Operations Billet Specialty

SURFACE WARFARE OFFICERS SCHOOL COMMAND

DEPARTMENT HEAD COMBAT SYSTEMS

NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND 02841-5012

INFORMATION SHEET

REV: 7/93

TITLE: STATUS OF RESOURCES AND TRAINING SYSTEM

72.6I

REFERENCES:

(a) NWP 10-1-11 (REV A) (SORTS)

(b) OPNAVINST C3501.2H (NAVAL WARFARE MISSION AREAS)

(c) COMNAVSURFPACINST 3501.2G/COMNAVSURFLANTINST 3500.7D SORTS READINESS REPORTING

(d) COMNAVSURFPACINST 3501.2G/ COMNAVSURFLANTINST 3500.7D SUPPLEMENT 1, SUPPLEMENTAL GUIDANCE FOR READINESS REPORTING

(e) COMNAVSURFLANT/COMNAVSURFPACINST 3502.2, SURFACE FORCE TRAINING MANUAL

Points of contact:

SURFLANT Readiness DSN 564-5668

SURFPAC Readiness DSN 577-3108

CINCLANTFLT Data Management (804) 445-5695

CINCPACFLT Data Management (808) 471-5258

I. INTRODUCTION:

SORTS is the principle status reporting system to report identification and general data within the U.S. Navy. The mission of the Navy necessitates the operation of an accurate, comprehensive readiness reporting system. SORTS is the PRIMARY means by which FLTCINCs, CNO, JCS and National Command Authorities are kept appraised of the combat readiness of naval units. SORTS is in effect a "report from the bridge". It is imperative that the data be complete, timely and accurately reflect operational capabilities. Analysis of SORTS data weighs heavily in decisions affecting force employment. SORTS is not a report card - it is a decision making tool for the highest levels of the chain of command. SORTS applies to all U.S. Navy organizations under operational control of a FLTCINC, including USMC. Military Sealift Command (MSC) and USCG units are also include in the system.

 

II. INFORMATION:

A. General Report Structure

1. SORTS reports consist of two parts:

PART I - contains a sequence of formatted data lines used to report specific information.

Part II - remarks, contains amplification of information reported in Part I. CO's comments - impact of casualties on readiness.

 

B. OVERALL GUIDANCE

SORTS is an exception reporting system. Once a complete SORTS is reported into the system - only changes need be reported.

1. WHEN SUBMITTED

a. As occurring, NOT LATER THAN FOUR HOURS following a change to a primary mission area, resource area, or overall readiness.

b. When significant (+ 5%) changes occur in assigned or authorized personnel strength.

c. Quarterly Validation/Upon Request

d. Other mandatory submissions/updates:

(1) Initial/Final SORTS

(2) Activity change

(3) When attainment dates are changed

(4) Failure of OPPE/ORSE or other major inspection.

e. DELETE ALL and submit a complete SORTS:

(1) Mandatory when changing computer data base location (PRSR) from CINCLANT to CINCPAC Fleet. (See p. 4-2)

(2) Suggested when changing OPCON or upon termination of C-5 status

f. Takes priority over all other reports of unit degradation with the exception of the OPREP-3. Ensure submission prior to CASREPS, SITREPS, missed movement reports, etc.

2. HOW SUBMITTED:

a. By formatted naval message IAW NWP 10-1-11 (NOT GENADMIN format!) at appropriate precedence.

(1) Minimum: PRIORITY

(2) Higher when deployed (IMMEDIATE)

b. SSIC's/Subject lines are not used

c. MINIMIZE does not apply

 

3. WHERE SUBMITTED:

a. ADDRESSEES - basic guidance contained in reference (a) but governing rules come from reference (c):

(1) Example CINCLANTFLT Command (Non-Deployed):

ACTION: LANT NCCS UNITREP NORFOLK VA

CINCLANTFLT NORFOLK VA//N311//

COMNAVSURFLANT NORFOLK VA//N65//

OPERATIONAL CHAIN OF COMMAND

INFO: COMNAVSURFLANT DISCUS NORFOLK VA

ADMINISTRATIVE CHAIN OF COMMAND

EPMAC NEW ORLEANS LA (for enlisted manpower shortages only)

OTHERS AS REQUIRED

4. CLASSIFICATION:

a. That of highest classified information in the message.

b. Generally, readiness assessment information is CONFIDENTIAL. However, some data grouped together or showing historical trends may be considered SECRET. The computer software (at CINCLANTFLT or CINCPACFLT) will flag such information and automatically upgrade it to SECRET. This will not be a negative reflection on the reporting unit.

c. Once information considered SECRET is removed from the data base, a "DELETE ALL" SORTS must be submitted in order to downgrade the data base to CONFIDENTIAL.

