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U.S. Naval Institute Authors Asks Leaders to "Treat Sailors like Adults"
Veteran Navy Captain derides liberty policies as dysfunctional and counterproductive in Proceedings article
ANNAPOLIS, Md (May 9, 2008) – In a scathing indictment of overseas liberty policies, a seasoned Navy captain says a pernicious risk-aversion mentality has caused many officers to treat their Sailors like children who cannot be trusted.
Captain J.M. van Tol, writing in the May issue of Proceedings, the U.S. Naval Institute's flagship magazine, condemns in particular the "draconian" liberty rules reported in effect in the western Pacific, notably on ships assigned to Forward Deployed Naval Forces Japan.
Van Tol, who commanded three warships (two based in Japan) prior to retiring last year, titles his article "Worse Than A Crime—A Mistake." He argues that many commanding officers are so fearful of a liberty infraction by a subordinate that they "infantilize" Sailors in a misguided effort to avoid harsh criticism coming down from their equally fearful superiors.
The author challenges the mentality behind measures like a multi-part liberty plan form used in some commands that requires Sailors to describe in detail what they intend to do each time they go out on liberty as well as sign an alcohol awareness/use section "with multiple Miranda-style questions" to ensure they understand the rules and consequences if they drink alcohol.
Some FDNF commands, says van Tol, "apparently require departmental chiefs or officers to reach by phone or physically see each of their Sailors (first class petty officers and below) every evening—even on weekends and regardless of marital status—to make sure they were following approved liberty plans."
Such rules "reflect an unimaginative, fearful senior leadership mentality dripping with short-sightedness and risk aversion," van Tol writes. "These policies are a disgrace."
There is a better way, he says. "The real underpinning to good order and discipline is trust in your Sailors (and prompt condign punishment of the occasionally guilty one)…. This really amounts to no more than the traditional maxim of giving people responsibility and holding them accountable, and it works."
"Captain van Tol sets the example of someone who identifies a problem but then offers solutions," says Proceedings Managing Editor Paul Merzlak. "These young Sailors are tomorrow's leaders. When commanders trust their people, it results in good morale and work ethics, which in turn sets Sailors up for future success."
Proceedings, previously available only through membership in the U.S. Naval Institute, is now available in selected bookstores and newsstands.
For interviews, J.M. van Tol can be reached via email at jmvantol@verizon.net, or you may contact Jessica Andrews at the Naval Institute at jandrews@usni.org for further information.
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