Naval Humor – Sea Stories and other lies

Lucky Recruits Get 2 Extra Weeks at Boot Camp

If you have been following the news (my condolences) you may have noticed about a thousand articles (or possibly, one article posted a thousand times on social media) reporting that the U.S. Navy boot camp has been extended from eight to ten weeks of training. Fortunately, in this ever-divided world, the Navy is finally taking action that cannot possibly be interpreted as a partisan political issue.

Recruits pass-in-review at boot camp graduation. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Don’t be a moron. Everything these days is a partisan political issue. If you watch Fox News, you know that this is part of the plan for the woke military leaders to turn the Navy in to a hippy commune. On the other hand if you watch CNN, you realize that this is a vital change to ensure that our sailors aren’t extremist neo-Nazi rapists. If you watch MSNBC, you probably have a long stream of drool puddling in your lap. No matter where you look, you can see the military’s public image is doing well.

I for one support this new plan. Why, you may ask? Because I, like so many retired sailors, realize that it in no way affects me.

What’s going to happen during these additional two weeks? That’s a great question. The focus is on preparing sailors for the fleet. Now I know what you are thinking, “Isn’t that what the other eight weeks are for?”

Don’t be stupid. The first eight weeks of boot camp are devoted to marching, making your bunk 47 times a day, and doing pushups as a punishment for not marching well or making your bunk correctly. Also there are classes on naval culture and procedures and some uniform inspections.

With all this vital training there is no spare time to teach recruits what they need to know in the fleet. Initially the plan was to make boot camp even longer. At the planning stage they wanted to lengthen boot camp to 20 years and at the end, instead of graduation, there would be a retirement ceremony.

But the question still remains, what is the important training that will take place in the additional two weeks? To answer that we turn to the Navy Times, the source of all naval wisdom for those who don’t know how to look up instructions. According to the Navy Times this time will be utilized for the “Sailor for Life” module, which is a retention tool designed to ensure that all graduates reenlist. As part of the training all sailors will be implanted with a microchip that will provide an electric shock any time they think about getting out.

Okay, that’s not 100% true. It turns out that the Sailor for Life module contains training on sexual harassment/assault prevention, suicide prevention, anti-hazing, organization, financial management, and time management. Since this is basically the same training sailors in the fleet attend at regular intervals, it is perfect for preparing new recruits for their first assignment. Although the article doesn’t mention it, I like to think that the module incorporates simulated ATG assessments, underway schedules, watch rotations, 3M maintenance, etc. throughout the day while sandwiching the training in the middle as the instructor speed reads 150 slides to a half-awake audience.

The fact is, sailors need this training in the fleet, and the last thing the Navy wants is new sailors reporting for duty without the basic ability to attend this training without falling asleep. We train the way we fight.

The only problem with the Sailor for Life module, is I don’t think it covers everything. The U.S. Navy is a complex organization with many nuances that are confusing to new recruits. With just a couple additional weeks the curriculum could be expanded to include the following essential subjects:

-Where to find all the 400 million instructions and references (from the Defense Department, the Navy, your region, your fleet, your squadron, your command, your department, etc.) that regulate every part of your life. There are four people in the Navy who know where all of these are.

-How to set Yoke. (Everyone not in the engineering department is guessing).

-How to draft an outgoing message (ask the ITs to do it for you).

-How to conduct drills without waking up the air detachment personnel, who require 16 hours of sleep.

-What to do if the shower curtain touches you (report to medical immediately, they may have to amputate).

-What to do if you take a shower without shower shoes (get your affairs in order).

-What you should say at captain’s call when they ask if there are any questions (nothing).

-What to do when you are late for watch (apologize profusely, offering up your first born as a sign of contrition).

-What to do when you wake up naked in a foreign prison with a hangover (pray).

-How to make more money by marrying someone you just met.

I’m sure I’m leaving out something here. If you have any ideas let me know and we’ll send them off to the Navy. Remember, boot camp is ten weeks now, but with a little imagination we can round it out to a solid three months (or more).

