The Royal Australian Navy recently released a signal calling for volunteers from the Maritime Logistics, Communications Information Systems and Boatswains specialisations to undertake a dual posting pilot against selected platforms and shore establishments.
The idea was raised during the Retention Initiative Forums, as a suggestion to help address the issue of respite for those continually posted to sea-going billets.
The dual posted personnel are both simultaneously posted to a seagoing and shore position for a longer overall period than normal, eg. three years, and will be expected to complete 50 percent of the posting on the seagoing platform, however the timings are negotiated with their leadership to gain maximum flexibility in meeting individual needs and circumstances. For example, it could be three or six monthly rotation when the ship is in home port.
Captain Tish van Stralen, Director Navy People Career Management Agency, said that this was an initiative that demonstrates that we are listening to our sailors and where possible we are looking at how we can improve how we manage our people.
“The individuals will be posted for a duration of up to three years, which will help provide both stability for members and their families, and respite while posted to a sea-going billet,” said Captain van Stralen.
Commander Robyn Phillips, Deputy Director Navy People Career Management Agency – Sailors Career Management, said it is intended that the member serving ashore will be immune from the requirement to be posted for Op Relief.
“This will give certainty for the individual and the position owner throughout the posting,” said Commander Phillips.
Leading Seaman Maritime Logistics – Personnel Operations Nick Magafas said that this pilot demonstrates that the Navy Leadership is listening and acting on the suggested initiatives provided at the coal face.
“While there are some fine details still yet to be worked out, I am excited by the idea of having posting stability in a region, and respite while posted to a sea-going billet.
“The rotation means that we will get the respite we require, and we will be refreshed for when we get back to sea, after all, that is why we joined the Navy to serve at sea,” said Leading Seaman Magafas.