By
Graham Davis
The
Chief of Navy, VADM Chris Ritchie, has instructed the Surface
Combatant FEG Commander CDRE Keith Malpress to examine the manpower
requirements of the Surface Combatant Force.
The study team, led by CMDR John Connor, will investigate the
entire manpower demand
(permanent and Reserve forces, Defence civilians and contractors)
that is required to produce the surface combatant capability up
until 2015.
It will build on the considerable work already undertaken by a
number of other studies that are currently under way or have previously
been conducted, and will be conducted over a number stages.
The first element will examine the total manpower required to
produce the surface combatant capability, review related policy
issues and provide options back to CN at the end of the year.
In particular, the examination team will study the innovative
use of technology and manpower plans to provide equal weighting
to people, platforms and systems in developing the Fleet Activity
Schedule (FAS).
In other words, they will ensure all elements of the RAN receive
the operational exposure and maintenance they need to remain at
a solid state of readiness.
The shape and size of the following phases will be dependent upon
the findings of the initial examination.
The key members of the study team are CMDR John Connor and CMDR
Warwick Rosier who will be based on Garden Island and contacted
through the GI switch on 02 9359 9111.