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How much fun is DRB? It kind of depends…

Ship's Chief Petty Officers of USS Fulton (AS-1) photographed on board the ship at the New London submarine base, New London, Connecticut, in 1919. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ship%27s_Chief_Petty_Officers_of_USS_Fulton_(AS-1).jpg — Chiefs who will sit your DRB. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Hey there loyal readers, fans, and people I am blackmailing to increase my readership. Welcome back to Sea Stories and Other Lies. Today I am answering another question from a reader just like yourself… well, hopefully not exactly like yourself. Today’s question comes from Randall in Norfolk (of course it comes from Norfolk).

He writes: Dear Rob, Last night I went out to the bar with some friends. I won’t go into the details (I don’t really remember them anyway), but suffice it to say, when I woke up I discovered that I was on the wrong ship and it was underway. After a complicated helicopter flight back to my ship I was informed that I have to go to DRB. What can I expect at DRB? How should I prepare?

Thanks for the question. It’s sailors like you, Randall, who keep me in business. Before we dive into this question, let’s give some explanation. A disciplinary review board (DRB) is an investigative part of the Navy’s non-judicial punishment process. The board consists of a number of chief petty officers who ask questions, gather information, and forward recommendations to the executive officer and commanding officer concerning violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Sounds pretty simple, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, like so many things in the Navy (getting OC sprayed comes to mind) things are not as simple as they sound. Don’t worry, Randall. It’s not really a big deal. Which of us, having spent any time in the Navy, hasn’t found themselves underway on the wrong ship as result of a night of hard drinking? I’m lying, of course. This is a really big deal and however much you are worrying about it, it’s probably not enough.

Being late to work (unauthorized absence or UA) is a pretty big deal in the Navy. If you are an hour late to work, you are going to be in a bit of trouble. If the ship is gone when you get there then you are going to be in a lot of trouble. If you are late to work because you are accidentally underway on another ship… well, now you are in unexplored territory.

Falling asleep on the wrong ship is a rarity in the Navy. A rarity, but not unheard of. Occasionally nesting ships (ships that are moored side by side) can have a problem. A friend of mine, let’s call him Roy, once stumbled across the quarterdeck of the inboard (pierside) ship and just went below deck instead of crossing over to his own ship. The next morning he awoke, in what would have been his own bunk, had he been on his own ship, with the actual owner of the bunk asleep on the deck (floor). This is because the previous night Roy, who is built like the offspring of an NFL linebacker and a terminator, found “his bunk” occupied. He then proceeded to throw (literally) the “intruder” to the floor. This poor guy awoke midair and concluded that the deck he landed on was comfortable enough, as he watched this human gorilla climb into his bunk. Fortunately, Roy did not find himself underway that morning and ended up becoming good friends with the guy he accosted. So, in this case, it was a happy ending.

Whether or not you enjoy DRB depends on what your role is. There are three possible rolls at a DRB: the accused, the bailiff, or a member of the board. Since Randall’s likely role will be as the accused, it will not be a whole lot of fun. In fact it’s going to be a lot worse than that. It’s going to be stressful, humiliating, and probably one of the worst experiences you will have in the Navy. The best way to prepare is to ask your mother-in-law to point out all your flaws.

The bailiff is not going to be having a ton of fun either. This is because the bailiff is going to spend the whole time standing right next to the accused to make sure he doesn’t try to strangle the chiefs (which he will want to do at some point). On the upside, as the bailiff, you get to hear all the dirt dished out during the DRB. Unfortunately, because of the sensitive nature of this information, you are not permitted to talk about anything you hear at DRB until you have had at least 4 alcoholic beverages.

The best job to have at DRB is to be one of the chiefs on the board. Hands down, this is far better than the other options. For one thing, the chiefs have chairs. Also they have the solemn responsibility to find out the truth and guide the accused toward good judgment and humility. This is normally accomplished by a lot of yelling.

I’m not going to lie, DRB can be a lot of fun if you are a chief. Let’s say you are having a bad day. You only got 2 ½ hours of sleep last night, your division just screwed up the weekly maintenance, and you just found out all your kids need braces (which is not covered by Tricare). Just when you think you can’t take anymore now you have to deal with a seaman apprentice who thought it would be funny (which it was) to steal all the penguins from SeaWorld and put them in the XO’s stateroom. Your mounting stress and frustration has just found an extraordinary release and all in the service of the U.S. Navy.

There are different ways to approach this. Some just like to yell at the accused. Others like to play the nice (ish) guy and ask questions. My favorite was the passive aggressive route. I liked to ask a lot of leading questions and see how long it took for contradictions to develop, then let one of the yellers take over. There is no wrong way to do a DRB, as long as you are pursuing the truth it’s all good.

