Photo By Clinton Beaird | JOINT EXPEDITIONARY BASE LITTLE CREEK-FORT STORY, VA (Aug. 24, 2018) Amphibious...... read more read more
Six Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) candidates received distinctive WTI patches upon completion of a rigorous Amphibious Warfare (AMW) WTI qualification course onboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story at Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center’s (SMWDC) Amphibious Warfare (AMW) Division, Aug. 24.
The graduates join a cadre of more than 240 WTIs trained since the program’s inception, who are increasing the lethality and tactical proficiency of the Surface Fleet across all domains.
Rear Admiral Erik Ross, President, Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) was the guest speaker at the event.
“Earning a WTI patch is an indication of proficiency and value,” said Ross. “Amphibious warfare is one of the most, if not the most complex; it encompasses all dimensions and domains. Completing this course gives you a license to keep learning and enhances the synergy and collaboration among warfighters across the fleet”
The AMW WTI course is designed to increase the doctrinal knowledge and tactical proficiency of junior Surface Warfare Officers (SWO) who apply and are selected for the program. The completion of AMW WTI Course 18020 marks the second time that a group of AMW candidates completed the full fifteen-week AMW training curriculum. Expanded from a seven week course in 2016, the current curriculum focuses on planning, sea control, and power projection as they relate to the Navy’s amphibious force, including the integration of the Marine Corps for defense of the amphibious task force.
The SWO Career Path recently released by Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet was designed with WTI development in mind, and allows for high-achieving first tour division officers to apply for the WTI program. This allows prospective WTIs the opportunity to return to their ships after training, and also complete a readiness production tour. In short – it’s a chance for junior officers to have it all. Tactical and technical training, real-world experience teaching, and opportunities for graduate education and other programs such as the Fleet Scholars Education Program.
AMW, as well as Anti-Submarine/Surface Warfare (ASW/SUW) and Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD), WTIs are well versed in doctrine and tactics, equipped with the tools necessary to mentor and train watch teams at sea in events such as SMWDC-led Amphibious Ready Group Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training exercises. Many WTIs complete their follow-on readiness production shore tour at SMWDC headquarters, located in San Diego, or to one of the four SMWDC divisions located in California and Virginia. A few select WTI’s will return to the surface fleet on their second division officer or department head tours.
AMW WTI class 18-2’s honor graduate was Lt. Cmdr. Ryan McBride who will be completing his readiness production tour at SMWDC AMW Division. The Iwo Jima Leadership Award was presented to Lt. Jim Palmer. Palmer was selected by his peers for superb leadership qualities displayed throughout the course of instruction.
“Completing the WTI course was both challenging and rewarding. I am looking forward to supporting our Navy’s operational forces as a WTI in the fleet,” said McBride.
Through four distinct lines of operations – advanced tactical training, doctrine and tactical guidance development, operational support, capability assessments, experimentation and future requirements – SMWDC is driving standardization for training and operations of warfighting proficiency, capability and lethality throughout the Navy.
SMWDC is a subordinate command of Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet and exists to increase the lethality and tactical proficiency of the Surface Force across all domains. SMWDC headquarters is at Naval Base San Diego with four divisions in Virginia and California focused on Sea Combat, Integrated Air and Missile Defense, Amphibious Warfare and Mine Warfare.
Interested in more information in the WTI Program? Reach out to the WTI Program Managers early and often at SWO_WTI@Navy.mil. We are also looking for high-performing enlisted and officers for a variety of key staff billets! Reach out to your details for more information. Follow SMWDC on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SMWDC to keep up with the latest news and updates from the command, including WTI application boards.
| Date Taken: | 08.24.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 08.24.2018 18:49 |
| Story ID: | 290295 |
| Location: | JOINT EXPEDITIONARY BASE LITTLE CREEK-FORT STORY, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 496 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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