- Joined
- Aug 27, 2010
- Messages
- 5,805
I was Welfare and Rec officer on my first ship - was in charge of multiple ship's teams and assorted other stuff. Thankfully, turned it over to another JO before we got really busy with that kind of stuff (new ship). Sadly, I got out of that as I slid into Wardroom Mess Treasurer and that was a big headache as our wardroom mess was separate from the crews mess and some of our mess bills were large so SOME wardroom mates were a bit reluctant to pay.I like the guys grinning in the background, just appreciating.
Reminds me of XO days, when department heads and I would decide which of the new ensigns or JOs got what SLJO collateral duty jobs, laughing because we had been on the receiving end years ago as new officers. The most annoying too-cool-for-school ensign was always a delight to assign. Note: these can appear from any commissioning source.
For non-military, SLJO is “crappy“ little jobs officer. Everyone has their primary duty, but also a collection of collateral duties, either permanent or one-time. SLJs can include: urinalysis coordinator, PRT coordinator, legal officer at commands too small to have a JAG, CMCO (classified material control), PAO, Combined Federal Camapign coordinator and if you did well you also got to run Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society fund drive, dental readiness coordinator, financial readiness officer, command picnic coordinator, wardroom mess officer, change of command parking coordinator (among many fun ones associated with COC), and there are so many more.
CACO, Casualty Assistance Calls Officer, is often assigned to JOs to get trained and be on a watchbill, but it’s serious business, very important and unforgettable. Thought goes into those selections.
On my second ship I was a Junior (very) Department Head and thankfully was not in the line of fire for much of this. I think I did some postal audits and the like while greatly appreciating my avoidance of the painful duties.