by Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs
NAVAL STATION GREAT LAKES, Ill. – A 2017 Evans High School graduate and Augusta, Georgia, native is currently serving with the U.S. Navy as an operations specialist (OS), prepared to perform duties at sea as a plotter, radio-telephone and Command and Control sound-powered telephone talker, and to maintain Combat Information Center displays of strategic and tactical information.
NAVAL STATION GREAT LAKES, Ill. – A 2017 Evans High School graduate and Augusta, Georgia, native is currently serving with the U.S. Navy as an operations specialist (OS), prepared to perform duties at sea as a plotter, radio-telephone and Command and Control sound-powered telephone talker, and to maintain Combat Information Center displays of strategic and tactical information.
Operations Specialist Seaman Apprentice Renee Smith completed the OS “A” School, or initial training course after boot camp, May 24. This particular course was a pilot, or test, for a revamped curriculum under the Ready, Relevant Learning (RRL) initiative as part of Sailor 2025, which is the Navy's program to more effectively recruit, develop, manage, reward and retain the force of tomorrow.
“This course taught me how to navigate ships through Voyage Management System (VMS) and plot maneuvering boards accurately,” said Smith. “This pilot course was very successful for me because it allowed me to become VMS qualified.”
The OS rating is the first rating to be taught using the modernized delivery under the RRL construct, providing the right training at the right time in the right way to Sailors. The former OS “A” School was primarily conducted by instructors leading students through computer-based training modules and was dependent on a brick-and-mortar schoolhouse. Modernized OS training, however, is enhanced with interactive self-directed courseware, game-based virtual simulation software, demonstration videos and step-by step guides.
“The modernized OS ‘A’ School will reduce instructor-led training time by approximately 70% over the previous format and infuse more interactive training for students,” said Rear Adm. Kyle Cozad, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) commander. “These improvements allow for a more flexible and immersive learning experience than traditional instructor-led training from the podium while supporting multiple ‘reps and sets’ of critical concepts.”
Smith enlisted in the Navy in 2019 and will report next to Expeditionary Strike Group Three in San Diego.
“I joined the Navy to challenge myself and to have a stable, well-earned financial career for my future family,” said Smith. “I chose the OS rating because I want to be where everything happens; to be a part of combat, take control and lead.”
About 8,000 men and women work in the OS rating. These Sailors provide technical information and assistance related to anti-surface warfare, anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, amphibious warfare, mine warfare, naval gunfire support, search and rescue operations, and more.
Smith is the daughter of Alton and Melissa Smith, who reside in Augusta, Georgia.
NETC oversees the Navy’s recruiting force, boot camp, officer development and training programs, enlisted technical training, civilian credentialing and voluntary education opportunities, the Navy Advancement Center, and international training programs.
For more information on NETC, visit https://www.public.navy.mil/netc or follow NETC on Facebook at www.facebook.com/netcpao.
“This course taught me how to navigate ships through Voyage Management System (VMS) and plot maneuvering boards accurately,” said Smith. “This pilot course was very successful for me because it allowed me to become VMS qualified.”
The OS rating is the first rating to be taught using the modernized delivery under the RRL construct, providing the right training at the right time in the right way to Sailors. The former OS “A” School was primarily conducted by instructors leading students through computer-based training modules and was dependent on a brick-and-mortar schoolhouse. Modernized OS training, however, is enhanced with interactive self-directed courseware, game-based virtual simulation software, demonstration videos and step-by step guides.
“The modernized OS ‘A’ School will reduce instructor-led training time by approximately 70% over the previous format and infuse more interactive training for students,” said Rear Adm. Kyle Cozad, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) commander. “These improvements allow for a more flexible and immersive learning experience than traditional instructor-led training from the podium while supporting multiple ‘reps and sets’ of critical concepts.”
Smith enlisted in the Navy in 2019 and will report next to Expeditionary Strike Group Three in San Diego.
“I joined the Navy to challenge myself and to have a stable, well-earned financial career for my future family,” said Smith. “I chose the OS rating because I want to be where everything happens; to be a part of combat, take control and lead.”
About 8,000 men and women work in the OS rating. These Sailors provide technical information and assistance related to anti-surface warfare, anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, amphibious warfare, mine warfare, naval gunfire support, search and rescue operations, and more.
Smith is the daughter of Alton and Melissa Smith, who reside in Augusta, Georgia.
NETC oversees the Navy’s recruiting force, boot camp, officer development and training programs, enlisted technical training, civilian credentialing and voluntary education opportunities, the Navy Advancement Center, and international training programs.
For more information on NETC, visit https://www.public.navy.mil/netc or follow NETC on Facebook at www.facebook.com/netcpao.