It is. But I actually think this article downplays a lot of the challenges.Surface Warfare seems like a rough gig according to this article.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/27/...-gaps-spell-disaster-at-sea-sailors-warn.html
It is. But I actually think this article downplays a lot of the challenges.Surface Warfare seems like a rough gig according to this article.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/27/...-gaps-spell-disaster-at-sea-sailors-warn.html
Really? All I read was the challenges. How do these guys have time to sleep and study for their qualifications?
Is it this bad with aviation and subs?
So, do people go SWO because they can't get other communities?
We switched from a 6 on, 12 off schedule to an 8 on, 16 off schedule. It is infinitely better, but did require some concessions to get there and some boats still utilize the 6/18 schedule for inspection workups.Is it this bad with subs?
We switched from a 6 on, 12 off schedule to an 8 on, 16 off schedule
If you stick with it you're pretty much guaranteed command?So, SWO seems like a tough, unglamorous gig. What's the upside?
Perceived snarky upside from a former aviator. But as a former aviator I don't see many upsides to SWO.Is that a question or a statement, please?
LOL..got ya. And, from reading this article, assuming it is generally accurate, there does not appear to be much in the way of upsides.Perceived snarky upside from a former aviator. But as a former aviator I don't see many upsides to SWO.
Thanks..as for point 5, do you mean all SWOs eventually get a command if they stay long enough, work hard, and keep their noses clean?Upsides:
- Serve your country in uniform as a naval officer (if not qualified/competitive for other officer programs)
- All the usual GI bill, BAH income, steady paycheck in shaky job market, potentially free grad school, etc. perks that go with being a military officer (if your alternative is not joining the military)
- Unique "small" boat leadership opportunities with a PCRON, RIVRON, or being VBSS team lead from CRUDES
- URL warfare pin. It can be "useful" if you later redes to a Restricted Line or Staff Corps designator. There is a certain amount of respect or cachet that goes with having been an "operator" vs. doing a support function, though this concept differs slightly across the armed services. It does not diminish the contributions of RL or Staff Corps officers. But it is a real thing. The USAF top brass are almost all command rated pilots. You don't see many USN 4-stars without a URL warfare pin. Intel seems to be the exception if they go on to lead a 3-letter agency.
- 100% of SWO's get ships.
No, I meant you would be assigned to a ship. Play on words with the SNA applicants here who ask what % get to fly jets vs. flying helos.Thanks..as for point 5, do you mean all SWOs eventually get a command if they stay long enough, work hard, and keep their noses clean?
1. Not unique to SWO...oh wait, "if not qualified for anything else."Upsides: