Comment Number: OL-10510176
Received: 3/16/2005 7:27:04 AM
Subject: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Request for Comment
Title: National Security Personnel System
CFR Citation: 5 CFR Chapter XCIX and Part 9901
No Attachments

Comments:

As a Civilian Mariner employed by the Military Sealift Command since 1991, I am taking this opportunity to voice my input about the proposed imposition of the NSPS. In my opinion I feel that significant changes need to be made in the management of Civilian Mariner's who support the mission of DOD which would enhance the overall mission of the Military Sealift Command. Unlike other federal service employees, CIVMARs are subjected to para-military type duties. The work they perform mimics the same duties performed by U.S. Military personnel on military vessels. However, the experience level is much greater, and this is why we can put a ship too sea with less personnel. It has been my experience that MSC people are in the "Rear With The Gear", not on the "Tip of the Spear" as some believe. In my opinion, I honestly believe there was a time when Military Sealift Command was a fine organization, and performed valuable services. In my opinion this is no longer the case. In my opinion over the years the U.S. Navy has gotten to much control over MSC affairs. It has been their desire too instill their own ideology in the CIVMAR. This will never work. The U.S. Navy system doesn't pay dividends for MSC, and it's employee's, The U.S. Navy is the customer, the owner, and the people who perform the quality assurance. The U.S. Navy is never wrong, even when they are. In any other company or business this would be a bad situation. In my opinion we need to have a separate organization which provides services to the military and is overseen by experienced people who have a outstanding background in logistics such as Senior Civilian Maritime personnel. This organization would fall under the tree of DOD. The U.S. Navy would only be a customer. In my opinion if you were to talk with CIVMARs or query them with proper questions, I am sure you would get this input. However, the current system is very political, and I am not sure people will speak out openly because they are afraid of reprisal from certain "Inner Circle" types. Also I suspect you never bite the hand that feeds you. Being a retired military person, I have never been affiliated with a Union, and I have had no problems being treated fairly. However, my observations indicate that MSC would be a much more effective organization if we were not under the cognizance of the Navy specifically. We need a cadre of good senior management people who are interested in Civilian Mariner's, and the type of work they perform for the government. We need and require experienced Maritime personnel taking care of us shoreside and at sea. Currently, we are in a pitfall, and many good people are leaving MSC because of these same issues I have addressed. Based on my current thoughts, observations, and instinct, I think that the NSPS could be a good thing for MSC. I hate saying this because it means we are giving up something, but these are difficult times. However, I would only go along with this NSPS idea if MSC is brought under new management by appointing a Civilian Director who is a experienced person in Maritime Affairs. Someone who has the ability to take on a big challenge, and increase the standards. Currently, I know of no such person in the higher echelon of MSC. To retain a robust cadre of qualified Civilian Mariner's, and the critical role they play in national security, the management practices of MSC need to be re-vamped. We require and need our own executive director, who is separate from the U.S. Navy. These are my opinions, and some folks say I am opinionated. However, you wanted input, so here is the input. I think your survey was very conservative, and did not allow much opportunity for folks too say what is on their minds. Consequently, I am not afraid to give my opinions, and I can certainly understand some peoples desire not too speak out.