Joint Senior Medical Leaders Course (JSMLC) – 29 JUL-02 AUG 2024 – Open for Registration
WHO: Senior O-5s to O-6s with a high probability of being named as Joint Task Force, JTF senior medical leader, or occupy a senior medical planning position in a joint environment.
WHAT: Joint Senior Medical Leaders Course (JSMLC).
WHEN: 29 Jul-02 August in person event.
WHERE: NCR/Falls Church VA (DHHQ).
HOW: Self-nomination; submit a service nomination request through the DMRTI JKO Community Page; Nominations due by 28 May 2024.
OTHER: There are currently no registration fees for this course. Funding will be obtained through your unit/command.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: A five-day, classroom only course designed to enhance medical leaders.
· Enhance knowledge of operational medicine, joint policy and doctrine, interagency coordination, major contingency operations, and stability operations in preparation for future roles as JTF Surgeons and their senior staff.
· Reinforce and expand our warfighting capabilities and promote a discussion of a variety of issues senior leaders will face in an operational medicine setting.
· The course will be conducted through presentations by senior leadership, discussions of current issues, trends, and lessons learned, along with a table-top exercise. Course participants will leave the course with increased knowledge of joint medical operations, policy and doctrine, and interagency efforts in preparation for future senior medical positions within a Combatant Command.
COURSE PREREQUISITES: https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Education-and-Training/DMRTI/Course-Information/Joint-Senior-Medical-Leaders-Course
· Courses are available on JKO and listed here:
NOMINATION PROCESS:
1. Log onto Joint Knowledge Online
2. Enter the DMRTI Community Page.
3. Complete the form and submit.
4. You will be notified approximately 45 days from the course start day only if you were selected or placed on an alternate list.
5. If you were not selected, you will need to complete another service nomination request for a later course.
6. Service nomination requests will close 60 days from the course start date and the link will be disabled.
Brain Injury Awareness
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SUBJ/BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS//
REF/A/BLAST INJURY RESEARCH COORDINATING OFFICE WEB//
REF/B/DODINST 6055.01/21APR2021//
REF/C/SECNAVINST 5100.10L/09APR2021//
REF/D/ASR(R) MEMO/04NOV2022//
REF/E/DEPSECDEF MEMO/08JUN2022//
REF/F/WARFIGHTER BRAIN HEALTH WEB//
REF/G/OPNAVINST 3591.1G/01JUN2021//
REF/H/MCO 3570.1C/30JAN2012//
REF/I/DOD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY CENTER OF EXCELLENCE WEB//
NARR/REF A IS THE BLAST INJURY RESEARCH COORDINATING OFFICE WEBSITE AT
https://blastinjuryresearch.health.mil/.
REF B IS THE DODINST 6055.01, DOD SAFETY AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH (SOH)
PROGRAM.
REF C IS THE SECNAVINST 5100.10L, DEPARTMENT OF NAVY SAFETY PROGRAM.
REF D IS THE ASD (READINESS) MEMORANDUM, INTERIMN GUIDANCE FOR MANAGING BRAIN
HEALTH RISK FROM BLAST OVERPRESSURE.
REF E DEPSECDEF MEMORANDUM, COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR
WARFIGHTER BRAIN HEALTH.
REF F IS THE WARFIGHTER BRAIN HEALTH WEBSITE HUB AT
https://health.mil/military-health-topics/warfighter-brain-health.
REF G IS THE OPNAVINST 3591, SMALL ARMS TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION.
REF H IS THE MCO 3570.1C, RANGE SAFETY.
REF I IS THE DOD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY CENTER OF EXCELLENCE AT
https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Centers-of-Excellence/Traumatic-
Brain-Injury-Center-of-Excellence.
RMKS/1. This message reinforces the Department of the Navy's commitment to
safeguarding our personnel by raising awareness of brain injuries and
establishing a process of improvement for treatment and management of
operational activities that may risk brain injuries.
2. After several decades of combat operations and warfighter-related
research, we continue to learn that some injuries are difficult to diagnose.
Unlike other types of injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) may not
manifest immediately, and exposure to multiple blast overpressure or impacts
may have a cumulative effect that we are only now understanding. We are
modifying operational procedures to minimize the risk to warfighters. The
science regarding these exposures and impact thereof is evolving, but waiting
on definitive answers is not an option.
