"Bob" wrote in message
oups.com...

Hey yawl,

Interesting debate that we have touched on: Lower Level v. Academy
(CMA) types.

The trade magazine WorkBoat ran just a discussion a few months ago.
Basically, it is the OJT experience Haws Pipe v. College Kid grad who's
better in the wheel house argument.
Personally, both individuals have some predictable deficiencies. The
problem I have with the Haws Pipers is that their a bit like a
one-trick-pony. Get them out of their element and they are a fish out
of water, not able to adapt easily.

Sticking with the "big ships" for the moment..... In breaking in new 3M's
I've noticed that the "schoolship" types tend to have a more well rounded
knowledge base to work from, but, when up against a "hawse piper" or
"X-Navy" how they were able to use that knowledge and apply it became an
independent issue where there was no guarantee that one or the other would
get up to speed faster, i.e., knowing the "book" was no guarantee.
As you say, if someone has all their experience on one type of boat and come
up through the "HP" they will frequently run into problems when and if they
change vessel types. I've noticed this more with X-Navy (but I tend to think
this has more to do with the "social order" of the Navy).

otn
licensed 41yrs