Operations Specialists (OS) Rate Analysis

The Operations Specialists (OS) rate has too many specialties and as a result has created some areas within the rate where no prior knowledge exists. The Operations Specialists (OS) rate must be divided into two specialized rates in order to create true subject matter experts (SME). When that unknown specialty is encountered it can cause major problems for the senior enlisted member who encounters it. Several problems exist in the OS rate regarding knowledge base and the specific work difference from a shore job to and underway position. The primary work environment for an OS is the Command Center (Cutburth, 2011). In the Command Center specific qualifications are obtained and the OS stands regular watches (CDR Riffe 2011). The OS rate does not carry over from the knowledge base that is learned at a Command Center when an OS transfers to a cutter for the first time. The problem is that as an OS with Command Center knowledge; everything that is encountered onboard the Cutter is new. So any experience and
This creates a struggle for the enlisted member, who should be one of the most experienced in the Command Center. A Command Center rate and a Communications rate could be developed that creates a SME for both rates. This clear rate definition would set a logical career path out for each new rate.
The OS rate is has too many knowledge areas to be proficient at all of them. The best way to fix this problem is to split the rate into two; more specialized rates. The Command Center rate should have a fast requalification process based on specialized knowledge and previous qualifications. The Communications rate would carry over well enough that each member would be able to enter their new position without any trouble based on passed knowledge, experience and qualifications. This change would make a better more specialized set of rates with a strong knowledge base in each of