What was the qualifications for command of a U-Boat?

BH · 05-17-08, 04:53 PM

It seems that almost every US navy submarine captain not only had college degree, but had a degree from the high selective USNA, in addition to all the other experience needed. I have really failed to find any captains in the silent service that did not graduate from the USNA. What about the kriegsmarine, were they that selective for captains? Did some of the captains or most of them have college degrees? What were the general qualifications?

Frank0001 · 05-17-08, 06:01 PM

That's a really good question actually.
I reckon that early pre-war captains would've needed quite some qualification before entering the Navy. Surely, as the war proceeded, the qualifications became less strict

Phaedrus · 05-17-08, 10:56 PM

Naval College recruits would complete a year of mandatory community service rebuilding roads, trails, and doing various conservation activities before entering naval college.
After a four year tenure there, they would graduate and be assigned to various junior positions. Some on capital ships and destroyers, others might have excelled and be posted to command a small coastal vessel or mine sweeper.

Following this, selection into the U-boat arm would come generally at random.

U-boat school, followed by a tenure on a u-boat as an ensign, generally learning / helping perform the duties of the Chief and other officers.

Following additional courses, and based on performance, they might find themselves as an officer on a boat.

Following that, U-boat Commander's school - and then to their own boat.

At least, this is the path described by Herbert Werner, who graduated from naval college in 1940.
Prior to the late 1930's, U-boat Commander's often had served as CO's on torpedo boats - which practiced similar tactics as the u-boat arm (identify and shadow just over the horizon by day, torpedo attacks at night)

As I have read, in later years as losses mounted, U-boat men came from all areas of the Navy, and training was not nearly as comprehensive.
After 1943, more than half of new commanders would not return from their first patrol.

05-17-08, 04:53 PM	#1
BH Loader Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 89 Downloads: 34 Uploads: 0	What was the qualifications for command of a U-Boat? It seems that almost every US navy submarine captain not only had college degree, but had a degree from the high selective USNA, in addition to all the other experience needed. I have really failed to find any captains in the silent service that did not graduate from the USNA. What about the kriegsmarine, were they that selective for captains? Did some of the captains or most of them have college degrees? What were the general qualifications?

05-17-08, 06:01 PM	#2
Frank0001 Chief Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 317 Downloads: 16 Uploads: 0	That's a really good question actually. I reckon that early pre-war captains would've needed quite some qualification before entering the Navy. Surely, as the war proceeded, the qualifications became less strict __________________ Snipers of the Seas One eel - one Kill

05-17-08, 10:56 PM	#3
Phaedrus A-ganger Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 79 Downloads: 45 Uploads: 0	Naval College recruits would complete a year of mandatory community service rebuilding roads, trails, and doing various conservation activities before entering naval college. After a four year tenure there, they would graduate and be assigned to various junior positions. Some on capital ships and destroyers, others might have excelled and be posted to command a small coastal vessel or mine sweeper. Following this, selection into the U-boat arm would come generally at random. U-boat school, followed by a tenure on a u-boat as an ensign, generally learning / helping perform the duties of the Chief and other officers. Following additional courses, and based on performance, they might find themselves as an officer on a boat. Following that, U-boat Commander's school - and then to their own boat. At least, this is the path described by Herbert Werner, who graduated from naval college in 1940. Prior to the late 1930's, U-boat Commander's often had served as CO's on torpedo boats - which practiced similar tactics as the u-boat arm (identify and shadow just over the horizon by day, torpedo attacks at night) As I have read, in later years as losses mounted, U-boat men came from all areas of the Navy, and training was not nearly as comprehensive. After 1943, more than half of new commanders would not return from their first patrol.