1. FORCM WEEKLY REPORT – 4 Dec 09
Greetings Shipmates!
Hope that you enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday and were able to slow down
enough to spend some time with family and friends breaking bread together or interacting
via phone or one of the social networking sites serving around the world.
I spent a few days in the office this week and on Wednesday, Donna and I were joined by
VADM Debbink to greet two flights with over 477 single service members and 27 families as
they returned back to the states on the eve of Thanksgiving. It is such an honor and
privilege to be able to greet these service members and witness the reaction of the families
and spouses when they see their loved ones. On Friday and Saturday Donna and I were in
Nanticoke, PA to honor MA2 Brian Patton who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving the
country that he loved. Please keep MA2 Patton’s family, friends and Shipmates in your
thoughts as they deal with their recent loss.
Tuesday I spoke with Class 149 at the Senior Enlisted Academy where all U.S. military
services and military representatives from South Africa were in the audience. This continues
to be a great strategic communications opportunity that allows the senior enlisted leaders to
learn what you are doing around the globe 24/7/365. Wednesday evening a small group
was privileged to visit the Naval Observatory. I suggest that you visit
http://www.usno.navy.mil to schedule a tour that includes a presentation of the mission
and history of the Naval Observatory, a view of USNO's timekeeping responsibilities with a
presentation/explanation of the Master Clock system, and (weather permitting) viewing of
celestial objects with the 12-inch Alvan Clark refractor with an astronomer.
This morning the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Wounded Warrior Visit to the Pentagon
was held. We welcomed approximately 40 DOD-wide military patients who recently returned
from duty in Iraq and other areas of conflict. The service members and their families
received a VIP tour of the Pentagon. This is just a small way we attempt to say Thank-you
to these patients.
During a conference call with MCPON West and the other FLTCM and FORCMs, MCPON
wanted us to remind us that we are still dealing with DUIs and sexual assaults across our
Navy, as leaders we must continue to be engaged with the Deckplate Sailors. We are
starting to see the unauthorized wearing of “ball caps” with the NWU, help educate your
Shipmates on proper wearing of this new uniform. As all-ways, remember to think about
safety and conduct ORM before you start a new or routine task.
Pearl Harbor Day: "In the early morning hours of December 7, 1941 the mettle and
determination of a generation were challenged when the Imperial Japanese Navy unleashed
a sneak attack on the U.S. Navy fleet at anchor in Pearl Harbor. In the face of these attacks
the Sailors of the U.S. Navy responded with honor, courage and undying commitment.
Heroic actions were embodied by common men who, when suddenly faced with the
challenge of battle, responded with the resolve and character that defined the Navy and
nation. Sailors today are part of this long blue line who have provided protection and
security to the nation and the world." This excerpt was taken from the official Navy
website. To review additional information and first hand accounts of that tragic day in Naval
history visit, http://www.navy.mil/navydata/rph.htm. I encourage you to read these
stories, remember our heritage and the Sailor's that have gone before us.
MONTHLY COMMUNICATION PRIORITY: Continuum of Service

2. FORCM WEEKLY REPORT – 4 Dec 09
Latest Updates
Advancement Results for Cycle 204 and 85: Congratulations to all who were advanced
to PO1, 2, and 3 from the most recent advancement cycle! VADM Ferguson released a
statement concerning the delay in releasing results: "It took a little bit longer to work
through the numbers this time," said Ferguson. "We looked very carefully at a change in
behavior that's taking place in the force. We are seeing significantly lower attrition and
losses. More Sailors in the junior ranks are staying in the Navy." Additionally, VADM
Ferguson commented that Navy's unprecedented retention and record low attrition means
fewer vacancies in the E-4 and E-5 rates for Sailors to advance and resulted in a decline in
overall opportunity. While the Navy continues to advance to vacancy it will also target the
best and brightest for advancement. To listen to the complete podcast, visit
http://www.navy.mil/media/audio/cnp/CNP%20Advancement%20Podcast.MP3.
