CHIPS Articles: Enlisted Information Dominance Warfare Specialist Program

Navy Cyber Forces Command, as the executive agent for the EIDWS program, reviewed the program and identified a lack of qualification opportunities for Sailors in the AG, IS, CT and IT ratings assigned to commands not under IDC command administrative control. Navy Cyber Forces determined that as of October 2012, only 50 percent of IDC enlisted personnel were eligible to enroll in the EIDWS program.

To support the Navy "Strategy for Achieving Information Dominance" and enhance the professional development of IDC enlisted personnel, the provisions of NAVADMIN 343/12 (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/messages/Documents/NAVADMINS/NAV2012/NAV12343.txt) expand the program to allow all IDC personnel an opportunity to enroll in any existing certification program. Any IDC Sailor having reasonable access to a command with an established EIDWS program may enroll in that command's program. This additional opportunity for earning enlisted warfare qualifications will enhance the professional development of all IDC Sailors and increase warfighting capabilities and cyber expertise throughout the Navy.

Shipboard personnel attached to commands without a program may enroll and qualify via an approved program within their strike group, amphibious readiness group (ARG) or task force. If not assigned to a strike group, ARG or task force, shipboard IDC personnel may enroll at any reasonably accessible approved EIDWS program. Primary command personnel qualification standards (PQS) and warfare qualifications, based on command function, must be obtained prior to authorization to enroll in an EIDWS program.

New program validation and approval will continue as needed to support emerging ID mission expansion. Commands currently in the process of EIDWS program development may continue with program certification efforts. Specifically, aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships and fleet commands interested in creating an EIDWS program are directed to follow the guidance outlined in COMNAVCYBERFOR Instruction 1414.1.

Prior to the release of NAVADMIN 343/12, only 50.4 percent of IDC enlisted personnel, or 12,689 of 25,172, were eligible to enroll. Program expansion increases opportunities for more than 90 percent of IDC personnel in the AG, CT, IS and IT ratings.

"Realizing that it is virtually impossible for us to extend the opportunity to 100 percent of the Information Dominance Corps, a 90 percent solution is a great number. In keeping with (retired) MCPON West's goal of having ‘all Sailors wearing a warfare pin,’ our expansion not only drives toward this stated goal but exceeds the efforts of all other enlisted warfare qualification efforts. Every eligible Sailor who pursues this voluntary opportunity will bolster their own professional resume and enhance the warfighting capability of their own commanders. The efforts of Senior Ross and Senior Morrow in leading the cradle-to-grave charge in this effort have been remarkable. The EIDWS remains our Navy's most ‘coveted and sought after’ warfare pin," said (now retired) FORCM (IDW/AW/SW) Jay Powers, Force Master Chief for Navy Cyber Forces Command.

So far, 121 commands have an approved EIDWS program, with 22 in the process of validation. More than 3,300 Sailors have already qualified. An updated EIDWS instruction will be released containing program revisions and updated requirements. In the meantime, please refer to NAVADMIN 343/12 for guidance.

For assistance please contact:

NAVCYBERFOR Force Master Chief: FORCM Steve Giordano at (757) 417-6705; DSN: 537-6705 or steven.giordano@navy.mil.

EIDWS program coordinator: CTNCS Russell Ross at (757) 417-7931 ext. 8; DSN: 537-7931 ext. 8 or russell.a.ross1@navy.mil.

Program Coordinator: ITCS Stefan Morrow at (757) 417-6757 ext. 1; DSN: 537-6757 ext. 1 or stefan.morrow@navy.mil.

Sharon Anderson, CHIPS senior editor, contributed to this article.