Comments on: My First Few Weeks As A First Class Petty Officer. http://fewl.net/2008/06/11/my-first-few-weeks-as-a-first-class-petty-officer/ Just another Navy guy living in Japan... Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:51:06 +0000 By: Ordie http://fewl.net/2008/06/11/my-first-few-weeks-as-a-first-class-petty-officer/#comment-352634 Ordie Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:59:05 +0000 http://fewl.net/?p=281#comment-352634 Well IT1 I think we know what was expected from chiefs is just that was, You being the first class should be above the first line leader and should be saught out for trouble shooting only. We are taught now a days first line leaders are the lowly E-5's floor supervisors and WCS. Isn't it true that every paygrade picked up you seem to be a paygrade behind. Every chief I have known has not been the SME most have to search for answers and really will depend on you for the answer. I am only an E-5 but you know that I have never asked my chief for anything unless it was critical that it got done. They are the ones that can get extensions and have the connections with the higher ups to help you out. No offense to chiefs but I would'nt want to work next to them while performing physical work. Now first classes make the most sense just keep your people happy and try to help them with any problems and you will always be reguarded as the coolest LPO reguardless. The people will be more worried about letting you down then letting down anyone else. Well IT1 I think we know what was expected from chiefs is just that was, You being the first class should be above the first line leader and should be saught out for trouble shooting only. We are taught now a days first line leaders are the lowly E-5’s floor supervisors and WCS. Isn’t it true that every paygrade picked up you seem to be a paygrade behind. Every chief I have known has not been the SME most have to search for answers and really will depend on you for the answer. I am only an E-5 but you know that I have never asked my chief for anything unless it was critical that it got done. They are the ones that can get extensions and have the connections with the higher ups to help you out. No offense to chiefs but I would’nt want to work next to them while performing physical work. Now first classes make the most sense just keep your people happy and try to help them with any problems and you will always be reguarded as the coolest LPO reguardless. The people will be more worried about letting you down then letting down anyone else.

]]> By: EMO http://fewl.net/2008/06/11/my-first-few-weeks-as-a-first-class-petty-officer/#comment-346030 EMO Wed, 27 Aug 2008 02:32:03 +0000 http://fewl.net/?p=281#comment-346030 <blockquote>Your CMC is wrong. Chief Petty Officers are suppose to be the technical experts of the Navy. That is why the old saying is “Ask the Chief.” As an IT1 you should still be learning to become a master technician. One of the problems with today’s Navy is that Chiefs do not know their rate. I spent 30 years on active duty and retired as a Master Chief and I never stopped being a technician. Yes, Chiefs have to be leaders and managers, but they have a responsibility to be the SME of their division.</blockquote> IT1, First of all, great post on the GW. Second, Retired MCPO is 100% spot on with the expectations of CPO's and PO1's. As an EMO, I expect my LCPO to be the technical expert. He is not sitting in the CPO mess. My ET1's are expected to be the Leading Technicians, training and mentoring the junior technicians.

Your CMC is wrong. Chief Petty Officers are suppose to be the technical experts of the Navy. That is why the old saying is “Ask the Chief.” As an IT1 you should still be learning to become a master technician. One of the problems with today’s Navy is that Chiefs do not know their rate. I spent 30 years on active duty and retired as a Master Chief and I never stopped being a technician. Yes, Chiefs have to be leaders and managers, but they have a responsibility to be the SME of their division.

IT1, First of all, great post on the GW. Second, Retired MCPO is 100% spot on with the expectations of CPO’s and PO1’s. As an EMO, I expect my LCPO to be the technical expert. He is not sitting in the CPO mess. My ET1’s are expected to be the Leading Technicians, training and mentoring the junior technicians.

