Robert R. Blackwell
Published: 2008
Total Pages:
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The surface warfare community prides itself on having the most capable, best trained, and most proficient leaders at the Department Head (DH) level. This assumption stems from an age when the "Head of Department" was a seasoned, matriculated, and more senior officer, both chronologically and by years of service. Today's DH normally has five to seven years of naval officer experience, is still in his twenties, likely has only three years of experience at sea, and possesses few of the core competencies required of the position. Surface warfare officer department head leadership development is the thesis topic under examination. This study asks, "Does Surface Warfare Officer School (SWOS) offer the instruction and leadership training required to meet 21st century Department Head requirements?" Examination of both Army and Navy mid-grade leadership courses will gage the competing services level of leader development and the effectiveness of the Department Head Leadership Curriculum. The survey revealed low marks for Resource Management and Leading Change in both services. Recommendations are made for improving SWOS leadership and offers options for future study.