C. INDIVIDUAL LINE ITEM BREAKDOWN:

1. Report Identification

a. Begins with the title SORTS

b. Each report is serialized sequentially from 001 through 999 regardless of FY/CY. When SORTS serial 999 has been submitted, start again at 001.

2. Organization ID Line

a. Abbreviated Name - up to 30 characters

b. Service Component Code and UIC

ie. AFS 5 CONCORD/N05836, DDG 11 SELLERS/N04677

3. Part I General Data Labels

a. Status

PRSR - Change of SORTS Message/Data Processor. PRSR shall be reported in a ship's initial SORTS and when entering a geographic location serviced by a different SORTS Message/Data Processing facility. SORTS "As of" DTG should be the DTG of the change. Processing facilities are located at CINCLANTFLT and CINCPACFLT only.

PRSR/CINCLANTFLT//

Note: When LANTFLT units inchop to CENTCOM AOR, PRSR shifts to CINCPACFLT. To ensure continued LANTFLT support, include "CINCLANTFLT//N311// " as an info addee.

TSKCD - Task Organization Command. Identifies commanders of established TF, TG, TU or TE. The data element is the task designator assigned to the commanding officer of the reporting unit. This is the group of ships that your CO has command of.

TSKCD/CTU 030.9.1//

TSKCD/CTE 020.4.7.2//

OPCON - Operational Chain of Command Identifier. Identifies the reporting unit's immediate senior in the operation chain of command by task designator and abbreviated name.

OPCON/CTF 063/COMSERVFORSIXTHFLT//

PRGEO - Current Location. Not used for ships reporting via MOVREP. Units/Detachments embarked use ANAME of ship on which embarked.

PRGEO/DD 963 SPRUANCE//

COMDR - Identifies the rank, name and lineal number of the commanding officer of the reporting unit.

COMDR/CDR/HECKERT C.R./016432-60//

ACTIV - Current Activity & Status code. Identifies the current employment or activity of the unit. Normally taken from the employment schedule, activity codes are listed on pages 4-21 through 4-35 of reference (a).

ACTIV/IMAV// NOTE: There must be ACTIV Part II comments

ACTIV/TYT// whenever reporting the ACTIV data label.

b. Personnel strength data:

PERSN - The PERSN data label is used to identify the reporting units personnel strength. The Unit Manpower Authorization is the basis for the data. The EDVR or ODCR may also be used. Personnel codes are found on page 4-37 of NWP 10-1-11 (REV A).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Type of Personnel (in this case Navy Warrants)

:

: Available strength Personnel currently available to the

: : reporting unit. UA's and those not able to return

: : to the unit within 24 hours would not be counted.

: :

: : Structured strength The wartime authorization of

: : : the ship from the M+1 column

: : : of the Unit Manpower Authorization

: : : (MPA) or EDVR.

: : :

: : : Authorized strength This comes from the

: : : : Billets Authorized (BA) column of

: : : : the ship's MPA or EDVR

: : : :

PERSN/NW/0001/0002/0002//

PERSN/NC/0015/0015/0016//

PERSN/NE/0241/0245/0252//

(1) Detachment/Staff personnel are not included in units personnel data.

(2) If your ship has a designated reserve unit assigned, they are reported in the SORTS only when on active duty.

4. UNIT STATUS ASSESSMENT:

a. General Procedures

(1) The first step in any readiness assessment is listing the primary naval warfare mission areas for the ship. These are found in OPNAVINST C3501.2 SERIES and describe the missions that your ship is expected to perform.

EXAMPLE: DD-964 AAW MOB AMW ASU ASW CCC SEW STW

(2) Once these primary mission areas are listed, the resources of personnel, equipment, supplies, and training are reviewed in each mission area to arrive at mission area specific resource category ratings.

    1. Mission Area Ratings - A rating (M-rating) for each mission area is determined based on the resource category ratings for that specific mission area. The mission area ratings (M-Rating) indicate the degree to which a unit is capable of performing a
    2. specific assigned primary naval warfare mission.

