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Go to Bootcamp Test
VIRTUAL NAVY
RECRUIT INDOCTRINATION COURSE
(Recruit Handbook)
PREFACE
“Welcome Aboard” the Virtual Navy! You have made an exceptional choice in joining our organization. As you will learn in the following pages, though we emulate (but are not associated with) the United States Navy, we have a strong history and an even stronger future. By joining the VNAVY and participating in this self-study course, you have demonstrated a desire to improve yourself and the VNAVY. Remember, however, this self-study course is only one part of the total VNAVY training program. Practical experience, schools, selected reading, and your desire to succeed are also necessary to successfully round out a fully meaningful training program. We are excited that, should you possess the right attitude, fortitude, and military bearing, you will accompany us on this journey.
Should you need ANY assistance or have ANY questions during your first few weeks, feel free to ask anyone on ventrilo at anytime. If, during this course of study, you should need assistance or if you have a burning question, please contact one of the senior officers listed at the end of this document.
COURSE OVERVIEW:
In completing this basic indoctrination training course, you will demonstrate knowledge of the subject matter by correctly answering questions on the following: History, Mission and Organization of the VNAVY; Ranks, Conduct, Participation Requirements; your Rights, Duties and Restrictions as a member; Communications, Training Process and Career Tracks, and the Promotion System.
THE COURSE:
This self-study course is organized into subject matter areas, each containing learning objectives to help you determine what you should learn along with text and illustrations to help you understand the information. The subject matter reflects day-to-day requirements and experiences of all personnel. It also reflects guidance provided by Enlisted Community Managers (ECMs) and other senior personnel, technical references, instructions, etc., and either the occupational or naval standards.
THE QUESTIONS:
The questions that appear in this course are designed to help you understand the material in the text.
VALUE:
In completing this course, you will improve your military and professional knowledge. Importantly, it can also help you study for future advancement in rate examinations. If you are studying and discover a reference in the text to another publication for further information, look it up.
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SAILOR’S CREED
“I am a
United States
Sailor.
I will support and defend the
Constitution of the
United States
of
America
and I will obey the orders
of those appointed over me.
I represent the fighting spirit of the
Navy and those who have gone
before me to defend freedom and
democracy around the world.
I proudly serve my country’s Navy
combat team with honor, courage
and commitment.
I am committed to excellence and
the fair treatment of all.”
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CONTENTS
1. HISTORY OF THE VNAVY
2.
MISSION
3. ORGANIZATION OF THE VNAVY
4. RANKS OF THE VNAVY
5. CONDUCT
6. PARTICIPATION
7. RIGHTS, DUTIES
AND
RESTRICTIONS
8. COMMUNICATIONS
9. TRAINING PROCESS
10. PROMOTION SYSTEM
11. EXAM
12. APENDIX
13. IMPORTANT CONTACTS
AND
EMAIL
Version 1G: Updated
22JAN2010
Not for reproduction.
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HISTORY OF THE VNAVY
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Acquire an understanding of basic VNAVY history.
The Virtual Navy was created by members of the Virtual Navy, Ryan "ScrapIron" Stertz, Peter “Piper” Hibbert, and Phil “Junkyard” Loper, who have used a plethora of military games throughout their virtual carrers. After a period of consultation in early July 2006, the VNAVY was born on
November 11, 2006. On
November, 11, 2006, the VNAVY gained its first new member with
Gary “Seadawg” Hines. From there the VNAVY has grown and expanded to numerous members, playing multiple combat simulations. On
December, 11, 2006, the VNAVY moved to its own domain at www.vnavy.com. Also at this time the VNAVY participates in the following Sims: Microsoft Flight Simulator, Jane’s F/A-18, Jane’s F-16, Joint Operations, Ghost Recon, 688I, Fleet Command, Sub Command, Marine Corps, Falcon 4,
Dangerous Waters, and Battlefield 2; with more to come…
MISSION
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Learn the VNAVY
Mission.
