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- 1-3