<p>Submarines are a great career. They do some pretty exciting stuff. It is especially rewarding for the technical types because it is probably the most advanced complex piece of machinery in the world. Downside is that since the demise of the Cold War, it is less exciting. It is no longer as ‘cool’ as it once was. The spotlight is no longer on it. Consequently, it is a much more austere force than it once was. Still, I would imagine that the majority of those selecting subs from USNA listed it as their first choice. It takes a special type personality to thrive on a boat which is why it has always been a volunteer service. Back in the day, I had the right major, good enough grease, passed the Adm Rickover interview, and was selected for subs. Did a five day cruise out of New London spring break first class year. Swore I would never set foot on another submarine so long as I lived unless it was being rescued when my plane went in the water. Went back to USNA, unvolunteered, got aviation, and never regretted it.</p>
<p>The situation at USNA is a very complex issue. Memphis9489 is correct. They are in a position where they perhaps need the ones who have worked the hardest and succeeded the most to do other than their first choice. And honestly, other than anecdotal evidence, we have no idea what is going on. Perhaps, this is once that the Academy should lift its normal veil of secrecy and post the actual policy. But then again, it might cause mids to ‘game’ the system. And then again also, women in subs has been on the front burner for a while and I expect that they feel this will solve the issue. Actually, this very issue has been why women on subs has been on the front burner for a while.</p>
<p>So, a class comes up for selection. Of course all who select subs as first choice who also meet the academic profile and pass the board are selected. Then I would suspect they start down the list. Second choice, third choice, etc. all the way to last. Any mid smart enough to be in the running for subs should realize this and be forewarned of the consequences of placing subs anywhere on their preference sheet.</p>
<p>So now, apparently at least for some years, the quota is still not filled. The easy thing to do which, in the grand scheme of things is not that expensive and I do not understand why it hasn’t been done, is to increase the bonus. Secondly, they could lower the standard. This would result in a higher failure rate at Nuclear Power School and, again, cost more money. Additionally, it would probably sidestep a few careers. Thirdly, they can (use your choice of ‘draft’, ‘voluntell’, ‘cajole’, ‘ask’ here) additional candidates. The downside of too much pressure is a disgruntled ‘five and dive’ officer corps. Obviously, either the numbers are so small or the selectees are not so dissatisfied since we have not heard of the disintegration of the submarine force due to poor leadership. They also seem to be meeting their retention goals.</p>
<p>How does the administration, knowing that a disgruntled graduate is detrimental to the mission of the Academy, select these additional volunteers? We have no idea. An argument could be made that we should but I doubt if we ever will. Does the senior submarine board member ask the senior aviation board member for names? Probably. So the high OOMs/low ASTB scores are passed to the sub board. Does he ask the company officers? Probably. So those who the company officer feels is amicable to submarines but might need a little positive assurance is passed on. There are only a few each year. However, their legend grows on forums such as this until suddenly all first class who are at the O’club on Friday night are shanghaied through a trap door in the basement and whisked off in chains to nuclear power school. </p>
<p>Bottom line, I will continue to repeat. Not to rationalize the administration as Bill has surmised, but to educate the candidates. Submarines are an ALL VOLUNTEER force. Any undue coercion otherwise is a misuse of position and rank and is not tolerated.</p>