In a recently released naval message, Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. John B. Nowell, Jr. announced the results of the fiscal year 2019 Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education Retention Excellence Awards (REA).

The Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) along with its four commands and two detachments within the domain were among those recognized. The CIWT winners include Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) Virginia Beach, IWTC Corry Station, IWTC San Diego, IWTC Monterey, CIWT Det. Goodfellow Air Force Base, and CIWT Det. Fort Gordon.

With the exception of IWTC Monterey, all CIWT recipients are repeat winners from fiscal year 2018 awards.

"One of our greatest challenges today is attracting, recruiting and retaining quality Sailors, and this award is a direct reflection of our commands' and detachments' leadership at every level, from the deck plates to the commanding officers," said CIWT Command Master Chief Francisco Vargas. "They have implemented and maintained key Sailor programs that form the foundation of a successful retention effort, which is a critical strategic investment in our Navy's future."

The REA recognizes commands for sustaining superior levels of military retention, recognizing superior accomplishment in their continuous retention efforts and mastery of executing the basics of Sailor career development.

“These efforts combine to ensure our force retains the right Sailors, with the right skills, focused on warfighting readiness today and into the future," Nowell wrote in his message. “These commands have demonstrated flawless execution of Brilliant on the Basics, which is the foundation of our retention efforts. The daily execution of these programs combined with engaged and committed leadership are critical to achieving fleet readiness and are essential to our Sailors, their families, and the Navy total force. Keep up the great work!”

With four schoolhouse commands, two detachments, and training sites throughout the United States and Japan, CIWT is recognized as Naval Education and Training Command’s top learning center for the past three years. Training over 20,000 students every year, CIWT delivers trained information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services. CIWT also offers more than 200 courses for cryptologic technicians, intelligence specialists, information systems technicians, electronics technicians, and officers in the information warfare community.

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