The Virtual Navy, shall be organized, trained, and equipped primarily for prompt and sustained combat incident to operations at sea. It is responsible for the preparation of virtual naval forces necessary for the effective prosecution of war except as otherwise assigned, and, in accordance with integrated joint mobilization plans, for the expansion of the peacetime components of the Virtual Navy to meet the needs of virtual war.
ORGANIZATION OF THE VNAVY
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Acquire a basic understanding of the organization of the VNAVY and be able to identify your chain-of-command.
Our Organizational Structure is very important to us. The current command and control structure and staffing billets were developed over a period of many years, and with much trial and error. Like most of our organization, the US Navy was our inspiration and guide.
While this organizational chart does not give a complete flow chart for every community, it should provide you with a good understanding of how each community relates to one another and of the greater chain of command for the VNAVY. It is your responsibility to utilize the VNAVY Roster in determining what personnel currently man each of the defined billets. The roster is available for viewing via a link on the main VNAVY web site.
RANKS OF THE VNAVY
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Learn and identify the ranks of the VNAVY and their insignia.
United States Virtual Navy utilizes a rank/grade structure based on that of the US Navy. It is extremely important that you familiarize yourself with the ranks and insignia of both NAVY enlisted and officers. Later in this course, we will demonstrate how a Recruit like you can advance in grade.
The Enlisted
Service members in the pay grade of E-3 are usually either in some kind of training status or on their initial assignment. The training includes the basic training phase where recruits are immersed in military culture and values and are taught the core skills required by their service component.
Leadership responsibility significantly increases in the mid-level enlisted ranks. This responsibility is given formal recognition by use of the term Noncommissioned Officer. The Navy Navy Non Commissioned Officer is called a Petty Officer, which is achieved at the rank of Petty Officer Third Class. Grade, rank, rating, and rate can all be a confusing concept, and together are unique to the Navy and Coast Guard. A special emblem in the center of Navy enlisted grade insignia indicates the wearer's particular rating or occupation. When combined together, the rating insignia and grade insignia equal the wearer’s
RATE.
The Warrant Officers
Warrant officers hold warrants from their service secretary and are specialists and experts in certain military technologies or capabilities. The lowest ranking warrant officers serve under a warrant, but they receive commissions from the president upon promotion to chief warrant officer 2. These commissioned warrant officers are direct representatives of the president of the
United States. They derive their authority from the same source as commissioned officers but remain specialists, in contrast to commissioned officers, who are generalists.
The Officers
Officer ranks in the
United States military consist of commissioned officers and warrant officers. The commissioned ranks are the highest in the military. These officers hold presidential commissions and are confirmed at their ranks by the Senate. Army, Air Force and Marine Corps officers are called company grade officers in the pay grades of O-1 to O-3, field grade officers in pay grades O-4 to O-6 and general officers in pay grades O-7 and higher. The equivalent officer groupings in the Navy are called junior grade, mid-grade and flag. Naval officers wear distinctively different rank devices depending upon the uniform they're wearing. The three basic uniforms and rank devices used are: khakis, collar insignia pins; whites, stripes on shoulder boards; and blues, stripes sewn on the lower coat sleeves.
