The Virtual Navy - Marine Corps OCS

U.S. Marine Corps Officer Candidate School

MARINE OFFICER CANDIDATE SCHOOL

SGTMAJ Ryan "ScrapIron" Stertz,

WELCOMES YOU ABOARD

WELCOME TO THE VIRTUAL NAVY’S OFFICER COMMUNITY. AS OFFICERS IN THE VIRTUAL NAVY YOU WILL BE AN ACTIVE PART OF THE COMMAND CREW IN THE BEST VIRTUAL NAVY ON THE INTERNET. YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES WILL BE TO UPHOLD THE CUSTOMS AND STANDARDS AS WELL AS THE RULES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ON THE VIRTUAL NAVY. AFTER YOUR OFFICER CANDIDATE TIME IS COMPLETED YOU BE SENT TO THE MARINES FOR YOUR NEW ASSIGNMENT AS A 2^ND LIEUTENANT, TO COMMAND OR LEAD IN ONE OF OUR MANY COMMUNITIES WITHIN THE VIRTUAL NAVY.

Ryan T. Stertz

SGTMAJ Ryan "ScrapIron" Stertz

PREFACE

“Welcome Aboard” the Virtual Navy! You have made an exceptional choice in joining our organization. As you will learn in the following pages, though we emulate (but are not associated with) the United States Navy, we have a strong history and an even stronger future. By joining the VNAVY and participating in this self-study course, you have demonstrated a desire to improve yourself and the VNAVY. Remember, however, this self-study course is only one part of the total VNAVY training program. Practical experience, schools, selected reading, and your desire to succeed are also necessary to successfully round out a fully meaningful training program. We are excited that, should you possess the right attitude, fortitude, and military bearing, you will accompany us on this journey.

Should you need ANY assistance or have ANY questions during your first few weeks, feel free to ask anyone with the VNAVY Tag on their ICQ nickname. If, during this course of study, you should need assistance or if you have a burning question, please contact one of the senior officers listed at the end of this document.

MISSION

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Learn the VNAVY Mission.

The Virtual Navy, shall be organized, trained, and equipped primarily for prompt and sustained combat incident to operations at sea, air, and land. It is responsible for the preparation of virtual naval forces necessary for the effective prosecution of war except as otherwise assigned, and, in accordance with integrated joint mobilization plans, for the expansion of the peacetime components of the Virtual Marine Corps to meet the needs of virtual war.

ORGANIZATION OF THE VNAVY

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Acquire a basic understanding of the organization of the VNAVY and be able to identify your chain-of-command.

Our Organizational Structure is very important to us. The current command and control structure and staffing billets were developed over a period of many years, and with much trial and error. Like most of our organization, the US Marine Coprs was our inspiration and guide.

While this organizational chart does not give a complete flow chart for every community, it should provide you with a good understanding of how each community relates to one another and of the greater chain of command for the VNAVY. It is your responsibility to utilize the VNAVY Roster in determining what personnel currently man each of the defined billets. The roster is available for viewing via a link on the main VNAVY web site.

RANKS OF THE VNAVY

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Learn and identify the ranks of the VNAVY and their insignia.

The Virtual Navy utilizes a rank/grade structure based on that of the US Navy. It is extremely important that you familiarize yourself with the ranks and insignia of both enlisted and officers for both the Navy and the Marine Corps. Later in this course, we will demonstrate how a Recruit like you can advance in grade.

The Enlisted

Service members in the pay grade of E-3 are usually either in some kind of training status or on their initial assignment. The training includes the basic training phase where recruits are immersed in military culture and values and are taught the core skills required by their service component.

Leadership responsibility significantly increases in the mid-level enlisted ranks. This responsibility is given formal recognition by use of the term Noncommissioned Officer. A

Marine Corporal is considered an NCO. The Navy NCO equivalent, Petty Officer, is achieved at the rank of Petty Officer Third Class.

Grade, rank, rating, and rate can all be a confusing concept, and together are unique to the Navy and Coast Guard. A special emblem in the center of Navy enlisted grade insignia indicates the wearer's particular rating or occupation. When combined together, the rating insignia and grade insignia equal the wearer’s RATE. Generally, most VNAVY enlisted personnel will be of the Boatswain Mate’s rating, however, there may be occasions where it is necessary to hold a special rating.

The Warrant Officers

Warrant officers hold warrants from their service secretary and are specialists and experts in certain military technologies or capabilities. The lowest ranking warrant officers serve under a warrant, but they receive commissions from the president upon promotion to chief warrant officer 2. These commissioned warrant officers are direct representatives of the president of the United States. They derive their authority from the same source as commissioned officers but remain specialists, in contrast to commissioned officers, who are generalists.

The Officers

Officer ranks in the United States military consist of commissioned officers and warrant officers. The commissioned ranks are the highest in the military. These officers hold presidential commissions and are confirmed at their ranks by the Senate. Army, Air Force and Marine Corps officers are called company grade officers in the pay grades of O-1 to O-3, field grade officers in pay grades O-4 to O-6 and general officers in pay grades O-7 and higher. The equivalent officer groupings in the Navy are called junior grade, mid-grade and flag.

