PERSONNEL RESPONSIBILITIES

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- 2-2