    3. There are five mission area status categories from M1 to M5, M1 being fully capable of carrying out a prescribed mission, M5 being not prepared to undertake a prescribed mission. A detailed description of each rating is given on p. 5-3 of ref. (a).

 

(5) Resource Status Categories - The individual resource areas of personnel, equipment, supplies and training for all mission areas are then evaluated and resource specific categories are determined. The resource status category indicates the degree to which a unit is capable of performing an assigned wartime mission(s) with respect to the specific resources of personnel, supplies, equipment on hand, equipment status, and training. There are five unit resource status category ratings from C1 to C5, C1 meaning fully capable, C5 meaning not prepared. A detailed description of each rating is given on p. 5-2 of ref. (a).

(5) Overall Status Category - Mission area ratings and resource status categories are combined to arrive at an overall unit status assessment for the ship (CROVL). The overall status category indicates the degree to which a unit is capable of undertaking its assigned wartime missions. It is based only upon organic resources under the operational control of the unit. There are five overall status categories from C1 to C5, C1 being fully capable, C5 meaning not prepared. These are the same ratings used for the resource categories and are detailed on p. 5-2 of ref. (a).

b. Determining Mission Area Specific Resource Categories:

Personnel: The table on p. 5-12 of ref (a) provides criteria for determining personnel resource ratings. Each criterion must be applied independently to each primary mission area to determine the personnel resource ratings accurately. Determine for officers (inc warrant officers) and enlisted separately. The lowest derived rating shall be used.

(a) For Available strength use personnel onboard.

For structured strength, use M+1 column of unit's Manpower Authorization, EDVR, or ODCR. Use most current document if numbers conflict.

(b) Mission essential ratings and Desig's can be found in CNO ltr 5300 Ser N311ND/2U621283 and CNSP Notice 3500.

(c) The hand-out at the back of this lesson explains determining Personnel resource category ratings in great detail and may be of use to you.

(2) Equipment/Supplies On Hand: The table on p. 5-18 of ref (a) provides criteria for determining equipment/supplies on hand resource ratings. Each criterion must be applied independently to accurately determine resource ratings in each primary mission area. Surface units use columns (A) and (B).

(a) CLF ships with a primary mission area of logistics (LOG) or fleet support operations (FSO) will compute categories utilizing column (B) percentages of onboard versus shipfill (wartime requirements).

(b) Reference (c) provides guidance for reporting fuel shortages.

(3) Equipment Status: The table on p. 5-26 of ref (a) provides the criteria for determining equipment status resource ratings. Each criterion must be applied independently to each primary mission area. Surface units will normally use columns (A) and (B).

(a) Although the table is there for your use, casualty reporting also impacts on equipment readiness. Before reporting a casualty in the CASREP system, the Commanding Officer must first consider the effect of the casualty on the unit's primary warfare areas. Only after determining the impact of the casualty on the unit's primary warfare areas can the Commanding Officer provide a meaningful SORTS and CASREP. To ensure timely reporting of mission degrading casualties, SORTS shall have priority over supporting reports (CASREPs). Additionally, the CASREP casualty category shall never be worse than the equipment rating for the primary mission areas affected by the casualty.

(b) The same flow diagrams used to determine CASREP C-Ratings are used to determine SORTS M-Ratings. The flow diagrams are provided in reference (d).

(4) Training: The table on p. 5-46 of ref (a) provides criteria available for determining training resource categories. Each criterion is applied independently to each primary mission area to accurately determine the training resource rating. Surface units will only use column (C). Percentages derived through the use of the TRNGREP are used in column (C).

(a) Percentages derived through the use of the Training Report (TRNGREP) shall be applied to Column (C) and used to determine training readiness.

(b) Certain situations as outlined in appendix B of ref (e), such as failure to complete a specific exercise or failure of a major inspection, will result in training caps in specific warfare areas.

c. Primary Mission Area Ratings and Resource Category Ratings - Once specific mission area resource category ratings are determined, use the Unit Status Worksheet to assist in computing categories for each resource area and M-ratings for each primary mission area.

d. Overall Status: CROVL - The CO's analysis of the overall status of the unit. CROVL is based on the capability existing in each primary mission area and cumulative effect on the unit's overall mission. The primary mission area ratings (PRMAR) and resource specific area ratings are the factors used in determining CROVL. Use the Unit Status Worksheet to assist in computing overall rating.

e. Percent Effective: PCTEF - In addition to the objective overall status (CROVL), CO's will provide a meaningful subjective assessment of their unit's current ability (out to 72 hours) to perform it's primary mission areas. Tables 5-30 and 5-31 at the end of Chapter 5 of ref. (a) are to be used as guides in determining Percent Effective. It is given as a 3-digit percentage (000-100).

