A Senate Armed Services Committee professional staff member witnessed the modernized operations specialist (OS) training course at Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit (CSCSU) Great Lakes Nov. 14.

Led by Rear Adm. Kyle Cozad, commander, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), Jason Potter toured the OS “A” School and received demonstrations of the first course to be taught using modernized delivery under the Ready, Relevant Learning (RRL) framework.

“RRL focuses on three major components that address the ‘when,’ ‘how’ and ‘where’ we train,” said Cozad. “First, RRL delivers the right training at the right time in the right way so Sailors are ready to operate their equipment at the extreme technical end of its capability to win the high-end fight. Second, RRL leverages training technologies that range from simple visual demonstrations to more complex, immersive simulators and virtual trainers. Lastly, RRL will deliver modernized training to the point of need – the waterfront, flight line and eventually available on our afloat units.”

With modernized training, OS “A” School instructors deliver realistic and relevant course content to accession-level Sailors. Interactive self-directed courseware, game-based virtual simulation software, demonstration videos and step-by step guides target performance skills as opposed to strictly knowledge memorization.

“The OS course serves as an example of how RRL is shaping a more capable and lethal force,” said Capt. Dave Stoner, commanding officer, Center for Surface Combat Systems.  “Through innovative solutions, we are moving away from the traditional instructor-led training at the podium and creating an immersive learning environment facilitated by an instructor that improves individual performance and in turn, shaping confident and competent Sailors who know how to fight and win.  To be victorious in our next fight, Sailors must know how to extract every bit of warfighting capability resident in our ships.”

Students are now able to participate in virtual simulations where they are placed in the same scenarios they will see on their ships. These training methods provide students more hands-on learning, so they can apply the fundamentals they learn as a foundation in the day-to-day application of topics like rules of the road, lookout duties and Voyage Management System (VMS) operations.

“The modernization tools at OS school is very impressive; it is on the cutting edge,” Potter said. “I am happy to see the Sailors are getting this level of training. It seems to be very beneficial.”

RRL focuses on a career-long learning continuum where training is delivered by modern methods to enable faster learning and better knowledge retention at multiple points throughout a career. RRL aims to improve individual Sailor performance, while increasing the mission readiness of the fleet.

“I recognize that RRL is a priority for the Navy and is transformational,” Potter said. “It really boils down to the implementation and delivering on the promise that RRL has. Hopefully this is transformative for the fleet and takes us to the next level.”

The implementation of state-of-the-art training equipment at OS “A” School is part of the MyNavy HR Sailor 2025 initiative to improve and modernize personnel management and training systems to more effectively recruit, develop, manage, reward, and retain the force of tomorrow.

For more on RRL, visit the U.S. Fleet Forces Command RRL website at https://www.public.navy.mil/usff/rrl/Pages/default.aspx.

 For more information on NETC, visit https://www.public.navy.mil/netc or follow NETC on Facebook at www.facebook.com/netcpao.

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For more news from Training Support Center, Great Lakes, visit www.navy.mil/.