Integrity

  I was watching the graduation of new sailors on Livestream, and the CNO was a guest and speaker.  I had personal reasons for watching the graduation, but having an opportunity to see the CNO address these new sailors was an added bonus.
  What turned out very unique, and focuses on what the problems are for the Navy, was highlighted by the problems that the CNO had in delivering his speech.  He talked to the Sailors about how important, "INTEGRITY" was, and that it is something that needed to be protected, guarded, and cherished.  No one can take away your integrity.  It is a vital trait that you must protect.  I am not quoting of course, and just paraphrasing what I thought the CNO meant.  Of course during this speech, his microphone starting cutting out, and he had to replace one.  He still had problems with his speech blanking out in places.  In some ways it reflected how the Navy is today.  We are so focused on mechanisms, and technology, that we forget what makes it work.  What is important were the words, and the ideals of such concepts such as Integrity.  We didn't get a very good chance to dwell on these thoughts, because we were so affected by the failures of technology to get the message.
  I feel there are serious problems in the Navy, not necessarily of equipment, but of leadership.  There is a clear problem with the leadership in the Navy, and there are so many causes that have played integral roles over the decades, that it's hard to even know how much of an impact one item might have.
  There are clear cut results though.  Too many commands have lost confidence in the leadership.  The chain of command is broken.  Authority is abused.  Leadership has failed.  The Chief's community is no longer a force for good, and does not represent leadership or progress in any way.
  I dwell on these concepts, loss of faith in leadership, and causes.  I will try to write my thoughts down, but it is a complex set of issues.  No matter how great the intentions and integrity of these young sailors are, if we do not nourish and support their growth, development, and leadership; they cannot hope to become the people needed to lead the Navy.

Origins

History has a way of catching up.  When I first started my blog, I had originally called it, "Mind Your Rudder".  This is a command used to remind the Helmsman to pay attention, and to review and reflect about where they are, in which direction they are steering a course, and where they wish to be.
When Google transitioned services into a single log on, I dropped that blog and started a new one with a different name.  I thought it is a good time to bring back the old name, I always liked that term.