U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ian R. Schoeneberg

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 19, 2008) U.S. Navy and Japanese Air Self-Defense Force aircraft fly in formation over American and Japanese ships during a photo exercise. The permanently forward deployed George Washington Carrier Strike Group concluded its bi-lateral training operations in the Pacific Ocean with the Japanese Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces increasing interoperability and strengthening its partnership. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ian R. Schoeneberg/RELEASED)

2009 Military Pay Chart

USS George Washington Battle Group

photo by Travis Spradling from 2theadvocate.com

The Navy announced yesterday that it will be merging the Storekeeper (SK) and Postal Clerk (PC) ratings. The new rating, Logistics Specialist (LS), will keep the current SK rating badge. The PC “A” school functions will soon be moved and incorporated into the SK pipeline at Meridian, MS.

Only real burden really is on the Storekeepers who have to learn to drive on the other side of the car OK, that was bad, in all seriousness this rating merger makes complete sense. BZ to the working group!

R 171649Z NOV 08
FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1//
TO NAVADMIN
INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1//
UNCLAS //N01223//
NAVADMIN 326/08
MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/NOV//
SUBJ/MERGER OF THE STOREKEEPER (SK) AND POSTAL CLERK (PC) RATINGS//
RMKS/1. THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS HAS APPROVED THE MERGER OF THE
STOREKEEPER (SK) AND POSTAL CLERK (PC) RATINGS INTO THE LOGISTICS
SPECIALIST (LS) RATING. THIS MERGER WILL APPLY TO ACTIVE DUTY, FULL-
TIME SUPPORT, AND SELRES SAILORS IN THE SK AND PC RATINGS. AS AN
ELEMENT OF THE NAVY’S TOTAL FORCE STRATEGY, THIS MERGER WILL CAPITALIZE
ON THE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES FOUND IN THE TWO RATINGS AND
APPLY THEM TOWARD A UNIFIED MISSION.
2. MERGING THE SK AND PC RATINGS WILL IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND SUPPORT
OPTIMAL MANNING. ANTICIPATED BENEFITS ARE REDUCED INFRASTRUCTURE COSTS
AND IMPROVED CUSTOMER SERVICE AND QUALITY OF LIFE FOR SAILORS.
3. OFFICIAL CONVERSION FROM SK AND PC TO LS FOR ALL ACTIVE DUTY RATED
SAILORS, AND RESERVE E6 AND ABOVE, WILL BE ON 1 OCTOBER 2009.
CONVERSION FOR RESERVE COMPONENT E1 THROUGH E5 WILL OCCUR ON 1 APRIL
2010. NO INDIVIDUAL PERSONNEL ACTION BY COMMANDS OR MEMBERS WILL BE
REQUIRED.
4. THE SK RATING BADGE WILL BE USED TO REPRESENT THE LS RATING. ALL
