Patrick Witt ENGL 1101 Life in the Navy The Navy was founded in October 1775.

A majority of the terms and or

discourse used in the beginning are no longer in use today. That is because over the last 238 years, technology, and society have changed drastically, and because of this, so has the language that the Navy uses. The Navys language combines both

specialized terms for different things, such as port and starboard for left and right, and acronyms to condense both ideas, such as ASUW for Anti-Surface Warfare, and titles, like AZ, or Aviation Maintenance Administrationman. These terms and acronyms are used to streamline communication in the Navy. This language is designed to help streamline communication in order that the Navy, and those in the Navy may achieve their goal of being the worlds most powerful, and efficient naval force in the world. To obtain this goal, the Navy continuously stays active in contributing to the global community, and provides training and development to those in need. Also, the Navy continuously trains its members in the latest technologies, and tactics. As with each new tactic, and advances in technology, comes new terms, and acronyms. Because of this, the language in the Navy is continuously evolving. Throughout time, the Navy has tried to become more and more effective. One of the many ways in which the Navy does this, is by using a common language. Sailors in Norfolk VA use the same terminology as Sailors stationed in San Diego or other locations. This universal language allows for better communication, not just within an

individual command, but within the Navy as a whole. Without unifying their language, sailors from different commands would not be able to effectively communicate with one another. This would create problems that would prevent the Navy from achieving its ultimate goal of being the worlds greatest and most efficient Navy. (Karras) The Navy continuously works to improve this universal language with training, and continuous education. The community that is the Navy is easy to join, but at the same time, very difficult to join. An individual must first want to join. The reasons for joining are as varied as the members of the Navy. Some join for a chance to serve their country, while others join as a means to better their own lives. However, regardless the reason, any individual who wants to join the Navy, can, as long as they are willing to try. In order to join, a perspective new join must find a recruiter, take an ASVAB test, or Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test. After that, the potential new join goes through a wide array of jobs that he or she can do while in the Navy. Once the new join signs the contract with the Navy, usually for either four or five years active duty, the new join, or poolie, goes to basic training. There the poolie becomes a recruit. While in basic

training, the recruit is trained on basic Navy terminology, skills, rules and regulations. After the recruit completes training he or she is sent to their MOS, or Military Occupation Specialty School. There the new recruits learn the ins and outs of their job. They learn how to perform their jobs, and the language that they will use in their new job. After they complete their training at their MOS school, the recruits are sent out into the fleet, or the actual Navy.

Once an individual has become a member of the Navy, they have a basic understanding of the language of that the Navy uses. From there the individual is introduced to his new community. He has learned many of the terms, however, he may not have a complete grasp of how these terms are used. He mush fakes his way through his initial time with his new unit. He uses terms that he doesnt fully understand, but that he hears others use. While he first checks in to his new unit, he meets his new command. The most important of which is the Ch iefs Mess. This individual helps to pave the way for the junior enlisted. He or she provides training to help the junior enlisted learn about the terms that sailors use, as well as the history and traditions of the Navy. The Chiefs Mess also insures that the accepted level of professionalism is passed down from one generation to the next. Without the Chiefs Mess, the new joins would not become acclimated to their new job, and would have to mush fake for a longer period of time. Once a sailor has become familiar with his new area, his odds for promotion increase. A sailors promotion depends on several factors. First a sailor must show dedication to his job. Second, a sailor must show a willingness to learn any new skills and or techniques that the next rank would require. It takes hard work and dedication to move up in the rank. (Karras). And third a sailor must have a good standing within his or her command. Without their approval, a sailor cannot pick up rank. The first two requirements depend solely on the individual sailors work ethic. The third one depends on the sailors ability to interact with the rest of the command. If all three of these things are met, a sailor will pick up rank, and move up through the Navy.

There is a mixed view of the Navy. Some people view the Navy with respect, and admiration. These people are generally patriotic. They view the Navy as a

wonderful branch of the United States Military. Others, do not feel the same way. Those that do not are usually those that are stationed near a naval base. They see the Navy as a group of rowdy disorderly people. However, the leaders within the Navy are taking measures to combat these stereotypes. These measures include better training

throughout the entire Navy, and harsher punishment for any mishaps. The Navy is trying to change their image from that of a bunch of rowdy individuals to a community of professional individuals who are determined to have a positive impact on the world around them. The language does not have a direct impact on how the community views the Navy, however, the language has changed the punishment for infractions, as well as how the sailors are trained. The language that the Navy uses was developed as a way to communicate in a shipboard environment, almost like a slang or jargon. (Karras). From 1775 to today, the Navy has been continuously working to protect America. In order to better reach this goal, the Navy created its own language to streamline communication between individual sailors, all the way to communication from one ship to another. Without the common discourse, the Navy would be unable to complete its goal of being the greatest force at sea.

WORK CITED PAGE Karras, Tabatha. Email Interview. 08 Nov 2013.