[CaptainHaplo]

OK - having spent a couple of hours playing SH5 this weekend, let me rebut this one.

Kapitan: Herr Admiral - I cannot accept a Sh5 class sub.

Donitz: Why not, Kapitan?

Kapitan: Admiral, in real life I can speak to my crew while I perform specific functions. In a SH3 class sub, some control liberties were taken that allow me to replicate the same thing. For example, I am running at periscope depth with a destroyer heading it, bearing 240 degrees. My course is currently dead north. In SH3, I can order a heading change to 60 degrees, while ordering a dive to 60 meter and still keep an eye on my target until we pass below 16 meters. In SH5, no such ability exists. I can dive, but I must play the role of Chief, watching and ordering a leveling off at the depth desired.

Donitz: I see, it would be inappropriate for you to take on the tasks of an enlisted sailor.

Kapitan: Forgive me Admiral, but that is not all. I must also take over the helm, because a real captain can order a specific heading, but in an SH5 sub, this cannot be done unless I use the scope to point out the desired course. Given the need to use the scope for combat observation and awareness, the need to "drive" the sub with it is hardly realistic. Nor do I have any desire to manually steer the boat itself, having to watch among everything else, the ships heading. After all, in real life, as in SH3 class vessels, the helmsman understood a compass heading.

Donitz: But you get to talk to your crew now.

Kapitan: Yes sir, I do, but I am out here to fight a war, not worry about banjo strings or whatever for the cook. Nor do I even want to consider his "special soup". Would you want any of his soup, herr Admiral?

Donitz: I shall reconsider the assignment. Once SH5 class vessels allow a captain to realistically simulate a combat uboat as they should, with situational awareness taking priority over "sit here and do the helmsman and planesman's job" - we will discuss this again.

Kapitan: Jahowl, Admiral!