Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) is headquartered in Dahlgren, Virginia, and oversees a training domain that consists of 14 learning sites and detachments located throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Japan, and Spain.  The student body includes the full spectrum of a surface Navy career timeline – ranging from newly graduated boot camp Sailors to Commanding Officers / Major Commanders in route to their prospective ships.
    
CSCS prepares enlisted Sailors to operate, maintain and tactically employ sensors, weapons, communications, combat systems and deck equipment.  This training is delivered throughout a career for eight enlisted ratings: Fire Controlman, Fire Controlman (Aegis), Electronic Technician, Interior Communication, Sonar Technician (Surface), Gunner’s Mate, Mineman, and Operations Specialist.  Training commences at “A” and “C” Schools and follow-on courses taught at CSCS learning sites and detachments in each homeport.  CSCS maintains a rating lead for each of these enlisted communities, who orchestrate a continuum of training delivered to Sailors at the right point in their career. 

CSCS also provides platform-specific and billet-specific maritime warfare training to surface warfare and other naval officers assigned to surface ships to provide a technical foundation and the tactical application commensurate to the billet and anticipated shipboard watchstanding duties.

CSCS fulfills a similar training mission for international partners who operate U.S. manufactured systems. This training enables our allies’ operational capability as well as fostering interoperability with U.S. forces.

CSCS is a global organization of professional educators and support personnel focused on training surface warriors to fight and win!  Bottom line: CSCS’ mission is to train the fleet!