PC PERSONNEL SHALL CONVERT UNIFORM RATING BADGES TO THE SK RATING BADGE
NO LATER THAN 1 OCTOBER 2011. POSTAL CLERKS WHO TRANSFER TO THE FLEET
RESERVE OR THE RETIRED LIST BETWEEN 1 OCTOBER 2009 AND 30 SEPTEMBER
2011 MAY CONTINUE TO WEAR THE PC RATING BADGE, IF DESIRED. THE
ENLISTED MASTER FILE, HOWEVER, WILL REFLECT PERSONNEL IN THE LS RATING
AS OF THE CONVERSION DATES LISTED IN PARA 3.
5. FOLLOWING IS THE NAVY-WIDE EXAM ADMINISTRATION SCHEDULE:
A. E7 (ACTIVE):
LAST SEPARATE EXAM - JAN 09
FIRST MERGED EXAM - JAN 10
B. E7 (FTS/SELRES):
LAST SEPARATE EXAM - FEB 09
FIRST MERGED EXAM - FEB 10
C. E4 - E6 (ACTIVE):
LAST SEPARATE EXAM - SEP 09
FIRST MERGED EXAM - MAR 10
D. E4 - E6 (FTS/SELRES):
LAST SEPARATE EXAM - FEB 10
FIRST MERGED EXAM - AUG 10
6. FOLLOWING IS THE E7 AND E8/9 SELECTION BOARD SCHEDULE:
A. E8/9 (ACTIVE):
LAST SEPARATE BOARD - SPRING 09 (FY10 BOARD)
FIRST MERGED BOARD - SPRING 10 (FY11 BOARD)
B. E8/9 (FTS/SELRES):
LAST SEPARATE BOARD - SPRING 09 (FY10 BOARD)
FIRST MERGED BOARD - SPRING 10 (FY11 BOARD)
C. E7 (ACTIVE):
LAST SEPARATE BOARD - SUMMER 09 (FY10 BOARD)
FIRST MERGED BOARD - SUMMER 10 (FY11 BOARD)
D. E7 (FTS/SELRES):
LAST SEPARATE BOARD - SUMMER 09 (FY10 BOARD)
FIRST MERGED BOARD - SUMMER 10 (FY11 BOARD) 7. COMMANDER, NAVY
RECRUITING COMMAND WILL RECRUIT ONLY INTO NEW ACCESSIONS IN FY10. ALL
NEW ACCESSION RECRUITS WILL ATTEND LS “A”
SCHOOL.
8. THIS NAVADMIN DOES NOT MODIFY ANY PREVIOUS GUIDANCE CONCERNING
EARLY SEPARATION, FLEET RESERVE, CONVERSION PACKAGES, OR PERFORM TO
SERVE (PTS) REENLISTMENT REQUESTS. PTS REENLISTMENT REQUESTS DATED
PRIOR TO 1 OCTOBER 2009 SHALL BE SUBMITTED PER GUIDANCE FOR THE PC AND
SK RATINGS. PTS REENLISTMENT REQUESTS DATED 1 OCTOBER 2009 OR LATER
WILL BE SUBMITTED PER GUIDANCE FOR THE LS RATING. SELECTIVE
REENLISTMENT BONUS (SRB) AND SPECIAL DUTY ASSIGNMENT PAY (SDAP)
PAYMENTS FOR APPLICABLE PC/SK PERSONNEL WILL CONTINUE TO BE PAID AFTER
THE 1 OCTOBER 2009 CONVERSION DATE.
9. POINTS OF CONTACT DURING THIS MERGER ARE AS FOLLOWS:
- ENLISTED COMMUNITY MANAGERS: CDR DAVE SHEALY, SUPPLY ENLISTED
COMMUNITY MANAGER (BUPERS 328), AT (901) 874-2823/DSN 882 OR EMAIL AT
DAVID.SHEALY(AT)NAVY.MIL
- RATING TECHNICAL ADVISOR: PCCM RONALD GUYTON AT (901) 874-2825/DSN
882 OR EMAIL AT RONALD.GUYTON(AT)NAVY.MIL
- SK DETAILER: SKCM GREG YELVERTON AT (901) 874-3724/DSN 882 OR EMAIL
AT GREGORY.YELVERTON(AT)NAVY.MIL
- PC DETAILER: PCCS LESLEY SMITH AT (901) 874-3720/DSN 882 OR EMAIL AT
LESLEY.SMITH(AT)NAVY.MIL 10. RELEASED BY VADM M. E. FERGUSON III, N1.//
BT
#0000
NNNN

2009 Military Pay Chart

Navy Merges SK with PC

The Navy team for Valour-IT (Voice Activated Laptops for OUR Injured Troops).

