Fred said:
What is the shortest amount of time possible for someone to make it through prototype?
Prototype is 6 months for everybody.
Are you talking about the shortest amount of time to qualify? One of my hubby's Power School instructors was prior enlisted, and when he went through Prototype the 2nd time, he qualified in 14 weeks. That being said- don't count on qualifying that fast! My hubby was one of the first 5 to qualify on his boat, and it took him around 17-20 weeks or so (he was out for a a few days when our son was born)- which is still really fast. There were people still scrambling to finish right before graduation.
A lot depends on what is happening on the boat- shutdowns and such. Plus when you're able to schedule your board, etc.
Also, just b/c you qualify, it doesn't mean you're "done"- you'll then have to stand watches.
My hubby just finished Prototype in June, and is now and instructor there, so if you have any more questions, I can ask him if I don't know.