NEWPORT, R.I. - Center for Service Support (CSS) on board Naval Station Newport, R.I., is hosting a Targeted Job Duty Task Analysis (JDTA) workshop Jan. 7-10 for the Personnel Specialist (PS) training pipeline.
The JDTA workshop was conducted in response to the Naval Training Systems Plan (NTSP) validated by Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP). During the workshop, CSS training specialists gathered technical documentation from stakeholders and subject matter experts related to the associated jobs, duties and tasks performed by PSs. The data gathered will be used to create a baseline that addresses new work requirements triggered by the NTSP.
According to John Wishall, an Integrated Learning Environment (ILE) functional leader assigned to Navy Education and Training Command (NETC), just providing knowledge is not effective in meeting fleet requirements and emphasis on training is being shifted to a performance based system.
“The JDTA is the first step in fulfilling fleet requirements,” said Wishall. “The changes we are making are 100 percent focused upon fleet requirements for a particular job. We take data from around the fleet and align it with rate training manuals (RTMs), personnel qualification standards (PQS), on the job training (OJT) and formal training to ensure we present the most effective training available.”
“This JDTA will have a dramatic impact on the PS rating,” said Wishall. “It will shift courses into a blended learning environment. It will present the students with unique live scenarios and will ensure each student can practice their new skills. Our instructors will be able to see if each student has reached an expected level of proficiency before they graduate school.”
Other stakeholders and subject matter experts included representatives from a variety of commands, including the Bureau of Naval Personnel and Navy Pay and Personnel Support Center.
Chief Personnel Specialist (SW/AW) Roger Drumheller, PS training manager said it is the responsibility of CSS and its learning sites to support the Navy's forward-deployed and widely distributed force by delivering proficient and knowledgeable Sailors to the fleet.
"The requirements for our rate are evolving every day," said Drumheller. "Our training and curriculum is evolving with fleet requirements so we can properly train our new students. Our fleet needs these Sailors be technically proficient and keenly aware of nearly all aspects of pay, personnel and miscellaneous administration support. The better we train our students, the better their understanding of the required technical elements involved in the performance of their jobs.”
“Supervisors throughout the Navy want new sailors to be integral team members as soon as they join their command,” said Drumheller. “There should be only a slight learning curve. Our students will be able to hit the deckplates running."
CSS and its seven learning sites provide sailors with the knowledge and skills required to support the fleet's warfighting mission. Each year, the nearly 250 staff and faculty members of CSS deliver training to more than 10,000 personnel serving in the Navy's administration, logistics and media communities.