[United States Government Manual] [May 31, 1996] [Pages 222-224] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]Sources of Information Astronomy The United States Naval Observatory provides the astronomical data and precise time required by the Navy and other components of the Department of Defense for navigation, precise positioning, and command, control, and communications. These data also are made available to other Government agencies and to the general public. To broaden the understanding of the mission, functions, and programs of the Naval Observatory, regular night tours and special group day tours are conducted. The night tours are open to the general public and are given every Monday night, except on Federal holidays. Information concerning activities of the observatory and public tours may be obtained by writing to the Superintendent, Naval Observatory, Washington, DC 20392- 5100. Phone, 202-762-1538. Civilian Employment Information about civilian employment opportunities within the Department of the Navy in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area can be obtained from the Office of Civilian Personnel Management, Northeast Region, Washington Detachment, 801 North Randolph Street, Arlington, VA 22203-1927 (phone, 703-696-4567); or the Commandant of the Marine Corps (ARCA), Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, DC 20380 (phone, 703-697-7474). Consumer Activities Research programs of the Office of the Chief of Naval Research cover a broad spectrum of scientific fields, primarily for the needs of the Navy, but much information is of interest to the public. Inquiries on specific research programs should be directed to the Office of Naval Research, ONR (Code 10), 800 North Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22217- [[Page 223]] 5660. Phone, 703-696-5031. Inquiries on specific technology programs should be directed to the Director, Office of Naval Technology, ONT (Code 20), 800 North Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22217-5000. Phone, 202-696-5115. Contracts and Small Business Activities Information in these areas can be obtained from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Engineering, and Systems), Department of the Navy, 2211 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22244-5120 (phone, 703-602-2700). Information pertaining specifically to the Marine Corps in the areas of small businesses, minority-owned businesses, and labor surplus activities can be obtained from the Marine Corps Small Business Specialist (LS), Installations and Logistics Department, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, DC 20380. Phone, 703-696-1022. Environment For information on environmental protection and natural resources management programs of the Navy and Marine Corps, contact the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Installations and Environment), Environment and Safety, 1000 Navy Pentagon, Room 4A686, Washington, DC, 20350-1000. Phone, 703-614-1304. General Inquiries Navy and Marine Corps recruiting offices, installation commanders, and Commanding Officers of Marine Corps Districts (see listing in the preceding text) can answer general inquiries concerning the Navy and Marine Corps and their community and public information programs. Also, the Chief of Information makes accurate and timely information about the Navy available so that the general public, the press, and Congress may understand and assess the Navy's programs, operations, and needs; coordinates Navy participation in community events; and supervises the Navy's internal information programs. Phone, 703-697- 5342. Speakers and Films Information can be obtained on the following: speakers (phone, 703-697-8711); films (phone, 703-697-5342); and the Naval Recruiting Exhibit Center (phone, 904-452-5348). For information concerning the Navy, contact the Office of Information, Department of the Navy, Washington, DC 20350. Phone, 202-695-0965. For information on Marine Corps speakers, contact the Director of Public Affairs, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, DC 20380-0001; or contact the Director of any Marine Corps District (see listing in the preceding text). Military Career and Training Opportunities Marine Corps The Marine Corps conducts enlisted and officer training programs requiring various lengths of service and provides the assurance of specialized skill training and other benefits. The Marine Corps provides opportunities for training in a variety of technical skills that are necessary in support of ground and aviation combat operations. Radar operation and repair, meteorology, engineer equipment and automotive mechanics, artillery and armor repair, data processing, communications-electronics, jet aircraft repair, avionics, and air control are but a few specialized fields available. The Marine Corps participates in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Program for commissioning officers in the Marine Corps. Platoon Leaders Class is a Marine Corps program for commissioning officers in the Marine Corps Reserve. Freshmen, sophomores, or juniors in an accredited college may apply. The Program provides financial assistance to undergraduates. The Officer Candidate Class is another program for commissioning officers in the Marine Corps Reserve. Applicants must be college graduates or in their senior year. Information on the above programs is available at most civilian educational institutions and Navy and Marine Corps recruiting stations. Local telephone directories list the address and telephone number of the Recruiting Station and Officer Selection Officer under U.S. Government. Interested persons also may write directly to the Commandant of the [[Page 224]] Marine Corps (M&RA), Washington, DC 20380-0001. Phone, 703-614-2914. Information concerning Marine Corps Reserve opportunities can be obtained from local Marine Corps recruiting stations or Marine Corps Reserve Drill Centers. Interested persons may also write directly to the Commandant of the Marine Corps (M&RA, RA), Washington, DC 20380-0001. For further information concerning the Navy and Marine Corps, contact the Office of Information, Department of the Navy, Washington, DC 20350 (phone, 703-697-7391); or the Legislative Assistant to the Commandant and Director of Public Affairs, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, DC 20380 (phone, 703-614-1492).