5. Unit Status Reporting

a. The unit's overall status (CROVL), each resource category rating (CRPER, CRSUP, CREQP, CRTNG), and each primary mission area M-rating (PRMAR's) are reported on separate lines.

b. Reason codes are three letter codes used to briefly describe the nature of the problems that cause a degradation. For each PRMAR where a degradation exists, list up to three reason codes following the M-rating. For each resource area where a degradation exists, list only the most serious reason code. For a degraded overall status, list up to three reason codes. Reason codes are derived from the tables in Chapter 5 of Ref A. Details about C5/M5 reason code reporting are given in section 5.9 of Ref A.

c. Projected status and projected attainment dates follow reason codes and are required when reporting PRMAR M-ratings of M3 or M4 and/or an overall rating (CROVL) of C3, C4, and sometimes C5. They are optional for M-ratings of M2 and CROVL of C2. Do not report these for resource category degradations.

d. Examples:

CROVL/C4/SBX/CEE/PLF/C3/930131//

CROVL/C2/CEE/PLF//

CROVL/C2/PVF/PLF/C1/930318//

PCTEF/095//

CRPER/C1//

CRSUP/C2/SDG//

CREQP/C4/HFE//

CRTNG/C2/TVH//

PRMAR/AAW/M4/CEE/PLF/SDG/M3/930512//

PRMAR/ASW/M2/TVH/PVF//

PRMAR/CCC/M1//

PRMAR/AMW/M4/SBX/M1/930131//

PRMAR/ASU/M3/CJM/CDE/M2/921228//

6. Major Equipment Data: MEQPT

(a) Major equipment is used to report both number and status of missiles, aircraft, ammunition, sonobuoys, landing craft, SRBOC, and other major equipment carried onboard. A listing of major equipment is provided in Ref (a) chapter 7. If the equipment is listed in Figure 7-1 of reference (a) then it should be reflected in your SORTS database. Any time equipment is expended, it must be reflected in a SORTS report. Ensure to consult the note on page 7-9 of ref (a).

Examples:

MEQPT/SH-60B/000/002/002/001//

MEQPT/RIM-66/075/000/073/073//

MEQPT/SSQ-41/050/000/045/045//

MEQPT/CIWS/050/000/049/049//

MEQPT/SRBOC/040/000/039/039//

MEQPT/5"54/120/000/120/118//

MEQPT/ANT/005/000/005/005//

MEQPT/JOTS/001/000/001/001//

    1. The units used in reporting mission essential equipment vary. EX: 5"54 rounds are reported in tens, hence 118 means 1180 rounds onboard. CIWS rounds are reported in hundreds, hence 049 means 4900 rounds on board.

7. Crew Data: CREWA

Crew status for the aircraft reported under the MEQPT data label. Submitted by aviation capable units when aircraft are embarked. See the note on page 7-12 of ref (a).

CREWA/SH-60B/00/03/03/02//

8. Special Capability Data: SPCAP

(a) This data label is used to report any special capability that is not standard to their particular class of ship. Refs (c) and (d) will contain specific reporting guidance. The report format may change as the ship moves through the deployment cycle. Most pertinent information will be in the Part II comments.

(b) This data label will also be used to report Chemical, Biological Defense (CBD) Equipment and Training status ratings (C1 through C5). The rating for equipment on-hand should be determined using Figure 8-3 of ref (a). Use approved AEL and M+1 column of unit's SMD. The rating for training should be computed by comparing percentage of SFTM required CBR school graduates on board with unit's M-rating for repetitive exercise MOB-D-15-SF (BIO/Chem Attack) and reporting the worst of the two ratings. Figure 8-4 of ref (a) shall be used as a guide. The CBD equipment and Training status ratings shall not be factored into or related to the overall, resource area, or primary mission area ratings of a unit.

SPCAP/XAAW//

SPCAP/XCBD//

9. Part II Remarks:

(a) PART II is used to amplify information contained in PART I. Each narrative comment submitted in PART II must be preceded by the data field that it amplifies. Remarks for each data label are terminated by the use of two slant signs (//).

