Therefore, it becomes more and more important
for you to understand the duties and responsibilities
of personnel in other ratings. Every petty officer in
the Navy is a technical specialist in a particular field.
Learn as much as you can about the work of other
ratings. Plan your own work to fit in with the overall
mission of the organization.
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS
The basic requirements for effective communica-
tions are knowledge of your own language, knowledge
of standard naval terminology, and precise use of tech-
nical terms.
Language: Knowledge of your own language
includes using correct English when you speak and
write. Remember, the basic purpose of all communica-
tions is understanding. To lead, supervise, and train
others, you must be able to speak and write so that
they understand exactly what you mean.
Naval Terminology : Standard naval terminol-
ogy consists of words that express ideas that are
usually understood or procedures used only by naval
personnel. When a situation calls for standard Navy
terminology, use it.
Technical Terms: Use technical terms with
precision. A command of the technical language of
the Fire Controlman rating will help you receive and
pass along information accurately. It will also help
you exchange ideas with other technicians. If you
don’t understand the precise meaning of the terms
used in your rating, you may not be able to under-
stand the content of technical publications. Although
the correct use of technical terms is always important,
it is particularly important when you are dealing with
lower-rated personnel. If you are sloppy in your use
of technical terms, you will likely confuse them. This
may cause them to work in an improper or unsafe
manner.
Just as you ensure accuracy and clarity in com-
municating with your juniors, you must also remember
to communicate effectively with your superiors. You
must be aware of what technical knowledge, if any,
your superiors have. Many times, you will be called
on to work for junior officers who have had no prior
experience in the electronics or combat systems fields.
Therefore, you are responsible for keeping them aware
of all matters concerning the systems and the person-
nel under your control.
PROFESSIONAL UPDATES
Practically everything in the Navy-policies, pro-
cedures, equipment, systems, publications—is always
in various stages of development and revision. As an
FC supervisor, you must stay informed of all changes
and developments that might affect your work.
Some changes will be called directly to your atten-
tion; others you must look for. Try to develop a spe-
cial alertness for new information, especially technical
information on electronics and associated equipment
and systems. New types of equipment and systems
are constantly being designed and tested. Existing
types of equipment are modified.
If you follow the history of weapons systems since
the end of World War II, you will find that several
important changes have occurred. Designers of new
electronic equipment have incorporated several func-
tions into a single piece of equipment as a self-
contained system. This approach replaces combining
several pieces of single-function equipment into one
system.
The size of weapons systems has decreased as
electron tubes have given way to transistors. Smaller
and more-reliable electronic components have been
developed (such as capacitors, resistors, transformers,
and coils). Microcircuits are common. In addition,
computers have become more prominent. As an FC
supervisor, you must be aware of all changes that are
occurring in the electronics field.
PERFORMANCE AND EQUIPMENT
STANDARDS
How do performance and equipment standards
apply to you as a supervisor? Let’s start with a defi-
nition. A standard is set up by either custom or au-
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