LT Hong’s analysis makes a strong case to, “Split the engineering and tactical officer career tracks” (THE SUBMARINE REVIEW, October 2010 issue, p. 109), based fundamentally on the fact that, “Every submarine officer must be a nuclear engineer and a tactician”. Result: “too many tasks, not enough time”, which increases the probability of mistakes in both the engineering and OPS areas.
The introduction of women into the Submarine Force provides a fortuitous opportunity to test the concept of two separate career tracks-warfare duty {WOO) and engineering duty (EDO)-for submarine officers (also applicable to surface warfare officers).
Some women have already been selected for submarine duty and nuclear power training in accordance with the existing policy that all submarine officers must be nuclear engineers. In addition, to test the two-track system, call for women volunteers for submarine duty from the fleet who have a minimum of two years sea duty and are qualified OOD’s. Order them to a revised SOBC course to include, for example, virtual reality trainers (VESUB), Piloting and Ship handling Trainers (SPAN 2000), and additional/refresher training in electronic chart piloting and navigation (ECDIS), network-centric warfare, and effective utilization of the myriad advanced features incorporated in current periscopes.
Thus, in a little over six months from accession they would report to their first boats with a level of training in operational subjects and skills that will undoubtedly enhance the operational and combat readiness of the forward business end-the raison d’etre of all warships.
CAPT R.A. Bowling, USN(Ret), Ph.D .
