Original Date: 04/29/2002
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

The Maintenance and Logistics Command-Atlantic developed the Management Integrated Training Team approach to training. The goal of the team is to provide training needed by personnel to perform their jobs in the most cost effective manner possible.

The Maintenance and Logistics Command-Atlantic (MLCLANT) instituted a Management Integrated Training Team (MITT) consisting of representatives of each branch. Before the MITT was formed, training was limited due to continually decreasing available funds. Most training was provided by commercial vendors, and few billets were available for government schools. Little training was provided to subordinate commands, such as the Naval Engineering Support Units (NESUs). Most in-house training was accomplished at the work group level with little coordination between the groups. In 1999, a Climate Assessment Survey was conducted, and a change in management occurred at the same time. The survey revealed that employees perceived a lack of training necessary to perform their jobs and were frustrated with the shortage of professional development and educational opportunities.

The MITT was designed to supplement other types of training. Commercial training is used to train one or two persons per field of expertise, and those trained then provided training to others. The Coast Guard’s web-based Information Technology training is utilized. In-house training is provided for the Port Engineers at approximately one-fourth of the cost of commercially provided training. The MITT is a component of the division business plan. Training plans are developed and budget recommendations are made. Employees and managers are provided the opportunity for feedback. Alternative training strategies are used to continue to provide the most training opportunities for employees. Regular use of formal surveys ensures the continuing quality and applicability of the training provided. Web conference-based training sessions are planned for personnel aboard cutters and subordinate commands.

The MITT approach provides cost effective training that employees need to effectively perform their jobs or for professional development. There are two overall advantages, beyond saving costs: 1) the internal Coast Guard trainers are provided a professional opportunity as they develop, plan, and deliver formal training to their colleagues and, 2) the training is tailored to the specific needs of Coast Guard Naval Engineering, since frequently the commercially available courses include areas not applicable to cutter maintenance programs.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.