Recent Supply Corps School grad tells it like it is

Summary

Lieutenant Junior Grade Dalton St. Rain, a 2021 graduate of Texas A&M University, shares his journey from an NFO to a Supply Officer on the USS Lassan DDG 82. He highlights the importance of the Supply Corps School's educational foundation and the Platinum Rule in leadership, emphasizing the value of building relationships and leading by example. His narrative includes overcoming challenges, such as qualifying as a SWISCO in under a year and adapting to the demanding role of a division officer in a maintenance phase, showcasing resilience and dedication.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lieutenant Junior Grade Dalton shares his experiences as a division officer and the importance of the Supply Corps School in shaping his career.
• 🎓 Dalton graduated from Texas A&M University in 2021 and initially started as an NFO (Naval Flight Officer) before transitioning to a supply officer role.
• 🤝 The Supply Corps is described as a diverse community with various backgrounds coming together, highlighting the importance of unity and collaboration.
• 🧐 The 'OQ boards' at the Supply Corps School are emphasized as a critical learning experience, teaching officers to think on their feet and analyze situations deeply.
• 💼 Dalton emphasizes the practical application of knowledge gained at the Supply Corps School, particularly the understanding of different roles within the department.
• 🚢 His role on the USS Lassan (DDG 82) involved being the sole division officer in a department of 40 to 60 sailors, illustrating the scale of responsibility.
• 🏆 Dalton's goal to qualify as a SWISCO (Supply Corps Warfare Officer) within a year was achieved, demonstrating his dedication and the support of his chain of command.
• 🤝 The importance of building relationships with superiors and peers is highlighted as key to success, both in the Supply Corps and as a division officer.
• 🌟 The Platinum Rule, 'treat people the way they want to be treated,' is identified as a significant leadership lesson from the Supply Corps School.
• 🔨 Overcoming the challenge of the boarding process, including failing initial boards and ultimately succeeding, is shared as a testament to resilience and determination.
• 👷‍♂️ The practical realities of Dalton's first day on the job, including the immediate need for hard hats and the fast-paced environment, underscore the hands-on nature of the role.

Q & A

Who is the speaker in the script and what is their current position?

The speaker is Lieutenant Junior Grade Dalton St rain, who is the Assistant Supply Officer on board the USS Lassan (DDG 82) stationed in Mayport, Florida.

What is PSC Alexander's role in the context of the script?

PSC Alexander is the Deputy Dispersing Officer and is described as the speaker's 'trusty handy dandy goto', implying a close working relationship and a key support role.

What educational background does Lieutenant St rain have?

Lieutenant St rain is a 2021 graduate of Texas A&M University and was part of the Corps of Cadets, specifically Company E2.

How did Lieutenant St rain's initial career path differ from his current role?

Initially, Lieutenant St rain started as a Naval Flight Officer (NFO), but he later transitioned to become a Supply Officer.

What is the significance of 'OQ boards' mentioned in the script?

OQ boards, or Officer like Quality boards, are a part of the training at the Supply Corps School that challenge and develop critical thinking and analytical skills among officers.

What is the 'Platinum rule' in the Navy as mentioned by Lieutenant St rain?

The Platinum rule is a leadership principle that emphasizes treating people the way they want to be treated, which can improve interactions and experiences in the Navy.

What was Lieutenant St rain's experience with the SWO (Surface Warfare Officer) community?

Lieutenant St rain mentions that working with SWOs involves being able to answer the five W's (who, what, where, when, and way forward) and often the question 'why' as well, highlighting the need for clear and concise communication.

How did the Supply Corps School prepare Lieutenant St rain for his role as a Division Officer?

The Supply Corps School provided a strong educational foundation, teaching him about the roles and responsibilities of different positions within the supply department, which helped him understand what he was getting into before starting his first tour.

What was the timeframe for Lieutenant St rain to qualify as a SWISCO (Supply Corps Warfare Officer)?

Lieutenant St rain qualified as a SWISCO in 359 days, just shy of one year, meeting his goal of achieving this qualification within a year or less.

What was the challenge Lieutenant St rain faced during the boarding process for his SSCO (Supply Corps Officer) pin?

The boarding process was intense, and Lieutenant St rain failed his first two second tour boards. He passed on the third attempt after a few days and ultimately passed the Captain's board the first time.

What leadership lesson did Lieutenant St rain take away from his experience at the Supply Corps School?

The most significant leadership lesson was the Platinum rule, which is about treating people the way they want to be treated to ensure smoother interactions and experiences.