In your case, Randall, it’s not going to be fun. There are two possible outcomes. You can get yelled at for an hour and be sent up to see the XO and CO for captain’s mast, or you can get yelled at for an hour and have the charges dropped and be assigned extra military instruction. Given all the trouble you have caused, unless you also have recently discovered a cure for cancer, you are probably going to see the captain afterward. The good news is that after your DRB, captain’s mast will feel like a vacation.

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Navy Engineers, Who’s the Best?

U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Steven King (Released) (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

It’s time again to open up the email bag and answer one of your questions in such a way that you will actually be less knowledgeable when we’re done.

Today’s question comes from Patrick in San Diego. He writes, “Who are your most and least favorite engineers onboard a ship and why?”

I’m going to take a shot in the dark and assume that Patrick is an engineer, because, until something breaks, only engineers care about engineers. This can be seen on the chart below:

This is a tough question to answer simply. There are many different kinds of engineers and different platforms in which they work. Before I answer this question, we must first look at the engineers as a whole.

I should make a clarification for any civilian or Air Force readers. When I say engineer, I am not referring to scientific professionals who design and build equipment. We have them in the Navy too, but they are called EDOs or engineering duty officers. EDOs are a fun bunch, the type of people who would consider an evening solving equations as a wild night. Engineers, in Navy parlance, are mechanics, electricians, and plumbers/fire fighters (yep we group these two together).

Typically called snipes, engineers can be divided into two camps: pit snipes and fresh air snipes. Pit snipes are the engine technicians (ENs, MMs, and GSMs). Fresh air snipes are the electricians (EM, GSE) and repair types (DC, HT).

Pit snipes keep the engines running (you know, those things that move the ship) and spend most of their time in the engine room (the pit). These guys are responsible for pretty much every piece of mechanical equipment aboard. They are rarely seen topside, and never without a rag, ear plugs, and a generous coating of grease. You don’t want to make the pit snipes angry. They have the ability to turn off the a/c or water to your berthing compartment.

Fresh air snipes are a little different. Their time in the engine room is limited to routine maintenance and catastrophic events (like an ATG visit). They spend most of their time topside in the fresh air. They’re like day-walker vampires. They work in the daylight like topsiders (non-engineers) but make no mistake about it, given the chance they will suck out your blood and then cut your unauthorized electrical cable.

In addition to pit snipes and fresh air snipes there are a few unique engineers I should note. Sailors who work in the nuclear field are also technically engineers. They are normally found on submarines, aircraft carriers, and in comic book stores playing Dungeons and Dragons. These are some of the smartest, if socially awkward, sailors you will ever meet. Their generous enlistment bonuses also make them some of the best paid in the Navy.

The machinery repairmen are also a unique breed. One of the smallest ratings, MRs are capable of fabricating anything required to repair any equipment. In this role they are incredibly underutilized in the fleet, mostly engraving signs and placards or duplicating keys. They are technically fresh air snipes, but they are the freshest of all the fresh air snipes, barely engineers. I have always had a soft spot for them, since QMs (my rating) don’t really fit in anywhere either.

And let’s not forget the ICs. Interior communication electricians are the ship’s telephone repairmen. They are also engineers. Except that they are not. Or are they? Nobody can keep these guys straight. ICs started out as engineers since they work with electricity like the EMs, but as their gear got much more technologically advanced they began to morph into an electronics technician who fixes phones. Several years back the Navy officially moved ICs from the engineering community to combat systems. So that solved that problem, except that on older ships the ICs continued to work with and considered themselves engineers. In the end I have no idea how they should be classified and am just going to move on.

So which engineer is my favorite, as Patrick asks? That’s really a tough one. Personally I have had many friends who are engineers. On the subject of specific engineering ratings my affection level tends to be in relation to how much I need their skills at a particular moment.

Obviously this can vary quite a bit, depending on the day (or even the minute). Thinking back the engineer I needed the most it would probably be the electricians. On the rare occurrences that I had to tag out electrical equipment, they did it for me. Also, they may have saved my life on several occasions when I was messing with equipment I shouldn’t have been touching.

