Of all the submarine qualifications available to Staff Officers, none have instructions as straightforward as those in MILPERSMAN 1210-120 for ““Supply Corps Officer, Qualified in Submarine.”
Following completion of the Submarine Officer Basic Course, Supply Corps officers must serve on board an operations submarine for a minimum of one years. During that time acquire and display foundational knowledge of the sub’s systems, capabilities, and equipment, work as a member of a Fire Control Party, learn the fundamentals of and how to execute damage and casualty control, as well as organize and lead escape procedures. During that period, they must complete the qualification for Diving Officer of the Watch/General Submarines.
In addition to serving as an effect Supply Corps officers, candidates for Submarine qualification are required to pass the Logistics Management Assessment course, and display the sort of leadership qualities and temperament that is suited for the special environment of submarine service. Additional requirements are issued by Submarine Force Commanders.
There is one exception to all these mandates, however: Supply Corps officers who were previously qualified in Submarines as enlisted Sailors may be ordered directly to duty without the need to attend submarine school in Groton, Connecticut. They still, however, must stand a verbal qualification board held by superior command before they receive their “dolphins.”