Team leader - Information Dissemination

Steeljaw Scribe
Chaotic Synaptic Activity
HIStalk
The Stupid Shall Be Punished
Smadanek
NavyWife
Haze Gray and Underway!!!!
Some Soldier’s Mom
Marvin’s Word
EagleSpeak
Boston Maggie
Bobo Blogger
Ironic Surrealism
Here, There and Back Again
Sailor Bob
The Barton Bulletin
The Lizard’s Life
Rhymes With Right
LT Nixon Rants
pamibe
The Jawa Report
enrevanche
The Carrier Project
Under the Sea
Grouchy Old Cripple In Atlanta
Searchlight Crusade
Dan Melson’s La Mesa Real Estate and Mortgage
Instapinch
View from the 8th Floor
The Political Jungle
Last Refuge Of A Scoundrel
Boudicca’s Voice
DelinquentAngel
gCaptain - Maritime Monday
Some Kind of Incredible

Through project Valour-IT Soldier’s Angels is able to provide some of the following technologies to our wounded veterans;

• Voice-controlled Laptops - Operated by speaking into a microphone or using other adaptive technologies, they allow the wounded to maintain connections with the rest of the world during recovery.
  
• Wii Video Game Systems - Whole-body game systems increase motivation and speed recovery when used under the guidance of physical therapists in therapy sessions.
• Personal GPS - Handheld GPS devices build self-confidence and independence by compensating for short-term memory loss and organizational challenges related to TBI and severe PTSD.

2009 Military Pay Chart

Team Navy 2008 Valour-IT

Basically to qualify for the NF program you must meet regular enlistment eligibility plus have a “traditional” state-accredited high school diploma, have successfully completed one year of high school or college level algebra, be a United States citizen and be younger than 25 years of age by your shipping date to recruiting training. You must also meet the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)/Navy Advanced Program testing requirements.  Prior drug usage and police involvement, where not necessarily disqualifying, will make entering the program difficult - see your Recruiter as some things can be waived for outstanding candidates.

Once your time in the Delayed Entry Program is completed expect to experience the NF pipeline, moving from one phase of training to the next without undue delay. The normal training cycle is:

1. Recruit Training (Great Lakes, IL).
2. NF Class “A” School (Charleston, SC).
3. Basic Nuclear Power Course at Nuclear Power School (Charleston, SC).
4. Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator Course at Nuclear Power Training Unit (Ballston Spa, NY or Charleston, SC). Selected graduates of mechanical operator training are given additional training as Engineering Laboratory Technicians (ELT) or Propulsion Plant Operator Welders.
5. Duty Assignment. After prototype training, nuclear propulsion plant operators are assigned to duty per the needs of the Navy.

You will enter the Navy as an E-3 and be automatically promoted to E-4 (Third Class Petty Officer) at the completion of your “A” school phase. Promotion to E-4 requires you sign an enlistment extension - the NF program is a six year obligation basically broken down as; four years of a basic enlistment PLUS one year extension for the amount of schooling and a sixth year for the promotion to E-4 (hope that makes sense). Navy Nukes also receive special duty assignment pay which can range from $150 to $450 a month, proficiency pay up to $150 a month and not to mention sea pay while stationed on a sea going command (plus submarine pay if you decide to go on boats that sink on purpose :)). My little pay snap shot does not include housing and allowance for subsistence which you may also be eligible for.

With a renewed drive towards establishing new nuclear power plants in the United States over the foreseeable future the demand for nuclear qualified technicians and operators is sure to rise. Below is an example of just one of the many current opportunities available for application.

Senior Reactor Operator Initial License Class Candidates (a.k.a. Direct SRO Candidate) Location: Southern Company- Plant Hatch

Salary Range: $60,000 - $85,000, plus incentive pay (bonus) and other compensation related benefits, i.e. pension, medical plan, 401K employee savings plan, stock options (grade level 6 & above), etc.

Job Description:
Selected candidate will perform Operations staff functions for plant familiarization to prepare for an upcoming NRC Hot License Class. Candidate must successfully complete plant-provided systems and fundamentals training on reactor operation, heat transfer, fluid flow, and thermodynamics and pass initial screening and annual medical requirements for acquiring and maintaining industrial fire brigade duties.

Upon successful completion of Hot License Class and attaining NRC Operating License, the SRO candidate will direct operating shift personnel in the performance of plant duties. This will include standing watch currently on rotating 12-hour shifts and coordination and directing the operation of the nuclear power plant’s systems. Shift work, continuous training with periodic examinations, respirator qualification, and maintaining qualification as a member of the plant Fire Brigade are all requirements of this position.

