The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Battle Group, including the USS Saipan (LHA 2) Amphibious Ready Group, is about to get underway without ever leaving port. Their new mission is to test and evaluate Revolution in Training initiatives designed to enhance the Navy's mission readiness by providing Sailors with new tools and opportunities to develop both professionally and personally.
Working with Task Force for Excellence through Commitment to Education and Learning (EXCEL), the battle group will implement and test the Sailor Continuum in an operational environment, as well as test incentives designed to increase performance and productivity. Additionally, the battle group will demonstrate the utility of a new learning management system, Navy Knowledge Online (NKO) that will track each Sailor's accomplishments.
"The innovations being touted by Task Force EXCEL are being driven by the Fleet and are for the Sailors. The acid test has to be at the waterfront. The Navy is bringing the Revolution in Training to Sailors, and it is happening now," said Director of Surface Warfare Rear Adm. Harry Ulrich. "This is the best opportunity to put these ideas and programs to the test." A working group consisting of executive officers (XO), command master chiefs (CMC) and other representatives from the Roosevelt battle group, Saipan ready group, Destroyer Squadron Two, and elements of Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVM 8) recently met in Norfolk, Va., to review and discuss the testing proposal.
"The testing proposals have generated a lot of excitement and enthusiasm," said Capt. Jamie Barnett, project leader for the beta test. "Private industry typically provides incentives for behaviors that enhance performance. That is what we will test within the battle group. We just need to work with the group to precisely define the tasks and how we will measure the outcomes."
The goal of this effort is directed at increasing job efficiency and productivity — more time for ship's work by developing each Sailor professionally and personally.