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practical experience in the war games along the coast; for while the army and navy have enjoyed such an experience in common, no instance is on record where the coast guard has ever been able to profit from participation therein. The foregoing suggestions, if put into effect, would vastly increase the versatility of the officers of the coast guard, but prior to doing so, the commissioned personnel should be expanded commensurate not only with the size of the service, but the age and experience of the officers. At present, with an enlisted personnel of above 4000 men, there are but six senior captains (commanders); and the remaining commanding officers, those who do the real work at sea, enjoy the rank of captain (lieutenant commander), while adequate promotion in the junior grades is lacking.

It is proper to digress here to point to the fact that the present rank held by those afloat not only in the commissioned, but in the warrant ranks, not to mention the petty officer class, is entirely inadequate and must tend to prevent that full efficiency that is to be expected of the coast guard in the event of its becoming for the time being a part of the navy.

The handwriting is on the wall, and in the event of the service fulfilling the terms of the statute providing for its becoming a part of the navy, the lack of adequate rank will be a disturbing factor which will, by necessity, engage the attention of the Navy Department and legislation will have to be had. The writer is not gifted with clairvoyant powers and is as much at loss as to the ultimate destination of officers in the coast guard, in the event of mobilization and the duty each will perform, as are his fellows; but unless he is a false prophet, legislation must be had in order that they may do the work, and any legislation that may by necessity be enacted in war-time will be inadequate by reason of influences difficult to control. Therefore, measures should be at once taken to adjust the rank of officers by timely Congressional action, while at the same time adjusting the rank of warrant officers to meet impending conditions and to expand the petty officer class to make it a real incentive among the men.

During the months of July and August of each year, or if for only during one of those months, the crews of the coast guard cutters should be placed on board of naval ships in reserve, or ordinary, and, under coast guard officers, taken to sea and given

thus shown consideration. For instance, results of target practice, "How many hits did we get," were sent below as well as on deck.

In the use of the time-firing device the officer of the watch was required to anticipate needs for steam; for instance, if the evaporators were to be secured at 10 p. m., the time-firing interval should be increased at 9.45 p. m.

STANDING WATCH

The officer of the watch was required to spend the most of his time in fire-rooms. It was found that at least half of each hour had to be spent there in order to obtain an economical watch. He was also required to inspect the feed-water heaters twice each hour and if the temperature of the feed fell below 230° F. something had to be done; for instance, pump bilges and obtain a little more back pressure. The proper use of pumps and auxiliaries made it possible to carry a back pressure of from 26 to 35 pounds gage and a feed-water temperature of from 242° F. to 250° F.

The officer of the watch was furnished complete information of all standing orders, cut-off settings, tank capacities and as far as possible what changes he might look for during his watch.

In order to reduce the time the furnace doors were opened at each firing, operating gear was fitted to them. Firemen, third class, were detailed to work this gear and the officer of the watch marked these men as well as the other men of his watch. Each watch (every man on watch) was marked on regular scale.

OFFICE WORK

A board was hung outside the office and each day the average marks for the watches were posted. About once a week the marks of the men were posted. This board also furnished information as to the coal used by each watch, the total coal and the total water used for the day and the engineering multiple-first, for the day; second, for the month; and third, for the year to date. This multiple gained about .043 every day for six months. The board held a large E and the words "Fire light, fire often."

The performances of the other ships were posted whenever obtained.

The standing of watches was systematized and made rigid. In other words, the men were able to tell at least two weeks ahead of time when they would have auxiliary watch. The auxiliaries, such as ice machines and evaporators, were given their special details. These details were never changed and, it may be said that properly supervised, of course, they ran their own watches.

The men of the engineer's force knew that all vacancies of higher ratings would be filled on board ship. This further enhanced the values of the marks given each watch, and it was but a short while when the men fully realized it. It further increased the interest the men took in their work.

The office avoided as far as possible work out of working hours. The men were made to realize that so long as they worked during working hours their time off would not be disturbed.

Officers were on their stations during working hours, in port or at sea; and in addition to merely being around, they answered questions, they guided the men in their work, and were of genuine value. This reduced the time required to do things. In connection with cutting down time required, the telephone system was kept up and used. The senior assistant was always available and the men were made welcome in telephoning him for advice, reports or information desired. The desire to do things in the easiest and quickest way seemed to prevail and a real genuine "bound to win" spirit developed.

[COPYRIGHTED]

U. S. NAVAL INSTITUTE, ANNAPOLIS, MD.

THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD: ITS
MILITARY NECESSITIES

By CAPTAIN F. S. VAN BOSKERCK, U. S. Coast Guard

FOREWORD

The following paper was prepared several months prior to the outbreak of the present war, but it has been impracticable to print it until now.

The fact has become apparent that in the past the navy and the coast guard have not gotten sufficiently close together, but it is thought that from the beneficial results attending present association, each service will have appreciated the worth of the officers of the other, to the mutual advantage of the two services and the public interests.

Since mobilization, the enlisted personnel of the coast guard has increased until it now numbers about 6000 men-2000 more than on a peace basis-and many changes have transpired as to the disposition of the entire personnel, which is now scattered among coast guard ships, naval vessels, at air stations, in Washington, and in the several naval districts, and the need for experienced officers has been urgent.

It is suggested that now is the psychological moment to make a mental survey of conditions, to take a look at them from a fair, unbiased viewpoint, and thus to realize the errors of the past, brought about as they have been by misunderstandings and a lack of knowledge of facts.

THE AUTHOR

This paper has been written with the single idea of presenting to the officers of the navy and coast guard tentative suggestions for increasing the military efficiency of the latter service, which, if adopted, would be in the best interests of the navy and the

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