The Center for Surface Combat Systems' (CSCS) Mine Warfare Training Center (MWTC), who manages and operates Mineman (MN) "A," "C," and "F" schools, recently hosted the MN Combat Systems Strategic Training Ratings Review (CSSTRR) onboard Naval Base Point Loma, Sept. 1-3.

Eleven U.S. Navy commands and three ships, including the mine countermeasures ships USS Ardent (MCM 12), USS Champion (MCM 4) and USS Scout (MCM 8), attended to discuss current and future Mineman rating initiatives.

Representatives from fleet and training commands, including Afloat Training Group Pacific (ATGPAC) and Littoral Combat Ship Squadrons (LCSRON) One and Two, were present as well as community mangers from the Navy Personnel Command.

Major Mine Countermeasure staffs in attendance were Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC), Mine Countermeasures Squadron (MCMRON) Three and Mine Countermeasures Division (MCMDIV) 31.

CSCS oversees 14 learning sites, including MWTC, and is responsible for combat systems training across the ratings of Fire Controlman, Operations Specialist, Gunner's Mate, Sonar Technician - Surface, Mineman, Interior Communications Electrician, and Electronics Technician.

In December 2014, CSCS developed the CSSTRR to review each rating in a series of strategic reviews that will serve to form the basis for a formal training approach. The Mineman CSSTRR is the fifth review to be completed.

"The purpose of this review is threefold," said Mr. Tom Mathison, MWTC's director of training. "We are reviewing material for Mineman 'A' school to ensure that lessons are relevant to current systems utilized by the Fleet.

"Secondly, we are reviewing curriculum that can be moved from the initial training pipeline and re-purposed for a later time in a Sailor's career. This would allow Sailors to arrive at their first assignments faster.

"Lastly, we are charting out a training continuum where Sailors can see the jobs that are available to them over a 20-year career. Positions include working at a Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Detachment, being employed on an MCM-1 class mine countermeasures ship, or being part of the Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) platoons working alongside Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams to find and destroy sea mines. The jobs are very diverse for a small rating community."

"If we do not plan, we plan to fail, and that is why we are doing these reviews," said Senior Chief Mineman Idel Cintron, MWTC's LCS Tactics leading chief petty officer. "Our current training continuum is not as effective as it could be compared to the LCS training model. Our goal through the CSSTRR is to establish an effective continuum for all current and future Mineman."

Cmdr. Jarrod Stundahl, MWTC's commanding officer, says the review was very successful.

"We came together to ensure that the Sailors we teach today are ready for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow," Stundahl said. "The CSSTRR process will enable us to refine and develop mine warfare training that is relevant to Fleet needs, appropriate to Sailors' experiences and skill levels, and efficiently executed. The work the CSSTRR team did this week will have an indelible impact on the future of mine warfare."

CSCS Unit Great Lakes will host the next review, Interior Communications Electrician (IC) rating, Oct. 13-15, at CSCS Detachment East, Building 0-25, onboard Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.

"Fleet participation is critical to these CSSTRR events because we are not only discussing the future of one rating, but the future of combat systems training," Stundahl 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 https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cscs/

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