Love vs. Practicality

[Quoll]

wait a minute... there's supposed to be effort?

[silvermode] cackles gleefully: leaps from the rafters; does a double twist with pike (dod 3.4 ) lands legs akimbo: troutsmacks ej: exits stage left cackling "Vinnick hahahahahahahaha"[/silvermode]

 

[EJFan]

what is the dod of 3.4 when converted to US measure? just so i can fully grasp what you're saying here.

btw... it seems this is my 6000th post.

 

[Quoll]

what is the dod of 3.4 when converted to US measure? just so i can fully grasp what you're saying here.

DOD
DIRECTIVE


NUMBER 3224.4

July 18, 1996

Certified Current as of November 21, 2003



ASD(SO/LIC)

SUBJECT: Single Manager Responsibility for Joint Service Military Diving Technology and Training (MDT&T)

References: (a) Title 10, United States Code

(b) DoD Directive 5000.1, "Defense Acquisition," March 15, 1996

(c) DoD 5000.2-R, "Mandatory Procedures for Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAP) and Major Automated Information System (MAIS) Acquisition Programs," March 15, 1996

1. PURPOSE

This Directive, under reference (a), establishes policy and consolidates responsibilities for DoD diving technology and training, including diving research and development, joint acquisition programs for diving tools and equipment, diving procedures, and common-type diver training.

2. APPLICABILITY

This Directive applies to the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD ), the Military Departments, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Unified Combatant Commands (hereafter referred to collectively as "the DoD Components"). The term "Military Services," as used herein, refers to the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Marine Corps.

3. DEFINITIONS

3.1. Common-Type Training. The training in diving procedures conducted at DoD-approved diving schools that is applicable to two or more Military Services and U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) in the normal execution of their assigned missions. Training that is unique to the USSOCOM, regardless of the Military Service affiliation of the trainees, is not included.

3.2. Diving Tools and Equipment. Diving-specific tools and equipment developed for use by qualified diving personnel. Excluded are tools and equipment that are developed for unique diving applications by or for a single Military Service or USSOCOM.

3.3. Joint Acquisition Programs. Any DoD acquisition system, subsystem, or technology program that involves formal management or funding by more than one DoD Component during any phase of its life cycle.

4. POLICY

It is DoD policy that:

4.1. The Joint Service MDT&T Program shall be established to:

4.1.1. Improve the effectiveness and economy of diving activities throughout the Department of Defense by eliminating duplication of diving technology and training efforts.

4.1.2. Ensure that the Department of Defense has the required emergency and wartime diving technology and training.

4.2. A single manager for diving technology and training shall be assigned within the Department of Defense, and shall manage and administer the Joint Service MDT&T Program. That includes joint diving research and development, joint acquisition programs for diving tools and equipment, diving procedures, and common-type training. The Military Services and the USSOCOM may conduct diving-related research, development, and acquisition programs; develop diving procedures; and conduct diver training that satisfies Service-unique or Special Operations Forces (SOF)-unique requirements. Those activities shall be coordinated with the Joint Service MDT&T Program Board before starting to sure that they do not duplicate Joint Service MDT&T Program efforts.

4.3. Since the diving community is a small community requiring unique technologies, the Single Manager, the Military Services, and the USSOCOM are encouraged to develop state-of-the-art technologies, use rapid prototyping capabilities, and emphasize streamlined procurement procedures, including procurement of commercial items consistent with the requirements of DoD Directive 5000.1 and DoD 5000.2-R, references (b) and (c).

4.4. This Directive does not modify existing responsibilities and authorities for diving operations, team training, safety and equipment certification, nor does it effect the responsibilities of the Military Services and the USSOCOM to satisfy their unique requirements, except as provided in paragraph 4.2., above.

5. RESPONSIBILITIES

5.1. The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, under the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, shall:

5.1.1. Serve as the OSD proponent for DoD diving matters.

5.1.2. Serve as the OSD point of contact (POC) for the Executive Manager, the Joint Service MDT&T Program Board, the Military Services, the USSOCOM, and the Secretary of the Navy on diving issues.

5.1.3. Coordinate Joint Service MDT&T issues with other offices in the OSD having collateral or related responsibilities.

5.2. The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence shall take part in the identification and review of research, development and acquisition programs.

5.3. The Secretary of the Navy shall:

5.3.1. Serve as the DoD Single Manager for Military Diving Technology and Training.

5.3.2. Designate and oversee a flag officer or civilian equivalent as the Executive Manager for Joint Service MDT&T.

5.3.3. Prepare, in cooperation with the other Military Departments and the USSOCOM, Joint Service diving plans for the expansion of training and the use of military diving technology and training resources during war or national emergency, consistent with allocations approved by the Secretary of Defense.

5.3.4. Ensure that the Executive Manager for Joint Service MDT&T:

5.3.4.1. Serves as the primary POC in the Department of Defense for military diving technology and training.

5.3.4.2. Develops and maintains joint diving research and development programs, joint acquisition programs for diving tools and equipment, diving procedures, and common-type training.

5.3.4.3. Oversees all common-type training for divers in the Continental United States for foreign military students.

5.3.4.4. Chairs the Joint Service MDT&T Program Board.

5.3.4.5. Appoints the Chair for the Military Technical Acceptance Board (MTAB).

5.3.4.6. Appoints the Chair for the Technical Training Acceptance Board (TTAB).

5.3.4.7. Prepares and submits to the Secretary of Defense, through the Secretary of the Navy, annual plans and programs in support of Joint Service MDT&T.