Reserve Sanctuary: Recently there have been questions concerning Reserve
retainability beyond sanctuary. Sanctuary is reached after completing 18 years of active
service while on ADSW, Recall, or Mobilization orders. Sailors on ADT or AT do not attain
sanctuary. A number of mobilized Sailors have been approved to enter sanctuary by N13
IAW SECNAVINST 1800.2. Additionally, if a Sailor desires to remain mobilized past 17
years of active service, the Sailor's command will need to submit a request to N13 via
PERS-4G1 for the Sailor to perform that active duty service. Again, that request is
submitted IAW SECNAVINST 1800.2. 17. The POC for 17 year waivers and sanctuary
requests at PERS-4G1 is LT Joseph Oatis, joseph.oatis@navy.mil.
Ready Now!: The December issue of “Ready Now!” that honors our families is available for
your review at:
https://www.navyreserve.navy.mil/Ready%20Now/Shared%20Documents/Newsletter.as
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Post 9/11 GI Bill: Many of you have heard that you have until 31 Dec 09 to transfer your
Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to your dependents. This is false. While I do recommend that you
elect to transfer your benefits to your dependents (even if you are on the fence) because
you can make modifications to this down the road or retain the benefits for yourselves but if
something happens to you, your next of kin cannot make this election posthumously on
your behalf (unless the Member is killed in combat). The Navy is trying to limit short term
extensions on enlistments for the purpose of transferring Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits and so
31 Dec 09 was the date Navy set to let Sailors know that after that point, they will have to
commit to regular re-enlistments to be approved to transfer the benefits. Members of the
Armed Forces (active duty and drilling SELRES--not VTU members) will retain the option to
transfer education benefits after 31 Dec 09 in accordance with the legislation but will not be
approved unless they have the requisite numbers of years left of service (this is a tool
retention tool, not a reward for Service already performed). The TEB process is fairly
simple and can be completed by logging onto the following website:
https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/TEB. To review eligibility, questions and for instructions on how
to transfer benefits, visit the VA website at http://www.gibill.va.gov/.
Senior Enlisted Academy Non Resident Course (SEA NRC): Navy Senior Enlisted
Academy Non-Resident Class 32 was cancelled due to reduced enrollment. The non-
resident course is structured to hold up to 54 students per class with seven classes per
year. This course provides the SELRES community the opportunity to attend the SEA with-
in their required two-weeks of active duty per year. Shipmates, it’s time to look at your
Chiefs mess and send those E7/8/9’s who haven’t attended (E7’s limited to 10%).
MONTHLY COMMUNICATION PRIORITY: Continuum of Service

3. FORCM WEEKLY REPORT – 4 Dec 09
Designating seven eligible personnel from your NOSC to attend one of the seven classes
held each year would fill the quotas presently available.
95th Navy Reserve Anniversary Celebration: On March 5th, 2010, the Chief of Navy
Reserve will host the 95th Navy Reserve Anniversary Celebration at the Navy Memorial to
showcase the tremendous talent and contributions made by past and present Sailors of the
United States Navy Reserve. VADM Debbink would like to recognize a few of our
outstanding FTS and SELRES Sailors celebrating one of the following milestones at the Navy
Memorial:
* Officer and Enlisted Awards (Specifically for IA operational support)
* Enlisted Warfare designation pinning
* Direct Commissions
Submit nominations for the Navy Memorial event via email to CMDCM(AW/SW) Rose NLT
Monday, 1 February 2009. All nominations must be approved and submitted by the local
NRA. Do not nominate Sailors previously recognized. Requests must contain the following
information:
* Full Name
* Rank/Rate
* Member's e-mail and phone number
* Command/Unit assigned
* Command Point of Contact (name, email, phone)
* Type of recognition to receive (award, warfare pinning, commission)
* For awards, submit OPNAV 1650/3 award recommendation and citation
Participants will be selected by a panel chaired by the OCNR Chief of Staff. Master Chief
Rose will personally notify selected individuals and their supporting command. Those who
were not selected to participate will be contacted via e-mail by Friday, 5 February.
ADT/IDT/IDTT is authorized for SELRES participants. Berthing and location information will
be provided to members selected via SEPCOR.
