Category: Uncategorized

CNP acknowledges that 15 years of Sailor complaints about Navy Knowledge Online were valid

Vice Admiral Bill Moran (Navy Personnel boss) told the audience at the 2015 Sea Air Space Exposition at the National Harbor that Navy Knowledge Online stinks.  “We need to move completely off that system, but we need to capture it in a different way.”

Fleet Lieutenants and first class petty officers will fix the mess.

Sailors everywhere are rejoicing.

DEF(x) DC – The Strength of The Idea


The Defense Entrepreneurs Forum (DEF) invites you to participate in the inaugural DEF[x] DC event. Taking lessons learned from the business and entrepreneurial communities, a group of military personnel have formed a dynamic community to develop the leaders required for 21st-century challenges. A select group of established and emerging leaders have teamed up with Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies near Chinatown to brainstorm bold new solutions to key policy issues in the defense arena. This year’s two headlining topics are “Talent Management” and “The Future of Strategy.”
Showcasing the keen insights of emerging leaders–both in and out of the military–you will be able to hear multiple TED talk-style conversations on these topics and participate in lively breakout sessions with the presenters and fellow attendees. An established defense leader will also take the stage to give the benefit of their perspective and at the days end you’ll be invited to a complimentary post – conference reception.
Yet the purpose of this conference isn’t limited to exchanging differing viewpoints, but to also find solutions, forge partnerships, and help develop skills that will foster a more innovative culture in the U.S. military. Throughout the day, during the hosted lunch, and at the post-conference reception attendees will have the unique chance to interact with a diverse group of practitioners and professionals from across services, industries, and backgrounds who all share a common passion and entrepreneurial spirit to tackle problems on a national scale.
We truly hope that you will join us in our endeavor to spur greater defense innovation and strengthen grassroots connections across the many communities, corporations, organizations, and agencies that operate at the intersection of policy and defense thinking. After all, it’s the strength of the idea that matters most…not the title of the thinker.
Are you ready to share your thoughts?

Ross Perot’s 58 year old complaints about out-dated Navy Personnel System being acted upon

At this year’s Sea Air Space Symposium, Chief of Naval Operations Jonathan Greenert said the Navy will begin tackling salient manning issues and modernizing the Navy’s outdated personnel system (long regarded as the reason Ross Perot left the submarine force in 1957), maximizing career-long technical training, and moving away from year-group management.
All just in the nick of time.

Every Sailor is a leader ! (potentially)

Not really, but…

At the Center for Personal and Professional Development – “Where mind meets mission – every Sailor is a leader.”

COs, XOs, Department Heads, Leaders at all levels,

Every Sailor is a leader or has the potential to lead. There should be no difference in the expectations we have of that E-1 as we do for that O-1. Why should we consider these brand new Sailors leaders? Because they are the future leaders of our Navy. Set the expectations early, and I’m betting they will grow into them. We should expect and encourage this of our junior Sailors. Today’s Navy requires a robust syllabus that leads to the development of Sailors. While we can train Sailors to be technically proficient, leadership potential should not be overlooked.

It must be continually honed and encouraged, regardless of paygrade and responsibilities. CPPD offers products and services to help Sailors toward this development. We conduct regular course reviews to ensure our training is relevant to the needs of the Fleet. We also provide educational resources to help them in this endeavor. Our goal is to provide Sailors with the right tools to lead with courage, respect and trust, (Note: I thought it was Honor, Courage and Commitment) and in so doing, nurture these budding future leaders. 


Captain F. A. Reid
Commanding Officer 
Center for Personal and Professional Development


CYBER TALKS…lead to cyber ACTION !!


As we move from building to employing the Cyber Mission Force, considering the implications of U.S. Cyber Command becoming a Unified Combatant Commander, and visualizing a future where the Commander of USCYBERCOM may be a different individual than the Director of the National Security Agency, we continue to miss an important opportunity. While we talk about WHAT needs to be done and WHO needs to do it, we talk very little of the optimal culture that will allow us to realize our potential in this warfare domain. Are we “Warriors”? Are we “Geeks”? Are we “Hackers”? Are we all or none of those things? The opportunity to shape a culture and build something from the ground floor comes once in a career, at most. Let’s think beyond WHO does WHAT and be deliberate about WHO we want to become and HOW we ensure it doesn’t happen by accident.

Captain Sean R. Heritage is shaping part of the conversation
about cyber.  You can hear what he has to say HERE.

Long time cryptologist ends a great run at 28 years. Decides not to make Navy a career.

Got the news today that my long time colleague and generally awesome Naval officer, Captain Bryan Lopez has decided not to make the Navy a career and is packing up his oars after 28 years of very strong and persistent rowing – mostly against the tide.  He will retire in August 2015.
Interviewed in his San Diego office by one of our intrepid  blog reporters, the Captain “reportedly” said, “Hey, I’ve given the Navy a fair shot at making me happy, and after 28 years and dozens of chances, it’s time to acknowledge that there’s just no career in this for me. I’ve done all I can. It’s time to give my kids a chance.”  A Naval historian estimates that the Lopez family has devoted nearly 650 years of service to the Navy and that’s not including distant cousins.
Seriously Bryan, if you are reading this (and I know you never miss a post) – CONGRATULATIONS and thank you for your service.  I agree with the community Flags, if you would have left San Diego – the Navy would have shown you much more love.