Re fleeting the Novy within a Stuffed budaet

摘要

It seems like most newspaper journalists, on a quiet day, like to pick on the Navy. They take a certain amount of glee in reminding the taxpayers of how badly the Navy performs in acquisition, the performance of vessels, and the questionable behaviourof crews. While such negative press may deter potential recruits, people should remember that journalists are themselves at the very bottom of the credibility list, and that while the Navy could lift its game in terms of streamlining the acquisition-process, it actually does a good job. Having done a spell in the Navy as a reservist, and then having worked on several design projects with them, I have a more than a passing interest in naval matters. I started as a Sub-Lieutenant, "acting, on probation",in other words not allowed to do or say anything without permission from someone of a more senior rank. My initial experience, coming from commercial vessels, was a culture shock, but it beat the other option of going to Vietnam and getting shot at.