The Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit (CSCSU) Great Lakes, who manages and operates operations specialist (OS) "A" school, recently hosted the OS Combat Systems Strategic Training Ratings Review (CSSTRR) at the Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center (FLEASWTRACEN) Feb. 24 - 26.

More than 51 U.S. Navy commands attended to help develop a strategy to pave the road ahead for the OS rating and its specific Navy Enlisted Classifications (NECs). Representatives attending the event spanned fleet and training commands, as well as community mangers from the Navy Personnel Command.

Capt. Bill McKinley, CSCS commanding officer, is responsible for combat systems training across the rates of operations specialist, fire controlman, gunner's mate, sonar technician, mineman, interior communications electrician, and electronics technician. The rate training is conducted at learning sites and detachments around the country.

According to McKinley, as the mission area chair for surface combat systems training, he ensures training meets the needs of the fleet.

"I asked my staff when I assumed command in May 2014, 'Where do we want combat systems training to be in 10 years and how do we reach our destination,'" explained McKinley. "In December 2014, we developed the CSSTRR to review each rating we train in a series of strategic reviews that will serve to form the basis for a formal training approach."

"Our reviews support the improvement and modernization of training," McKinley said. "Curriculum that is relevant, effective, and uses modern technological devices and techniques is a constant priority."

Cmdr. Gregory Ludwig, CSCSU Great Lakes commanding officer, described the first OS CSSTRR as very successful.

"CSCS received essential stakeholder input regarding the OS rating," Ludwig said. "We discussed the current status of surface ship OS knowledge, proficiency and overall rating health, and where schoolhouse training equipment and curriculum may need updating. We looked at the role of new training technology and where and how it could be implemented at various schoolhouses and fleet concentration areas to improve OS training performance."

"With over 51 commands and 79 attendees, we generated 11 areas to look at during the course of the review," Ludwig said.

The result of the reviews will be presented to leadership for resourcing via the Surface and Expeditionary Warfare Training Process (SEWTP).

The AEGIS Training and Readiness Center (ATRC) will host the next review, Aegis FC rating, at the Vista Point Catering and Conference Center, Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, March 31 to April 2.

"The fleet's input is critical to these rating reviews," McKinley said. "The analytical and systematic review of proposed technology and curriculum avoids unintended reductions in training quality. The inclusion of the voice of the fleet is critical to the Navy."

The Center for Surface Combat Systems 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 almost 70,000 hours of curriculum for close to 700 courses a year to more than 40,000 Sailors. The training center uses a mix of blended learning comprised of instructor led classes, hands-on labs, simulation and computer-based training.

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

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