(b) Remarks previously reported for the data label are automatically deleted by the submission of new remarks, however changes to PART I data have no effect on PART II comments previously reported.

(c) Comments are required whenever CROVL is other than C1/C5. If the CO's assessment of the unit's overall readiness is less than the computed CROVL, this must be explained in Part II. From reference (c), other specific requirements include:

ACTIV/TYT/PARTICIPATING IN TYPE TRAINING IN SOCAL OPAREAS// (WHENEVER REPORTING ACTIV, PART II COMMENTS MUST BE INCLUDED)

OPCON/LAST SORTS 023 DTG 102339ZOCT92// (PART II OPCON COMMENTS WILL ALWAYS INCLUDE DTG AND SER NR OF LAST SORTS)

PCTEF/AT 65 PCT DUE TO PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT CASUALTIES CAUSED BY RECENT SHIP FIRE//

MEQPT/SH-60B/HSL 47 DET 2 EMBARKED, TWO SH-60B// (REPORT SQUADRON AND DET OF EMBARKED HELO DETACHMENT)

SPCAP/XAAW/2 STINGER LAUNCHERS, 6 WEAPONS ON BOARD//

SPCAP/XCBD/EQUIP C1. TRNG C1//

(SEE PAGES 2-6, 2-7 OF REFERENCE (c) FOR ADDITIONAL SPCAP GUIDANCE)

10. Deleting Information

a. Information is automatically deleted when it is replaced by new information. The only exception is with the TSKCD lines since a unit can have more than one tasking. To delete TSKCD lines, or to delete information that has no replacement, the general format is to list the data label followed by the word "DELETE." Ref A contains more specific instructions. Do not forget to delete corresponding Part II information as well.

b. Example

Part I

TSKCD/CTG 020.1/DELETE//

CROVL/C1//

Part II

TSKCD/CTG 020.1/DELETE//

CROVL/DELETE//

Reporting Shortfalls in Personnel Strength in SORTS

Personnel Strength

Personnel Strength is reported in terms of AVAILABLE strength, STRUCTURED strength and AUTHORIZED strength. These numbers can be found in the unit's Unit Manpower Authorization (OPNAV 1000/2) or equivalent data. (The Unit Authorization, Enlisted Distribution Control Report and the Officer Distribution Control Report may differ in strength numbers; in such case, use the document with the most current data.) Definitions of AVAILABLE, STRUCTURED and AUTHORIZED strengths can be found in NWP 10-1-11 (REV A) pg 4-36 - 4-40.

Mission Area Specific Resources Categories for Personnel

Mission area specific resource categories for personnel are determined by comparing the STRUCTURED strength with the AVAILABLE strength. The criteria for determining personnel resource categories are given below and must be applied independently to each primary mission area to determine the personnel resource category accurately.

The resource categories will be determined for each mission area:

    1. Total AVAILABLE strength divided by STRUCTURED

strength

    1. AVAILABLE strength of mission-essential DESIGS and

ratings divided by STRUCTURED strength of essential DESIGS and ratings.

C. AVAILABLE strength of mission-essential E-5's and above divided by STRUCTURED strength of essential E-5's and above.

The Personnel Resource Ratings for each category are determined by the following table:

RATING A B C

1 >90 >85 >85

2 >80 >75 >75

3 >70 >65 >65

4 <70 <65 <65

Utilizing the Unit Manpower Authorization the ratings for each category are calculated separately for officer and enlisted strengths in each warfare area. EX: For the ASW mission area, 6 ratings are calculated - Categories A, B, C for enlisted and Categories A, B, C for officers.

Caveat

The aggregation of mission essential personnel in each warfare area maybe a misleading representation of personnel strength. In some cases the lack of a specific grade, rate, rating or DESIG may result in a more serious degradation to a mission area. In such cases, the commanding officer must reflect a lower personnel resource rating in the affected mission area. If in the opinion of the commanding officer, a mission is significantly degraded because of mission critical NEC's then the degradation should be reflected in SORTS irrespective of previous computations

 

Personnel Degradation

Comparing the officer, enlisted and caveat category ratings for each mission area, enter the worst cases in the appropriate blocks in column (2) of the unit status worksheet. Personnel Degradation Reason Codes are found in Figure 5-6 of NWP 10-1-11.