Officers
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Pay Grade |
Rank |
Abbreviation |
Collar |
Shoulder |
Sleeve |
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O-1 |
Ensign |
ENS |
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O-2 |
Lieutenant
Junior Grade |
LTJG |
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O-3 |
Lieutenant |
LT |
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O-4 |
Lieutenant
Commander |
LCDR |
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O-5 |
Commander |
CDR |
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O-6 |
Captain |
CAPT |
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O-7 |
Rear Admiral
(lower half) |
RDML |
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O-8 |
Rear Admiral
(upper half) |
RADM |
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O-9 |
Vice Admiral |
VADM |
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O-10 |
Admiral |
ADM |
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Warrant Officers
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Pay Grade |
Rank |
Abbreviation |
Collar |
Shoulder |
Sleeve |
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W-1* |
Warrant Officer |
WO1 |
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W-2 |
Chief
Warrant Officer |
CWO2 |
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W-3 |
Chief
Warrant Officer |
CWO3 |
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W-4 |
Chief
Warrant Officer |
CWO4 |
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W-5* |
Chief
Warrant Officer |
CWO5 |
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Enlisted
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Pay Grade |
Rate |
Abbreviation |
Upper Sleeve |
Collar and Cap |
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E-1 |
Seaman Recruit |
SR |
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none |
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E-2 |
Seaman Apprentice |
SA |
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none |
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E-3 |
Seaman |
SN |
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none |
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E-4 |
Petty Officer
Third Class |
PO3 |
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E-5 |
Petty Officer
Second Class |
PO2 |
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E-6 |
Petty Officer
First Class |
PO1 |
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E-7 |
Chief Petty Officer |
CPO |
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E-8 |
Senior Chief
Petty Officer |
SCPO |
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E-9 |
Master Chief
Petty Officer |
MCPO |
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E-9 |
Master Chief
Petty Officer
of the Navy |
MCPON |
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CONDUCT
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Learn how personnel are required and expected to conduct themselves while representing the VNAVY.
Virtual Navy personnel are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards of personal and professional integrity and ethics. All Members will conduct themselves in a military fashion and style. Our strong military bearing is what sets us apart from all others. All orders will be obeyed by lower ranks and be carried out to the best of their ability.
Good Sportsmanship is demanded, and especially in competitions with other Clans/Organizations. The boundary where people start taking the game too seriously, and begin to act hostile towards other participants, will be enforced. Treat others, as you would have them treat you. Any act of Espionage, Treason, or Mutiny will result in an immediate dismissal from the VNAVY. If any person in the Virtual Navy who has knowledge of any fraud shall report this conduct immediately in writing to the proper authority, specifying the particular act, or acts of misconduct, fraud, or neglect and describing any evidence which may assist in proving same.
PARTICIPATION
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Understand VNAVY participation requirements.
Members not in Reserve status must participate no less that one time per week for not less than one hour with another VNAVY member. If another member is not available, the member must submit a message via Email to his CO/OIC stating that he was online. In lieu of another VNAVY member, a member may opt to recruit instead, provided he submits a statement via email to his CO/OIC. Failure to comply for 2 consecutive weeks without submitting a Leave/Excuse Chit or other form of notification to his CO/OIC will result in that member being placed in Reserve. Reserve members may remain in that capacity indefinitely with proper notification to their Chain of Command.
RIGHTS, DUTIES
AND
RESTRICTIONS
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Understand the basic rights, duties and restrictions of VNAVY personnel.
Compliance With Lawful Orders. All persons in the virtual naval service are required to obey readily and strictly, and to execute promptly, the lawful orders of their superiors. In the event that a higher ranking officer gives orders that are immoral, irresponsible, or violate any of the behavior rules or code of ethics, the order does not have to be obeyed. The incident must be reported to the CA or the
CNO himself immediately for immediate action. An investigation will be run to contest the situation and whether or not the order should have been obeyed, at the Captain's Mast.
Language Reflecting on a
Superior
. No person in the virtual naval service shall use language that may tend to diminish the confidence in or respect due to his or her superior officer.
Exchange of Duty. No person in the virtual naval service shall exchange an assigned duty with another without permission from his or her commanding officer or appropriate superior.
Combinations for Certain Purpose Prohibited. Persons in the virtual naval service shall not join together for the common purpose of protesting or complaining against orders or details to duty, complaining of particulars of duty or procuring preferences.
Redress of Wrong Committed by a
Superior. If any person in the virtual naval service considers him or herself wronged by an act, omission, decision or order of a person who is superior in rate or command, that person shall not fail in maintaining a respectful bearing toward such superior, buy may report the wrong to the proper authority for redress in the manner provided in this article. The report should clearly identify the respondent (the superior against whom it is made), the wrong complained of and the redress desired. The officer may hold a complainant accountable responsible for the resolution of the report if the report is found to be vexatious, frivolous or false. The report may not be joined with reports by other complainants.
