The chiefs’ enthusiasm waned noticeably. Some could see this would change the way they would have to think about their position: being the chief would no longer mean a position of privilege but a position of accountability, responsibility, and work. Not everyone thought this would be better. We discussed this long and hard, but didn’t waste time discussing the philosophy of the role of the chief petty officer in today’s Navy or on exhortations and speeches. We didn’t have time for those luxuries.