Naval officers wear distinctively different rank devices depending upon the uniform they're wearing. The three basic uniforms and rank devices used are: khakis, collar insignia pins; whites, stripes on shoulder boards; and blues, stripes sewn on the lower coat sleeves.

CONDUCT

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Learn how personnel are required and expected to conduct themselves while representing the VNAVY.

Virtual Navy personnel are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards of personal and professional integrity and ethics. All Members will conduct themselves in a military fashion and style. Our strong military bearing is what sets us apart from all others. All orders will be obeyed by lower ranks and be carried out to the best of their ability

Good Sportsmanship is demanded, and especially in competitions with other Clans/Organizations. The boundary where people start taking the game too seriously, and begin to act hostile towards other participants, will be enforced. Treat others, as you would have them treat you. Any act of Espionage, Treason, or Mutiny will result in an immediate dismissal from the VNAVY. If any person in the Virtual Navy who has knowledge of any fraud shall report this conduct immediately in writing to the proper authority, specifying the particular act, or acts of misconduct, fraud, or neglect and describing any evidence which may assist in proving same.

PARTICIPATION

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Understand VNAVY participation requirements.

Members not in Reserve status must participate no less that one time per week for not less than one hour with another VNAVY member. If another member is not available, the member must submit a message via ICQ/Email to his CO/OIC stating that he was online. In lieu of another VNAVY member, a member may opt to recruit instead, provided he submits a statement via ICQ to his CO/OIC. Failure to comply for 2 consecutive weeks without submitting a Leave/Excuse Chit or other form of notification to his CO/OIC will result in that member being placed in Reserve. Reserve members may remain in that capacity indefinitely with proper notification to their Chain of Command.

RIGHTS, DUTIES AND RESTRICTIONS

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Understand the basic rights, duties and restrictions of VNAVY personnel.

Compliance With Lawful Orders. All persons in the virtual naval service are required to obey readily and strictly, and to execute promptly, the lawful orders of their superiors. In the event that a higher ranking officer gives orders that are immoral, irresponsible, or violate any of the behavior rules or code of ethics, the order does not have to be obeyed. The incident must be reported to the CA or the CNO himself immediately for immediate action. An investigation will be run to contest the situation and whether or not the order should have been obeyed, at the Captain's Mast.

Language Reflecting on a Superior. No person in the virtual naval service shall use language that may tend to diminish the confidence in or respect due to his or her superior officer.

Exchange of Duty. No person in the virtual naval service shall exchange an assigned duty with another without permission from his or her commanding officer or appropriate superior.

Combinations for Certain Purpose Prohibited. Persons in the virtual naval service shall not join together for the common purpose of protesting or complaining against orders or details to duty, complaining of particulars of duty or procuring preferences.

Redress of Wrong Committed by a Superior. If any person in the virtual naval service considers him or herself wronged by an act, omission, decision or order of a person who is superior in rate or command, that person shall not fail in maintaining a respectful bearing toward such superior, buy may report the wrong to the proper authority for redress in the manner provided in this article. The report should clearly identify the respondent (the superior against whom it is made), the wrong complained of and the redress desired. The officer may hold a complainant accountable responsible for the resolution of the report if the report is found to be vexatious, frivolous or false. The report may not be joined with reports by other complainants.

Direct Communication With the Commanding Officer. The right of any person in the virtual naval service to communicate with the commanding officer in a proper manner, and at a proper time and place, shall not be denied or restricted. Officers who are senior to the executive officer have the right to communicate directly with the commanding officer, but they shall keep the executive officer informed on matters related to the functioning of the command. A head of department, or any other major subdivision of an activity, has the right to communicate directly with the commanding officer concerning any matter relating to that department or subdivision, but shall keep the executive officer informed.

Suggestions for Improvement. Any person in the Virtual Navy may address to the Chief of Naval Operations, via the chain of command, suggestions or constructive criticism pertaining to improvements in efficiency or more economical methods of administration or management in the Virtual Navy.

COMMUNICATIONS

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Learn about, and how to utilize, the communication systems and protocols of the VNAVY.

We have three main means of communication in the VNAVY: Email, ICQ, and Team Speak. The following will provide you with guidance on how you should communicate with fellow members.

EMAIL: Whenever emailing another VNAVY member concerning a VNAVY matter, the email should contain ‘VNAVY’ somewhere in the subject line. It should have a professional military appearance and format. If you would like a template by which to go, be sure to ask any senior officer.

ICQ: ICQ is how most of us communicate the day-to-day business of the VNAVY. It’s where Senior Officers talk to Commanding Officers and Commanding Officers speak to their people, and so on.

The rules of addressing members on ICQ go two ways. The first is with military protocol. When chatting with an Enlisted person it is customary to address them by their rank. Address as Petty Officer all Petty Officer grades, and Chief, Senior Chief or Master Chief respectively for all Chief Petty Officer grades. While with Officers, it is customary to address them as Sir and Ma’am; they may also be addressed by their rank.

When initially addressing or being addressed by a Senior Officer, it is customary and required to salute them. The symbol we use to salute follows:

(S). While a more senior officer or enlisted person may relax military custom with you, the salute is to be used at the beginning and end of every conversation regardless.

Ventrillo: Ventrillo is used mainly when in game, generally in a cooperative mission where instructions must be heard. Military Bearing is in use AT ALL TIMES while in game and non-critical voice traffic should be to a minimum. When using ventrillo it is always good to identify yourself so that others can match your voice to your name and can respond accordingly to calls for support, injury or, in the future, orders. When tactical orders or instruction are being given, unless there are questions, simple military responses are all that’s necessary (Aye Aye, Sir and Aye Aye, Ma’am). A complete lesson on radio protocol will be forthcoming. However, you should begin by learning and utilizing the phonetic alphabet found in the Appendix at the end of this course.

As you develop seniority here, it may come to pass that Officers and higher grade Non-commissioned Officers ask you to drop the military protocol when in private. It is your choice, of course, to comply with their request, but there are limitations to that. Also, while military protocol may be relaxed, it is the senior person’s right to request that you return to following it with them. Further, while in the presence (Chat or in game) of other members, no military protocol is relaxed whatsoever. At no time shall a junior address a senior in public outside the bounds of military protocol. Our Officers and NCOs have earned the rank and privileges afforded to them, we ask that you give them the respect that we will ask others to give to you when the time comes.

TRAINING PROCESS

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Learn about the training process for all new recruits and the proceeding career tracks available to you.

Upon acceptance, you are authorized to add the VNAVY Designate to your ICQ profile and email correspondence. Applicants that have not yet been officially accepted into the organization may not add the VNAVY Designate.

All officer candidates MUST begin training within 15 days of joining VNAVY. If training is not commenced within those 15 days the officer candidate will be placed in Reserve status. A Candidate may remain in Reserve status for up to a maximum of 30 days before beginning training. Once that 30-day period has elapsed without commencement of training, the Candidate will be discharged. Once a Candidate begins training, he must

complete that training within 30 days or face discharge. A Candidate has up to 45 days upon joining the VNAVY to complete Naval Training without discharge. All members have to undergo the VNAVY Officer Candidate Course in addition to the schools particular to their individual community.

Upon completion of Officer Candidate School, the Candidate is promoted to an Ensign, or 2^nd Lieutenant and is sent to the fleet in the Department of which he/she is now a part.

Promotion cycle

PROMOTION SYSTEM

(See VNAVY Regulation 0405)

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Learn about and understand the promotion and advancement requirements of the VNAVY.

Enlisted Personnel - Summary

	Rank (Navy / FMF)	TIG for Promotion from previous Grade	Special Requirements
Lower Enlisted Rank
E-3	Seaman (SN) / Lance Corporal (LCPL)	N/A	Immediately upon completion of the Basic Indoc Course
Mid-Level Enlisted Ranks
E-4	Petty Officer 3^rdClass (PO3) / Corporal (CPL)	30 Days	Completion of the Petty Officer Third Class/NCO Exam. Automatic upon military verification.
E-5	Petty Officer 2^ndClass (PO2) / Sergeant (SGT)	60 Days	Completion of the Petty Officer Second Class Exam + Open billet as Assistant LPO or equivelant.
E-6	Petty Officer 1^stClass (PO1) / Staff Sergeant (SSGT)	90 Days	Open billet as LPO and completion of the Petty Officer First Class Exam.
High-Level Enlisted Ranks
E-7	Chief Petty Officer (CPO) / Gunnery Sergeant (GYSGT.)	120 Days	Completion of the CPO Board + Open billet as LCPO
E-8	Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO) / Master Sergeant (MSGT)	90 Days	Open Billet as LCPO or Command Senior Chief or Chief of The Boat. Appointed By the Fleet Commander.
E-9	Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO) / Sergeant Major (SGM)	90 Days	Open billet as Command Master Chief , or Chief of the Boat Command Authority Appointed

Warrant Officers - Summary

Grade	Rank (Navy / FMF)		TIG for Promotion from previous Grade		Special Requirements
W-2	Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO2)		None		Prior enlisted rank of no less than PO1 + OIC or AOIC billet. With command authority approval.
W-3		Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CWO3)		30 Days
W-4		Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CWO4)		90 Days
W-5		Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CWO5)		120 Days. Unanimous command authority approval.

Grade

Rank (Navy / FMF)

TIG for Promotion from previous Grade

Special Requirements

O-0	Officer Candidate (OC) / Aviation Officer Candidate (AOC)	N/A	Entry Level Rank / ECP Slot
Junior Grade Officers / Company Grade Officers
O-1	Ensign (ENS) / 2^ndLieutenant (2Lt)	None	Promoted upon completion of Officer Candidate School
O-2	Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) / 1^stLieutenant (1Lt)	30 Days	If prior Military Service is verifiable immediately upon completion of the Officer Candidate School.
O-3	Lieutenant (LT) / Captain (Capt)	60 Days
Mid Grade Officers / Field Grade Officers
O-4	Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) / Major (MAJ)	90 Days	Board Recommendation, and open billet.
O-5	Commander (CDR) / Lieutenant Colonel (LTCOL)	120 Days	Board Recommendation, and open billet.
O-6	Captain (CAPT) / Colonel (Col)	120 Days	Board Recommendation, and open billet
Flag Rank Officers / General Officers
O-7	Rear Admiral (Lower Half) (RDML) / Brigadier General (BGen)	150 Days	Open billet + Command Authority Appointed
O-8	Rear Admiral (Upper Half) (RADM) / Major General (MGEN)	150 Days	Open billet + Command Authority Appointed
O-9	Vice Admiral (VADM) / Lieutenant General (LTGEN)	180 Days	Open billet + Command Authority Appointed
O-10	Admiral (ADM) / General (GEN)	N/A	CNO Discretion and Command Authority Appointed. Must be open DCNO Billet to move in to.

Commissioned Officers - Summary

Job duties and responsibilities

The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO):

Shall oversee command of the entire VNAVY.
Shall represent the entire VNAVY as a Joint Chief of Staff.
Shall oversee the Office of the CNO.
Has the power to make and change rules and regulations.
Has the power to declare war.
Has the power to declare alliances.
Shall oversee diplomatic discussions with other squadrons.
Has the power to approve and recruit new members.
Has the power to induct members into the VNAVY.
Has the power to promote members to a higher rank.
Has the power to award members with commendations.
Has the power to veto/overrule decisions of subordinates.
Is the permanent Chairman of the Command Authority.
Shall hold the rank of Admiral.

Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Manpower & Personnel – N1)

Is assigned to the Office of the CNO.
Shall oversee command of the entire Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS).
Shall oversee the roster of the VNAVY.
Shall work to establish and maintain open lines of communication between the Office of the CNO and the Communities regarding personnel matters.
Has the power to recruit and approve new members.
Has the power to induct members into the VNAVY.
Shall actively work to recruit new members for the various communities that comprise the VNAVY.

Has the power to nominate members for promotion/advancement and commendations.

Has the power to veto/overrule decisions of subordinates.
Shall hold a seat on the Command Authority.
Shall hold no rank lower than Commander or higher than that of Rear Admiral Upper Half.

Commander Naval Education and Training Command (NETC):

Shall oversee command of the Office of the NETC.
Shall oversee the arrival and preparation of new recruits.
Shall oversee the Education of the NCO / Warrant / Officer Corps of the VNAVY.
Shall serve as an advisor to the CNO concerning training decisions.
Has the power to induct members into the VNAVY.
Has the power to recruit new members.
Has the power to conduct training operations with and/or against other squadrons with the approval of the CNO or Vice CNO.

Has the power to nominate members for promotion/advancement and commendations.

Has the power to veto/overrule decisions of subordinates.
Shall hold a seat on the Command Authority.
Shall hold no rank lower than Commander or higher than that of Rear Admiral Upper Half.

Community Commanders (CC):

This designation covers: COMPACFLT, COMATLFLT, COMEURASIAFLT, Commander 1^st Division Marines Shall oversee command of their entire Community.
Shall actively work to recruit new members for their respective community in the VNAVY.
Has the power to nominate members for promotion/advancement and commendations.
Has the power to veto/overrule decisions of subordinates.
Shall hold a seat on the Command Authority.
Shall hold no rank lower than Rear Admiral or higher than that of Vice Admiral.

Commanding Officer, Wing/Group/Squadron/Team (CO):

Shall oversee command of their entire Wing, Group, Squadron, or Team.
Has the power to recruit new members.

Has the power to nominate members under his command for promotion/advancement and commendations.

Shall hold no rank lower than Captain or higher than that of Captain.

Executive Officer (XO):

Shall oversee command of their entire unit in the CO's absence.
Shall oversee the roster of the unit.
Has the power to recruit new members.
Has the power to nominate members for promotion/advancement and commendations.
Shall hold no rank lower than Lieutenant Commander or higher than that of Commander.

Officer in Charge, Squadron/Team (OiC):

(OIC’s are Chief Warrant Officers or Officers below the grade of Lieutenant Commander, in Command of a Unit)

Shall oversee command of their entire Ship, Submarine or Team.
Has the power to recruit new members.
Has the power to nominate members under his command for promotion/advancement and commendations.
Shall hold no rank higher than that of Lieutenant Commander.

Assistant Officer in Charge (AOiC) :

Shall oversee command of their entire unit in the OIC’s absence
Shall oversee the roster of the unit.
Has the power to recruit new members.
Has the power to nominate members for promotion/advancement and commendations.
Shall hold no rank higher than that Lieutenant.

All Other Ranks

Have the power to nominate new potential recruits to any member of the CA.
Have the power to nominate other members for a higher rank and commendations.
Shall participate in unit actives, if it is not possible shall report to their Chain of Command of their inability to participate.
Shall obey the orders of the officers, warrant officers and enlisted men appointed over them.

Issuance of awards and ribbons

Awards and Commendations in the VNAVY shall be based upon accomplishments while engaged in Virtual Combat (both in adversarial and cooperative multiplayer game play) or special services for the VNAVY. Requirements for the individual Awards available in the VNAVY can be found by clicking on the particular medal on the Medals page of the VNAVY.

A separate VNAVY Awards Manual regulates award and commendation requirements. Any changes or additions to it have to be authorized by the Command Authority.

Transfers

All Transfers must be submitted in writing to your Community Commander via the Chain of Command. Such transfers include, but not limited to, enlisted to officer, officer/warrant officer to enlisted, intercommunity/departmental and departmental transfers.

Types of Discharge

Types of Discharge.

The following are the types of discharges granted to members of the VNAVY, and the resulting effects of those discharges.

a. Resignation - A member in good standing, who resigns from the VNAVY of his own free will, shall be permitted to rejoin the VNAVY at any point in the future. A former member may return to the VNAVY within 30 days of his resignation and have all rank, commendations, and privileges restored provided he has not: joined another organization in competition with the VNAVY, compromised his integrity during his absence, or compromised the integrity of the VNAVY. Otherwise, the former member may apply to rejoin the VNAVY at anytime in the future as a new member.

b. Honorable Discharge (Retirement) - A member in good standing, who retires from the VNAVY of his own free will, shall be permitted to return to duty with the VNAVY at any point in the future, provided he has not: joined another organization in competition with the VNAVY, compromised his integrity during his absence, or compromised the integrity of the VNAVY.

c. General Discharge - A member who is either asked to resign or resigns under suspicious circumstances shall not be permitted to rejoin the VNAVY.

Articles of War

Declaration of War.

A Declaration of War may be declared only by a unanimous vote of a quorum of the Command Authority, and only then when all other means for a "Peaceful" resolution to the conflict have been exhausted. The main web page will reflect the current Threat Condition (THREATCON) Status.

Threat Conditions.

Threat Conditions will proceed as follows:

THREATCON ZULU: Designates normal peacetime operations.
THREATCON ALPHA: A general threat of possible terrorist activity against personnel and facilities.
THREATCON BRAVO: An increased and more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists.
THREATCON CHARLIE: An incident has occurred or intelligence has been received indicating that some form of terrorist action is imminent.
THREATCON DELTA: A terrorist attack has occurred or intelligence has been received that terrorist action against a specific location or person is likely.

Mobilization for War.

Upon a Declaration of War (DoW), the following actions will immediately take place:

Members to participate will be contacted via ICQ and email by the Command Authority.

COMMAND

Titles of Commanders.

The commander of a principal organization of the operating forces of the Virtual Navy, as determined by the Chief of Naval Operations, or the officer who has succeeded to such command as provided elsewhere in these regulations, shall have the title "Commander". The name of the organization under the command of such an officer shall be added to form his or her official title.

The commander of each other organization of units of operating forces of the Virtual Navy, or organization of units of shore activities, shall have the title "Commander," "Commandant," "Commanding General" or other appropriate title. The name of the organization under the command of such an officer shall be added to form his or her official title.

Responsibility and Authority of Commanders.

Commanders shall be responsible for the satisfactory accomplishment of the mission and duties assigned to their commands. Their authority shall be commensurate with their responsibilities. Normally, commanders shall exercise authority through their immediate subordinate commanders, but they may communicate directly with any of their subordinates.

Commanders shall ensure that subordinate commands are fully aware of the importance of strong, dynamic leadership and its relationship to the overall efficiency and readiness of naval forces. Commanders shall exercise positive leadership and actively develop the highest qualities of leadership in persons with positions of authority and responsibility throughout their commands.

Subject to orders of higher authority, and subject to the provisions of these regulations, commanders shall issue such regulations and instructions as may be necessary for the proper administration of their commands.

Commanders shall hold the same relationship to their flagships, or to shore activities of the command in which their headquarters may be located, in regard to internal administration and discipline, as to any other ship or shore activity of their commands.

To Announce Assumption of Command.

Upon assuming command, commanders shall so advise appropriate superiors, and the units of their commands by mass email, or ICQ to their respective command and to their Commanding Officer.

Readiness.

Commanders shall take all practicable steps to maintain their commands in a state of readiness to perform their missions. In conformity with the orders and policies of higher authority, they shall:

organize the forces and resources under their command and assign duties to their principal subordinate commanders;

prepare plans for the employment of their forces to meet existing and foreseeable situations;

maintain effective intelligence and keep themselves informed of the political and virtual military aspects of the national and international situation;

make, or cause to be made, necessary inspections to ensure the readiness, effectiveness and efficiency of the components of their commands; and

develop, in accordance with directives issued by higher authority, training strategies and plans for their commands.

Keeping Immediate Superiors Informed.

Commanders shall keep their immediate superiors appropriately informed of:

the organization of their commands, the prospective and actual movements of the units of their commands, and the location of their headquarters;

plans for employment of their forces;

the condition of their commands and of any required action pertaining thereto which is beyond their capacity or authority;

intelligence information which may be of value;

any battle, engagement or other significant action involving units of their commands;

any important service or duty performed by persons or units of their commands; and

unexecuted orders and matters of interest upon being relieved of command.

Organization of Staff.

The term "staff" means those officers and other designated persons assigned to a commander to assist him or her in the administration and operation of his or her command.

The staff shall be organized into such divisions as may be prescribed by the commander concerned or by higher authority. These divisions shall conform in nature and designation, as practicable and as appropriate, to those of the staffs of superiors.

The staff of a flag or general officer may include one or more personal aides.

Authority and Responsibilities of Officers of a Staff.

The officers of a staff shall be responsible for the performance of those duties assigned to them by the commander and shall advise the commander on all matters pertaining thereto. In the performance of their staff duties they shall have no command authority of their own. In carrying out such duties, they shall act for, and in the name of, the commander.

Administration and Discipline: Staff Embarked.

In matters of general discipline, the staff of a commander embarked and all enlisted persons serving with the staff shall be subject to the internal regulations and routine of the ship. They shall be assigned regular stations for battle and emergencies. Enlisted persons serving with the staff shall be assigned to the ship for administration and discipline, except in the case of staff embarked for passage only, and provided in that case that an organization exists and is authorized to act for such purposes.

Administration and Discipline: Staff Based Ashore.

When a staff is based ashore, the enlisted persons serving with the staff shall, when practicable, be assigned to an appropriate activity for purposes of administration and discipline. The staff officers may be similarly assigned. Members of a staff assigned for any purpose to a command or activity shall conform in matters of general discipline to the internal regulations and routine of that command or activity.

The Commanding Officer

Applicability.

In addition to commanding officers, the provisions of this chapter shall apply, where pertinent, to aircraft commanders, officers in charge (including warrant officers and petty officers when so detailed) and those persons standing the command duty.

Responsibility.

The responsibility of the commanding officer for his or her command is absolute, except when, and to the extent to which, he or she has been relieved there from by competent authority, or as provided otherwise in these regulations. The authority with his or her responsibility. While the commanding officer may, at his or her discretion, and when not contrary to law or regulations, delegate authority to subordinates for the execution of details, such delegation of authority shall in no way relieve the commanding officer of continued responsibility for the safety, well-being and efficiency of the entire command.

A commanding officer who departs from orders or instructions, or takes official action which is not, in accordance with such orders or instructions, does so upon his or her own responsibility and shall report immediately the circumstances to the officer from whom the prior orders or instructions were reviewed. Of particular importance is the commanding officer's duty to take all necessary and appropriate action in self-defense of the command.

Organization of Commands.

All commands and other activities of the Virtual Navy shall be organized and administered in accordance with law, and the orders and instructions of the commanding officer shall be in accordance therewith.

Effective Organized Force Always Present.

Under no circumstances shall any ship or station be left without an organized force that will be effective in any emergency, and, consistent with existing requirements, capable of ensuring satisfactory operation.

Relationship with Executive Officer.

The commanding officer shall keep the executive officer informed of the commanding officer's policies, and normally shall issue all orders relative to the duties of the command through the executive officer. Normally, the commanding officer shall require that all communications of an official nature from subordinated to the commanding officer be transmitted through the executive officer.

Inspections, Muster and Sighting of Personnel.

The commanding officer shall hold periodic inspections of the material condition of the command, not on weekends or holidays, to determine deficiencies and cleanliness. When the size of the command precludes completion of the inspection in a reasonable time, the commanding officer shall designate zones to be inspected by heads of departments or other responsible officers, and shall personally inspect at least one zone, alternating zones in order that the commanding officer inspects the entire command at minimum intervals.

The commanding officer shall ensure that, consistent, with their employment, the personnel of the command present at all times a neat, clean and virtual military appearance. To assist in attaining this standard of appearance, the commanding officer shall, in the absence of operational exigency, hold periodic personnel inspections.

The presence of all persons attached to the command shall be accounted for weekly. Persons who have not been sighted by a responsible senior shall be reported absent.

Records.

The commanding officer shall require that records relative to personnel, material and operations, as required by the current instructions, are maintained properly by those responsible thereof.

Training and Education.

The commanding officer shall:

endeavor to increase the specialized and general professional knowledge of the personnel under his or her command by the frequent conduct of drills, classes and instruction, and by the utilization of appropriate fleet and service schools;

encourage and provide assistance and facilities to the personnel under his or her command who seek to further their education in professional or other subjects;

afford frequent opportunities to the executive officer, and to other officers of the ship as practicable, to improve their skill in commanding the unit.

Delivery of Orders to Personnel.

The commanding officer shall not withhold any orders or other communications received from higher authority for any person under his or her command, except for good and sufficient reasons, which he or she shall at once report to such higher authority. Communications of personal nature may be withheld by a commanding officer for good reason until completion of mission or duty.

Effectiveness for Service.

The commanding officer shall:

exert every effort to maintain the command in a state of maximum effectiveness for war or other service consistent with the degree of readiness as may be prescribed by proper authority. Effectiveness for service is directly related to the state of personnel and material readiness; and

Authority Over Subordinates.

All officers of the virtual naval service, of whatever designation or corps, shall have all the necessary authority for the performance of their duties and shall be obeyed by all persons, of whatever designation or corps, who are, in accordance with these regulations and orders from competent authority, subordinate to them.

Delegation of Authority.

The delegation of authority and the issuance of orders and instructions by a person in the virtual naval service shall not relieve such person from any responsibility imposed upon him or her. He or she shall ensure that the delegated authority is properly exercised and that his or her orders and instructions are properly executed.

Abuse of Authority.

Persons in authority are forbidden to injure their subordinates by tyrannical or capricious conduct, or by abusive language.

Contradictory and Conflicting Orders.

An officer who diverts another from any service which he or she has been ordered by a common superior, or who requires a person to act contrary to the orders of such superior, or interferes with those under such superior's command, must immediately report this action to the officer whose orders have contravened, and show that the public interest required such action. All orders under such circumstances shall be given in writing when possible.

