A
delicate balance has to be achieved when considering posting
requirements versus the Navy’s legitimate concern for retention.
The word “balance” can present staff at the Directorate of Naval
Officers’ Postings (DNOP) with some unique challenges. The current
manpower pressures pose a constant management challenge.
The staff of the DNOP must effectively and efficiently ensure
the Navy is manned at its optimum level in order to meet the
outputs required and expected by government.
To assist Career Managers, Navy Headquarters (NHQ) has provided
broad posting priorities and guidelines promulgated in NHQ AUSTRALIA
WAD 210512Z AUG 03.
Using this guidance how does DNOP address these requirements,
while still providing a satisfying and equitable career path
for its members, an important aspect in the problem of retention?
Generally, the guidance all desk officers in DNOP apply is that
the corporate needs of the Navy and the individual must be balanced.
At times there are the “swings and roundabouts”, such as the
operational requirements having to be met.
This is the increased “op tempo” often mentioned of late. DNOP
staff are also very cognisant of ensuring postings are equitable,
and take into account, whenever possible, the officer’s individual
circumstances and family issues.
The need to provide appropriate relief from continued operational
tasking is also recognised.
This is not only a duty of care requirement, but also ensures
Navy can sustain operations for extended periods.
On an individual basis, your respective desk officer will act
as your advocate, while the corporate perspective will be addressed
by one of the Assistant Directors, or DNOP himself, dependant
on the rank of the person concerned.
All postings are approved at a level at least two ranks higher
than that of the officer being posted. Your desk officer doesn’t
post you, although they do much of the leg work.
This means you need to ensure you provide as much information
to your desk officer as you think they need.
For any queries raised by this article, your point of contact
is your respective Desk Officer.
The DNOP web-page http://defweb.cbr.defence.gov.au/dpednop
provides more information.
Creswell’s
big intake
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HMAS
Creswell has attracted a bumper crop of new recruits.
This year’s intake of 124 is the largest number of officers
to begin their six-month course.
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The
largest single intake of officer trainees has begun their six-month
course at HMAS Creswell.
The intake includes 124 men and women from all over Australia
and beyond, uniting to learn the art of leadership the Navy
way. In 2002, the College graduated 105 trainees out of an intake
of 108.
This year’s intake should see a similarly high percentage of
its officers pass out in June. Their course is comprehensive
and challenging, and includes the study of subjects as diverse
as ethics, military history and leadership theory.
A wide range of practical exercises are also held in the field
and at sea, including weapons training, situational leadership
exercises and sea familiarisation periods.
The course takes some of the finest men and women in Australia
and encourages their progression to becoming leaders who can
command the country’s sailors, soldiers and airmen.
The RAN College’s Training Commander, CMDR Chris Baldwin, noted
that the increased numbers of trainees reflected the increased
“operational tempo” of today’s Navy.
“We need to enlist such high calibre young officers to meet
the intellectual and physical demands of service at sea in key
leadership positions,” he said.
The Commanding Officer’s Divisions held recently marked the
end of the four-week Initial Training Period for the new trainees.
The parade was also attended by the 35 members of the Junior
Officers Leadership Course, Phase 2 in the Officers’ Training
Program, who are also attending the RAN College, in Jervis Bay.
Next
of kin needs to be current
Your
nominated next of kin/emergency contact is the person whom you
wish to be informed in the event of injury, serious illness
or death.
To ensure this person can be notified in an emergency, information
on their name, relationship and address must be kept up to date
on PMKeyS. Accidents or incidents involving the Navy often receive
media attention.
To ensure your next of kin receives first news of serious injury
or death, it is important they are informed by a naval authority.
This is impossible if details are out of date.
Nomination of next of kin does not automatically entitle that
person to receive effects of a deceased member.
All members should have a valid will. If your next of kin details
on PMKeyS are not up to date, see your Coxswain’s Office or
local Admin Office or visit the PMKeyS self service website.
