From the time you completed your class-A school and reported to your first command, you experienced numerous evolutions involving mine upgrade training and inspections. There are very good reasons for this training.

At any time, you could be called upon to perform the tasks for which you have been trained; therefore, you must be ready to operate under all conditions, including wartime situations. To be able to work under strenuous and sustained operations, you must be capable of performing your duties well. From mine upgrade to movement of weapons to final preparation and deployment, it is everyone's responsibility, including yours, to ensure that the required training is received by all personnel, including your subordinates. This section discusses two aspects of mine assembly training: personnel qualification standards and on-the-job training.

PERSONNEL QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

The personnel qualification standards (PQS) program is a qualification system for officer and enlisted personnel to perform certain duties. Although this program is not actually designed as a training program, it does provide many training objectives. The PQS for the Mineman rating is found in Personnel Qualification Standards Underwater Mine Assembly Upgrade, NAVEDTRA 43318. It is a collection of the minimum knowledge and skills required to qualify you for a specific watchstation, maintain specific equipments, or perform as a team member within a unit. The booklet is formatted in three sections, with the first two sections being used as steps to final qualification sign-off. The format is as follows:

1. 100-Fundamentals. This section identifies basic knowledge required to perform the job properly.

2. 200-Systems. This section covers the functional systems, such as components and subassemblies. 3. 300-Watchstations/Workstations. This section contains the required procedures for performing specific jobs.

You should be qualified as soon as possible to perform specific jobs. It is important that there be a means of keeping track of personnel who need certain PQSs signed off, who is and who is not progressing in the PQS sign-off'; and who needs counseling or individual instruction to complete qualification. By using the PQS progress chart, you can easily keep track of each individual assigned within a department.

The PQS progress chart is maintained by individual supervisors and is reviewed weekly by the division officer. The chart should accurately reflect the PQS point system in tracking the trainee's progress and should contain the following information:

1. Command name, division, work center.

2. Trainee's name, rank, and rate.

3. Date the trainee completed command indoctrination.

4. Watchstation, by name and number.

5. Date the trainee commenced on a particular qualification.

6. Anticipated completion date.

7. Trainee's progress.

The PQS program cannot survive unless you plan effectively and maintain control. Se for an example of a PQS progress chart.

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING

On-the-job training (OJT) is the most common training you will receive or provide for your personnel. OJT is informal training used for one-on-one instruction with your crew. It allows you to cross-train your personnel in all aspects of shop operations and in the various jobs involved in completing a mine upgrade.

Although OJT is informal training and documentation is not required, you should keep track of OJT in your own records so that you will be able to follow the progress of your personnel and be able to make good judgments when making job assignments.