5.4. The Secretaries of the Military Departments and the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Special Operations Command, shall:

5.4.1. Designate, from each Military Service and the USSOCOM, a civilian or military representative to be a member of the Joint Service MDT&T Program Board. That representative also shall be responsible for identifying Service or SOF diving requirements and shall assist in programming to fulfill those requirements. In accordance with Section 167 of reference (a), the USSOCOM shall program and fund only SOF-unique diving requirements and programs.

5.4.2. Designate, from each Military Service and the USSOCOM, a civilian or military representative to be a member of the MTAB.

5.4.3. Designate, from each Military Service and the USSOCOM, a civilian or military representative to be a member of the TTAB.




6. EFFECTIVE DATE

This Directive is effective immediately.

Enclosures - 1

E1. Responsibilities of MDT&T Boards




E1. ENCLOSURE 1

RESPONSIBILITIES OF MDT&T BOARDS


E1.1.1. The Joint Service MDT&T Program Board shall be comprised of representatives from each of the Military Services and USSOCOM and shall:

E1.1.1.1. Convene, as required.

E1.1.1.2. Serve as the focal point for military diving requirements and issues.

E1.1.1.3. Undertake resolution of Joint Service MDT&T requirements and issues for the diving community.

E1.1.1.4. Provide guidance to the MTAB and the TTAB. Forward the Military Services and the USSOCOMs diving requirements to the MTAB and the TTAB.

E1.1.1.5. Receive and act on recommendations from the MTAB and the TTAB.

E1.1.1.6. Submit recommendations for changes to the common-type training curriculum, through the Executive Manager, to the Director of Naval Training, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, for approval.

E1.1.1.7. Negotiate the annual program content and budget. Joint diving acquisition programs shall be funded in accordance with DoD 5000.2-R (reference (c)).

E1.1.2. The MTAB shall be comprised of members from each of the Military Services and the USSOCOM and shall:

E1.1.2.1. Convene, as required.

E1.1.2.2. Develop joint research, development, and acquisition programs and diving procedures meeting the common requirements of the Military Services and the USSOCOM.

E1.1..2.3. Present proposed joint diving research, development, and acquisition programs and diving procedures to the Joint Service MDT&T Program Board.

E1.3.1. The TTAB shall be comprised of members from each of the Military Services and the USSOCOM and shall:

E1.1.3.1. Convene, as required.

E1.1.3.2. Provide input and recommended changes to the common-type training curriculum to the Joint Service MDT&T Program Board.

In short, 7

btw... it seems this is my 6000th post.

Congrats on the big 60 0 0

 

[emptynester]

let me pose this question... how much of the "practicality" side of the equation should each side expect the other to bring into the relationship and how much is best built THROUGH the relationship? by "practicality" here i'm referring to professional stability, retirement planning, medical insurance, housing... all the tangible things that are part of a normal life (not limited to what i'm listing here).[/QUOTE]

Wow EJ, you are an "absolute genius" to come up with such a thought provoking question. I would have to say (from someone who has been married to the same man for 26 years) it is has been a building project throughout our marriage. I think we both came into the relationship equally but through the normal ups and downs of life (loss of job, loss of a close loved one, heart complications with one child, accident causing brain injury to another, all the normal day to day stuff) we have each given in to the practicality side as needed.
When I needed to be home while the kids grew up, he allowed me to put my career on hold to be involved in school functions, etc. When he lost his job when the company went under, I went back to work to help pay the bills. When the boys were sick or seriously injured, we held it together even while being torn apart inside.
Like so many have said throughout this thread, love is not always enough but I believe it is sometimes all you have to hold onto. It's what has given me the strength to deal with the practicalities of this life especially when sometimes life really sucks. IMO

 

[EJFan]

thanks EN. since you've been happily married for so many years, let me ask you flat out... what tangible parts of life did you each bring into the marriage and what did you build together? were you both in stable careers? did you each have adequate housing or did you start your first home together?

i suppose what i'm trying to nail down here (to the extent that it can be generalized, of course) is what things are best brought into a relationship or marriage and what things are best built together?

 

[Cathleen]

As for what each brings to the relationship, certainly age is a factor. At 25 I did not have what I do today. So if two 50 year olds were to begin a relationship there'd most likely be two homes and all the stuff that's in them. There'd be two jobs, two retirement plans, two whatever. All that would have to be merged or at least addressed to the satisfaction of the couple. From that point on it's a building from two into one.

Life is practical, love isn't!

 

[emptynester]

thanks EN. since you've been happily married for so many years, let me ask you flat out... what tangible parts of life did you each bring into the marriage and what did you build together? were you both in stable careers? did you each have adequate housing or did you start your first home together?

We both started out with stable careers. Married after college and started careers at the same time. Started out in a new home already under construction. Nothing fancy, just small 3bdr ranch style. We both had cars of our own and lots of support from our families.
Everything from that point on we built together. I contracted houses for other people and spec homes as a hobby. That hobby worked into various houses for us as our family grew.
He was the athlete and with 3 sons he became the coach of every sport. We built a great relationship with "our 3 sons" together and many, many of their friends.
I would say everything tangible has been built/bought or constructed together. Now the untangibles are under construction and becoming so much more important as the years go by. May sound corny but believe me we have earned this time.

 

[RhymeFairy]

Sometimes love is not enough. You have to be able to face yourself in the mirror in the morning. There are responsibilities that must take precedence over all, including love. The biggest one that comes to mind is parenting. Young children come first. Always.

Ditto ...

 

[eudaemonia]

I think there are almost always obstacles to overcome for a love relationship. The difficulty of the obstacles vary as does ones ability to deal with them. Each person, each couple, has to come to their own solution for both themself and the 'we' of the relationship.

Powerful thinking, Cate. You are as gifted an empath as wordsmith.

Nice av, btw!