Direct Communication With the Commanding Officer. The right of any person in the virtual naval service to communicate with the commanding officer in a proper manner, and at a proper time and place, shall not be denied or restricted. Officers who are senior to the executive officer have the right to communicate directly with the commanding officer, but they shall keep the executive officer informed on matters related to the functioning of the command. A head of department, or any other major subdivision of an activity, has the right to communicate directly with the commanding officer concerning any matter relating to that department or subdivision, but shall keep the executive officer informed.
Suggestions for Improvement. Any person in the Virtual Navy may address to the Chief of Naval Operations, via the chain of command, suggestions or constructive criticism pertaining to improvements in efficiency or more economical methods of administration or management in the Virtual Navy.
COMMUNICATIONS
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Learn about, and how to utilize, the communication systems and protocols of the VNAVY.
We have three main means of communication in the VNAVY: Email, forums, and Ventrilo. The following will provide you with guidance on how you should communicate with fellow members.
EMAIL: Whenever emailing another VNAVY member concerning a VNAVY matter, the email should contain ‘VNAVY’ somewhere in the subject line. It should have a professional military appearance and format. If you would like a template by which to go, be sure to ask any senior officer.
When initially addressing or being addressed by a Senior Officer, it is customary and required to salute them. The symbol we use to salute follows:
(S). While a more senior officer or enlisted person may relax military custom with you, the salute is to be used at the beginning and end of every conversation regardless.
Ventrilo: Ventrilo is used mainly when in game, generally in a cooperative mission where instructions must be heard. Military Bearing is in use AT
ALL TIMES while in game and non-critical voice traffic should be to a minimum. When using Ventrilo it is always good to identify yourself so that others can match your voice to your name and can respond accordingly to calls for support, injury or, in the future, orders. When tactical orders or instruction are being given, unless there are questions, simple military responses are all that’s necessary (Aye Aye, Sir and Aye Aye, Ma’am). A complete lesson on radio protocol will be forthcoming. However, you should begin by learning and utilizing the phonetic alphabet found in the Appendix at the end of this course.
As you develop seniority here, it may come to pass that Officers and higher grade Non-commissioned Officers ask you to drop the military protocol when in private. It is your choice, of course, to comply with their request, but there are limitations to that. Also, while military protocol may be relaxed, it is the senior person’s right to request that you return to following it with them. Further, while in the presence (Chat or in game) of other members, no military protocol is relaxed whatsoever. At no time shall a junior address a senior in public outside the bounds of military protocol. Our Officers and NCOs have earned the rank and privileges afforded to them, we ask that you give them the respect that we will ask others to give to you when the time comes.
TRAINING PROCESS
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Learn about the training process for all new recruits and the proceeding career tracks available to you.
Upon acceptance, you are authorized to add the VNAVY Designate to your Forum profile and email correspondence. Applicants that have not yet been officially accepted into the organization may not add the VNAVY Designate.
All Recruits MUST begin training within 15 days of joining VNAVY. If training is not commenced within those 15 days the Candidate/Recruit will be placed in Reserve status. A Candidate/Recruit may remain in Reserve status for up to a maximum of 30 days before beginning training. Once that 30-day period has elapsed without commencement of training, the Candidate/Recruit will be discharged. Once a Candidate/Recruit begins training, he must complete that training within 30 days or face discharge. A Candidate has up to 45 days upon joining the VNAVY to complete Naval Training without discharge. All members have to undergo the VNAVY Basic Indoctrination Course in addition to the “A” schools particular to their individual community.
Upon completion of Boot Camp, the Recruit is promoted to an Officer Candidate, Aviation Officer Candidate or enlisted as a Seaman Apprentice and progressed to their “A” school for the Department of which he/she is now a part.
