by khurst2@gmail.com | Feb 3, 2021 | News
The task force designated to find improvements in how the Navy thinks about diversity rolled out more than 50 recommendations on how to make the service fairer and more inclusive in a report released on Wednesday.
The final report from Task Force One Navy lays out specific, granular changes to how the service recruits and retains sailors as well as develops tools for professional development that open opportunities for women and minorities – particularly in the officer ranks, service officials said on Wednesday.
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by khurst2@gmail.com | Feb 3, 2021 | News, Podcast
Today we are joined by MAJ Cory Holiday, USMC. We discuss his life leading up to the USMC and then his career in the USMC. Finally, we look at MAJ Holiday’s involvement and development within the National Naval Officers Association.
by khurst2@gmail.com | Feb 2, 2021 | Diversity, News
11 Rules for Majors
1.Thinking is your metric: critical thought is implied from a field grade officer.
2.Discipline your language: precise, concise, and articulate, formulated thought; up and down the chain of command
3.Play chess, not checkers: maneuver vs. attrition; thinking multiple terrain features ahead – shaping, each piece plays an important and shifting role; application of strategy applied against your mission; the institution is king and must be protected.
4.Know the talking points: the institution’s, your unit’s, and the intent behind them.
5.Understand the speed of decisions: understand the process of decision-makers and adjust; understand decision space for your commander.
6.Don’t be a one-trick pony: break out of your comfort zone; demonstrate Humility.
7.Identify the “Say-Do” gap. the major is the thermostat vice the thermometer – climate control; ensure intent is clear and inspect to follow up.
8.Learn to artfully advise: what does the boss not know about this problem? Speak to risk to force and risk to mission, resources, and culture; you must have an opinion – you are not neutral.
9.Don’t use yourself as an example: it makes it seem like it is about you – appearance of self-centeredness or close-mindedness. Be open to others’ beliefs and your opinion being changed.
10.What got you here won’t get you there: figure out what got you here and figure out what you need to adjust to get you on to the next opportunity.
11.Do not reward selfishness: examples of rewards include opportunistic billets, deployments, and evaluations.
Content drawn from Majors Lunch, Spring 2019
Colonel Everly
Commanding Officer, TBS
2019
by khurst2@gmail.com | Feb 1, 2021 | Announcements, News
Dear NNOA Shipmates,
Supporting the recruitment of a more diverse officer corps continues to be one of the three primary missions of the National Naval Officers Association (NNOA). Along with improving retention and supporting career development, NNOA is focused on providing support across the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, MARAD, NOAA, and USPHS in meeting their goals for a more inclusive and diverse force. Recently, the Chief of Navy Recruiting, RDML Dennis Velez reached out to NNOA requesting we help his recruiting commands in a near-term effort to attract more young men and women into commissioning programs. I ask that each of you redouble your efforts in advocating for our Sea Services with the young people you mentor and support. You may be serving as judges in Science Fair Competitions, mentoring students in STEM, or providing counsel about opportunities after high school. In whatever way you desire, please consider actively having the conversation with young people getting ready for college and their influencers (e.g., parents, teachers, etc.,).
Please reach out to guidance counselors at local schools in your area to see how best you can serve. You may also consider serving on our Recruiting and Accessions Committee. We are happy to host virtual mentoring sessions with your help. The primary contact is LCDR Koa Thomas, USN, at nnoa.recruiting@gmail.com. Several of our members are currently serving at Navy Recruiting Command. They are standing by to provide support.
Additionally, Navy Recruiting Command can provide informational material for parents, influencers, etc, and their diversity team is willing and able to travel anytime. Please reach out to CDR Howard Bryant at howard.bryant@navy.mil or CDR DJ Jackson at dominique.jackson3@navy.mil to request information or schedule Navy Recruiting support!
Now is a great time for NNOA to make an impact in support of our youth and our Sea Services.
Very respectfully,
RADM SM Harris, USN(Ret)
President, NNOA
president@nnoa.org
http://WWW.NNOA.ORG
by khurst2@gmail.com | Feb 1, 2021 | Chaplain
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
When Paul shared the word given to him by the Lord, it was in response to Paul asking God to remove an affliction from him. Paul was dealing with a constant situation that he no longer wanted to deal with and asked God to remove the “thorn from his flesh.” The thorn or affliction is never identified as the significance is nothing compared to the grace God gives Paul to endure the hardship. One can only conclude that the affliction made Paul wiser, stronger, and more reliant on God as God is our source of all things life sustaining.
Reflecting on the above verse reminds me of the past years challenges right through to the New Year. There are many afflictions we are enduring as a nation such as racism, social justice inequities, and a pandemic that can be seen as a thorn in the nation as well as the world. Many of us are tired of social distancing, not being able to travel, see loved ones, and death caused by the affliction of COVID. Like Paul’s affliction, it is a constant reminder of the inconvenience of our way of life. A life many of us probably took for granted until now. We are able to see what we had before was not so bad. While we have prayed for a quick relief in the form of a vaccine or for COVID to go away altogether, all I hear God say is “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Amid the anxiety, slow vaccine distribution, and relentless pandemic God is still with us. Guiding us through this difficult time as we continue to draw strength from knowing that when we are weak, God is strong. Strong enough to carry us through to the other side as in the infamous Foot Print prayer. Let us hold on, not give up, and remained encouraged as God will never leave us nor forsake us as we keep our minds and hearts focused on God.
Blessings,
Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy
