Lessons Not learned: The U.S. Navy's Status Quo Culture

by Roger Thompson

Despite its reputation as the most impressive naval force in the world, the U.S. Navy is in trouble, according to the author of this book, and systemic weaknesses could be its undoing. Here, military sociologist Roger Thompson provides a compelling, often scathing, assessment of the U.S. Navy and its learning disabilities and then presents a convincing argument for reform. Thompson points to the U.S. Navy's "up or out" promotion system, massive personnel turnover, inexperienced crews, and drug and alcohol abuse as problems that make it difficult for the Navy to build cohesive, well-trained fighting units. In a review of the Navy's recent history, he finds that its ships, submarines, and aircraft are often outperformed in competitions and exercises with other navies--and its failures are either denied altogether or perfunctorily excused. Diesel submarines--so quiet that they are rarely detected until it's too late to prevent an attack--routinely surpass expensive U.S. nuclear subs and put U.S. aircraft carriers in danger. American naval pilots, whose weapons are often improperly tested, are frequently bested by military pilots from other countries. Because the U.S. Navy doesn't have enough surface ships to protect its capital ships, American carrier strike groups now use Canadian ships as escorts. Shortcomings like these, Thompson argues, undermine the Navy's potential and should be cause for national concern. In presenting a side of the U.S. Navy that's rarely discussed, this book spells out lessons the Navy must learn if it is going to succeed in an era of asymmetrical warfare--of David-versus-Goliath conflicts. In his conclusion, the author puts forth a twelve-step program that calls on the U.S. Navy to rethink its naval strategy, to lose some weight, and to focus on the fundamentals.

Hardcover

First published April 1, 2007

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[A Navy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a USN veteran, I can attest that the mighty U.S. Navy does not live up to its image. Waste, fraud and abuse are rampant, among other major problems. The author does a thorough job of calling out the USN on its B.S. and challenging them to accept, make, necessary changes. Whether or not anyone at the Pentagon is listening, is another story. But it is unfair to simply dismiss the criticism in this book as un-American or anti-military. Kudos to the author for shining light on a subject that sorely needs attention.

[Harriman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you think the US Navy is the world's greatest navy? If so, you're in for a big surprise as Professor Thompson methodically demolishes the myth of American naval supremacy. Thompson is a gifted writer and his analysis and conclusions are objective, constructive, and well considered. The late military sociologist Dr. Charles Moskos considered Thompson to be "the leading scholar in the sociology of naval institutions" and this book is the ultimate proof that Thompson is indeed the leader in his field. He interviews retired USN officers, chiefs, sailors, as well as RN, RAAF, RCAF, and RCN officers and this gives the book plenty of first hand, primary sources. Essential reading for those interested in the USN!

[Jae Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

The USN Has Delusions of Grandeur

Lessons Not Learned is a book that could easily save the USN from future disasters, possibly even defeat, if the brass would actually read it and listen to what Professor Thompson has to say. He details the many instances in which inexpensive conventional submarines, even old ones, theoretically destroy the USN’s best nuclear submarines, not to mention aircraft carriers. Yet, the American admirals steadfastly refuse to build conventional submarines! And they continue to build obscenely expensive super carriers knowing full well they’ll be sunk in short order in any future war against a competent enemy, even one with a small navy. Bravo Zulu, Professor Thompson!

[Ken Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Professor Roger Thompson's book Lessons Not Learned: The U.S. Navy's Status Quo Culture is a resounding success in every way. He documents the coverups, the lies, the incompetence, and the unwillingness of the USN to learn and adapt in a very convincing way. If USN admirals would read this book and act on Professor Thompson's recommendations, countless American lives would be saved in future battles. This book is absolutely essential reading for serious naval officers, not the "status quo" careerists that dominate the USN these days. I couldn't find a single error and everything here is completely plausible. Bravo Zulu, Professor Thompson!

[Sr Muncaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellently written sociological look at the US Navy today. Controversial as it hits at the heart of the US military and the legend that they have created. Anticipating the next book by Thompson.

[David Pears · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was published in 2007, but it is still relevant today. Thompson provides healthy constructive criticism of the USN and the Military Industrial Complex that has brainwashed many Americans into believing the USA has the best naval force in the world. He uses many examples from competitions and exercises with smaller navies and air forces and concludes that the USN doesn't deserve its reputation. Like I said at the beginning, the final chapter provides a course of action to improve the USN, and the criticism is constructive and unbiased. I highly recommend this book!

[Dag Van Loobitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The USN Public Affairs officers went to great effort to discredit this fine book because they don't want you to read the TRUTH about the US Navy. This book reads like a feature on 60 Minutes, fine investigative journalism and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I know some professors at the Naval War College and senior officers (captains) who love this book but can't say anything out of fear of reprisals from the corrupt USN. If you didn't think Tom Clancy told the truth, you'll like this book.

[M. Kosoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a retired USN officer who had the honor of serving on exchange with the Royal Canadian Air Force in the 1960s, I can vouch for the accuracy and authenticity of the author's description. Many small military organizations are better than the USN, especially in fields like ASW. I think this book deserves a bigger audience because it is truly revolutionary. Bravo Zulu, Roger Thompson!