CAREER TRACK (Ground Force, Sub/Surface Warfare)
(Navy [Dangerous Waters, MSFS 9, FALCON 4 or Armed Assault)
All Ground Force, Submariners and Surface Warriors start off as Enlisted Personnel, unless authorised to become an officer, with possible advancements due to real life military experience and or performance. All enlisted members start off as an E-3 (Seaman). Upon Completion of this Course, all members are immediately inducted into their selected branch and forwarded to their future unit’s training department. Upon being active in the field, all E-3s can be promoted within 30 days with the next promotion cycle, if applicable(which begins and ends every calendar month).
CAREER TRACK (Aviation)
(MSFS, Flacon 4)
Aviation is by far the hardest of career tracks. We pride ourselves in having the best, most well disciplined, highly skilled pilots in the virtual world. That’s why there are multiple steps to becoming one. The first step is this Course. Upon successful completion of this Course a member is forwarded to OCS at the rank of O-0 or Officer Candidate, unless the member is going into the rate of Air Traffic Controller.
At that time the member will be placed into the respective
“A”
School as an E-3 Seaman. Upon Completion of “A” School the member will be placed with an Area of responsibility to control, and promoted to the rank of E-4, Petty Officer 3rd Class . Upon Completion of OCS the member is promoted to O-1 or ENS, and sent to the members future unit’s training department. Upon completion of flight school the member is then eligible for promotion to LT(jg) or O-2. With each promotion comes a time-in-grade requirement which can be viewed on the VNAVY’s website in the NAVPERS department. Once TIG is met, a member is eligible for promotion on the regular promotion cycle, which begins and ends each calendar month. Promotions are awarded for participation, performance and as open slots become available.
PROMOTION SYSTEM
(See VNAVY Regulation 0405)
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Learn about and understand the promotion and advancement requirements of the VNAVY.
Enlisted Personnel - Summary
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Grade
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Rank (Navy / FMF)
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TIG for Promotion from previous Grade
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Special Requirements
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Lower Enlisted Rank
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E-3
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Seaman (SN) |
N/A
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Immediately upon completion of the Basic Indoc Course
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Mid-Level Enlisted Ranks
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E-4
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Petty Officer 3
rd Class (PO3)
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30 Days
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Completion of the Petty Officer Third Class Exam.
Automatic upon military verification.
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E-5
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Petty Officer 2
nd Class (PO2)
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60 Days
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Completion of the Petty Officer Second Class Exam + Open billet as Assistant LPO or equivelant.
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E-6
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Petty Officer 1
st Class (PO1) |
90 Days
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Open billet as LPO and completion of the Petty Officer First Class Exam.
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High-Level Enlisted Ranks
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E-7
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Chief Petty Officer (
CPO
) |
120 Days
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Completion of the
CPO
Board + Open billet as LCPO
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E-8
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Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO) |
120 Days
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Open Billet as LCPO or Command Senior Chief or Chief of The Boat.
Appointed By the Fleet Commander.
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E-9
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Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO) |
120 Days
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Open billet as Command Master Chief , or Chief of the Boat Command Authority Appointed
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Warrant Officers - Summary
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Grade
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Rank (Navy / FMF)
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TIG for Promotion from previous Grade
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Special Requirements
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W-2
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Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO2)
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None
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Prior enlisted rank of no less than PO1 +
OIC or AOIC billet.
With command authority approval.
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W-3
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Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CWO3)
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60 Days
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W-4
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Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CWO4)
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120 Days
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W-5
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Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CWO5)
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150 Days.
Unanimous command authority approval.
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Commissioned Officers - Summary
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Grade
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Rank (Navy / FMF)
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TIG for Promotion from previous Grade
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Special Requirements
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O-0
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Officer Candidate (OC) / Aviation Officer Candidate (
AOC
)
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N/A
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Entry Level Rank / ECP Slot
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Junior Grade Officers / Company Grade Officers
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O-1
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Ensign (ENS)
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None
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Promoted upon completion of
Officer
Candidate
School
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O-2
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Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) |
60 Days
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If prior Military Service is verifiable immediately upon completion of the
Officer
Candidate
School
.
