THE CHIEF
In the days of great naval explorers, the amount of leadership required to drive sailors too continue to function was tremendous. The threat of falling off the edge of the earth, being eaten by sea monsters and being enticed and killed by mermaids was overwhelming. Granted, a great deal of intimidation, strength and fear assisted in the effort, but were not entirely effective when one individual was trying to persuade several.
In today’s Navy, the leadership requirements are the same but for different reasons. Today, Sailors are concerned with limited budgets, multiple family members, diminishing job satisfaction, downsizing of naval forces and an ever-increasing attempt to justify the needs for respective weapons platforms.
Regardless which Navy is discussed, the need for a leader who places people first, fully supports command policies and continually drives individuals to improve, learn and grow, is still strong.
Chief is not a pay grade, but a frame of mind. It is a symbol of solid commitment to the collective power that can be achieved by several persons working toward a common goal. It is a title synonymous with wisdom, performance, initiative, experience, integrity, and accomplishment. Because of all these things, and your performance over the past several weeks, we feel you are worthy of being called “ The Chief. “ May you continue to grow and epitomize the values that make the organization what it has been and will always be as long as there are Chiefs in The Navy.
