Submarines run 24/7 on rotating watches — this follows a senior officer through one full cycle.
Outgoing officer briefs every system status — reactor, depth, course, crew.
Review overnight logs; one reading is off — sensor glitch or real problem?
Update position using sonar and dead reckoning — no GPS down here.
Simulate a flooding event; crew has four minutes to seal the compartment.
Sign off on repair logs; one system is borderline — surface or press on?
Coordinate stealth approach to surveillance zone; silence is non-negotiable.
Walk the boat; gauge morale after six weeks submerged with no contact home.
Officers drill technical manuals — exams never stop, even on deployment.
Brief the incoming officer; every detail passed clean before standing down.
- Command the submarine and make life-or-death calls underwater.
- Monitor the nuclear reactor and keep it running safely around the clock.
- Navigate the sub through deep, dark ocean without GPS or landmarks.
- Lead a crew of over 100 sailors through months-long deployments.
- Run drills so the crew can handle fires, floods, or reactor emergencies.
- Is this reactor reading a real problem, or a sensor glitch I can manage?
- Do I surface now to handle this crew emergency, or stay hidden and complete the mission?
- Is my crew holding up well enough to keep going, or are we approaching a breaking point?
- Should I maneuver aggressively to avoid detection, or hold course and risk a collision?
- Do I trust my own read of this situation, or wait for orders from command I can't reach?
People usually reach this work through experience rather than a college program.
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