But I can’t just say that electricians are my favorites. Mostly because it might offend the other engineers who all have access to large hammers and wrenches and who also know how to hide a body. So I’d just like to say that all engineering ratings are my favorite.

Unfortunately, Patrick also asked for my least favorite engineer. Again, this is tough, because of the wrench and hammer thing. So I’m going to have to go with the nuclear technicians. I’ll just have to hope that none of their World of Warcraft talent can be used in the real world. I’m sure that may break their hearts but their $140,000 bonus will console them.

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Yay! The PRT is Back!

Soon the PRT will make an enthusiastic return. (Source: Wikimedia Commons. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Bennett/Released)

Guess what, everybody? The PRT is back, and it’s back with new and exciting changes. Isn’t that great news? I’m sure you all have lots of questions, which would be easily answered by reading NAVADMIN 304/20, but since you aren’t actually going to read the official guidance, I will answer them here.

It’s been so long; what, exactly, is the PRT? Power Ranger Time? Preventative Resilience Timetable?

The PRT is the Navy’s physical readiness test. The twice annual assessment ensuring you’re still in shape. Your success on the PRT is dependent on a number of variables: how many push-ups and sit-ups you complete, how fast you run 1 ½ miles, and how much money you pay the person who is recording this information. Your age also plays a factor. For example, if you are 18 years old you have to be able to do two thousand push-ups and sit-ups, and complete the run in less than 3 minutes. If you are 40 you must complete the run without dying. I might be a little off on these numbers, because the Navy is always tweaking the PRT rules.

What new changes has the Navy introduced to the PRT?

The Navy has done away with the sit-up (curl-ups) portion of the PRT. Instead of sit-ups, today’s sailors will be flogged by a cat-o-nine tails for 2 minutes. No, just kidding, it’s actually much worse. Sit-ups will be replaced by planks.

No more sit-ups in the PRT. (Source: Wikimedia Commons. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Barnes/Released)

What are planks? Are we going to have to walk the plank? Is this even safe?

Another great question. No, you will not have to walk the plank. At least not as part of the PRT, but there is talk of making it a punishment as a result of captain’s mast. In the case of the PRT, a plank is an exercise that involves an individual supporting themselves on their hands (or forearms) and feet. Like you are about to do push-ups, but instead you just stay in that position… forever.

Well, not exactly forever, it just feels that way. Time seems to slow down as you perform a plank, as is seen on this comparison chart:

Real Time	Plank Time
1 Second	1 Second
10 Seconds	15 Seconds
30 Seconds	457,298 Years

Are there any other exercises being introduced to the PRT?

Yes, as a matter of fact there is another activity being introduced this year. This year the Navy will also incorporate rowing as an alternative to the run. I, in particular, like this new nautical theme in the PRT. If I could make just one change, it would be to add an outboard engine and maybe some fishing poles.

“Are there other changes are happening this year with the PRT?”

One big change is that there will actually be a PRT. This is a bit different from last year when there was no PRT due to the COVID pandemic. As a result some sailors may be a little out of shape. If at all possible, it is highly recommended that all sailors travel back in time to about a year ago and stay in shape instead of sitting around the house watching Tiger King and eating raw cookie dough. You’re going to need a DeLorean and some plutonium. Of course that would also involve reliving the house-of-horror that was 2020, and nobody wants to do that. This means that you need to burn off 12 months of junk food, and you need to do it now. I say “you” because as a retiree I am free to keep my cookie dough body for as long as I want, or at least until my wife threatens to leave me.

While trying to get back in shape, you are going need to start eating better as well. Don’t worry, I am going to help you. Mainly what you want to do is eat less. What little you do eat, should be healthy and nutritious.

The good news is that these go hand-in-hand, because healthy food isn’t known for its flavor. Try serving asparagus instead of cake at a birthday party and see what it does for your popularity. So while you are eating healthy, you are going to be less inclined to eat.

Go into your kitchen and throw out all your junk food. Next, go to the health food store and buy nutritious food, like kale (kale is still healthy right?) and anything that is gluten free. Now when you get hungry just go to the kitchen and eat whatever your roommate (who is not on a health food craze) has bought. These calories, acquired by theft, do not count and are perfectly healthy to eat (until you are stabbed by your roommate).

So get to work exercising and eating healthy. The PRT is just a few months away, unless the Navy changes the schedule again, but really, what are the chances of that?

