Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Sailor Steve
Watch The Caine Mutiny. You'll see just how hard it is to question the captain's authority, even one who's gone off his nut.
I agree Das Boot has problems, especially since many of the procedures are very much different from those of the U.S. Navy. Also, I'd like to think that the men would be a little more professional in their conduct during extreme situations. On the other hand, Crimson Tide may have had a good story, but it just wasn't NAVY.
|
I believe you are incorrect. I also believe there is written doctrine outlining when and how it is permissible for the XO to take command of the boat if something (i.e. physical or mental illness) should happen to the Captain. Just like the Captain of a sub does not have God-like status, neither does the president of the US. He may be removed and replaced by the Vice President if he is deemed unfit to continue running the country. And if they can do that to the what is essentially the boss of the sub Captain...they can certainly do it to him.
You have to use common sense. If you were on a boat and the Captain flipped and ordered an attack on an innocent country, they would not court martial you (successfully) if you even had to use deadly force to stop him doing so...it's just plain old common sense. We're humans...not machines.
And that's why Crimson Tide is so good. Remember the bit at the end? They court martial Denzel and the outcome? They said he was wrong to override the Captain's orders, but he got promoted and the Captain got forcefully retired. In other words...he was right.
So tell me now. Why isn't it "Navy"? Because I've heard from bubbleheads who've said the procedures are very accurate.