WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Enlisted Sailors in all ratings and pay grades are being encouraged to improve Navy training and future readiness by participating in a unique round of surveys under the Improving the Navy Workforce (INWF) Study.

The INWF study, ongoing since June of last year, is designed to improve training across the spectrum of Navy enlisted classifications and ratings by capturing all the knowledge, skills, abilities and tools Sailors need to do their jobs. The study is a fundamental element of making Sea Warrior effective, and the results will have a dramatic effect on how the Navy trains its Sailors in the future.

"INWF forms the very backbone of our efforts to streamline the development of our people," said Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Gerry Hoewing. "If we can get an accurate picture of what is required for each Sailor to do his or her job, then we can get an even better picture of how to train to those skills. It's all about closing those gaps. The collection of these surveys is a monumental undertaking, but it will be well worth the effort.

The rating surveys actually comprise phase two of the INWF project. Phase one involved collecting basic information about each rating from specific subject matter experts. This phase now asks Sailors to validate those findings.

The surveys are available online for many ratings at www.navyskills.net, and the Web site will feature more each week. Sailors in the Cryptologic Technician ratings, Aeorographer's Mates, Information Systems Technicians, Mess Management Specialists, Aviation Boatswain's Mates (Fuel and Handling), Storekeepers, Quartermasters and those in several other ratings can take the survey now. Eventually, all ratings will be represented.

Commenting on the project and the vital role Sailors play in completing the surveys, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (SS/AW) Terry Scott said, "It is so important for Sailors to complete this survey, and give us feedback from the deckplates. What we learn from Sailors now will drive occupational standards and training in years to come. This is another example of how Sailors are our most important resource."

The results of each survey will be incorporated into the Sea Warrior database, which will continue to refine the scope of Sailor skills, so training matches future readiness needs.

"Everyone's input is crucial," added Hoewing. "The success of Sea Warrior depends on it."

To access the surveys, go to www.navyskills.net/surveymodule, click on "Register," type "2003NAVY" in the company code block, click register and follow the instructions. When the registration portion is completed, Sailors must save their information and the system will generate a user name and password; this will help Sailors logon in future aspects of Sea Warrior data collection.