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By Lieutenant Walter T. Molano, U.S. Navy
The proliferation of personal computers (PCs) in the U.S. Navy places a powerful yet misused tool in the hands of naval personnel. Over the past few years, the Navy has distributed the Zenith 248 c°mputer, but it has failed to provide the training necessary to exploit all of the Possible uses of this machine.
In some instances, the introduction of f’Cs into the naval workplace has led to a Veritable software explosion, as commands have adopted different types of software to accomplish the same tasks. This is especially true in regard to word processing applications. The problem
Packages are not interchangeable. As a result, a piece of work completed by one Unit or command on one software package cannot be used by another at a differ- e,lt location. Furthermore, personnel Conversant in one software program may N°t be familiar with others in use. This lack of uniformity slows down the process and limits the benefits of computer use. The Navy has already recognized these problems and initiated planning to integrate all software into one standard set. Unfortunately, this will not solve all of the Navy’s problems. The Navy’s foremost computer problem is not incompatibility but illiteracy, which prevents the Navy from using these expensive machines to their full potential.
Few in the Navy understand the principles, mechanics, and applications of the personal computer. Lengthy tours at sea isolate sailors from developments and marketing. Thus, the typical user becomes alienated and intimidated by the superficial intricacies of the PC. To combat this situation, the Navy should develop a program to train all hands in the basic layout of the computer and to famil- ^ iarize them with the variety of hardware available.
After literacy rises, computer use and integration will acceler- ^ ate, demanding more programs and applications. At that point the Navy will have to address the confusion caused by too many incompatible computer programs.
At present, computer use in the --'Navy is haphazard and irregular. Operators in some units are computer literate (and put their machines to the best possible use. Other units use them only for ' word processing and games, purchasing expensive training simulation packages that could be created with the hardware they already possess. Only through a service-wide computer training program will all hands become familiar with the capabilities of the PC.
One possible use of the computer in the daily routine is for tracking advancement
qualifications and dates. Squadron operations and maintenance departments could integrate yellow sheets through database programs so that a single yeoman could track flight time for an entire squadron. Maintenance departments could use computer-aided design programs for troubleshooting. Operations departments could use graphic programs to develop slides and presentations more quickly. Finally, programs for navigation, route planning, and standard form filing could be implemented service wide.
Once familiar with the vast capabilities of the computer, users will begin to develop their own applications. Only then should the Navy make plans to integrate all software programs and applications into a standard package.
Computer literacy will achieve still more benefits for the Navy. For example, these machines use the same basic technology as the hardware and software of weapon systems. Sailors acquainted with modems and baud rates will be able to apply those concepts to data networks and hardware.
A Navy-wide computer education program would be relatively easy and inexpensive to implement. Training teams could be dispatched to naval units worldwide to present seminars, which need only last a few hours. They could distribute manuals and programs, which then could be used with the Zenith hardware already in place. Once the trainees learn the basic tenets of computer use, they will discover that all computer programs and applications are relatively similar and very user friendly.
Lieutenant Molano, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, served on board the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) as an A-6E pilot. He is currently stationed in Beth- page. New Jersey.
The Ultimate War Game
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By Commander Barry B. Morton, U.S. Naval Reserve
A two-carrier battle force operates in northwest Pacific Ocean. The world s,luation has deteriorated; hostile action ,s imminent; a multithreat, multiplatform enemy is expected. The battle force com-
Noceedirigs / April 1990
mander receives intelligence messages warning of a possible attack. The enemy’s forces include 120 air, 100 surface, and 20 subsurface platforms.
War breaks out; detections are pro
cessed and engagements ensue. The battle force commander evaluates damage and develops new plans. The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CinCPacFIt) orders more forces into the area.
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