Conclusion of Enlisted Training Course Consultation

Following a three-week consultation, we are pleased to announce the results of the New Enlisted Training Course proposal.

The proposal as set forth by Ensign Jon Tulley and Petty Officer Third Class Luke Stafford recommended Shadow Fleet implement a new training course for new enlisted players upon joining the fleet. Originally a compulsory course designed to assess a player's posting ability and provide points for improvement, the idea evolved into a voluntary scheme that new players could enroll in if they so desired.

Having weighed the pros and cons of this idea along with the comments made by members during the consultation, the Shadow Fleet Admiralty have come to the decision not to implement this policy for a number of reasons.

Firstly, we believe that implementing a new training course such as this, voluntary or otherwise, would go against the very nature of joining as an enlisted crewman and getting involved in the posting straight away. Furthermore, we do not expect all players to be perfect posters when they first join and their initial joining period up to the rates of Senior Crewman is intended to provide them with this experience. Finally, we believe this kind of training course would go against the role of each SIMM's Chief of the Boat, a position which in its very nature is responsible for the training and welfare of all enlisted players.

Though we have decided not to implement the idea in full, the Admiralty have agreed to recommend the creation of official "welcoming" topics in each starship SIMM following the success of such an idea on the USS Gibson. While this is not compulsory, all Commanding Officers have been encouraged to take the idea on for the benefit of new players.

We would like to thank Jon and Luke for presenting their idea to us along with each and every one of you who put forward your comments in support or against it.