Reasons for Resignation ICO LT KARL x. Bxxxx, USNR
I intend to resign from the Navy in order to start a civilian career. I am currently inquiring about employment opportunities. Concurrently, I intend to return to college and complete my master's degree as my working schedule allows.
I intend to resign from the Navy because I do not enjoy or derive satisfaction from my work. I believe that the Navy culture is flawed in many ways. The most significant problem I see is our continual use of negative leadership. Rarely if ever do I hear an officer complimented on an outstanding job. It is expected that we perform to perfection, and only the deviations from that are noticed and commented upon. I frequently hear negative comments from all levels of my chain of command towards other officers. Despite all our accomplishments, we don't even receive basic respect as professionals from one another.
While on the boat, very long hours are normal even while in port. Department heads would average over 70 hours per week even when nothing special was happening. At shore duty, I average 60 hours per week. Part of the problem is that we seem to create work for ourselves. We frequently go beyond the requirements, or volunteer for additions tasks. If you do not spend excessive amounts of time at work, you are looked upon as a poor performer that doesn't care about his job. The Navy does not appear to care about our quality of life in this aspect. We are well paid for our service, but since we are not paid hourly, the Navy does not care how long you work, as long as the job gets done. I am the only person that values my time.
A problem that is exacerbated by being stationed in Japan is how the Navy handles personal responsibility. We are in charge of warships and hundreds of lives, but we have to be told what we can and can't do on liberty. We are told where to go, what to wear, and when to be back. Due to the political sensitivity, I understand using the easy solution of creating more rules and restricting behavior. Since I can offer no better solution, I can't say that it is the wrong way to handle the situation; however, I don't enjoy being treated as a child and I will enjoy the greater freedom and personal accountability that goes along with adult life outside the Navy.
I disagree with how the Navy manages their personnel, particularly submarine JO's. I may very likely be separated from the Navy due to my poor physical fitness. At the same time, detailers threaten that if JO's currently on contract do not sign up for SOAC, they will be sent to Iraq. My first problem is that I do not see how my fitness level is relevant to my job. I am paid to make intelligent decisions. Nothing in my six years of service has ever been physically challenging (excepting of course the physical readiness test). Even though it has no bearing on my actual job performance, the Navy is ready to fire me over the issue. On the other hand, we threaten people that we will send them into a combat zone if they do not extend their commitment. We all understand and accept the fact that in the military we may be called into combat. That doesn't make it right to use it as a threat to bludgeon people into an extended contract they don't want.
Finally, command of a warship holds no appeal for me. From my observations aboard my boat, the captain was rarely in charge. Even at the peak of naval service, he was still subject to micromanagement from his superiors. There was an atmosphere that any mistake on his part would result in the end of his career. He didn't appear to enjoy his job, and talking with the department heads, they certainly didn't enjoy theirs. Almost every department head that I've talked to has told all junior officers that continuing on as a department head was not worth it. They have no life outside work and receive nothing but negative leadership. Their family and personal lives all suffered to support the needs of the job.
I would like to explore my career options and find something that is more personally and professionally rewarding. I will always remember the lessons that I've learned in the Navy, positive and negative. It has helped me grow professionally and as a person. Unfortunately, with the current culture within the Navy, I no longer desire to be part of this organization.