Effective Predictors of Submarine Junior Officer Technical Competence

Abstract

This study examines technical and behavioral relationships between independent variables related to U.S. Naval Academy graduates and their probabilities for submarine duty assignment and service with technical competence as junior officers. "Technical competence" is defined as: successful completion of Nuclear Power School, Nuclear Power Training Unit, and the Prospective Nuclear Engineer Officer examination (PNEO). Data analysis of different outcome models is accomplished with the use of binary LOGIT regressions. Results suggest Engineering and Mathematical/Sciences majors (Group I and 2) have greater chances for submarine service assignment and better performance during initial nuclear training programs than officers with Humanities/Social Sciences (Group 3) majors. However, the Group I and 2 advantages, slowly decrease over time and eventually Group 3 officers linearly perform as well as their peers during PNEO. Findings suggest Group 3 majors are as desirable as other undergraduate majors when selecting submarine officers. Study limitations are discussed with future implications and suggested research opportunities.