]]> By: JENNIFER G. http://fewl.net/2008/06/11/my-first-few-weeks-as-a-first-class-petty-officer/#comment-302140 JENNIFER G. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:36:08 +0000 http://fewl.net/?p=281#comment-302140 Hello, There I would just like to add a few words of inlightment. You mentiond you are an IT1 if, I am correct my guess would be that, that is or stands for Computer Tech. Meaning that the discription of your jobs is computer networking adminstration? isn't that first class petty officer? making You some sort of part in the lead of helping to fixs computers when they break down>? There are many others just like You in your position, IT1 but the role of pettey officer takes on other leads besides Computer Networking correct? It's only Your 1st few weeks, and I don't know.. how long ago you posted your thoughts. But; I think you feel or would like to do more than what you are doing now. I mean your right. "Who would want to be someone and do nothing?" It is a little dissapointed when you got such a "Big" name and behind it what are you really doing? Thing is your not going to do everything right away all at once, your not going to learn everything all at once, thing's take time, enjoy the little bit of nothing that you don't have to do, before you get all the big stuff and have to do everything.... See; I met someone a very long time ago, and some how we formed a wonderful connection unlike no other, His name was Abel Gonzales IT1 Computer Networking Admin. now hes in Jax Fl. and hes IT1 sw/aw because hes on ship now. at least thats that name they changed when he got there. I suppose hes still doing the computer networking stuff?? He told me a while back that i was the sunshine in his life, that i inspire him and make him want to do better for himself. and it didn't register in my mind at the time but it does now. That this person, this able gonzales was a person who saw what others didn't see in me because i saw everything no one else saw in him. FAITH AND LOYALTY WITH GOOD COMMUNICATION. funny thing is i only met him once, and we just build everything up by commuications. and let; met tell you he was a good communicator talks just like the rest of us but when it comes to emails and had written letters, his grammer was top notch using all of the periods, exclmations marks, commans etc. you name it. i never had someone who would want to share their thoghths and things that that are doing in such wonderful letters.... in the end of our 4 year letters i've decided to stop talking to him cold turkey making up some stupid excues saying thanks for being someone to talk to from time to time, i guess thats all we wanted to do was just talk , well take care and have a nice life. and never spoke to him agian. it's been 7 months. Why am i telling you this? because this person is a real speical person in my life and always will be i was affriad of my feelings and shine myself away.... Now im in california and he is in fla. and i feel as though he has left me but really i'm the one who left. i think of him all the time everyday, and i know i could email him, or write to him but how can i bring myself to do that when i did something so childish? so take it from me. Hello, There

I would just like to add a few words of inlightment. You mentiond you are an IT1 if, I am correct my guess would be that, that is or stands for Computer Tech. Meaning that the discription of your jobs is computer networking adminstration? isn’t that first class petty officer? making You some sort of part in the lead of helping to fixs computers when they break down>? There are many others just like You in your position, IT1 but the role of pettey officer takes on other leads besides Computer Networking correct?

It’s only Your 1st few weeks, and I don’t know.. how long ago you posted your thoughts. But; I think you feel or would like to do more than what you are doing now. I mean your right. “Who would want to be someone and do nothing?” It is a little dissapointed when you got such a “Big” name and behind it what are you really doing?

Thing is your not going to do everything right away all at once, your not going to learn everything all at once, thing’s take time, enjoy the little bit of nothing that you don’t have to do, before you get all the big stuff and have to do everything….

See; I met someone a very long time ago, and some how we formed a wonderful connection unlike no other, His name was Abel Gonzales IT1 Computer Networking Admin. now hes in Jax Fl. and hes IT1 sw/aw because hes on ship now. at least thats that name they changed when he got there. I suppose hes still doing the computer networking stuff??

He told me a while back that i was the sunshine in his life, that i inspire him and make him want to do better for himself.

and it didn’t register in my mind at the time but it does now. That this person, this able gonzales was a person who saw what others didn’t see in me because i saw everything no one else saw in him. FAITH AND LOYALTY WITH GOOD COMMUNICATION.

funny thing is i only met him once, and we just build everything up by commuications. and let; met tell you he was a good communicator talks just like the rest of us but when it comes to emails and had written letters, his grammer was top notch using all of the periods, exclmations marks, commans etc. you name it. i never had someone who would want to share their thoghths and things that that are doing in such wonderful letters….

in the end of our 4 year letters i’ve decided to stop talking to him cold turkey making up some stupid excues saying

thanks for being someone to talk to from time to time, i guess thats all we wanted to do was just talk , well take care and have a nice life.

and never spoke to him agian. it’s been 7 months. Why am i telling you this?

because this person is a real speical person in my life and always will be i was affriad of my feelings and shine myself away…. Now im in california and he is in fla. and i feel as though he has left me but really i’m the one who left. i think of him all the time everyday, and i know i could email him, or write to him but how can i bring myself to do that when i did something so childish?

so take it from me.

