It’s just one of those days, and I think back to Plebe Summer…

Kierkegaard said:

Rough week at work. Rough month more like. Long hours, not a ton of sleep, grumpy department heads, and tall stacks of paperwork everywhere. Boss wants an update on my quals progress this week. About to go into work and stand watch.

This is the life we chose, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Well, maybe I would if I could change it, but I can’t, so I’ll adapt.

I think back to Plebe Summer and think “Wow, to be a Plebe again and not have to make any decisions”. Actually, Plebe Summer was very good practice for this!

All there is to do is FITFO (Figure it the F*** out in case that’s not on the acronym list).

Have a great day everyone.

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I presume you are a SWO? Life as a SWO JO is extremely rough - you are thrown right into the fire and expected to hit the deck running (pun intended). Plebe summer and plebe year helps build resiliency, which is a skillset really needed in today's environment (can't emphasize that enough) and glad you have recognized that. Tasking and operations are only increasing (anyone can just watch how complex today's world is), but manning (resourcing) isn't keeping pace - other posts have discussed recruiting/retention issues. You operate in an environment where time management and prioritization skills have to be very sharp - which is why USNA is looking for candidates who posses these skillsets (or show potential to) and why it is simulated (mostly) during all four years at USNA.

Feel free to DM me if there is any specific advice you'd like (it's free!)

I tried the SWO thing right outta Kings Point '90 Not sure what SWO life is like these days but it was Dog eat Dog back in the 90's. Tyrannical CO's, Rediculous ppw ie CASREPs, Luckily I had the Filipino Mafia at my disposal to run interference and create shortcuts. After 5yrs and 2 DivO tours in the hole, I had enough and made a B line from 32nd St San Diego to the MEBA maritime union hall in Long Beach for a 90 day stint on a Supertanker. Went from $4k a month as a Navy LT to $18k/ month as a 3rd Engineer in the Merchant Marine.