The organization of the combat systems/weapons
division is basically the same aboard all ships and
shore commands. Variations in the organization within
ships of the same type and class are usually caused
by such factors as the number of experienced per-
sonnel, the differences in the employment or material
condition of ships, and the methods that different divi-
sion officers or senior petty officers use to organize
and run their divisions. The basic administrative and
functional organization in ships is prescribed by the
Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S.
Navy (commonly called the SORM), OPNAVINST
3120.32.
Every level of command should have an organiza-
tion bill. The organization bill for a particular level
describes the duties and responsibilities of personnel
assigned to that level. It also prescribes policy and
procedures peculiar to that level.
SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
As an FC1 or FCC, you may be either the leading
FC or an equipment technician, depending on the size
of your command. The leading FC assists the combat
systems officer (CSO)/weapons officer and is respon-
sible for directly supervising the preventive and cor-
rective maintenance of all electronic equipment.
The leading FC also ensures that all records and
publications are current and are available for refer-
ence, prepares required reports, and supervises the
cleanliness and upkeep of the divisional spaces.
PERSONNEL RESPONSIBILITIES
The proper assignment of available personnel for
the upkeep of equipment and for other necessary du-
ties is essential. It is particularly critical if the division
is short of personnel or if the available personnel are
inexperienced. The leading petty officer must always
be aware of the qualifications of the onboard techni-
cians.
If the division is well-staffed, inexperienced people
may be assigned to work with more-experienced crew-
members. In such cases, the leading petty officer
should ensure that the inexperienced personnel actually
receive technical instruction, rather than merely act
as toolbox carriers.
If the combat systems/weapons (fire-control) or-
ganization chart is organized into blocks according
to the various types of equipment the division main-
tains, then the names of the technicians assigned to
the different groups of equipment may be written
under the appropriate blocks, with the top name being
that of the supervisor in charge of that particular
group.
In the final breakdown of duties, a certain number
of equipment units may be assigned to one individual.
An advantage of this arrangement is that the responsi-
bility for the maintenance of certain equipment is
placed on individual technicians. In smaller vessels,
of course, the equipment to be maintained and the Fire
Controlmen available are reduced proportionately.
ADMINISTRATION
Your involvement in administrative actions will
become more of a requirement, directly or indirectly,
as you advance to first class and chief. This section
describes some of the duties and responsibilities asso-
ciated with these requirements, including a knowledge
of general quarters, watches, personnel manning, re-
ports, safety, information security, and space upkeep
and cleanliness.
GENERAL QUARTERS
Combat systems/weapons department personnel
are each assigned a general quarters station by the di-
vision watch, quarter, and station bill. Assignments
of personnel should be practical and functional, as
determined by the CSO/weapons officer.
As an FC1 or FCC, you will be in a position to
make recommendations to the CSO/weapons officer,
and your experience and attitude will contribute much
to the success of the department.
Specific instructions for general quarters should
be outlined in the division’s organization manual. Pro-
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