Comments on: Problems with the Navy (Chiefs)

By: Gerald Shields

Gerald Shields — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:17:14 +0000

Hearing this, I’m so glad I’m a civilian now. For the record though, it would’ve been interesting had I stayed in the Navy.

By: Like a Chief

Like a Chief — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 01:05:36 +0000

IT1, I enjoyed your rant, but when you go to work Monday, I want you to thank the Chief, who ensured your eval was smooth enough to get you promoted to 1st, or one of my brothers that helped a young seaman get his pay fixed, or just one that stood quarterdeck watches for 10 years before you steeped into my Navy, then thank him for the times he got his azz chewed by the for a young sailor that made a stupid mistake, the problem is your view is too narrow, your grasp of knowledge to small, and your understanding of what it means, and is to be a Chief is incomplete. I have no doubt, you are technically proficient at what you do IT1, my question is can you lead, can you answer the hard questions, like your Chief does on a daily basis, by the immature display of what you think a Chiefs job should be, I say no. The simple fact is we are peer selected, “we” grow our own, we place our LPO’s in hard positions so that they may grow, we expect them to perform as a Chief before they make it, that way we are sure that the day “we” select them they will make the right decisions, we do not have a training program, a freshly pinned Chief, does not have the luxury of walking away from the Skipper, because he is new, he or she can not walk away from a Sailor in need, shaking his head saying, “I’m a new Chief, I cant help” they will help the have, they always will. As for my induction, its best you do not talk about what you don’t know, the lessons learned, during the transition are only to strengthen the bond Chiefs have, to ensure them that all other Chiefs, will help when they are in need. Yes we are a brotherhood, we will always be! I will trust any Chief past or present with my life, they are my brothers and sisters. We speak as one. Moving on, you commented on what my job as a Chief should be, my suggestion, join the ward room, if you wish, in fact I encourage you, but as you look around as a junior officer, know that we are still helping by training you once again, see our Skippers charge us with that job also. Moving on to the Race card, for the record, I’m a white male, and I understand the importance of having a diverse Chiefs Mess, if you are ever selected you will understand, what my brothers of other races bring to the table when dealing with, and understanding different cultures, once again your narrow view of what you think my job is has impeded you from grasping the “big” picture. With this IT1, I wish you the best, I pitty the Chief you work for, he has his work cut out for him dealing with someone so narrow minded, but I rest assured my brother or sister will be there when you need them most. IT might just be helping you put that Officer Package in, yeah we do that also.. Take care IT1, and get to work, that LPO you work for is going to make Chief one day and someone will need to fill his seat, stand up, or move on. BTW I also hold, several Degrees as a Chief, including my BS/ and a MBA. I can honestly say, I make the place I work better at the end of the day, I hope you can do the same.

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:01:30 +0000

Excuse my manners by the way. If you want to know what I think I invite you to check out my BLOG and leave a comment. Good, Bad or indifferent. Keep stroking IT1. B.Z.

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:36:47 +0000

There is no doubt in my mind that you are a blackshoe. If you were an airdale you would know that 90% of the airdale Chiefs get their hands dirty everyday. There is no other way we would be able to get it done. It’s quite obvious you have a chip on your shoulder when it comes to Chiefs but I submit to you that you haven’t worked for a real Chief. I’m a retired Chief now and I can tell you this from the anchors I wore on my collar and from the heart. No Chief is worth his salt if he doesn’t take care of his people. Good, bad or indifferent. Mentor them, train them, get them ready for the next level, Pat them on the back for a job well done or kick them in the ass when they screw up. You are clueless when it comes to knowing what a Chief does or is reponsible for. Have you ever been called on the carpet to see the old man or the CMC? That’s why we do an initiation!! To prepare them for any eventuality they may face as a new Chief. And yes I am an initiated Chief!! Not this paddycake induction they do now. So let me give you a piece of advice. I noticed you said you have 3 degrees and working on a Ph D. Why don’t you apply for an officer program. They can use A_ _ holes like you!!! Why you may ask? Because the Chief said so!!!

By: Rednots

Rednots — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:29:59 +0000

Man, I love your blog.