In all my years in the RN Steve, I found few people who could fathom many of the decisions made by the powers that be. Some decisions were obvious but many appeared to be more political and gave the impression that they were made on a personal preference by one of the big wheels. Possibly by an admiral who had served on one and pushed for that one to be kept and another removed.
Having been involved in the evaluation and introduction of more than a few equipments, I know that much was down to an admirals wishes, over actual logic. On at least two occasions, I found out that an admiral was involved with the board of the equipment makers.
On one occasion I was tasked with putting together a report on future training methods and equipment, primarily the use of Microfiche machines instead of manuals, in the classroom., from an HMS Dolphin aspect. I canvassed all areas of Dolphin for their views on this and the overwhelming view was one opposed to MF machines. It turned out that the majority of surveys from other establishments and ships were of the same opinion. However, when all of the evaluators attended the meeting in the Dockyard, the Commander chairing the meeting, informed us that before declaring the meeting open he would like to thank us all for our hard work in producing such good reports but that the powers that be had already purchased the equipment, so discussion was pointless. He apologised then opened the meeting and of course, no one had anything worthwhile saying, we all knew it was pointless, so he declared the meeting over. Think it took all of five minutes.
Jeez! Cooky that's scary stuff, not unlike the politicians of today eh? One likes to think that individuals in the forces would have the interests of the majority at heart.
Report