not worth it!

Regards,

Clutch

Navy Reserve Force Chaplain: On Keeping Faith, Appreciating Others and Staying Connected

About the Guest Blogger:

In the spring of 2001, Chaplain Timothy Lantz reported as Deputy Force Chaplain of the Naval Reserve Force (as it was named then) located in New Orleans, La.  Among very few “regular Navy” personnel assigned, he quickly became very impressed by the professional skills and dedication of all the folks: military and civilian—SELRES and FTS—who make up the Navy Reserve and bring so much to the total Force.  Subsequent tours at OPNAV, MARFORRES and Navy Region Southeast have only served to deepen his respect for the entire Navy Reserve Family.  Captain Lantz has since returned to Navy Reserve Forces Command as Force Chaplain.

Shipmates,

As I write this, funding to support ADT, AT and even IDT drills, which was recently unavailable for 16 days due to the federal government shutdown, is opening back up. But even so, many Sailors are experiencing higher levels of stress as a result of the sudden cancellation of orders, delays in drill periods and financial strain.
 

I recommend three things for each of us to do during these times of uncertainty: Keep Faith, Appreciate Others and Stay Connected.

Keep Faith.  This includes praying for our civilian government leaders, our senior military officials and each other.  It also means trusting that the well-being of our military is of paramount importance and concern. A strong, reliable and flexible Navy is essential to our Country and, in past decades, the Reserve Component has proven to be of great value.  Your contribution to the Total Force has never been more appreciated by the Active Component or more recognized by the American public and Congress. Have faith that your service as a Reserve Sailor is and will be necessary for the strength of our Total Force and is appreciated.

Appreciate Others.  Take a moment to consider the efforts and sacrifices others are making. Tell them how much it means to you. This is a great way to give them a lift and will give you one as well.  Though we may often hear the phrase, “Thank you for your service!” it means much more when it comes from someone who really knows, from personal experience, what we do and how our families support us. Thank each other and your families. We all serve and we all need to feel appreciated.

Stay Connected.   As you resume training, lend assistance, encourage your Shipmates and support your leaders. Make a promise to build a stronger, more cohesive unit through camaraderie. Renewed opportunities for your service and the service of the total Force will come. Your ability to connect to your unit and commands will go far toward preparing the Reserve Force to meet whatever new challenges lie ahead.

Your incredible resilience and your ability to overcome whatever challenges and obstacles come along make the Navy Reserve a proven, trusted and reliable part of the greatest Navy in the world. But in times of stress, especially in times of stress, we all need a lift. Take care of each other, your family and yourself. The Chaplain Corps is always here to listen should you want to talk.

May God continue to bless each one of you and our Navy…and may God Bless America with victory and peace.

Regards,
Chaplain Timothy Lantz

Facing the Fiscal Challenges Ahead

Shipmates,

I’m sure you have all felt some of the effects of sequestration. But, with the new fiscal year comes even greater financial challenges for the Navy and Navy Reserve Force. This year, we face a Continuing Resolution of uncertain duration. It will be an all-hands effort to maintain mission readiness and continue to provide the operational support the Fleet has had over the past decade.

We need to be creative on how we resource this support by maximizing AT, ADT and drills to report for duty at your supported commands. First, the FY-14 Annual Training budget is funded at a similar level as last year. I assure you, if you plan your AT within the published timeline, you’ll get to perform AT. Other types of funding, such as active duty for training (ADT), inactive duty training travel (IDTT) and additional drills may be reduced during the dynamic year ahead.

So what does that mean for the Navy Reserve and the support we provide the Fleet? In a nutshell, we have to place greater importance on how we plan and prioritize the use of our available training days throughout the year. Where we go and how we use our duty days must be determined by mission priorities and critical training requirements. Active or inactive duty is performed for two reasons: readiness training or operational support. Readiness training includes schools, exercises and on the job training with an Active Component command. These types of orders can be funded using AT, ADT, ADT Schools and additional drills. For annual training orders, priority is given to billet training requirements.

Funding for operational support training is distributed to the Active Component to prioritize and execute. We foresee limitations on ADT funds this year, and are taking a conservative approach until a budget is passed. I ask our CO’s and the Sailors who man their units to maintain mobilization readiness while ensuring supported commands fulfill mission requirements to the max extent possible. As you request orders, choose the training wisely to get the most “bang for the buck.”

Navy Reserve Sailors are an essential component of the Navy Total Force. I am often told by commanders they could not do their jobs without the knowledge and skills you bring to the fight. So I am asking you to help me, and the Fleet. We want your suggestions on how best to fulfill Reserve requirements using modern business processes. If you have any suggestions, we’d love to hear them!

Regards,
Clutch