The Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit (CSCSU) Dam Neck hosted its first command Master Training Specialist (MTS) Bowl Nov. 3.

Creating the best instructors in the fleet is CSCSU Dam Neck's top priority, and the MTS qualification is a direct reflection of their Sailors' commitment to be the best. The program is a tool for helping the Navy train quality instructors. Attaining the MTS designation requires a Sailor to become an expert in training, administration, and curriculum management, making a MTS-qualified instructor a valuable resource to any command.

"The MTS program is a stellar program that gives the opportunity to better understand course development," explained Petty Officer 1st Class Buenaventura Datu, an instructor who helped coordinate the MTS bowl. "The bowl was a great way to make the MTS learning experience more interactive. It also allowed instructors to refresh themselves and learn new information about MTS."

The MTS Bowl event consisted of seven teams of non-qualified instructors, and one MTS as team lead. The first event was a fish-bowl, question and answer round -- all questions were derived directly from the MTS Personnel Qualification Standard. MTS Jeopardy was round two, highlighting the different phases of course development. The final event pitted the last two remaining teams in a Family Feud-themed game. The team that won was the Weapons Department, which included Petty Officers 1st Class Chase Cannava and Arthur Hover, and Petty Officers 2nd Class Tyler Markle and Nikolaus Quesenberry.

"The MTS Bowl helped me better understand the curriculum development process for task-based curriculum, personal performance profile tables, and Integrated Learning Environment-type courses," Cannava said. "I also enjoyed competing with my peers."

Capt. Len Remias, CSCSU Dam Neck commanding officer, stressed the importance of the MTS program.

"The MTS designation is the gold standard, and distinguishes top-notch instructors from the rest," he explained. "Although the MTS program is voluntary, the challenge bowl was a fun way to encourage instructors to pursue this qualification and promote the program. Thank you to the instructors who participated, and 'Bravo Zulu' to the winners!"

CSCS' mission is to develop and deliver surface ship combat systems training to achieve surface warfare superiority. CSCS headquarters' staff oversees 15 learning sites, including CSCS Unit Dam Neck, and provides nearly 70,000 hours of curriculum for 700 courses each year to more than 40,000 Sailors. CSCS delivers specialized training for officers 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 more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For information on the Center for Surface Combat Systems, visit http://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cscs/ or http://www.facebook.com/pages/Center-for-Surface-Combat-Systems/1480366868885239?ref=hl.