simply being a phone talker or even a status board operator. Whatever the type of watch, you must devote your full attention to it.
Not paying attention or negligence on your part can result in serious consequences for the ship and your fellow shipmates It is your responsibility to check the watch bill daily. You should check for any changes made in your assigned watches or even to refresh your memory for said watches as well as to make note of any changes in the schedule for the ship. When an abandon ship drill, or a fire drill, or even an anti-terrorism drill is held, for instance, you should not have to take time to find out what your station is and where it is located. A shipmate’s life may depend on you to be where you are assigned to be should an actual event occur. Most of the watches in the Navy are of 4 hours duration. Time off between watches depends on the number of sections and the number of personnel in each station. Normally, watches start on the even hours, such as 0400, 0800, or 1200. However, you should arrive at your station at least 15 minutes ahead of time (30 minutes onboard Boxer) to receive any important or pertinent information from the person you are
relieving. Regardless of the type of watch you stand, you should always observe proper military bearing. Proper grooming standards and uniform appearance is a must. Stand your watch in strict adherence to the eleven general orders of the sentry. Know the chain of command as it relates to watch standing (your petty officer in charge, the officer of the deck, Command Duty officer, Duty Section leader, Medical, Master at Arms, etc.). If there is an emergency, it’s important to know who and when to call.
Sentries are required at a number of locations, such as at gates to military bases, aboard ship, along a fence, or in a hangar. All the same provisions apply to other types of sentry watches. Sentries are governed by two types of orders—general and special. General orders (which do not change) cover situations of a routine nature common to most sentry posts. Special orders cover a certain time or situation peculiar to a particular post and are issued in addition to the general orders. Special orders may be written or verbal. Usually, written orders are issued by the Commanding Officer and remain in effect until canceled or changed with subsequent and sometimes new orders from the Commanding Officer. These instructions are called standing orders. Verbal orders may be issued by any responsible officer or petty officer. Normally, they remain in effect for a limited period of time.