The shiny gold pin on the division officer’s chest establishes a new level of credibility in the wardroom and allows subsequent thoughts and opinions to be more loudly heard-to the benefit of the division. While this sounds noble, it reflects poor time management, an inability to prioritize, and confusion about the division-officer role. Officers who fall behind their peers in pursuit of qualification often blame their tardiness on “caring too much about the division,” suggesting their concern for sailors outweighs their professional progress. Division Officer Duties and the SWO QualificationĪ newly commissioned officer will immediately be put in charge of a division of sailors, a humbling privilege and opportunity to develop leadership skills-the best part of being a division officer! Yet, too many consider division officer duties to be in conflict with, and even more important than, the responsibility to complete the SWO qualification. Truth #1: Achieving the surface warfare qualification is the top priority for a first-tour surface warfare officer (SWO). These lessons, or “truths,”are shared so ensigns can avoid making the same missteps, implement positive ideas sooner, and boldly take their first steps on the path to “knowing.” This article is the first in a seven-part series aimed at sharing lessons I have learned from my own experiences, mistakes, and mentors. A wise master chief once told me, “Junior officers don’t know what they don’t know.” This is especially true for newly-commissioned division officers, eager to begin surface warfare careers.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |