by CAPT Joe “Killer” Kilkenny, USN
Head Aviation Detailer, Bureau of Naval Personnel, Pers 43
Ed. Note: In that a third of Tailhook Association members are active duty, The Hook has invited CAPT Joe Kilkenny, the head aviation detailer to comment upon opportunities within the Navy. We hope that those who have been on active duty will appreciate the insight that CAPT Kilkenny brings, and perhaps remember that they themselves were eager for any advice that would help their career. Pers 43 will be invited from time to time to continue his observations.
Greetings from the Head Aviation Detailer! I’ve been on the job for more than a year and have had the opportunity to visit most of our aviation concentration areas as well as a few sites off the beaten path, such as our TACAMO team at Tinker AFB. Regardless of where I visit, the energy and dedication of Naval Aviation’s warriors in each community always impresses me. I can say without hesitation that because of your devotion and patriotism, Naval Aviation’s future is indeed bright.
Pers 43 was well represented at Hook ’02, and it was great to see so many active-duty folks at the gathering. Hook ’02 was an impressive display of Naval Aviation’s current and future capabilities as it brought together many generations of Tailhook aviators in the spirit of camaraderie and professionalism.
As a member of the Flag Panel, I fielded some questions concerning the rumor of an extended gap between this year’s command screen board that reported out in September 2002 and next year’s board. I’d like to announce, officially, that there will be a change to the process for the next Aviation Command Screen Board.
The FY ’04 Aviation Command Screen Board will be held in April 2004 instead of September 2003. Why the change? The intent is to look at all lieutenant commanders, thus allowing command selection earlier in one’s aviation career. Earlier selection will do the following:
I’m sure this will generate many questions from those impacted by the shift (Screen Groups ’88, ’89, ’90 and ’91). A transition plan has been crafted to ensure that each screen group will get all three command looks, and that opportunity for command will not suffer for any screen group. Your detailer can provide you with more specifics.
As always, the main ingredient for command selection is sustained superior performance. The FY ’03 Commander Aviation Command Screen Board adjourned on 26 September having selected this year’s cadre of future Naval Aviation leadership. The competition was extremely keen as more than 1,000 records were examined. Sustained superior performance and tour diversity were critical in the selection process. There are a lot of great records out there, but the officer that had the ability to walk into different situations and “win” played big in this year’s board. The foundation for success was mastery of one’s platform and mission, but not surprisingly there are more officers who have proved this than there are command slots available. When it came down to the “crunch,” major staff experience, joint education, ship qualifications and overseas tours remained high on the list of “tics” toward command selection.
As discussed earlier, the next Aviation Command Screen Board is scheduled for April 2004, plenty of time for you to get your record ready for the board. Keep in touch with your detailer and community manager to ensure you are ready. For those who have a few more tours until this critical milestone, keep a healthy dialogue going with your detailer. Those aren’t lies he’s telling you — it’s good information derived from his constant “eyes on the big Navy.” He is the guy with his finger on the pulse, and it’s his mission to ensure your career remains on course for success!
Congratulations to all who were successful on the Major Command Board that reported out in October 2002. The competition was incredible for all categories across the board. The same requirements that tilted selection on the 0-5 board played well in this year’s Major Board. Diversity of assignment and taking the tough job won the day.
Naval Aviation, and particularly carrier aviation, continues to play a pivotal role in the global War on Terror. Those of you on active duty are serving your country at a critical time in our history, and Naval Aviation would not be doing as well without your dedication. Fighting the War on Terror is a team effort, and we need all of you if we are going to win.
Thank you for your continued support of Naval Aviation.