Facebook and Twitter: The Navy Reserve has an official fan page on Facebook and is on
Twitter. If you have a Facebook account, you can go to the link below, or type in a search
for Navy Reserve to get the most recent Reserve Force news.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Navy-Reserve/93616432569?ref=sgm. To follow us on
Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/navy_reserve and click "Follow navy_reserve" icon at
the top of the page.
Cards to Our Troops: This year Xerox is sponsoring a program to send thank you cards to
our deployed troops. It's a simple process and should only take a few seconds. You go to
this web site, http://www.letssaythanks.com, pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print
and send to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets the card,
but it will go to a member of the armed services. The site also posts messages received
from deployed troops letting you know just how much they appreciate the postcards! So
take a few seconds and remind our deployed troops that we support them and pray for their
safe, speedy journey home.
Capital One Mascot Challenge: The U.S. Naval Academy is looking for your support to
win this year's Capital One Mascot Challenge. The goal is to win the contest prior to this
year's Army Navy game on 12 December. To vote for Bill the Goat, go to
http://www.capitalonebowl.com/. Cast your vote today!
MONTHLY COMMUNICATION PRIORITY: Continuum of Service

4. FORCM WEEKLY REPORT – 4 Dec 09
Mental Health for Our Returning Warriors: The Joint Forces Quarterly, issue 54, 3rd
quarter 2009, published an article discussing the mental health issues faced by our
returning warriors; "Healing Hidden Wounds" The Mental Health Crisis of America's Veterans.
It discusses the background behind the mental health issues, the mandate for action as
directed by the SECDEF and barriers to care. The article also outlines a model of
reintegration and recovery focused on building a culture of resiliency. It discusses the
advantages and shortfalls of all 4 service programs. The: Army's Battlemind program,
USMC's Combat Operational Stress Control Program, Navy's Operational Stress Control
Program and Air Force's Landing Gear Program. The article is attached for your review. I
encourage you to read and share this information.
Around the Force:
RC Sailors Fulfill Joint Requirements During VIGILANT SHIELD 10. 42 Reservists
provided a total of 389 days of operational support to the Joint Forces Headquarters,
National Capital Region, CENTCOM, NORTHCOM and US Fleet Forces Command staffs during
the month of November. The combined efforts contributed valued staff depth and skills
during the Alaska survey in support of ANR Area Air Defense Planning (AADP), watch
standing at the command’s Maritime Domain desk and command and control staffing during
VIGILANT SHIELD.
Navy Reserve Special Warfare and Rotary Wing Units Train Together. Reservist
from SEAL Team 17 (ST-17) conducted exercises with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 85
(HSC-85) in San Diego, California. The RC SEALs and helicopter crews worked through over
200 fast roping and rappelling evolutions in the SOCAL operating area, advancing the
qualifications and currency of 35 RC Sailors. HSC-85 and ST-17 are based in San Diego, CA,
and are comprised of Sailors reporting from all over the country to serve. Both units are
ready and responsive force multipliers in the Navy’s Total Force.
30 DAY OUTLOOK
* MCPON CPO Call, NAF Washington, DC (5 Dec)
* PRT Review Update, Millington, TN (7-11 Dec)
* Landstuhl Germany (20-24 Dec)
60 DAY OUTLOOK
* Recruiter of the Year (11-15 Jan)
* 52nd Annual Surface Navy Association Conference (12-14 Jan)
As of 2 December 09:
Operational Support Snapshot N095 H1N1 Vaccinations
RC Sailors (FTS/SELRES) Onboard: 66,430
FY10 Pres Bud End strength 65,500 (Delta +930) Military: 59/59 (100%)
RC Sailors Performing Operational Support: 18,298 Civilian: 2/3
RC Sailors Mobilized or Deployed: 6,653 Contractor: 0/0
RC CPO's Mobilized or Deployed: 778 Totals: 61/62 (98%)
RC Flag Officers on Active Duty: 21
Weekly Savings Using VR Airlft Capability: $824K
MONTHLY COMMUNICATION PRIORITY: Continuum of Service