Recent graduations from the Maritime Communications and Information Systems Wing marked the end of an era and start of another for the communications and information systems (CIS) workgroup.
On November 30, CIS Session 30 graduated as the final course of generalist CIS sailors straight from initial entry training.
These members will not conduct specialised streamed training until they commence their first career progression courses as able seamen.
The first streamed-on-entry CIS sailors graduated on November 9.
Aligning with the CIS Workgroup Remediation Action Plan, CIS initial entry training will be conducted in separate courses to represent the different streams of communications specialists and information systems specialists.
The new structure of streaming on entry ensures the CIS workgroup remains agile and capable of delivering a workforce that meets emerging demands.
The disciplines and skills of these specialist sailors are tailored skill sets to the particular stream; however, both work in collaboration of one another in maintaining assured communications at sea.
The role of an information systems specialist is to work within deployed ICT networks within a maritime environment, enabling command with the vital computer networks to fight and win at sea.
Due to the increasing sophistication of IT systems - combined with the complexity of the operating environment - a streamed information system specialist is one who can act quickly and decisively.
The role of a communications specialist is to establish and maintain tactical and strategic communications links at shore and at sea.
Navy has a vital need for cooperation with partner nations, which combined with rapidly changing technology requires streamed communications specialists who can provide the necessary links to pass critical information to fight and win in the maritime environment.
These changes to the CIS workgroup are in line with Navy's push into information warfare and the pillar of assured command and control at sea.
Lieutenant Commander Nathan Cole is the current Officer Commanding of the Maritime Communications and Information Systems Wing.
"This marks an important milestone in the evolution of naval communications and the move towards streamed mastery pathways for the CIS workgroup," he said.
"It's critical that the whole of Navy understands how the new generation of CIS are employed and consequently results in a more refined information warfare capability."