]]> By: Retired MCPO http://fewl.net/2008/06/11/my-first-few-weeks-as-a-first-class-petty-officer/#comment-294405 Retired MCPO Mon, 23 Jun 2008 06:35:58 +0000 http://fewl.net/?p=281#comment-294405 <blockquote> As our CMC said “Second classes get paid to fix shit, First classes get paid to lead. The time for you to become a master technician has come and passed.” I liked being a technician.</blockquote> Your CMC is wrong. Chief Petty Officers are suppose to be the technical experts of the Navy. That is why the old saying is "Ask the Chief." As an IT1 you should still be learning to become a master technician. One of the problems with today's Navy is that Chiefs do not know their rate. I spent 30 years on active duty and retired as a Master Chief and I never stopped being a technician. Yes, Chiefs have to be leaders and managers, but they have a responsibility to be the SME of their division.

As our CMC said “Second classes get paid to fix shit, First classes get paid to lead. The time for you to become a master technician has come and passed.” I liked being a technician.

Your CMC is wrong. Chief Petty Officers are suppose to be the technical experts of the Navy. That is why the old saying is “Ask the Chief.” As an IT1 you should still be learning to become a master technician. One of the problems with today’s Navy is that Chiefs do not know their rate. I spent 30 years on active duty and retired as a Master Chief and I never stopped being a technician. Yes, Chiefs have to be leaders and managers, but they have a responsibility to be the SME of their division.

]]> By: JMDollison http://fewl.net/2008/06/11/my-first-few-weeks-as-a-first-class-petty-officer/#comment-289208 JMDollison Tue, 17 Jun 2008 04:29:49 +0000 http://fewl.net/?p=281#comment-289208 Jim, First of all, congrats on making first class. Now you're playing in the big leagues. You may not have seen it yet, but it's a pretty dog-eat-dog atmosphere in the E6 realm. Just make sure that you're the one that steps above the eval cycle pettiness and helps out your fellow first classes. I remember that Chief Woods who was at the time FC1 Woods watching my back and kicking my ass all the time. That stuff gets noticed in the long run for making Chief obviously as he made it. Just remember that as an E5 some of the stuff you were graded on was your own performance. Not anymore. Nothing is about you... it's all about the people you're charged to lead. If they succeed, you succeed, because in the long run they will take care of you if you're the guy they can come to with any problem, professional or personal. That means recognize them publicly for their successes and privately kick them in the ass if they're headed in the wrong direction. I hear alot of talk about the chief's not doing anything. Well if that's the case, then the First Class Petty Officer is doing his job. If you have a chief that's micromanaging everything, then you're NOT doing your job as a leader. The only thing you should need your chief for is the rare occasion you can't settle inter-divisional disputes at the First Class level, or you need a signature. They do alot behind the scenes to cover your ass, so don't sell them short quite yet. Keep your chief out of a job, and you'll be in the mess before you know it. At least that was the wisdom I've both seen and Master Chiefs Steadly and Hargraves instilled in me. I've been just fine because of that. Again Jim, congratulations and I know you'll be the kind of leader I'd expect you to be. Keep in touch, ET1 Jason Dollison Jim,
First of all, congrats on making first class. Now you’re playing in the big leagues. You may not have seen it yet, but it’s a pretty dog-eat-dog atmosphere in the E6 realm. Just make sure that you’re the one that steps above the eval cycle pettiness and helps out your fellow first classes. I remember that Chief Woods who was at the time FC1 Woods watching my back and kicking my ass all the time. That stuff gets noticed in the long run for making Chief obviously as he made it. Just remember that as an E5 some of the stuff you were graded on was your own performance. Not anymore. Nothing is about you… it’s all about the people you’re charged to lead. If they succeed, you succeed, because in the long run they will take care of you if you’re the guy they can come to with any problem, professional or personal. That means recognize them publicly for their successes and privately kick them in the ass if they’re headed in the wrong direction. I hear alot of talk about the chief’s not doing anything. Well if that’s the case, then the First Class Petty Officer is doing his job. If you have a chief that’s micromanaging everything, then you’re NOT doing your job as a leader. The only thing you should need your chief for is the rare occasion you can’t settle inter-divisional disputes at the First Class level, or you need a signature. They do alot behind the scenes to cover your ass, so don’t sell them short quite yet. Keep your chief out of a job, and you’ll be in the mess before you know it. At least that was the wisdom I’ve both seen and Master Chiefs Steadly and Hargraves instilled in me. I’ve been just fine because of that. Again Jim, congratulations and I know you’ll be the kind of leader I’d expect you to be.

