MILITARY BEARING

All petty officers have an obligation to conduct themselves with dignity and in such a manner as to reflect credit on the naval service. Dignity exists only where the individual has a proper sense of his own worth and of the worthiness of his cause. The person who possesses true dignity also will respect the dignity of others.

Military bearing is dignity within military relationships. It exists when the individual is proud of his military organization and of his part in it. He respects his seniors and is guided by the example of those he admires most among them. He tilso respects his juniors and tries to provide an example they will be proud to follow. Whether he is squaring his hat, rendering a salute, carrying on the work of his office, or going on liberty, his manner says that he is proud of the Navy and is doing his best to make the Navy proud of him.

COURTESY

The qualifications for advancement do not list courtesy as a requirement, but they imply it. Most situations require a certain minimum standard in terms of manners, and unless we display this standard, we are in trouble. Courtesy goes far beyond that. It is in fact totally different in character, because courtesy comes from within and is a voluntary expression of respect for the rights and feelings of others. How your job as a journalist involves your interaction with others is emphasized throughout this TRAMAN. More than any other rating in the Navy, you will be associated primarily with people in the civilian populace. Courtesy on your part will smooth the way not only for you, but for your command, your seniors and the people who work for you.

PERSONALITY

A pleasing personality is a must in the journalist rating. You must be able to get along with your shipmates, because their cooperation is necessary before you can carry out your duties. Always strive to establish a good name for the JO community. When you have the confidence of your shipmates, your job will be 100 percent easier.

NAVY ENLISTED CLASSIFICATIONS

Navy Enlisted Classifications (NECs) are four-digit numbers that indicate special qualifications earned by an individual. Currently, there are four NECs available to Navy journalists, as described in the following text.

JO-3221 - BROADCAST OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

The holder of a 3221 NEC originates, prepares and broadcasts command information for use on radio, television, satellite or Shipboard Information, Training and Entertainment (SITE) systems. Additionally, he acts as a researcher, writer, interviewer, narrator, broadcast equipment operator, program scheduler and director.

If you desire this NEC, you must complete the Basic Broadcaster Course (BBC) at the Defense Media Institute (DMI), formerly the Defense Information School (DINFOS). You also may earn the classification by logging one year of documented experience at an NBS detachment or AFRTS outlet or on a SITE-equipped ship. If you have equivalent civilian experience, you may request a waiver of the one year experience requirement.

JO-3251 - BROADCAST OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Individuals with this NEC direct the operations of radio, television, satellite, cable and SITE support systems as coordinated elements of the command information broadcasting function. Other key tasks include conducting research and planning programming, production, budgeting, training and maintenance.

This NEC could be part of your long-range career planning. You may earn it by graduating from the Broadcast Managers Course (BMC) at the DMI or by completing at least two previous management assignments with AFRTS activities.

PH-8147 - PHOTOJOURNALISM SPECIALIST

Although this is primarily a photographer's mate NEC, members of the JO rating also may earn it. Sailors with this NEC cover and photograph events of news or documentary interest, while supporting and effectively meeting the public affairs objectives and programs of the military services. They apply layout and design principles, news and feature writing, basic and advanced photographic techniques and production, and demonstrate writing and photographic skills.

To earn this NEC, you must first complete the eight-week Intermediate Photojournalism Course (IPC) offered at the DMI (JO "B" School), then perform as a photojournalist in the field for one year. Your CO must forward an endorsement to the DMI before the NEC is approved and awarded

PH-8148 - PHOTOJOURNALIST

Sailors with the PH-8148 NEC photograph newsworthy events, prepare photography in news form, write captions and text for news stories, and maintain liaison with their counterparts in the news media. They also train personnel in photojournalism techniques.

You can earn this NEC by applying for acceptance to PH/JO "C" School at the Rochester Institute of Technology. This fully accredited curriculum includes a minimum of 18 semester hours (30 quarter hours) of advanced photojournalism techniques and practices, including picture editing, newswriting and reporting, feature article writing, graphic arts, layouts, design, ethics in journalism, and many others. The NEC is awarded after your successful completion of the course.

You may obtain furher information on all four NECs by consulting the Manual of Navy Enlisted Manpower and Personnel Classifications and Occupational Standards, Volume II (Navy Enlisted Classifications), NAVPERS 18068F.

TRAMAN PURPOSE

The purpose of this TRAMAN is ensure the quality and integrity of Navy journalist training and to help you meet the basic requirements for advancement to J03 and J02. It is based on the most current (at the time of this writing) journalist occupational standards (OCCSTDS) in the Advancement Handbook for Petty Officers (JO). Since OCCSTDS change periodically, be sure you check with your Educational Services Office (ESO) for the most up-to-date OCCSTDS.

This TRAMAN will not make you an accomplished writer or a public affairs specialist overnight, but it can help. It contains many useful rules and tips that, if you learn and practice, will lead you down the path of success in one of the most exciting and rewarding ratings in the U.S. Navy.