a question about numbers

[dvpj]

I suppose this is aimed at the active duty, or reserve Navy techs out there.

I'm in an American military policy class, (it will meet a government/history requirement) and have to look at a component of the American Military complex and discuss how history and economics have shaped the present form of that component. I'm going to go with Navy EOD forces and how they have changed to meet the 'from the sea' doctrine put in place in the late 80's.

I'm getting some good policy and high level bean-counter goop, but I can't put a finger on how the through-put of EOD techs have changed. Is the pipeline putting out more t/es than ten years ago, is the quality of the product being effected by any increase in demand?

I guess a more personal point would be from an operator/tech in the field, but has the increased OPTEMPO/PERSTEMPO been a hinderance on retention and unit readiness?

My prof is an old "Sateen Marine", with a great sense of practicle knowledge and twised humor. He does not want to see the results of this project in printed form, but a 30 min. Powerpoint presentation. Sort of a 'you are trying to defend your position to a congressional subcommitte presentation'. This should be a good time there are 8 people in the class, I'm the only vet and science major, the others are traditional aged pre-law and poli-sci majors.

Any assistance or just point me in a good direction, and I'll find it.
thanks.

red diver...standing by


[This message has been edited by dvpj (edited 02-10-2000).]

[bmf]

My feelings and opinions:

There are two major factors that I think are shaping EOD manning today. One is the downsizing during the mid-90's, the other is the booming economy. I think that when downsizing started, everyone in the military started to feel the burden. Our manning and funds were cut back -but yet our deployments continued (or even grew!). This started the cycle that we find ourselves in today. As more tech's are getting out, it puts more strain on those staying in as they have to make up this "slack" in the form of back-to back deployments etc... After a few years of this, they'll want to get out too and the cycle continues.
I feel that the average tech looks at how much he's been away this year, then looks at the booming economy and thinks "I can make more money and be gone less". If we were in a recession I doubt the military would be having such manning problems.

As far as the quality and quantity of the new guys:
I think that the training we give them is easier than what most of us had. That's not saying it isn't better though. I think we have worked hard at focusing on the important training issues and moved away from the hazing aspects. I really believe the tech we put out today has a better clue than the tech coming out in say, 1988.
Presently we are putting a lot more people through. I believe this reflects our manning shortages. We will have 6 Navy classes this year which is a full load I believe. As our manning rises the class numbers will drop.
On a last note, not I or any other instructor give a rat's ass about manning numbers. We test and evaluate on the same standars regardless of what the bean counters tell us. Simply, if you can't hack it-then you can pack it.

[dvpj]

So, the increased OPTEMPO is effecting the morale, are the mobile unit's detachments still able to function within the defined criteria of being "ready"?
I'm seeing information that the term readiness has very much broadened in its definition; supplies, manning, health (physical/emotional) of members, familarity of opearting area, and clearness of mission. When I was in, some of these points were not issues, at least on the shop floor.

I also understand that responsibitity and accountability have shifted down, I mean down in terms of who may bear them. I'm reading that the Chief or Petty Officer in Charge is no longer an unusuall situation. Being put in that kind of position is great for the short term ego, but hell on the long term morale of the individual and the unit.

I'm still putting this thing together, I have until mid-April until I must start to make slides and such.



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[bmf]

I would say readiness isn't effected all that much. You know how guys are, they'll be hoo-yah right up to the point when their wife leaves them. It is a serious problem but I believe more military funding will help tremendously.
Yah, I have heard of some Chiefs holding the OIC billet. I haven't heard of and PO1's as of yet. It makes a lot more sense to have the person with experience leading- vice some 26 year old college grad. I have never understood why a mastertech masterchief had to answer to a LTJG?
If you need any help with power-point just let me know. I know that program in and out now that I'm doing this job. I can whip up a show with graphics, video and sound in like an hour.
Take care,
bmf

[This message has been edited by bmf (edited 02-11-2000).]

[dvpj]

Thanks heaps!
Thanks also for the powerpoint(PP)offer.
Here at YCP we must take an 'information lit.' course and the final exam is a powerpoint presentation using as many bells and whistles as possible without ruining the message, and keep it within academic formated guidelines. HOWEVER; I gave mine on the Over-The-Line (OTL) games in San Diego, and I got a standing 'O'! I feel quite comfortable in PP.
Are you guys using PP in your classrooms?

[bmf]

Yup, it's a major teaching aid for every division. I think adding short video and sound files really help get the point across and keep the class interesting.
good luck!
bmf

[boomer]

You can also check with any Cadre at Indian Head Naval Station. Part of the EOD Program. Lot of good EOD Techs over there. Sure they'd love to answer any questions you might have.
Boomer