Monthly Archives: June 2018

Now More Than Ever – a Strong Navy and Peace

Mister Mac's avatartheleansubmariner

The Navy League has been tireless in its mission to support the sea services throughout the last 116 years. From its founding in 1902, they have tried to always live the spirit that Theodore Roosevelt embodied when he said “A good Navy is not a provocative of war, it is the surest guarantee of peace.”

Three years after he said those fateful words, the world was changed forever on May 27, 1905 when a smaller Japanese fleet defeated the powerful Russian Navy in the Straits of Tsushima.

This unexpected naval battle set the tone for naval conflict for the next century. It showed that a willful and resourceful nation could project sea power and influence the course of history in a way that the world would have to notice. It clearly demonstrated that no country, no matter how small or limited in resources, should ever be taken for granted.

Despite that…

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Boot Camp Classification

Boot Camp Classification

By Garland Davis

He remembers the day of classification in Boot Camp. This was a day instrumental in every sailor’s Navy life, whether for a single tour or a thirty-year career.

He was on time for the appointment with all his documents ready. This disqualified him from being a Storekeeper.

He was also bathed, cleanly shaven and in a presentable uniform. Immediately disqualified as a Boatswain’s Mate.

He told the classification clerk that he was awake and alert during the afternoons. No way could he become a Gunner’s Mate with that attitude.

He had turned up at the correct office on time. This disqualified him from being a Radioman.

He correctly identified the on and off positions of a standard light switch. Eliminated him for consideration for any of the electronic ratings.

His hearing test showed a remarkable ability to hear sounds. Immediately disqualified for Sonar Technician.

He showed an ability in simple arithmetic. This disqualified him as a Disbursing Clerk.

He explained the recipes for making toast and bug juice. Not qualified to be a Cook.

He proved to him that he could read, write and spell. Not Yeoman or Personnelman.

After asking several more questions, shaking his head, the classification counselor fished a wrinkled paper from the bottom of the shitcan, saying, “I had given up on this one. Jerry Collins, you are going to be a Boiler Technician.”

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