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O-3
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Lieutenant (LT) |
60 Days
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Automatic upon tig requirement being met |
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Mid Grade Officers / Field Grade Officers
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O-4
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Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) |
90 Days
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Board Recommendation, and open billet.
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O-5
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Commander (CDR)
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120 Days
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Board
Recommendation, and open billet.
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O-6
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Captain (CAPT)
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150 Days
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Board
Recommendation, and open billet
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Flag Rank Officers / General Officers
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O-7
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Rear Admiral Lower Half(RDML) |
180 Days
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Open billet + Command Authority Appointed
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O-8
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Rear Admiral Upper Half (RADM) |
180 Days
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Open billet + Command Authority Appointed
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O-9
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Vice Admiral (VADM) |
180 Days
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Open billet + Command Authority Appointed
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O-10
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Admiral (
ADM
)
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N/A
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CNO
Discretion and Command Authority Appointed.
Must be open DCNO Billet to move in to.
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EXAM
You have reached the end of the training material for the Basic Indoctrination Course. You should proceed to the testing station located on the VNAVY web site under NRTC of the
NETC page, when ready. If you require additional study time or would like additional information, you are welcome to peruse our web site. Be sure to visit the NAVPERS pages.
SELECTING YOUR ANSWERS: Read each question carefully, and then select the BEST answer. You should not refer to this text, as you are expected to have a strong understanding of the information herein prior to advancing. The answers must be the result of your own work and decisions. You are prohibited from referring to or copying the answers of others and from giving answers to anyone else taking or preparing to take the course.
PASS/FAIL ASSIGNMENT PROCEDURES: If your overall course score is 80% or higher, you will pass the course and will not be required to resubmit assignments. Once your assignments have been graded you will receive course completion confirmation. If you receive less than 80% on any assignment and your overall course score is below 80%, you will be given the opportunity to resubmit failed assignments. You may resubmit failed assignments only once. Students will receive notification when they have failed an assignment--they may then resubmit failed assignments on the web site. Students may view and print results for failed assignments from the web site as they become available.
COMPLETION CONFIRMATION: After successfully completing this course, you will receive a letter of completion.
APENDIX
Phonetic alphabet: A list of standard words used to identify letters in a message transmitted by radio or telephone. The following are the authorized words, listed in order, for each letter in the alphabet.
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LETTER
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EQUIVALENT
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SPOKEN
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A
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ALFA
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AL
fah
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B
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BRAVO
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BRAH voh
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C
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CHARLIE
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CHAR
lee
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D
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DELTA
|
DELL
ta
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E
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ECHO
|
ECK oh
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F
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FOXTROT
|
FOKS trot
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G
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GOLF
|
Golf
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H
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HOTEL
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hoh TELL
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I
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INDIA
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In dee ah
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J
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JULIETT
|
JEW lee ett
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K
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KILO
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KEY
loh
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L
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LIMA
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LEE
mah
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M
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MIKE
|
Mike
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N
|
NOVEMBER
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no VEM ber
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O
|
OSCAR
|
OSS
cah
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P
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PAPA
|
pah PAH
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Q
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QUEBEC
|
kay BECk
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R
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ROMEO
|
ROW
me oh
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S
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SIERRA
|
see
AIR
rah
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T
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TANGO
|
TANG go
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U
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UNIFORM
|
YOU nee form
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V
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VICTOR
|
VIK tah
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W
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WHISKEY
|
WISS key
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X
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XRAY
|
ECKS ray
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Y
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YANKEE
|
YANG key
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Z
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ZULU
|
ZOO loo
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15
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
Email:
CDR STERTZ r.stertz@vnavy.com (Owners Board)
Go to Bootcamp Test
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