Disillusioned already?
Not at all - but others do and I wanted that person to be properly warned! HA
Do you find that, once trained [and pinned], extremely qualified people do a noticeably better job once they're in? Or does the lack of actual time doing the job (if they're not mobilized) act as a ceiling for how well they can perform?
I would say its less "highly qualified people" (everyone selected is highly qualified really, that's why you made it), and more the people that keep the reason in front of them and stay focused vs disillusioned. New JOs say, "well I thought this program would be like this - or my in my civilian job we do that," and can get frustrated. You need to embrace what it is and then control your career to get what you want out of it. AND stay focused on your service, priorities, and needs of the Navy.
"Do a better job" is a loaded statement too. Depends on the job. If you are asking specifically as a Hot Sh@%T IWO/analyst, I would say no one is any good until they can some sort of active time under their belt with AT (at least), ADSW, or MOB. I'm doing awesome at the ADMIN part, ha!