t opside V olume 120 , I s s u e 2 P a ge 15
A Different Way of Thinking About the NACO 3-Star Award Article by Richard R . Young , PA-1 , Flotilla Commander , Lancaster , PA , District 5NR
Some years ago when our flotilla first attempted to complete the application for the NACO 3- Star Award some of us approached it as “ just one more thing that they are making us do .” Now that our flotilla has gotten the award for the fifth time it is no longer onerous and we now recognize that all of its tasks and activities have made for a more effective flotilla . It means that we have woven diversity and inclusion into the fabric of our activities--a statement , however , that requires some elaboration . Here is what we learned and these points are offered to other flotillas as collegial advice :
1 . Appoint an FSO-DV . This is important and it should not be just another block to check on your annual Form 7007 but naming a person who is interested in diversity and inclusion as well as someone who can be an advisor to the flotilla commander .
2 . Prepare goals and objectives including one stating that the flotilla will be pursuing the award . Goals and objectives should be developed by the flotilla , written , and routinely measured during the year . Such goals also include the number of vessel examinations , public education courses , and new recruits are quantitative .
3 . Report progress . Some flotillas report results each month in their newsletter . Successful completion of the various elements of the NACO 3-Star Award tend to be more qualitative but are still worth reporting to your members .
4 . Don ’ t push everything off until the end of the year but work on the award ’ s requirements during all 12 months .
5 . Prepare a draft of the NACO 3-Star Award Application . Do this early in the fourth quarter because it will identify what remains to be done while there is time to close any gaps .
6 . Prepare the final version . On 31 December all of the activity towards the award ends and everything should have been achieved . It is now down to wordsmithing .
7 . Have multiple members proofread the application . Once everyone is satisfied , all that ’ s left is sending it off .
Think about the NACO 3-Star Award as a template for effective flotilla management . Here are several points worth reiterating :
• Have clear measurable goals that include pursuing the award .
• Measure performance against those goals on a regular basis .
• Make certain that a majority of flotilla members are engaged in Auxiliary activities , whether these are vessel examinations , program visits , public education , operations , public affairs or marine safety .
• Take the time to recognize the performance of flotilla members with certificates , plaques , and / or ribbons .
• Have fellowship events such as picnics , cookouts , changes of watch , and informal pre-meeting meals . Be certain to include family and friends when appropriate .
As for the NACO 3-Star Award itself , the recognition is nice , but how it can transform your flotilla effectiveness is the real payoff .