ISCS Jon C. Altmann's Page

As someone who has served as a Senior Enlisted Leader and as Dad myself, the parents of our sailors and prospective sailors should know the quality of individuals who are leading America's youth.
No other service invests so much in its program to provide its youngsters (and all sailors) quality leadership. The "hand-off" from you, the parent, to those who will look after your most treasured loved one is taken very seriously.
I have been one of those Navy Leaders. Navy Chiefs are selected, among other qualities, based upon their demonstrated ability to provide leadership and exhibit the continuing ability to provide a firm compassion and caring for those that serve alongside them.
Navy Chiefs not only provide the leadership and development for junior sailors, but we provide the up-bringing and on the job finishing for the junior officers. Sen. John McCain pointed out recently that he credited his success as a Navy Officer to the work and mentoring provided by Navy Chiefs that were in his squadrons.
My experience is that we get a lot of fine young people into our Navy - smart kids. My job as a Navy Chief was to take the intellect part and continue to mold responsibility, the ability to endure, and fashion a sense of espirit de corps in them, not only for the Navy and nation they serve, but for those around them they serve with.
One never knows whose life you touch. Navy Chiefs are held to a high standard. We live that high standard so each day we serve in front of others is an example for others to clearly see. We set the bar, as the bar was set for us, and we help each other achieve to come up to that bar.
In encourage you to ask questions about Navy life. The parents and family members of our sailors are the backstop to their morale. It is important you understand.
I also encourage other Senior Enlisted Leaders, still serving or retired, to chime in.
It was such a great privilege in my life to serve and to be entrusted with America's most prized members - its young people. As someone who has served, let me say it has had a profound impact on my life and in my second life after the Navy.
Whether your Sailor makes the Navy a career, is a member of the Reserve, or simply serves one or two enlistments, they make a profound contribution not only to the lives of this nation, but to their own life and personal development.
When they come home in that Blue Jacket uniform, you are seeing more than 200 years of tradition and seeing someone who has chosen to take a step onto a path not taken by most of their peers. You are seeing someone who is fully qualified to "stand the watch" and take responsibility, for others, and for their own life.
It's your Navy, too, and your investment is your son/daughter/loved one. We're honored to have you aboard as part of the extended Navy family.