General Description
Command Senior Enlisted Leaders (CSELs) ensure and enhance naval warfighting readiness by providing leadership and mentorship to the Navy and advice to commanders and COs in partnership with deputy commanders, chiefs of staff, or executive officers (XO). Their duties include the dissemination and promotion of command policy and matters that support mission accomplishment. They also uphold and enforce the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, while enhancing active communication at all levels of command throughout the Department of the Navy.
CSELs report directly to their respective commander or CO, advising and providing input and advice in matters affecting operational mission success, operational readiness, manning, and training of all Sailors, as well as providing input to the formulation, implementation, and execution of policies concerning the culture of excellence to include the morale, welfare, job satisfaction, discipline, and support to families.
All CSELs assigned to Flag Officers (FO) and General Officers (GO) also serve as members of the MCPON Leadership Mess. In this capacity, they support the MCPON in the formulation, implementation, and execution of policies ensuring warfighting readiness of Sailors and their families, as well as in the formulation, implementation, and execution of policies concerning morale, welfare, job satisfaction, discipline, utilization, family support, and training of all Sailors across the Navy. The MCPON Leadership Mess will convene as required and attendance at MCPON Leadership Mess functions will be by invitation as specified by MCPON.
What They Do
The duties and responsibilities of CSELs must include, but are not limited to:
- Assist commanders and COs in all matters pertaining to the warfighting readiness of Sailors, their families, and the command. This includes the welfare, health, job satisfaction, morale, utilization, and training of Sailors in order to promote standards of good order and discipline. They will advise commanders and COs on formulation and implementation of changes in policy affecting the command(s). Furthermore, they will provide solicited and unsolicited advice and recommendations to the chain of command as well as to their respective ISIC CSEL.
- Establish and maintain the conditions that ensure the unit is fully prepared for warfighting while enabling a culture of excellence that includes a productive and positive command climate.
- Develop a CPO Mess climate that serves to develop and maintain the highest levels of material and warfighting readiness, professional excellence, and espirit-de-corps.
- Possess a detailed understanding of the different phases of the optimized fleet response plan and their role in ensuring success.
- Instill a culture of excellence throughout the command, sharing responsibility for successful training, certifications, and assignments.
- Promote and ensure official ceremonies, such as retirements, frocking ceremonies, award ceremonies, etc. that honor Sailors are embraced and properly executed.
- Assist in the management and delivery of proper, accurate, and timely communications throughout the command(s).
- Communicate with and support Navy families.
- Maintain awareness of and assist in the shaping of the health of command programs designed to ensure a professional command culture and climate
Working Environment
CSELs work in a variety of climates at sea and ashore, including, but not limited to surface vessels (DDG, CG, LPD, LHA, CVN, etc), submarine (SSN, SSBN, SSGN), shore (Learning Centers, Squadrons, Sub Support Units, RTC, etc), and joint commands (MARDIV, MAW, MLG, MEPS, etc).
Note
Refer to most current OPNAVINST 1306.2 series l for CSEL rating entry requirements.
Please contact CSEL ECM if a local copy of PQS/Charge Book (2020 Version) is not available.