If an officer receives an order which annuls, suspends or modifies one received from another superior, or one contrary to instructions or orders from the Chief of Naval Operations, he or she shall exhibit the original order, unless under instructions not to do so, and represent the facts in writing to the superior from whom the last order was received. If, after such representation, the officer from whom the last order was received should insist upon the execution of that order, it shall be obeyed. The officer receiving and executing such order shall report the circumstances to the superior from whom the original order was received.

Authority of an Officer in Command.

An officer, either of the line or of a staff corps, detailed to command by competent authority, has authority over all officers or other persons attached to the command, whatever their rate, and whether they are of the line or of the staff corps.

Authority of an Officer Who Succeeds to Command.

An officer who succeeds to command due to incapacity, death, departure on leave, detachment without relief or absence due to orders from competent authority of the officer detailed to command, has the same authority and responsibility as the officer whom he or she succeeds.

An officer who succeeds to command during the temporary absence of the commanding officer shall make no changes in the existing organization, and shall endeavor to have the routine and other affairs of the command carried on in the usual manner.

When an officer temporarily succeeding to commands signs official correspondence, the word "Acting" shall appear below his or her signature.

Authority of Juniors to Issue Orders to Seniors.

No member of the Virtual Navy is authorized, by virtue of his or her rate alone, to give any order or grant any privilege, permission or liberty to any officer senior to him or her. A member is not required to receive such order, privilege, permission or liberty from a junior, unless such junior is at the time:

in command of the unit or other command to which the senior is attached;

in command or direction of the virtual military expedition or duty on which such senior is serving;

an executive officer executing an order of the commanding officer;

Detail to Duty

Basis for Details.

Appointments, details, transfers and assignments shall be made on the basis of official records.

Changes in Details to Duty.

No officer, except the senior officer present, shall change the detail of a person assigned by a superior to a specific duty without the permission of that superior. The senior officer present shall not change the detail of any person without good and sufficient reason and shall report all changes and the reasons for them to the superior without delay.

Command of a Task Force.

A commanding officer, and any other virtual naval commander, may detail in command of a task force, or other task command, any eligible officer within his or her command whom he or she desires. All other officers ordered to the task force or the task command shall be considered subordinate to the designated commander.

All orders issues under the authority of this article shall continue in effect after the death or disability of the officer issuing them until they are revoked by his or her successor in command or higher authority.

The powers delegated to a commander by this article are not conferred on any officer by virtue of the fact that he or she is the senior officer present.

Command of a Staff Corps Activity.

Officers in a staff corps shall be detailed to command only such activities as are appropriate to their corps.

Detail of Executive Officer.

The officer detailed as executive officer shall be an officer eligible to succeed to command whom, when practical, is next in rate to the commanding officer.

When no officer has been detailed as the executive officer by the Chief of Naval Personnel as appropriate, or when the officer so detailed is absent or incapable of performing the duties of the office, the commanding officer shall detail the senior line officer within the command and eligible to succeed to command as executive officer that, if the commanding officer is a member of a staff corps, he or she may detail as executive officer the next senior officer in the appropriate staff corps.

Rank and Grade of an Officer who succeeds to Command.

An officer who succeeds to command acquires no increase of rank or change in grade by virtue of such succession alone.

Succession Prescribed by a Commander in Chief.

A commander in chief and, when empowered by the Chief of Naval Operations, any other virtual naval commander may prescribe the order of succession to command, including his or her own, among the various officers whom he or she has detailed to command task forces or other task commands. All orders issued under the authority of this article shall continue into effect after the incapacity or death of the officer issuing them until revoked by his or her successor in command or by higher authority. The powers delegated to a virtual naval commander under this article are not conferred on any other officer by virtue of the fact that he or she is the senior officer present.

Succession of a Chief of Staff and Other Staff Officers.

In the absence or incapacity of the commander on whose staff he is serving, a chief of staff, chief staff officer, or other officer on a staff may succeed to command if next in rate within the command and otherwise eligible as provided in these regulations.

Succession to Command of an Aircraft Unit.

In the event of relief from duty or absence of the officer detailed to command an aircraft squadron, the executive officer shall succeed to command until relieved by competent authority or until the regular commanding officer returns. Succession to command, after the commanding officer and the executive officer, of an aircraft squadron shall be the line officer regularly attached to and on board the aircraft squadron who is next in rank and qualified to command an aircraft unit, until relieved by competent authority or until the regular commanding officer or executive officer returns.

Succession to Command by Officers in the Staff Corps.

Officers in the staff corps may succeed to command only at such activities as are appropriate to their corps.

Standards of Conduct

Standards of Conduct.

All Departments of the Virtual Navy personnel are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards of personal and professional integrity and ethics. At a minimum, all personnel shall comply with directives issued by the Chief of Naval Operations, the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, and the Secretary of the Navy regarding the Standards of Conduct and Government Ethics.

Report of Fraud.

If any person in the Virtual Navy who has knowledge of any fraud shall report this conduct immediately in writing to the proper authority, specifying the particular act, or acts of misconduct, fraud, or neglect and describing any evidence which may assist in proving same.

Official Records

Personal Privacy and Rights of Individuals Regarding Their Personal Records.

Except as specifically provided in this section, maintenance of personal records of individuals, and the release of those records, shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act and directives issued by the Chief of Naval Operations.

Except as specifically provided in this section, the Chief of Naval Operations shall in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act and directives issue the release of the departmental records to private parties.

