First, I must point out that currently, none of the CSE (Combat Systems Engineering) "trades" have the oh-so venerated and legislatively protected word "Engineer" in the title. Only the HOD of this department may claim that part of that word is in their title, as "Combat Systems Engineering Officer", and unless I'm mistaken, that person must hold an Engineering Degree (have the ability to wear a pinky ring). However, this entire thread is focused on a new name for the CSE Branch, and not on arguing about who is entitled to call themselves Engineers. By the way, just to reiterate, it's the department that uses the word in it's title, not the members.
My questions: Why are we trying to change the name, exactly? Is it to attract new recruits to the CSE trades because our numbers are falling? Are our numbers falling? If so, why?
The above questions aside (pls answer them if you would), here are my suggestions:
Naval Combat Technical Systems Department (instead of the current Combat Systems Engineering Department)
Naval Combat Systems Technician (entry level)
Naval Sensor(s) Technician (for Radar, Sonar, Fire Control/Tactical)
Naval Communication(s) Technician (these folks do a different job from the sensors people, let's face it)
Naval Weapons Technician (keep it, and not just because I am an NWT ;D, but because it really is a separate job from the others)
I firmly believe that the word "Naval" should be employed in the titles. It unquestionably implies the Navy and the sea. For potential recruits initially scanning the web or taking one of the final steps of walking into a recruiting office anywhere in the country, the word "Naval" is distinct. To them it means "I'm going to sail on a warship!".
Regarding the department/branch name, I believe the words "Combat Technical Systems" imply several things: you will become a technician working on combat systems. If you're a potential recruit, you'll likely already have looked at the naval platforms online and discovered what "combat systems" are found onboard (things that go boom, and the things that make them go boom where we want them to go boom).
As far as the specific trade titles, the current use of the word "Electronics" brings to mind (and this is from civilians either related to military members or not at all involved in the military, let alone the navy) circuit boards, soldering irons, and computers. Now, I agree that all of these items may be found on ship, and that techs are indeed in contact with them, but why not eliminate that word in favour of being more specific?
Miriam-Webster defines a techician - a specialist in the technical details of a subject or occupation. Oxford defines a technician as - a person employed to look after technical equipment or do practical work in a laboratory OR an expert in the practical application of a science. Cambridge says a technician is - a worker trained with special skills, especially in science or engineering (oops! there's that taboo word again!). Given these very well respected sources, a potential recruit with even the slightest inclination towards science or engineering sees the word "technician" in a way that suggests to them that they'll become a specialist or an expert, and both of those words put several things in the mind - respect (both the self kind and the social kind) and wealth (financially and educationally). Hmmmm... So, what is it exactly that attracts the recruit nowadays?
What about the word "specialist"? Let's see what the dictionaries say: Miriam-Webster - one who specializes in a particular occupation, practice, or branch of learning OR an enlisted rank in the United States Army corresponding to the grade of corporal; also : any of several former enlisted ranks corresponding to the grades of sergeant through sergeant major (wow! the US Army listed in a dictionary?! scary!). Oxford - a person who is highly skilled or knowledgeable in a particular field. Cambridge - someone who has a lot of experience, knowledge or skill in a particular subject.
So, the word "specialist" implies you have knowledge and skill, whereas the word "technician" implies you use your special knowledge and skill to actually do something. I realize you're all likely saying to yourselves, "Geez! This guy is really beating this to death! We can all look in a dictionary for Pete's sake!!". I'm just providing some details to support my suggestions.
So... What do you say? This isn't a contest where you win an all expense paid trip on a cruise ship if the titles you suggested are chosen (is it?)! Besides, if a person actually joins the navy as a technician or specialist or engineer or whatever and winds up in the CSE department (or whatever it'll be called) they win the trip anyways!
To the folks invloved in choosing the title(s), good luck. And if you choose any of the titles I'm suggesting, let me know if I've won anything, because I never win anything!!
wepstech :skull: