WTI by Day, NPS by Night

UNITED STATES

02.14.2017

Courtesy Story

USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26)

By Lt. Solomon Lu, warfare tactics instructor (WTI), assigned to Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center

Back in 2015, the Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) program was in its infancy. I first heard about this new program that trains surface warfare officers (SWO) to learn and teach cutting-edge tactical development and advanced training to the Surface Fleet. As a former Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer (ASWO), I knew that if I could join the WTI alumni, I could serve the community by mentoring and coaching junior SWOs – in the classroom and at sea.

At the time, I faced a dilemma. I was up for orders. I wanted a master’s degree from Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey but also wanted to join the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) to become a WTI. I chose SMWDC and put my graduate school goal on hold. However upon check-in, I found several students simultaneously pursing a NPS through distance learning.

I found mentors at SMWDC to help get through the WTI application process. I applied, was accepted, and am now honored to be a WTI, who is a part of the board selection process for Anti-Submarine Warfare/Anti-Surface Warfare Tactics Instructor (ASW/SUW WTI) program. We look at conventional markers of success, such as superior sustained performance at sea, and along with a passion for tactics.

I am studying Systems Analysis at NPS, and I am also working on my ASW Certificate. Both will help me with my professional area of expertise -- sonar systems. I have taken classes in statistics; simulation and modeling; and naval tactical analysis. As a WTI, I assist in the review of new execution of tactics. If there is a challenge in my area, I am able to infuse the training that I have received from my NPS distance learning program to find the best solution.

I am fortunate, as my chain of command supports my academic workload. And although I am extremely busy with my professional and personal goals, my satisfaction stems from the tangible rewards of laborious dedication. Both at sea and ashore, I have seen amazing crews become more lethal and proficient after we refine their tactical execution. What makes me the most proud is the Advanced ASWO graduates that take the passion of the classroom onto their ships, and the WTI graduates that take that passion back to the fleet. I am constantly refreshed because I honestly enjoy what I do -- knowing I have the competence and confidence to educate fellow surface warriors, all thanks to my infused WTI and NPS education.

Editor’s note: Lu was one of the first to graduate SMWDC’s intensive Anti-Submarine/Ant-Surface WTI course in San Diego. WTIs are a cadre of tactically-advanced junior SWOs who are charged with systematically increasing the tactical proficiency of the Surface Fleet, in support of sea control and maintaining maritime superiority. WTIs stem from three individual disciplines: integrated air and missile defense; amphibious warfare; and anti-submarine /anti-surface warfare. WTI courses commence biannually across all three disciplines in January and July in San Diego and Virginia. For more details, visit: http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/nsmwdc/Pages/Home.aspx

• Date Taken: 02.14.2017
• Date Posted: 02.14.2017 18:42
• Story ID: 223555
• Location: US