Ideas

Posted on Thu Apr 20th, 2017 @ 7:17am by Colonel Jason "Jack" Frost

1,218 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Unknown Life, Unknown Dangers
Location: Marine Country
Timeline: Back Posted

[OOC: This is a backpost]

Lieutenant Commander Billie Jean 'BJ' Reign finished loading a PADD in her office with the training routine that she had in mind after her talk with Commodore Hood. Once she had it lined up, she went over the reports which required her attention and was pleased to see that her request for Lieutenant Beckett being made her Assistant Chief had gone through.

The reports that didn't require her direct attention and authorisation were forwarded to Beckett with a bit of relief, then the brunette Security Chief got up and headed out of the office with the PADD in hand. It was a few minutes later after asking the computer where Frost could be located that she approached his office and pressed the chime.

Jack was neck deep in reports and updates from new additions to equipment changes to replace outdated gear to new gear further adding to the overwhelming amount he simply didn't need. It was typical that he'd get loads of what he didn't need but only a handful of what he did. The Coffee that he once was enjoying now cold on his desk. "Come." He rubbed his brow at the stupidity demonstrated by those on the surface. Just how hard is it to perform a general resupply?

BJ entered the office with a PADD in her right hand and gave the man she had already met once. "Colonel Frost? I was wondering if I could get a few minutes of your time."

"Commander, sure grab a chair." Jack sat back in his chair. "What can I do for you?" Keen to hear what the lovely Commander needed from him.

She took a seat but didn't offer him the PADD at first. "Have you ever heard of the Search and Rescue course that teaches personnel how to be independent units in the field with a wide variety of skills?" she asked him. "They call it The Pipeline."

"We have SAR trained squads in my teams, only had to use them three times during my time here but we have them. A handy skill set to have in hostile situations or even standard ones for general SAR in unknown territory." Jack answered wondering where she was going with it.

"Then this should make it a bit easier, Colonel," BJ said as she handed the PADD over. The information on it was a starship version of SAR training designed to cross-train departmental personnel to improve away missions. "I'd like to work with the Marines to get it started and then take it to other department heads to get them involved. Commodore Hood already approved it."

Jack gave the information a thorough read through, considered the implications and considerations to her proposal. "You realise that with over 300 marines on board and what, similar sized team for yourself, 600 rounded and the fact the Commodore picks the teams, it might be better to pick the cream of the departments or those willing at least because even with say 600 of us looking for something, that's a large area we are covering."

"My goal goes beyond just the Marines and Security," she said. "I want everyone who is willing to take part in the training, Colonel. I want to turn the personnel on this ship into a force to be reckoned with. I want away team members who are versed in each others departments and have the ability and training to take over each other's roles should one fall."

"As idealistic as that goal is, it's impossible to action. Doctor Patrovski is not trained as a Marine as I am not a Doctor. I wouldn't be allowed near the Warp core without at least 4 years basic and Commander O'Connell wouldn't be allowed to handle any of my gear until he has at least basic certification on it." Jack spoke, the idea was a good one and had merit. "Honestly I'm all for the plan, I think it's a great one and could enhance crew output but we have to respect the individual's right to choose."

"That's just it, Colonel," BJ said emphatically. "People wouldn't be fully trained in all areas. I wouldn't expect you to let people handle your gear without certification. This training would allow people to get those certifications. No one would be fully qualified to do anyone else's duty, but they would have a good idea of what to do in an emergency until a more qualified person in that area could step in. As for the individual's right, I agree with you. Not everyone is going to want to take it and I'll respect that, but I do want to give them the option to do it."

"Honestly I'm all for it, on the condition that those whose professions naturally come part of the skill sets are used in missions first. No point in risking an outcome on a trainee than someone who's job it actually falls to." Jack spoke, but her plan had merit and he'd support it.

"Of course," she said. "I would never suggest bumping a fully trained person and replacing them with someone who's only had the basics of something. Just like I wouldn't want someone from Engineering to replace me on an away team because they got phaser training."

"Then sure, I'm for it. Just draw someone up and the Major and I can see what we can do to incorporate it into our training routines." Jack spoke making a note to talk to Major Snyder about this.

BJ pointed to the PADD. "It's all right there, Colonel," she said. "Once you go over it with Major, get back in touch with me and we'll go from there. I'm easy to work with and I honestly feel that Security and Marines should work hand in hand to protect the crew and ship."

"I'll contact her once we are done here, knowing the Major she's probably out with Annabelle doing girly things." Jack smiled, remember it was pleasant to see Sam happy.

"Very well," she said. "Do you have any more questions or concerns for me?"

"Have you met the Commodore yet?" Jack asked, he'd yet to do so but probably should at some point to pay his respects. "What's he like?"

"He's a decent Commanding Officer," BJ said. "However, I never judge a person based on a first meeting. It's the tell of a good commander on how they are when it comes to battle."

"And I'm pretty sure we will find out soon enough, this ship has a trait of finding trouble or trouble finding it." Jack replied as he thought about the last couple of years on board and all the battles, scraps and tough situations they had found themselves in.

She saw the look on his face and had seen it on the face of other officers who had seen more than their share of battle. "At any rate, it was good to talk to you, Colonel," she said. "Get with your Major and let me know what you decide. If not SAR, then perhaps Security and Marines can train together another way."

"I'll contact you the moment the Major and I are done." Jack spoke with a smile. Glad that some inter-department action was going on for a change.

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