3. As we are learning, TBI may occur from impacts to the head as well as
exposures to explosions, blast overpressure, or from the operation of various
weapons systems. All of these events may contribute to injuries in a
multitude of ways (impulse noise, blast overpressure, body accelerations, and
whole body vibration). These exposures may occur in combat, operational, and
training environments. The Department of Defense (DoD) Blast Injury
Coordinating Office site, shown in reference (a), is a good resource of
information that supports the Services. In the training environment, it is
critical we maximize weapons proficiency to enhance our readiness and limit
unnecessary exposure. References (b) and (c) require the identification and
control of hazardous exposures. Reference (d) identifies blast overpressures
of four pounds per square inch as a level of concern and directs the Services
to keep exposures to as low as reasonably achievable. The Services currently
accomplish this level of exposure through increasing stand-off distance from
blast events and limiting the time and number of exposures.
4. Reference (e) identifies symptoms and shows that early intervention is
paramount in preserving the health and readiness of our personnel. Resources
for identification of symptoms are available at reference (f). We must renew
our awareness and vigilance in protecting our Sailors and Marines from brain
injury threats. Additionally, it is also important to emphasize the entire
DoD, Navy, and Marine Corps assets in the medical, occupational health, and
medical research communities remain fully committed to working together to
minimize the risk of brain injury to Navy and Marine Corps personnel.
5. Commanders and Commanding Officers:
a. Incorporate brain injury awareness into your command's safety and
health programs and emphasize the importance of brain injury prevention,
identification, and treatment.
b. Ensure range protocols comply with the limits defined in references
(f) and (g).
c. Ensure safety offices are identifying hazardous exposures from unit
level operations and assessing control measures as required in references (a)
and (b).
d. Ensure medical departments are aware of symptoms and interventions
for brain injuries and resources available from references (h) and (i).
e. Discuss brain injury awareness during unit level safety events.
Additional resources are available at reference (g).
6. All personnel shall:
a. Exercise caution and minimize unnecessary exposure. If exposed and
not actively engaged in developing proficiency, take action to minimize
exposure. This may be as simple as taking a couple of steps back.
b. Be mindful of symptoms of potential brain injuries in oneself and
others.
c. Report suspected brain injuries to medical department and chain of
command.
d. Strict adherence to established tactics, techniques, and procedures
is critical to ensure exposures are controlled or minimized.
7. It is the responsibility of every Sailor, Marine, and civilian to
minimize potential brain injuries. By staying vigilant and being proactive,
we enhance our collective ability to protect the mission and the safety of
our personnel.
8. Let this serve as a reminder that preventing and treating brain injuries
is not a one-time effort but a continuous commitment. Our success relies on
the diligence of every Sailor, Marine, civilian, and contractor in
safeguarding or operational capability. Together, we can maintain a secure
environment that ensures the accomplishment of our mission objectives,
maximize readiness, and minimize exposure to ensure the safety of our Nation.
9. I encourage you to learn more and take advantage of the excellent
resources available in designated references which are aggregated on the
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy Safety webpage
(https://www.secnav.navy.mil/eie/Pages/default.aspx) under Blast
Overpressure.
10. Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy.//
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2024 CNO Professional Reading Program
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SUBJ/2024 CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS PROFESSIONAL READING PROGRAM//
RMKS/1. Nearly two centuries ago, Navy leaders took the first step in
establishing a professional education program to help train and educate
Sailors beyond apprenticeship at sea. Knowing well the importance of using
lessons from our past to help think through the challenges of the present and
future, these leaders provided the Fleet with a library of 37 recommended
books. They knew it was important for our Navy to be a learning organization
- with people who think critically and seek professional and warfighting
excellence - in order to remain the world's premier warfighting force.
2. I am continuing that momentum with a warfighting-focused Chief of Naval
Operations Professional Reading Program (CNO-PRP) to support your
professional development, broaden your knowledge, and challenge your
thinking. This list of 14 books aligns with my "America's Warfighting Navy,"
published in January, where I outlined my priorities of warfighting,
warfighters, and the foundation that supports them.
