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Asked Questions page. 
Source: Direct Line Bulletin 1, no.5
(May-June 1996)
Postcripts to Direct Line "Special Edition"
Allow me to add a few important post scripts to the "Direct
Line - Special Edition" and the enclosures being mailed
with it.
Several flyers from the U.S. Naval Institute are included to provide
information on how to order books for the CPO selectee Naval Heritage
reading project, receive special handling (and possibly some significant
discounts). Check the Navy Exchange first. NEXCOM is currently
expediting orders to stock many titles in the Uniform Shop.
This project will challenge the CMC and COB and the entire CPO
mess, but I am convinced it will be immensely worth the effort.
Some options to consider:
Schedule CPO Indoctrination as late in the Initiation Season as
possible to allow time to finish the reading assignment or at
least to be far enough along to facilitate discussion.
Assign each selectee a different book for reading or offer
several choices or assign every selectee the same reading
as meets your needs.
Selectees can purchase the books and keep them for their own library
collection or the CPO mess can purchase them and make the books
the first volumes in a CPO mess Naval Heritage library.
Consider assigning selectees a brief writing assignment in connection
with their reading to facilitate discussion during CPO indoctrination.
You will also find enclosed a flyer on the first annual Naval
Institute enlisted essay contest. I encourage every Chief and
CPO selectee to consider preparing and submitting an entry. The
choice of subjects is completely up to the individual. I strongly
encourage Sailors to consider writing an essay on some aspect
of the relationship of Navy's Core Values to our history and our
mission.
The Naval Historical Center has been very cooperative in generating
our first draft of the Naval Heritage Reading list and in helping
us to do other research. They are not, however, staffed to respond
to telephone inquiries or research questions related to CPO Initiation.
Please don't allow your CPO selectees to call them. There is
no learning value in some one else doing their research.
Send legitimate questions (about CPO history) which are beyond
your local resources to my office. We will staff them as we are
able and put the answers out for everyone's benefit for future
CPO Initiation seasons.
Have a great Initiation Season!
All the best,
(S)
JOHN HAGAN
ETCM(SW), USN
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
7 January 2008