<p>Ironically, SWO is one of the least popular of all the service selections. There are a lot of midshipman who do not like being on ships. This irony is puzzling to cadets from USMA and USAFA. To them, that would be like an Air Force cadet not wanting to fly an airplane. They wonder, “If you hate ships so much, then why did you go to the Naval Academy?”</p>
<p>Sadly, many midshipmen learn to hate ships while at the Naval Academy. Youngster Cruise is one of the biggest contributors to the disdain for ships. In my day ('79 grad) the Naval Academy went to great lengths to place us on ships that were deployed during our Youngster Cruise. Even if they had to fly us to somewhere in Europe to meet up with the ship - they would do it. We all came back with stories about places we’ve been, things we saw, and things we did. Nowadays, it’s not the least bit uncommon to spend 4-6 weeks on a ship that is dockside in Norfolk. It’s boring and uninspiring.</p>
<p>The SWO community is its own worse enemy for their bad reputation amongst the midshipmen. Many of the officers complain to the impressionable young midshipmen about how much they hate their jobs. The enlisted personnel also complain. The midshipmen are frequently treated like an annoyance while assigned to the ship. They are tasked with mind-numbing tasks.</p>
<p>Another thing that leaves a foul impression of shipboard life at the Naval Academy are YP’s (Yard Patrol). They’re old, smelly, and uncomfortable. The academy is slated to get some new ones which are much improved, however.</p>