The key to this puzzle then is the word essential in the instruction 

 governing P-coding, and fortunately a very significant step was taken 

 by the Navy Department on 13 May 1969 when this wording was revised 

 in OPNAV Instruction 1211. 6b4. It now reads "highly desirable". 

 This opens up the opportunity to expand the number of P-coded billets 

 in ships and ASW aircraft squadrons. 



There is another reason why I think this step must be taken. In 

 the past we have always assumed that the P-coded billets at sea were 

 far fewer in number than those ashore, and that those at sea would 

 easily be filled by qualified subspecialists in the normal rotation of 

 officers. This is not the case in oceanography. At present there are 

 83 subspecialist billets for oceanographers and 21 for hydrographers, 

 only 3 of which are in fleet operating units (ASW groups). The number 

 proposed by the oceanographer for units of the fleet is much greater 

 than this. In other words, the seagoing requirements exceed those 

 ashore, and inventory planning for the career community should be 

 based on this number. 



Furthermore the officer who accepts oceanography as a sub- 

 specialty likes to think that his education and experience will also 

 make a direct contribution to his specialty of naval warfare and com- 

 mand at sea, and he is anxious to practice his trade at sea, and should 

 be permitted and encouraged to do so. 



I suggest therefore that the Fleet Commanders-in-Chief be asked 

 to review again the Oceanographer's previous proposal. Two new 

 notions might be introduced. It might be quite useful to double P-code 

 certain billets to ease the restriction on detailing. The billet of 

 Operations Officer of a destroyer for example could be filled by an 

 officer with either an oceanography or operations analysis P-code. 

 As an interim measure, guidance could be given to the placement 

 officers in the Bureau of Naval Personnel, so that at least one officer 

 in each of certain Fleet units such as submarines, destroyers, and 

 ASW aircraft squadrons would have an oceanographic P-code. 



I am convinced that these steps will simultaneously strengthen 

 the performance and readiness of our ships and aircraft, and 

 enhance the career opportunities of the fine officers who have com- 

 mitted themselves to the oceanographic specialty and subspecialty 

 in our Navy, 



15 



