Enterprise Focuses on Professional Military Knowledge

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kristin M. Baker, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

June 4, 2010 - USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors who were selected for advancement aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) are attending petty officer indoctrination classes June 3-8 in preparation for the upcoming frocking ceremony.

What set these Sailors apart from their peers was their professional military knowledge (PMK).

It happens twice a year. Some Sailors are ecstatic, and others are depressed as the ship buzzes with the news that 'advancement results are out.' Those who did not advance may be asking themselves "What am I missing?" The answer to that question is often summed up by three letters: PMK.

The Navy is constantly evolving, and every year ratings become more complex. Mastering the knowledge of your rating can seem overwhelming, but Sailors who focus only on their in-rate skills are missing a critical element: professional military knowledge. Knowledge of things such as: uniform regulations, rank structure, damage control, instructions and administrative messages, to name a few, is the critical aspects of PMK.

"Studying PMK in preparation for taking the advancement exam is very important because those questions make up a large percentage of your exam," said Navy Career Counselor 1st Class (SW/AW) Sara M. Reynolds.

Between 25 and 50 percent of test questions on the Navywide advancement exams are made up of PMK questions.

"A working knowledge of PMK is critical to success in the Navy," said Chief Navy Career Counselor (SW/AW) Ramous K. Flemming. "It's one thing to be a technical expert, but it takes a lot more effort to master the skills of being a Sailor."

With 50 of 200 questions on the E-4 advancement exams and half of the questions on the annual chief's test focused on these skills, it is important for all hands to know.

There are numerous places both aboard and online that you can access PMK information. From Navy Knowledge Online, to the game 'who wants to be a master chief,' multiple resources are available to a Sailor seeking them.

Enterprise is underway conducting work-ups in preparation for the next deployment.