Requirements:
· Shall have two years of power plant experience of which a minimum of one year shall be nuclear power plant experience.
· Preferred candidates will have four or more years experience in Nuclear Plant Operations (eg, Nuclear Navy, or commercial power plant) including previous NRC RO or SRO license or military equivalent.
· Demonstrated leadership, preferably at the supervisor level or above, along with excellent oral and written skills.
· Solid analytical thinking and strong mechanical aptitude a must.
· Shall have a high school diploma or equivalent and possess a high degree of manual dexterity and mature judgment.
· Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field preferred.

Other Requirements:
· The selected candidate will be required to obtain U.S. Nuclear Power Plant Unescorted Access and will participate in the company’s Fitness-for-Duty Program.
· Candidates may also be required to maintain qualifications and on-call responsibilities in support of the plant Emergency Response Organization.
· In order to obtain unescorted access, the selected candidate will be required to complete a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ).
· Information from this form will be used to conduct an extensive background investigation as required by Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
· It is unlikely you will be granted access if (1) you have had a positive drug or alcohol test within the past five years, (2) you have used or possessed drugs in the past five years, (3) you have a felony conviction in the past five years, (4) you have recent misdemeanor convictions, (5) you falsify or omit information or fail to fully cooperate during the investigation process. This list is not inclusive.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a super-regional energy company with 4.3 million customers and more than 42,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity in the Southeast. It is one of the largest producers of electricity in the U.S. Southern Company is the parent firm of Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, Southern Power, Southern Nuclear, SouthernLINC Wireless, and Southern Telecom. Southern Company brands are synonymous with excellent customer service, high reliability, and prices that are 15 percent below the national average. We offer a competitive compensation package. Equal Opportunity Employer.

With the lure of well paying jobs beckoning those with Navy nuclear power training you can image that keeping the ratings manned up can be a challenge. The Navy in order to entice Sailors to stay in past their initial enlistment provides a bonus of up to $90,000, that’s not chump change. Got what it takes?

2009 Military Pay Chart

Navy Nuclear Program

No matter where you may travel in the world make sure you take advantage of the sights and culture. In the Navy you will have an opportunity to experience many different countries in a relatively short span of time, if there is a zoo in the port your visiting I suggest making it one of your tour stops!

2009 Military Pay Chart

Relax and Watch the Panda

The Navy Ethos:

• We are the United States Navy, our nation’s sea power - ready guardians of peace, victorious in war.
• We are professional Sailors and Civilians - a diverse and agile force exemplifying the highest standards of service to our nation, at home and abroad, at sea and ashore.
• Integrity is the foundation of our conduct: respect for others is fundamental to our character: decisive leadership is crucial to our success.
• We are a team, disciplined and well-prepared, committed to mission accomplishment. We do not waver in our dedication and accountability to our Shipmates and families.
• We are patriots, forged by the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment. In times of war and peace, our actions reflect our proud heritage and tradition.
• We defend our nation and prevail in the face of adversity with strength, determination and dignity.
• We are the United States Navy.

2009 Military Pay Chart

The Navy Ethos

Veteran’s Day was legislated with the idea of a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Soldier’s Angels is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring our country’s veterans 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Project Valour-IT is one of the many programs of Soldier’s Angels I very find intriguing. The funds they collect are tax deductible and go directly to our wounded troops; 100% of your donation to Project Valour-IT will be used to purchase laptops and other technology that will support recovery and provide independence and freedom to wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines.  Your gift will leverage technology to help those who sacrificed so much, assisting them in living a better life.

Update!

Read the comments of Galrahn over at Information Dissemination and get involved in this worthy cause!

2009 Military Pay Chart

Veterans Day 2008

The new GI-Bill will become effective August 1, 2009. The new GI-Bill will essentially pay the cost of tuition and fees, not to exceed the most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher education (paid to school) while your serving on active duty.

For honorably discharged veterans who qualify (not those still serving to complete their obligated service) the New GI-Bill will pay the cost of tuition and fees AND it will also cover a monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance for housing payable to a military E-5 with dependents, in the same zip code as your school (paid to you) and a yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1000 per year (paid to you). Seems it is best to use after you get out…

With the budget belts tightening it would not surprise me at all to see the coveted Tuition Assistance benefit go away completely. There are already rumblings from members of congress to cut the defense budget by as much as 25%. Cutting the program will save tens of millions of dollars across all services and it seems to me the New GI-Bill could provide the justification.

I truly hope I am wrong. Time will tell.

2009 Military Pay Chart

End of Tuition Assistance?

Children Miracle Network Classic

This week the Professional Golf Association (PGA) tour pros arrived at the Shades of Green (SOG) to participate in the Children Miracle Network Classic golf tournament. This is the thirteenth year for the event and hearing some of the golfers talk about it in the lobby it is one they look forward to. Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh and Mark O’Meara are a few of the professionals who have laid claim to the championship trophy in years past.

Amateur golfers can also participate in the event. Discussing the subject with the wife of such a golfer she said there is about a $7500 entrance fee and everything is included - even the hybrid Cadillac Escalades with chauffeurs who drive you where ever you want to go.

The Shades of Green blocked off 70 rooms for the event for the golfers and tour administrators. It is the only time of year individuals not normally eligible to stay at this Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC) can take up the brief residence.

The Shades of Green

The contract for the event is between Disney and the PGA. The golfers do not stay at the Shades of green for the military rate, I was told by a hotel representative the room charge is the same as a high end room at a local Disney Resort hotel. Disney collects from the PGA and distributes the earned funds for the rooms and conference center to the Shades of Green. The money is used towards the operating costs of SOG which obviously helps keep the costs down eligible service members.

If you like rubbing elbows with the golfing elite the Shades of Green is the place to be in November. Put it on your calender for 2009, this is great!

Also while your here you can of course take advantage of the large Mickey Mouse head shaped heated pool, play a round of golf on a PGA tour course for about $55, the many restaurants and the Disney theme parks. Shades of Green has a bus system to take you to the various parks or you can make the short walk just across the street to the Polynesian Resort and catch the monorail.

The Magic Kingdom

Staying at the Shades of Green affords you the same priviledges of those staying at the other resort hotels on the Disney property like “Extra time in the parks”. Each day different parks are selected for resort visitors to be able to enter the park up to an hour before or stay later up to three hours than the regular park visitor.

Each time I have stayed at the Shades of Green I have been disappointed about only one thing, the Army seems to be the only service to have gotten the word about this place out (I’m a little surprised the Air Force isn’t represented more than they are, arn’t they always on liberty?).  Help get the word out, don’t just sit at home the next time you take leave, get here and take advantage of this benefit.

2009 Military Pay Chart

PGA Tour Hits the Shades of Green

Now, on to the business of today’s post, If the campaign signs placed in the front of peoples homes are any indication John McCain will take Alabama and North Florida. As we drove from Memphis to Panama City Beach I counted 377 homes for McCain and only 7 signs for Obama. Didn’t see a sign for either candidate traveling Hwy 78 (future Interstate Highway 22, no homes on the root) and recorded only 2 Obama and 5 McCain signs when we entered Birmingham.

Didn’t record any signs traveling Interstate 65 to and Interstate 85 thru Montgomery but while heading south on Hwy 231 to Troy, Alabama we counted 21 McCain signs to zero for Obama. It was while taking state road 167/79 to Panama City Beach, Florida we counted a whopping 351 for McCain and didn’t see a single Obama sign until we reached Panama City Beach were the remaining 5 signs were noticed.

Unscientific poll to say the least but I was amazed by the disparity. Today should be interesting…

Get out and Vote! My vote for McCain/Palin has already been cast.

2009 Military Pay Chart

Alabama and North Florida for McCain