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Command Master Chief, Command Senior Chief Program

  • Published
  • By Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrea Perez
  • Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs
MILLINGTON, Tenn. --  The Navy is seeking highly-motivated master chief and senior chief petty officers for the Command Master Chief and Command Senior Chief Program, officials said Sept. 13, 2013.

"Hands down, the most important role of a command master chief or command senior chief is to represent their Sailors in all matters Navy to the commanding officer," said Command Master Chief Petty Officer Brent Tidwell, CMC/CSC detailer, Navy Personnel Command. "As a command master chief or senior chief, you are the Sailors' voice and they look to you for answers during challenging times, and you must be ready."

CMCs and CSCs ensure there is active communication throughout a chain of command. They advise their respective commander or commanding officer and provide input in the formulation, implementation, and execution of policies concerning morale, job satisfaction, discipline, family support and training of enlisted Sailors, as well as provide input and advice in matters affecting mission and operations.

"As a CMC, I'm responsible for the personal and professional development of Sailors and I provide mentorship and training to junior officers so that their hard work and dedication results in mission success," said Tidwell.

Those selected for the CMC/CSC Program are responsible for leading the alignment efforts of the Chief's Mess with the Navy ethos and Navy core values, and the mission, vision and guiding principles set forth by the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.

"Senior enlisted leaders should consider applying for the CMC/CSC Program because it's the pinnacle of leadership opportunities within our enlisted force," said Tidwell. "It provides senior chiefs and master chiefs an opportunity to expand their experience past the technical aspects of their rate and lead a larger and more diverse group of Sailors than they would as a source rated senior or master chief."

NAVADMIN 224/13 outlines eligibility and application procedures. Master chief and senior chief petty officers, including those in a frocked status are encouraged to apply. Applications must be postmarked no later than Dec. 9.

CMC and CSC selection boards convene annually at NPC. The board reviews and selects the best-qualified applicants for assignment into the CMC/CSC Program.

"Every year we get 100 or so packages and the board selects the very best of those," said Tidwell. "The main thing is that people keep trying to apply if they don't get selected the first or second time up. Don't give up because the opportunities and challenges are worth the fight and the frustration. It's really rewarding to be a part of the command and see the impact that you have in the command as a CMC."

Upon selection, receipt of orders and successful completion of a Military Senior Enlisted Academy and the Navy's Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat course in Newport, R.I., master chief petty officers' ratings will then be changed to CMDCM. Senior chief petty officers filling CSC billets will retain their source rating until selected for master chief petty officer and approved for conversion to CMDCM.

Master chiefs and senior chiefs selected for the CMC/CSC program will be assigned by the CMC detailer based on billet availability, experience and qualifications. If an authorized CSC billet is not available, members may be detailed by their rating detailer until one becomes available.

Read NAVADMIN 224/13 and OPNAVINST 1306.2G, available at www.npc.navy.mil, for more information.