Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) recently announced SCSTC Great Lakes learning standards officer (LSO), Mr. Carl Ciske, as the SCSTC domain Civilian of the Year (COY) for 2021.
 
Brian Deters, SCSTC’s executive director, commended Ciske for his selection.
 
“We have tremendous talent throughout our civilian workforce,” Deters said.  “This award illustrates Mr. Ciske’s strong leadership skills and dedication to the mission.  As an instructor and LSO, he is a training subject matter expert with direct impact on the future of our fleet.  Outside the classroom, he is a pillar of his community.  As a pastor, he strives to better his community and has dedicated numerous hours to help those in need.  Mr. Ciske is truly a role model for our civilian personnel, in and outside the classroom.”
 
Mr. Ciske was promoted from technical training instructor to LSO due to his expertise not only as a technical instructor, but also for his curriculum maintenance and development skills supporting five different courses of instruction at Interior Communications Electrician (IC) "A" and "C" Schools. 

Mr. Ciske taught five different courses and administered written exams and practical exams.  His ability to teach multiple courses across IC systems was invaluable. As LSO, he hit the ground running leading Navy’s Ready, Relevant Learning (RRL) workshops for IC, Fire Controlman and Gunner’s Mate "A" Schools. He also was instrumental in the successful pilot of the Virtual Operator Trainer (VOT) for Operations Specialist (OS) “A” School ensuring it was scheduled, executed and documented in accordance with Naval Education and Training Command’s (NETC) requirements. He developed curriculum for the IC "A" School and facilitated the expedient implementation of the "Culture of Excellence" and "Warrior Toughness" training into all phases of IC "A" and "C" Schools. Dedicated to continuous process improvement, he tirelessly reviewed and updated classroom, laboratory procedures and best practices increasing efficiency and enhancing learning.
 
"Our civilian team plays a significant role in the mission of SCSTC Great Lakes," said SCSTC Great Lakes Commanding Officer Cmdr. Shaun Fischer. "It’s always an honor and pleasure to acknowledge stellar performers such as Mr. Ciske.  His initiative and continued professional support is instrumental to the command.  Mr. Ciske’s efforts, along with all of our civilian workforce, enables SCSTC Great Lakes to successfully execute our mission in the training and development of our Sailors."
 
In addition, Ciske is completing courses through Dallas Theological Seminary, Berean University, and Light University, ultimately leading to degrees in Nouthetic Counseling, Pastoral Studies and Ordination in the Assemblies of God Fellowship.
 
Mr. Ciske pastors a local church in Union Grove, Wis., works with veterans and others in hospice and other long-term care providing moral and spiritual support, and provides marriage, family and end of life counseling in the community. He further supports the local community by volunteering with area food banks assisting in the distribution of food baskets and needed supplies to local families in crisis and coordinates an annual community craft fair, raising money for local nonprofit organizations.
 
“To me, receiving this recognition represents a ‘lifetime achievement award,’” said Ciske. “I have always strived to be a living example of pride, professionalism, honor, courage and commitment.  It is truly an honor to have a part in training our Sailors to be the “best of the best” and instilling in them the drive for excellence.”