The Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit (CSCSU) Great Lakes, which manages and operates interior communications electrician (IC) "A" and "C" Schools, recently hosted the IC Combat Systems Strategic Training Ratings Review (CSSTRR) aboard Naval Station Norfolk, Va., Oct. 13-15.

Fourteen U.S. Navy commands and five ships, including USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), PCU Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), USS Nitze (DDG 94), and USS Bataan (LHD 5), attended to discuss current and future IC manning, training, and technology initiatives. Representatives from fleet and training commands, including Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) Detachment Lakehurst, U.S. Naval Safety Center, and Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR), were present, as well as community mangers from the Navy Personnel Command.

Capt. Bill McKinley, CSCS commanding officer, oversees 14 learning sites, including CSCSU Great Lakes, and is responsible for combat systems training across the rates of fire controlman, operations specialist, gunner's mate, sonar technician surface, mineman, interior communications electrician, and electronics technician (ET). In December 2014, CSCS developed the CSSTRR to review each rating in a series of strategic reviews that will form the basis for a formal training approach. The IC CSSTRR is the sixth review to be completed.

Cmdr. Gregory Ludwig, CSCSU Great Lakes commanding officer, described his second CSSTRR as "very successful."

"We came together and developed a strategic plan for the IC rating," Ludwig said. "We reviewed rate training continuum, curriculum, and current and proposed training devices at various learning sites. I am confident that our proposed plan will support the execution of ready, relevant Learning."

The result of the reviews will be presented to leadership for resourcing via the Surface and Expeditionary Warfare Training Committee (SEWTC), where they will be reviewed by both type and fleet commanders for priority.

Lt. Bryson Carter, the IC "C" School director for CSCSU Great Lakes, said the review was a great opportunity for all stakeholders to come together and shape current and future IC rating training.

"Fleet expertise and involvement during the CSSTRR process were crucial in developing a plan to strengthen the IC rating going forward," Carter added. "We valued fleet input because many of the ICs at CSCSU Great Lakes and other CSCS learning sites are years removed from the deck plates."

The review of the ET rating will run Oct. 27-29, aboard Naval Station Norfolk.

"The reviews CSCS are hosting are important to our mission, the mission of the United States Navy, and the future of the fleet," Ludwig said.

CSCS' mission is to develop and deliver surface ship combat systems training to achieve surface warfare superiority. CSCS headquarters' staff oversees 14 learning sites and provides nearly 70,000 hours of curriculum for 700 courses a year to more than 40,000 Sailors. CSCS delivers specialized training for officer and enlisted Sailors required to tactically operate, maintain, and employ shipboard and shore-based weapons, sensors, and command and control systems utilized in today's navy.

For information on the Center for Surface Combat System, visit http://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cscs/

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