How They Became Legends (Part 8 of 8)

This final section leaves us with the question of how these skippers became the legends they have become answered only superficially, in my honest opinion. Many different variables come into play when comparing the “then” with current efforts of professional leadership development – societal norms, professional attitudes, and overall imperative to learn on the run with an extremely steep learning curve. However, perhaps this series leaves the reader with an altered perspective on how simplicity and action may form the foundation of effective leadership development.

The inclusion of all of my primary and secondary sources may assist future studies into this matter, and I hope that the reader has not only enjoyed this series, but is inspired to delve further into the subject on their own terms. 

Continued from Part 7…

Conclusion

The development of the American submarine skipper, starting at the United States Naval Academy, and further refined at the Submarine School, resulted in capable leaders who were situated at a significant point in the evolution of naval warfare. These officers proved to be critical participants in the successful efforts to defeat the Imperial Japanese Navy and merchant fleet in an aggressive and successful submarine campaign in the Pacific Theater of Operations in the Second World War. With little in the way of formal professional instruction on leadership, the graduates of these two institutions were instilled with the concept of leadership through obligation. Working from the template of experiential learning before it became a concept espoused by contemporary leadership education, the success of the skippers was the result of practical mentorship and the shared desire of their peers to succeed through cooperation and initiative, regardless of the obstacles and challenges.

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