3. I encourage each of you to read the CNO-PRP. The ideas found in these
books will not only expand your thinking, but also directly contribute to
maintaining our warfighting advantage. They support the development of Great
People, Great Leaders, and Great Teams that can out-think any adversary
anytime and anywhere. Most importantly, they will make our Navy stronger and
more ready to preserve the peace, respond in crisis, and win decisively in
war, if called.
4. This book list will be periodically updated to ensure we keep pace with
the changing character of war. The list, as well as updates to the list, will
be posted here: https://www.navy.mil/Leadership/Chief-of-Naval-
Operations/Chief-of-Naval-Operations-Professional-Reading-Library/.
5. Admiral Franchetti sends, the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations.
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A Message from the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
Colleagues:
As this month draws to a close, I wanted to acknowledge the fast pace at which we are all working and start by thanking you for keeping up with the ever-changing and wide-ranging issues we face. I don’t ever want to get so caught up in the pace that I neglect to recognize the effort made every day and the accomplishments that effort yields.
We welcomed more than 2,100 of you to Portland earlier this month for the first MHS Conference in more than a dozen years. All of the feedback so far matches my own view that it was a resounding success – bringing us together to share knowledge, learn, and strengthen the relationships that are such a vital factor in our success. I’m grateful to Hon. Vazarani for kicking off the week, and for the MHS leaders who provided their perspectives in eleven plenary sessions and 64 break-outs. I came away with a better understanding of our opportunities and challenges and with renewed energy and enthusiasm about our ability to meet them. Plenary session recordings and all presentation materials will soon be posted at the conference website. I hope you’ll be happy to know that planning is already underway for next year’s conference.
Spring in Washington D.C. means posture season on the Hill, and we are deep in preparations for our annual presentations to Congress. We have worked hard to develop strong working relationships with Members and staff and look forward to productive discussions with them.
I began this week at an event with Veterans Affairs, announcing an expansion of services at the Keller Army Community Hospital in West Point, NY. Our growing partnership with the VA helps us maintain clinical readiness by increasing access to care for beneficiaries of both agencies – it’s a win for everyone.
Again, thank you for everything you do every day to advance our mission, and as always, stay safe!
Very Respectfully,
Lester
Lester Martínez-López, M.D., M.P.H.
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
Should You Apply for XO?
I’ve been the Deputy at Portsmouth since FEB 2022. In addition, before I came to Portsmouth I was the Deputy Chief of the Medical Corps. I made the sausage for 3 years when it came to the Executive Medicine application, screening, and slating process. Finally, I’ve been on a Milestone and Executive Medicine screening board in Millington, TN.
These three facts qualify me to answer the question, should you apply for XO?
People Who Should Definitely Apply for XO
You should definitely apply for XO if you are sure you want to lead people and be an XO/Deputy MTF Director or Commanding Officer (CO)/MTF Director. There is no other path to these positions.
People Who Should Not Apply for XO
I believe strongly that the following people should not apply for XO:
- People who don’t want to be an XO or CO or don’t want to lead people.
- People who don’t really want to do the job but want to use it to try and promote. This is not fair to the people you will be leading. You have to be 100% in or your people will suffer.
- People who do not want to move/PCS. XO applicants are expected to worldwide assignable, and the Navy Medicine leadership is not kidding.
- People who do not want to make hard decisions. No XO of any command has everything they need, and you will be balancing risk and making hard decisions your entire tour.
People Who Should Consider Applying for XO
If you are not in the above categories, you are on the fence about applying, and there is nothing wrong with that. My usual advice if you find yourself in this fairly large group:
- Review the application materials and available opportunities in detail.
- Talk to those who can give you some insight. This would include previous applicants, officers in your Corps Chief’s office (or those who previously were, like me), and admirals involved in the process (Corps Chiefs, the DSG, the SG).
After you’ve taken these steps, I recommend you review what you’ve learned with your significant other(s), if you have any. Most officers want perfect information, but it does not exist. You have no idea how things will actually go after you apply, so all you can do is gather as much information about the process as you can and make the best decision you can about whether or not to apply.
You Hold All the Cards Until You Apply
Do not underestimate the power of your application. They cannot make you apply, and until you apply you hold all the cards. Make sure you really want to apply and are willing to move. The associated geographic uncertainty is the number #1 reason people don’t apply and should not apply.