Keep in touch,
ET1 Jason Dollison

]]> By: The Dude http://fewl.net/2008/06/11/my-first-few-weeks-as-a-first-class-petty-officer/#comment-286526 The Dude Sat, 14 Jun 2008 11:16:43 +0000 http://fewl.net/?p=281#comment-286526 Jim, I know you will do the right thing. Correct you are now a First Class Petty Officer, but all this instant leadership, repsonsibilty won't be thrust upon you overnight. As time goes by you will gradually receive all these things and before you know it you will have all sorts of people, equipment and collateral duties etc. you are ultimately responsible for. Do remember this, take care of your Sailors and they will take care of you... guarantee it! Jim, I know you will do the right thing. Correct you are now a First Class Petty Officer, but all this instant leadership, repsonsibilty won’t be thrust upon you overnight. As time goes by you will gradually receive all these things and before you know it you will have all sorts of people, equipment and collateral duties etc. you are ultimately responsible for. Do remember this, take care of your Sailors and they will take care of you… guarantee it!

]]> By: ted http://fewl.net/2008/06/11/my-first-few-weeks-as-a-first-class-petty-officer/#comment-285373 ted Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:00:27 +0000 http://fewl.net/?p=281#comment-285373 Well Jim , I was where you are now. Being a First Class is what you make out of it. You are the first line of leadership and at first it can be very intimidating. I made First and did two tours as a Big Deck LPO. I have to say I ended up loving it. I took care of my guys and they took care of me. I ran my Chief out of his job and kept him fat and happy in the mess. I was fortunate our First Class mess was extremely powerful onboard. We ran every program onboard and kept the Khakis out of all our endeavors. Don't sell your position short and don't give up your authority as a First. Remember E-6 is the most competetive paygrade in the Navy. For the first time in your career the "Promotable" block becomes a reality. Well Jim , I was where you are now. Being a First Class is what you make out of it. You are the first line of leadership and at first it can be very intimidating. I made First and did two tours as a Big Deck LPO. I have to say I ended up loving it. I took care of my guys and they took care of me. I ran my Chief out of his job and kept him fat and happy in the mess. I was fortunate our First Class mess was extremely powerful onboard. We ran every program onboard and kept the Khakis out of all our endeavors. Don’t sell your position short and don’t give up your authority as a First. Remember E-6 is the most competetive paygrade in the Navy. For the first time in your career the “Promotable” block becomes a reality.

]]> By: Brooke http://fewl.net/2008/06/11/my-first-few-weeks-as-a-first-class-petty-officer/#comment-284186 Brooke Thu, 12 Jun 2008 06:06:06 +0000 http://fewl.net/?p=281#comment-284186 Hey Jim, I'm happy for you man and I just want to tell you this... The first classes at my command (shore duty) are terrible! They all sit around and talk a good game and then when it comes time for somebody to take action, nothing happens. Just keep your guys happy and then they'll make you happy. Hey Jim, I’m happy for you man and I just want to tell you this…
The first classes at my command (shore duty) are terrible! They all sit around and talk a good game and then when it comes time for somebody to take action, nothing happens. Just keep your guys happy and then they’ll make you happy.

]]> By: PigeonMan http://fewl.net/2008/06/11/my-first-few-weeks-as-a-first-class-petty-officer/#comment-284120 PigeonMan Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:37:18 +0000 http://fewl.net/?p=281#comment-284120 Congratz Jimbo...Just play the game and you'll be fine. (I just hope you're good at playing games...ha ha) Congratz Jimbo…Just play the game and you’ll be fine. (I just hope you’re good at playing games…ha ha)

]]> By: Luna http://fewl.net/2008/06/11/my-first-few-weeks-as-a-first-class-petty-officer/#comment-284054 Luna Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:16:42 +0000 http://fewl.net/?p=281#comment-284054 <blockquote>Well your job now is to do a whole lot of nothing, whats so bad with that. Just remember its not your job to work anymore, your almost at that chief rank where you can sit in the chiefs mess and do nothing all day...</blockquote> You can't be serious. I don't know what rate you are but when my husband was a First Class those were the most stressful and demanding years of his career. Congrats on your accomplishment Jim.

Well your job now is to do a whole lot of nothing, whats so bad with that. Just remember its not your job to work anymore, your almost at that chief rank where you can sit in the chiefs mess and do nothing all day…

You can’t be serious. I don’t know what rate you are but when my husband was a First Class those were the most stressful and demanding years of his career.

Congrats on your accomplishment Jim.

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