Training specialists from the Center for Service Support (CSS) and Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC) Meridian implemented the improved and modernized Yeoman (YN), Personnel Specialist (PS), Ship’s Serviceman (SH) and Logistics Specialist (LS) courses Oct. 10.
The updated course blends computer-based training with traditional classroom instruction to bring the course up-to-date and in step with the ever-changing world of administration and logistics.
“As the work environment changes and evolves, so too must the training and the curriculum we use to train the fleet’s newest Sailors,” said Chief Personnel Specialist (SW/AW) Roger Drumheller, PS rating manager.
“In developing curriculum, it is the responsibility of CSS and its learning sites to support the Navy’s forward-deployed and widely distributed force by delivering Sailors who are already proficient in their future jobs,” said Drumheller. “This new course is designed to do just that.”
According to Colette Rupero, CSS curriculum manager the Navy demands that Sailors be more technically proficient and well-versed in all aspects of their jobs prior to joining their command.
“Graduates from these courses of instruction have a better understanding of the many technical elements of their ratings and will, as a result, be more efficient and effective members of the commands they join,” said Rupero. “The transition from computer based training (CBT) to a blended learning approach is a result of the Human Performance Requirements Review (HPRR) and feedback from the fleet. The feedback indicated that students would benefit more from interaction and guidance with instructors.”
HPPRs are conducted every three years and are designed to revalidate individual training requirements and/or identify new training requirements as they apply to a rating, grade, community, course, systems configuration, or fleet operating procedure. They also provide stakeholders an opportunity to review existing training, identify redundant or unnecessary training, and ensure proper alignment of training based on new or revised requirements.
“Although the students use online courses, it’s no longer self-paced,” said Recupero. “Our courses are much more focused and our students learn to work together in a group.”
Mike Buechel, CSS learning standards officer said the courses incorporate synchronous CBT which allow learners to interact with an instructor via the internet or face to face as they go through the curriculum.
“This will allow our instructors to become more familiar with the material they instruct,” said Buechel. “Our instructors will take more ownership of these classes and provide our new Sailors with guidance. Mentorship from seasoned Sailors who have already performed the job in the fleet is a great benefit.”
During synchronous CBT the instructor and students are all logged on at the same time, viewing the same content. The students can ask questions by raising their hands, via e-mail, a discussion board or chat room.
“Our courses will also streamline the street to fleet process,” said Buechel. “This new system allows our students to graduate together which will ease the order writing process which will result in a cost savings to the Navy. Fleet units will also receive their Sailors more quickly.”
“We couldn’t have done this without the support of Cmdr. Brett St. George, NTTC Meridian commanding officer or the NTTC military and civilian staff,” said Buechel. “Their teamwork and help have been remarkable.”
CSS and its learning sites provide Sailors with the knowledge and skills needed to support the fleet’s warfighting mission. More than 300 staff and faculty work hand-in-hand with the fleet and are dedicated to ensure training is current and well executed on behalf of 10,000 Sailors who graduate from CSS courses annually in the administration, logistics and media communities.
[mappress] Press Release, October 11, 2013; Image: US Navy