What if you get something that is not on your rank list? That is an important question you and your significant other(s) need to think through BEFORE you apply.
I say it again…BEFORE you apply. Remember…once you apply, you are worldwide assignable.
What’s It Like to Be an XO?
That’s the next post…
2024-25 Naval War College Fleet Seminar Program
This is how I did my JPME I, and I strongly recommend it:
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SUBJ/MOD_ACADEMIC YEAR 2024-2025 NAVAL WAR COLLEGE FLEET SEMINAR PROGRAM//
RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces the U.S. Naval War College (NWC) Fleet
Seminar Program (FSP) which offers intermediate level Joint Professional
Military Education (JPME-I) through a set of three courses: Strategy and War
(S and W), Theater Security Decision Making (TSDM) and Joint Maritime
Operations (JMO). Each course normally requires one academic year to
complete, which runs from September through the following May. All three
courses are not offered simultaneously at all locations. There is no tuition
fee and course materials are provided on a loan basis at no cost to the
students. Applicants must apply by 31 May 2024.
2. Background:
a. The NWC FSP will be offered in 15 regional locations in the United
States for academic year 2024-2025. Planned locations and courses are:
(1) Annapolis, MD (S and W, TSDM and JMO)
(2) Everett, WA (JMO)
(3) Dahlgren, VA (S and W)
(4) Great Lakes, IL (S and W)
(5) Jacksonville, FL (TSDM and JMO)
(6) Kitsap, WA (S and W)
(7) Mayport, FL (S and W)
(8) New Orleans, LA (S and W)
(9) Newport, RI (S and W, TSDM and JMO)
(10) Norfolk, VA (S and W, TSDM and JMO)
(11) Patuxent River, MD (S and W)
(12) Pearl Harbor, HI (S and W, TSDM and JMO)
(13) Pensacola, FL (Whiting Field) (TSDM)
(14) San Diego, CA (S and W, TSDM and JMO)
(15) Washington, DC (S and W, TSDM and JMO)
b. Seminars meet once a week in the evening for 34 weeks. Completion of
all three courses results in the award of a College of Naval Command and
Staff diploma, as well as credit for JPME-I. The FSP also provides a path to
attain the NWC Masters Degree through the College of Distance Education
(CDE)Graduate Degree Program (GDP). FSP students may apply for the GDP
following successful completion of their first FSP course. The FSP at all
locations are conducted in-step with each other, so students who transfer to
or assigned temporary additional duty at another location may attend class at
the new location.
3. Criteria:
a. NWC accepts program applications from commissioned officers
(active and reserve) and civilian employees of the federal government,
subject to the following eligibility requirements:
(1) Members of the sea services (Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard)
in the paygrade of O-3 or above, while officers from the other services must
be in the paygrade of O-4 or above. Civilian employees of the federal
government in the grade of GS-11 and above, or equivalent, are also eligible
for enrollment.
(2) All applicants must have previously earned at least a
baccalaureate degree.
b. Qualified individuals currently stationed in areas listed in
paragraph two, or those who expect transfer to those sites prior to
1 September 2024 are encouraged to apply.
4. Application Process. More information is available and applications must
be submitted at the NWC College of Distance Education FSP website at
https://www.mnp.navy.mil/group/training-education-qualifications
(NWC Academic Programs link). The application period will remain
open until 31 May 2024.
5. Selection Notifications. NWC will make enrollment selections and
accepted applicants will be advised of their enrollment selection status via
email.
6. Points of contact are Ms. Kelly Folger who can be reached at
(401) 856-6530 or via email at fsp@usnwc.edu, Mr. Walter Stiles who can be
reached at walter.stiles@usnwc.edu, and Professor Ronald Oard who can be
reached via email at oardr@usnwc.edu.
7. Request widest dissemination of the above information.
Regional coordinators at the sites listed in paragraph two are requested to
pass this information to all Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and
Coast Guard units and all reserve units located within safe-driving distance
of an FSP site.
8. This message will remain in effect until superseded or 31 May 2024,
whichever occurs first.
9. Released by VADM D. W. Dwyer, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for
Warfighting Development (N7).//
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Joel Schofer's Career Planning Blog 