In July 2001, the Navy established an 8800 NEC code to identify aviation-maintenance and production-control chiefs or senior chiefs. Until Oct. 1, 2002, the 8800 NEC may be awarded with an approved waiver based on proof of 12 months on-the-job training (OJT). After that date, the SEAM course and proof of 12 months OJT will be mandatory before being recommended for the NEC. In the near future, the 8800 NEC also will be a prerequisite for earning the 8300 NEC.
As with many new programs, some clarification is needed because of confusion about the purpose or objective of this training. The SEAM course was developed for junior or inexperienced maintenance or production-control chiefs. The two-week long curriculum is taught at NAMTRAU Oceana, Va.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Whidbey Island, Wash., and North Island, Calif. The course has six units of instruction: introduction to maintenance and production control, administration and policy issues, maintenance-management strategy, logs and records, functional support, and resources.
The attendees will learn about maintenance- or production-control operations and will be able to manage and direct (under supervision) O- and I-level maintenance. We stress the words "under supervision" because this course provides the basic knowledge to run a generic maintenance or production control. It is not intended to provide specific guidance on how to run a particular activity's maintenance department. In other words, the course provides an individual with knowledge, but how that trainee applies the knowledge is up to the person and the command.
Although the SEAM course is open to all aviation-maintenance ratings, a few prerequisites must be met before attending the course. Navy personnel must be an E-7 or above, with one exception. E-6 personnel may receive a waiver if they work directly in maintenance or production control (Marine staff sergeants do not require the waiver but must meet the work requirement). A student must have at least 12 months of obligated service remaining after the SEAM course is completed.
Chief Petty Officers Schneier and Cascarano are SEAM instructors and course managers at Naval Air Maintenance Training Unit, Oceana.
For more info...
NAMTRAU Oceana contacts:
ADC(AW) Mark Schneier
E-mail: ADC-Mark.R.Schneier@cnet.navy.mil
Phone: 433-3279 (DSN)
AMC(AW) Michael Cascarano
E-mail: AMC-Michael.J.Cascarano@cnet.navy.mil
Phone: 433-2799 (DSN)
Address: Senior Enlisted Aviation Maintenance Course Managers
Naval Air Maintenance Training Unit Oceana
790 'D' Ave., Naval Air Station Oceana
Virginia Beach, Va., 23460-2299 |
