One
of the most significant and important days of my Naval career was the day I was
initiated and inducted into the Chief Petty Officer community. I'll never
forget when the Chief Petty Officer Creed was read at that ceremony.
Additionally, as COB, I had the honor to read that creed to several classes on
new Chiefs. The creed speaks of the initiation - without an initiation and
induction, I wonder what happens to the creed?
Jacksonville.com, Jan. 30
For 119
years, the ranks of Chief Petty Officer have exemplified experience and
success, throughout many changes.
Now, Master Chief Petty Officer of
the Navy Michael Stevens and the rest of the Navy Chief’s Mess greet another
change.
They will say goodbye to the words
Chief’s induction and initiation and embrace the new, modern concept of CPO
365.
“Our charge as Chief Petty Officers
is to develop our Sailors every day,” Fleet Master Chief Charles Clarke, Fleet
Master Chief, Fleet Forces Command, said. “Change is sometimes necessary to
move forward. CPO 365 allows more time to embed our values, history and
leadership tenets.”
At Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay
CPO 365 not only affects those selected to become the Navy’s newest Chief Petty
Officers, but those First Class Petty Officers who are working their way to the
next stage of their Navy careers.
“CPO 365 will better represent our
year-round commitment to prepare our First Class Petty Officers to become
effective Chief Petty Officers, whether they are selected this year or in the
future,” said Command Master Chief Shaun Garvin, Submarine Group Ten Command
Master Chief.
The concept of a year-long
development and training process for FCPOs was first introduced in 2010 under
former MCPON Rick West. It consists of a two-phase process — the first begins
in September and ends upon selection of new Chief Petty Officers.
Under MCPON Stevens’ revised
program, detailed in his 2012-2013 CPO 365 Guidance, all FCPOs will participate
through the duration of Phase One, whether they are board-eligible or not.
“As a junior first class petty
officer, I have gotten a lot out of the training,” Religious Programs
Specialist 1st Class Michael Brewer said. “Getting the opportunity to network
and work alongside my fellow 1st classes, which have been doing this longer,
will make it easier for me when my opportunity comes to take the next step in
my career as a Chief Petty Officer.”
Once CPO selection results are
announced, the second phase begins with the same principled, professional
leadership training that has been conducted all year.
While selectees complete the Chief
Petty Officer Selectee Leadership Course, non-selectees will have the
opportunity to continue yearlong training.
“One of the keys to this process is
establishing the culture of fitness and providing the sound physical readiness
that our future Chief Petty Officers need to carry us into the 21st century,”
said Command Master Chief Randy Huckaba, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Command
Master Chief.
There’s always been Physical
Training involved with Chief’s inductions. But with CPO 365, the process will
be lengthened from six weeks to a year.
Chief Culinary Specialist Warren
Wauson said it’s a great way to introduce a new, faster-paced workout program
that is good for the entire body.
“This will strengthen the Navy’s PT
program, that will increase physical readiness year around, while strengthening
the relationship between Chiefs and future Chiefs of the Navy,” Wauson said.
The Kings Bay Chief’s Mess will
take on the charge of CPO 365 and will be an example of what success can come
from change.
“What has been refreshing to hear,
when I travel around the base, are the positive attitudes from the Sailors
willing to step forward and volunteer to be part of the process,” Huckaba said.
“Our defining point will always be the day we accept the new Chiefs in uniform.
But our best work will be done throughout the year.”
