Young and Growing, CSS emerges from BRAC

NEWPORT, R.I. – Nestled at the base of Newport’s Pell Bridge, between the Naval War College and the Surface Warfare Officers School, sits an institution of learning excellence that is leading the professional development charge within the logistics community.

The Navy Supply Corps School you say? Close. But, just across the base from the coming-your-way-soon schoolhouse proudly stands the Center for Service Support.

In July 2009, as a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, CSS relocated from its former home in Athens, Ga., to its current location at Naval Station Newport, R.I.

The Center for Service Support emerged from Naval Education and Training Command’s (NETC) 2003 Revolution in Training (RIT) in an effort to improve the tools and opportunities for Sailors to grow, lead and excel.

This evolution brought about reorganization within NETC and the establishment of 13 learning centers, thus placing the Navy enlisted ratings and officer communities under the cognizance of one of the 13 centers. CSS was assigned the service-oriented communities and was specifically charged with supporting, integrating and standardizing training development and delivery for more than 46,000 Sailors in the logistics, administrative and media support areas.

“CSS is quickly emerging as the center for knowledge excellence in the service support communities,” said Capt. Bernie Dunn, commanding officer. “Although we are a relatively young command Navy-wise, our folks possess a deep resovoir of knowledge and know-how, as well as great passion to ensure quality training and professional development within the logistics, admin and media communities.”

More than 300 military, civilian and contracted instructors, curriculum developers and learning site managers make up the fine team at CSS. Their mission is to be the best, and they do so by keeping course schedules accurate and student throughput on track, providing admin and financial support to the learning sites, and assisting the assigned rating and officer communities with the development of personal and professional tools and strategies.

Now, in its seventh year of service, CSS continues to grow and build upon the successes of the Revolution in Training. RIT moved the Navy into alternative training venues, such as the integrated learning environment, Navy Knowledge Online, and blended training solutions (computer-based training mixed with instructor-led training).

RIT merged new technology into Navy training, while core training tools, such as rate training manuals and personnel qualification standards took somewhat of a back seat.

Since 2008, CSS has embraced the true integration of the old and new. Today, CSS training managers and Fleet subject-matter experts are working together to breath new life into these documents.

CSS staff members work hand-in-hand with fleet subject-matter experts to cross-pollinate and build upon lessons learned and best practices throughout the Navy. Training managers, specifically, work closely with these technical experts from the fleet to provide expertise and experience to ensure our products meet the needs of today’s Sailors. The key to success for CSS and the Sailors supported by its mission is the ongoing interaction between CSS and its customers – Fleets, TYCOMS, SYSCOMs, etc.

From rate training manuals to personnel qualification standards to curriculum development and school quota management, CSS provides expert support to the above-mentioned communities, preparing Sailors in service ratings to support the warfighter. (See additional articles on enlisted professional development tools, Page XX.)

“It is our vision to be the premier provider of training and education to the admin, logistics and media communities, as every member of the CSS team recognizes the important role they play in the future of the Navy,” Dunn said. “Through our efforts to send forth well-trained Sailors who are ready and capable to support the warfighters, we will continue on our mission of excellence.”

In recognition of CSS’ mission to provide professional training, CSS is accredited through the Council of Occupational Education (COE). COE accredits post-secondary occupational institutions that offer certificate, diploma, or applied associate degree programs. These institutions include public technical colleges, private career colleges (both for-profit and not-for-profit), Army, Navy, and Department of Defense institutions, and Job Corps Centers.

A COE accredition is a stamp of approval that assures CSS customers that training provided within the CSS domain is quality instruction that facilitates learning and meets the needs of the Fleet. More specifically, it means that CSS strives and succeeds in promoting high ethical and educational standards. For the individual Sailor, however, a COE accrediation of military training most often correlates to college credits.

“This accreditation also enhances acceptance of military training by academic communities and carries universal recognition of attainment,” said Vicky Spencer, CSS learning standards officer.

As CSS continues its mission of providing valuable knowledge and expertise to the Sailor serving in the customer-support communities, its doors are always open to the Fleet. So, if you are ever in the Newport area, stop by and see us. CSS is located in Fitzgerald Hall across the street from the Surface Warfare Officers’ School. For an online look, check out the CSS website at https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/css/ or join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CSSNewport.