Scoring Interviews

If interviewees have a Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) in the skill for which they are being interviewed, they are automatically assigned to that skill level without being interviewed for any of the lower skill levels. When interviewing, you should use a positive approach. If the interviewees say they can do the related work, you may continue with the interview for the skill level; however, if they say they CANNOT do the work, it is obvious that you should go on to some other skill. The interviewees either do or do not know the skill. The decision is left up to the interviewer. ALL TASKS must be accomplished for each skill level. The results of the interview are then introduced into the PRCP system. The procedures used for doing this are contained in NAVFAC P-458, volume III, Systems Documentation.

TRAINING

Each training program is formulated to provide personnel with the skills needed to accomplish current missions and mobilization missions. The program is developed according to the pattern, priorities, and tempo established by the commanding officer. It covers many phases from orientation courses to special technical courses. The success of a training program depends upon operational commitments, policies, and directives from higher authorities. The experience, previous training of the personnel assigned, and the availability of training facilities also impact on a training program's success. Although much of the construction training is provided by class A and C-1 advanced schools and special construction battalion training (SCBT) courses, additional skill and experience must be acquired.

TRAINING ORGANIZATION

Navy regulations state that the naval mobile construction battalion (NMCB) executive officer supervises and coordinates the work, exercises, training, and education of personnel in the command. The executive officer supervises the training of officers, coordinates the planning and execution of the training program and, when necessary, acts to correct deficiencies in the program. The executive officer does this in the capacity as chief staff officer (CSO). The executive officer's principal assistant is the plans and training officer.

Company commanders are directly responsible for training their company personnel and for fulfilling training goals established by the commanding officer. The company commanders help to formulate training programs, supervise training of subordinate officers, and direct technical military and general training of their companies. The battalion service department heads are responsible for individual training in their departments. They conduct training for advancement and administer the OPNAV-sponsored general training. Platoon leaders monitor the training progress of personnel in their platoons. They directly supervise on-the-job construction and military training. All petty officers assume the responsibility for training their members. Good petty officers are able to conduct effective training courses using lectures, discussions, project work, and so on.

The plans and training officer is assisted by a permanently assigned staff of three or four petty officers and by additional personnel on a part-time basis as necessitated by the formal training work load. This group is headed by a chief petty officer. Group members function as the unit's central training coordinators. Responsible for the entire training program, this group is concerned with the formulation and administration of both the formal military training program and the technical training program. These programs include formal schools, SCBT, advanced base construction, and disaster recovery. Individual class assignments are formulated and administered within each company and must correspond to the guidelines established by the plans and training officer.

In the Amphibious Construction Battalion (PhibCB), the training officer may serve as assistant to the operations officer. The training officer arranges and schedules all formal training of officers and enlisted personnel. The PhibCB training officer performs essentially the same duties as the plans and training officer in the NMCB. However, the training program planned by the training officer of a PhibCB is tailored to meet the specialized mission of the PhibCB. This specially tailored training program provides the knowledge that operational teams and crews apply in carrying out all phases of their primary mission. Included are seamanship, installation and operation of causeway piers, fuel systems, and beach salvage techniques.