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New Naval Uniforms, you’re going to love them!

Could these be new uniforms? Probably not. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

It’s been said that the only constant in life is change. I’m not sure who said this, but he was probably involved in naval uniform development. The modern Navy has over a dozen uniforms currently in use with numerous modifications in the works.

All these new uniforms and modifications started with Task Force Uniform (TFU), the first task force created by the U.S. Navy for the war on terror. You might think it’s odd that in the middle of the largest military operation since the Vietnam War the Navy created a task force to design uniforms. Well nobody asked you, and it’s a good thing too. Don’t you know that the most important aspect to any tactical operation is a well-dressed navy? This is not to say that the US Navy is better dressed as a result of TFU.

For years the Navy has struggled to develop durable uniforms with a traditional look that also serve a practical purpose. The result has been uniforms lacking a traditional look and at the same time serve no practical purpose, and durable enough to survive up to two washings before falling apart.

The best example was the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) Type I. Not only was this a blue camouflage uniform providing camouflage only after falling into the ocean (literally the only time a shipboard sailor wants to be easily found) but also was likely to melt to your body if the ambient temperature was higher than the average cup of coffee.

Seabees wearing NWU Type III (left) and Type I (right). U.S. Navy photograph by LS2 Darlene Kemble/Released. (Source Wikimedia Commons)

The NWU Type I was a failure. Fortunately the Navy learned from it and issued the NWU Type III (the story of the Type II design is so ridiculous you wouldn’t believe it if I told you). The Type IIIs are a real camouflage uniform, designed for the rigors of combat (as can be seen by the addition of Velcro). The green woodland design is ideal for concealment in any forest (although I will admit there are very few of these on most warships).

This is a uniform so camouflaged that even your rank was hidden. The rank insignia is worn inside the back pocket. I’m just kidding, it’s worn in the center of the blouse (right behind any package you might be carrying). This has resulted in comical situations as sailors, passing on the street, study each other carefully (with sideways glances) to figure out if a salute is required. It’s the Navy version of Where’s Waldo?

Now that I’m retired from the Navy, and would like to continue to eat, I’ve been wondering if the Navy’s uniform office is hiring. Given the products recently introduced, there can’t be a very high bar to clear. I’ve even started working on a couple new ideas, which we will now explore.

Working Uniforms

Working uniforms have been a huge challenge. A uniform which is practical and sharp is ideal but merging both of these can be difficult. Above all it has to provide for the safety of the wearer. No more working uniforms that melt, from now on they will be made of leather (as we all know leather never goes out of style).

The new naval working uniform (NNWU) will also be camouflage, because in the modern Navy, for some reason, it is essential that we be camouflaged at all times. The pattern will have to change though. Digital camouflage is so 2005. Now in the 20’s we need something new and edgy. The new working uniform will utilize 3D patterns. We could then sell 3D glasses to the enemy at a reasonable price.

Disciplinary Uniforms

If there is one group of sailors that have been left out of all the uniform developments, it’s the trouble makers. With this uniform that is a thing of the past. I present to you the Penitential Uniform (PU). The PU would be made of blue burlap to provide a perpetual reminder to the wearer of their offence. The PU would be issued following captain’s mast or court martial and worn for the duration of restricted duty or brig confinement. Instead of ribbons or warfare devices the right breast pocket would be decorated with symbols of the offences.

Physical Training Uniforms

Physical training uniforms have been a difficult area since they were first introduced in 2006. Durability, comfort, freedom of movement, and material that breathes are all areas that should be included in such a uniform. We know this because these are the areas that were not included when developing the current uniform. Which brings us to the new, improved, and highly modern PT Uniform version X (PTU-X). The PTU-X will be made completely out of body paint. Talk about freedom of movement and breathability. What is more durable than the human skin? Any wear or damage and the skin will heal and then can be touched up with official PTU-X touch up paint carried in the official PTU-X fanny pack adorned with a digital blue and gold pattern.

This is, of course, just the beginning. I have a lot more ideas but I’m not giving those away for free. I’ll save those for when the uniform office hires me (or until I need another idea for an article).

The challenges of the future are coming and we need new uniforms to meet those challenges. If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that there is no such thing as a bad idea when it comes to uniforms. The Navy will buy anything.

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