Although the general amounting system (the 1MC
Observers' Reports.-- The observers' reports are
circuit) may be used by the ship's company, observers,
prepared in the form prescribed by the type commander
and include any additional instructions given by the
normally, have priority in its use. The problem-time
chief observer. The reports of the observers are
announcer uses the general announcing system to
collected by the senior observer for each department and
announce the start of the battle problem, the problem
are submitted to the chief observer. All observers'
time at regular intervals, the conclusion of the problem,
reports are reviewed by the senior observers before the
and the restoration of casualties. The general
critique is held.
announcing system is kept available at all times for use
in case of actual emergency. All other announcing
The observers' reports (fig. 13-x.--An example of
system circuits and other means of interior
an engineering observer's report) provide the inspected
communications are reserved for the use of the ship.
ship with detailed observations of the battle problem
which because of time limitations, may not have been
Engineering telephone circuits should be monitored
brought out during the critique. The inspected ship
by one or more observers. A check should be made for
receives a copy of all observers' reports; in this way,
proper procedure, for circuit discipline, and for proper
each department is given the opportunity to review the
handling of information or casualties.
comments and set up a training schedule to cover the
An inspection should be made to see that the
weak points.
engineering plant is properly split following current
directives. Fire hazards, such as paint, rags, or oil; and
The blank parts of the observers' report forms are
missile hazards, such as loose gear, loose floor plates,
filled as applicable to the individual observer's station.
toolboxes; and repair parts boxes should be noted. The
Items that were not observed are either left blank or
condition of firefighting, damage control, and
crossed out. Additional information, if required for a
remote-control gear should be carefully inspected.
certain exercise or condition, may be written on the
reverse side of the form. A separate form or sheet is used
ANALYSIS OF THE BATTLE PROBLEM.--
for each exercise or drill. Remarks or statements made
The maximum benefit obtained from conducting a battle
by the observer should be clear and legible.
problem lies in pinpointing existing weaknesses and
deficiencies and in resulting recommendations for
improvement in organization and training. Every effort
MATERIAL INSPECTION
should be made by the observers to emphasize strong
points as well as deficiencies. Knowledge of existing
The purpose of material inspection is to determine
strong points is helpful to boost the morale of the ship's
the actual material condition of the ship. On the basis
personnel.
of what the inspection discloses, it may be necessary to
recommend repairs, alterations, changes, or
Analysis of the battle problem gives the observers
developments that will ensure the material readiness of
an opportunity to present to the ship's company their
the ship to carry out the mission for which it was
opinion of its performance and for the ship's company
designed. In addition, the material inspection
to comment on the observers' remarks as well as to
determines whether or not proper procedures are being
consider suggested improvements.
carried out in the care and operation of the machinery
Analysis is conducted in two steps--the critique
and the equipment. Administrative procedures and
and the observers' report.
material records that are inspected include maintenance
records and routine tests and inspections. The
Critique of the Battle Problem.-- A critique of the
requirements prescribed for material readiness are as
battle problem is held on board the observed ship before
follows:
the observing party leaves so the problems and the
actions taken may be reviewed when they are fresh in
1. Established routines for the conduct of
the minds of all concerned. The critique is attended by
inspection sand tests, schedule for preventive
all the ship's officers, appropriate chief and first class
maintenance, and a system which will ensure timely and
petty officers, the chief observer, and all senior
effective repairs.
observers. The various points of interest of the battle
problem are discussed. The chief observer comments
2. Adequate material maintenance records, kept in
accordance with current directives, that give the history
on the overall conduct of the problem after the senior
and detailed description of the condition of the
observers complete their analysis of the battle problem
machinery and the equipment.
as reported in their observers' reports.
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