Disclosure, Publication and Security of Official Information.

No person in the Virtual Navy shall convey or disclose by oral or written communications, publication, graphic or other means, any classified information except as provided in directives governing the release of such information. Additionally, no person in the Virtual Navy shall communicate or otherwise deal with foreign entitles, even on an unclassified basis, when this would commit the Virtual Navy to disclose classified virtual military information, except as may be required in that person's official duties and only after coordination with and approval by a release authority designated by competent authority.

No person in the Virtual Navy shall convey or disclose by oral or written communication, publication or other means, except as may be required by his or her official duties, any information concerning the Virtual Navy or virtual forces, or any person, thing, plan or measure pertaining thereto, where such information might be of possible assistance to a foreign power; now shall any person in the Virtual Navy make any public speech or permit publication of an article written by or for that person which is prejudicial to the interests of the United States. The Chief of Naval Operations will prescribe the regulations concerned with the release of information to the public through any media.

Inspection of the Record of a Person in the Virtual Naval Forces.

The record of a person in the virtual naval service maintained by the Chief of Naval personnel shall be available for inspection by the person or a duly authorized agent, designated as such in writing by the person.

A request for inspection made under this Article need not comply with the requirements of the Privacy Act.

Control of Official Records.

No person, without proper authority, shall withdraw official records or correspondence from the files, or destroy them, or withhold them from those persons authorized to have access to them.

Duties of Individuals

Officer's Duties Relative to Laws, Orders and Regulations.

All officers in the virtual naval service shall acquaint themselves with, obey and, so far as their authority extends, enforce the laws, regulations and orders relating to the Virtual Navy. They will faithfully and truthfully discharge the duties of their offices to the best of their ability in conformance with existing orders and regulations and their solemn profession of the oath of office. In the absence of instructions, they shall act in conformity with the policies and customs of the service to protect the public interest.

Requirement of Exemplary Conduct.

All commanding officers and others in authority in the virtual naval service are required to show in themselves a good example of virtue, honor, patriotism and subordination; to be vigilant in inspecting the conduct of all persons who are placed under their command; to guard against and suppress all dissolute and immoral practices, and to correct, according to the laws and regulations of the Virtual Navy, all persons who are guilty of them; and to take all necessary and proper measures, under the laws, regulations and customs of the naval service, to promote and safeguard the morale, the physical well being and general welfare of the officers and enlisted persons under their command or charge.

1012. Compliance With Lawful Orders.

All persons in the virtual naval service are required to obey readily and strictly, and to execute promptly, the lawful orders of their superiors.

In the event that a higher ranking officer gives orders that are immoral, irresponsible, or violate any of the behavior rules or code of ethics, the order does not have to be obeyed. The incident must be reported to the CA or the CNO himself immediately for immediate action. An investigation will be run to contest the situation and whether or not the order should have been obeyed, at the Command Authorities Discretion.

Language Reflecting on a Superior.

No person in the virtual naval service shall use language that may tend to diminish the confidence in or respect due to his or her superior officer.

Rights and Restrictions

Redress of Wrong Committed by a Superior.

If any person in the virtual naval service considers him or herself wronged by an act, omission, decision or order of a person who is superior in rate or command, that person shall not fail in maintaining a respectful bearing toward such superior, buy may report the wrong to the proper authority for redress in the manner provided in this article. The report should clearly identify the respondent (the superior against whom it is made), the wrong complained of and the redress desired. The officer may hold a complainant accountable responsible for the resolution of the report if the report is found to be vexatious, frivolous or false. The report may not be joined with reports by other complainants.

Direct Communication With the Commanding Officer.

The right of any person in the virtual naval service to communicate with the commanding officer in a proper manner, and at a proper time and place, shall not be denied or restricted.

Officers who are senior to the executive officer have the right to communicate directly with the commanding officer, but they shall keep the executive officer informed on matters related to the functioning of the command.

A head of department, or any other major subdivision of an activity, has the right to communicate directly with the commanding officer concerning any matter relating to that department or subdivision, but shall keep the executive officer informed.

Suggestions for Improvement.

Any person in the Virtual Navy may address to the Chief of Naval Operations, via the chain of command, suggestions or constructive criticism pertaining to improvements in efficiency or more economical methods of administration or management in the Virtual Navy.

Combinations for Certain Purpose Prohibited.

Persons in the virtual naval service shall not join together for the common purpose of protesting or complaining against orders or details to duty, complaining of particulars of duty or procuring preferences.

Forwarding Individual Requests.

Requests from persons in the virtual naval service shall be acted upon promptly. When addressed to higher authority, requests shall be forwarded without delay. The reason should be stated when a request is not approved or recommended.

OFFICERS OATH

I (insert name), having been appointed an 2^nd Lieutenant in the Virtual Marine Corps under the conditions indicated in this document, do accept such appointment and do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter, so help me God.

GO TO TEST

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

Email:

SGTMAJ STERTZ: scrapiron@vnavy.com (COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR)

ADM HIBBERT: piper@vnavy.com (Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff)

GEN LOPER: houdini@vnavy.com (Commandant U.S. Marine Corps)

VADM SCHULTE: hyperion@vnavy.com (Chief of Naval OPERATIONS)