This course broadly involves being assessed in competencies
both tactically, operationally but the entirety is focused on command itself.
So once we've proven we're capable of doing each of the events
that we do at a tactical level, we then reassess as command
and oversee other people do that to make sure that we can do it first.
And then can we do it in command and make sure that it's
going to the level and the experience that it's supposed to.
From a submariners perspective, it is the toughest course that you can do
internationally.
The submarine command course from any nation is definitely regarded
as the pinnacle of a submariners career to achieve the submarine
command course is a major milestone and it is the ticket to command.
It's a four month course, eleven weeks at HMAS Stirling in the simulator
then we come to sea and do one month sea phase with
where the students are put through their paces on all aspects of submarine warfare.
The simulator plays a huge part in this
of course we did ten of 12 weeks in the simulator
and the benefit of is it allows teacher to tailor
each of the events to the students capabilities and experience.
You can increase or decrease the level of difficulty
as required something that is much harder to achieve at sea.
Basically testing us on everything we can expect to face at sea,
as a CO of a submarine. It is geared largely towards our
operational profile, which is a step away from what we were doing with the European
courses here.
It's really geared to what an Australian CO can expect to see.
So it's been brilliant.
A lot of thoughts gone into the course a lot of time in the SIM,
a high pressure, close-in warship activity
and then stepping into some of the more covert activities.
And it's basically everything you can and will need to do in a submarine.
We've done in the simulator
and now we're hoping to replicate some of that in the in the sea phase.
Again.
The difference between I guess submarine command and command
of a surface unit, for example, would be the submarine captain is truly
exercising autonomous
command he is or she is alone.
There is no reach back to shore.
Decisions have to be made on the spot.
Your instructions that you're provided
when you sail, that is what that is all you've got.
And you have to be able to function as the last man.
The idea of mission command on board a submarine is the greatest privilege
that you can achieve within the submarine force, as far as I'm concerned.
And the responsibility is huge.
And the accountability is something
that you've got to get used to and you've got to accept
because when it comes to submarine command, failure is not an option.