In this discussion we will consider the battle problem from the viewpoint of the observer, and present some general information on the requirements and duties of a member of the engineering department observing party. The knowledge of the viewpoint and duties of an observer should help you prepare yourself and your personnel for a battle problem and other appropriate exercises.

PREPARATION OF A BATTLE PROBLEM.The degree of perfection achieved in any battle problem is reflected in the skills and applications of those who prepare it. A great deal depends upon the experience of officers and chief petty officers.

The primary purpose of a shipboard battle problem is to provide a medium for testing and evaluating the ability of all divisions of the engineering department to function together as a team in simulated combat operations. Battle problems are the most profitable and significant of all peacetime training experience, since they demonstrate a departments readiness for combat. The degree of realism of this test determines their value: the more nearly it approx-imates actual battle conditions, the more valuable it is.

Another element in the conduct of a battle problem which significantly increases the value of these tests to the ships company is the element of surprise.

CONDUCT OF A BATTLE PROBLEM. Before a battle problem is to be conducted, the ship is furnished specific information such as that listed below:

1. Authority for conducting the inspection.

2. Time of boarding of the inspecting party.

3. Time the ship is to get underway.

4. Time for setting the first material readiness condition.

5. Time for conducting the inspection to zero problem time conditions.

6. Zero problem time.

7. End of problem time.

8. Time of critique.

Observers must be proficient in the proper methods of introduction of information. In general, when practical, the information delivered to ships personnel should be verbal, and should contain only that information which would help the ships personnel develop adequate procedures for the search and investigation of the imposed casualty. In the event the ships personnel fail to locate the casualty, the observer may resort to coaching, but a notation should be made on the observers form as to the time allowed before coaching and information were furnished. Special precautions should be taken to give the symptoms of casualty the same degree of realism that they would have if the casualty were actual rather than simulated.

In order to impose casualties, valves may have to be closed, switches opened, or machinery stopped. In each case the observer should inform responsible ships personnel of the action desired, and the ships personnel should operate the designated equipment. A casualty should be simulated, or omitted entirely, if there is danger that personnel injury or material damage might result because of lack of preparation or the experience of personnel. The supply of lubricating oil to the main engines or the supply of feedwater to the boilers MUST NOT be stopped to simulate casualties.

An emergency procedure should be set up, by the observing party and ships company, to ensure proper action in case actual casualties as distinguished from simulated or problem casualtiesshould occur.

Although the general announcing system (the 1MC circuit) may be used by the ship, observers, normally, have priority in its use. The problem time announcer uses the general announcing system to announce the start of the battle problem, the problem time at regular intervals, the conclusion of the problem, and the restoration of casualties. The general announcing system is kept available at all times for use in case of actual emergency. All other announcing system circuits and other means of interior communications are reserved for the use of the ship. Engineering telephone circuits should be monitored by one or more observers. A check should be made for proper procedure and circuit discipline, and for the proper handling of information or casualties.

An inspection should be made to see that the engineering plant is properly split in accordance with current directives. Fire hazards such as paint, rags, or oil, and missile hazards such as loose gear, loose floor plates, tool boxes, and repair parts boxes should be noted. The condition of firefighting, damage control, and remote control gear should be carefully inspected.

ANALYSIS OF THE BATTLE PROBLEM. The maximum benefit obtained from conducting a battle problem lies in pinpointing existing weaknesses and deficiencies, and in the resulting recommendations for improvement in organization and training. Every effort should be made by the observers to emphasize strong points as well as deficiencies. Knowledge of existing strong points is helpful to boost the morale of the ships personnel.

Analysis of the battle problem affords the observers an opportunity to present to the ship their opinion of its performance, and for the ship to comment on the observers remarks as well as to consider suggested improvements. Analysis is conducted in two steps: the critique and the observers reports.

A critique of the battle problem is held on board the observed ship before the observing party leaves, in order that the problems and the actions taken may be reviewed when they are fresh in the minds of all concerned. The critique is attended by all the ships officers, appropriate chief and first class petty officers, the chief observer, and all senior observers. The various points of interest of the battle problem are dis-cussed, and the chief observer comments on the overall conduct of the problem after the senior observers complete their analysis of the battle problem as reported in their observers reports. The observers reports are prepared in the form prescribed by the type commander, and include any additional instructions given by the chief observer. The reports of the observers are collected by the senior observer for each depart-ment and are submitted to the chief observer. All observers reports are reviewed by the senior observers before the critique is held.

The observers reports provide the inspected ship with detailed observations of the battle problem which, because of time limitations, may not have been brought out during the critique. The inspected ship receives a copy of all observers reports; in this way, each department is given the opportunity to review the comments and set up a training schedule to cover the weak points. Following is a example of an engineering observers report.

Engineering observer Location

1. The engineering departments evaluation is based on: (a) extent of the departments preparation and fulfillment of the ordered conditions of readiness as appropriate to the problem, (b) extent of correct utilization of the engineering damage control features built into the ship, (c) extent to which proper engineering casualty control is accomplished, (d) extent to which on station personnel take corrective action for control of damage, (e) adequacy of reports and dissemination of information, and (f) the general handling of the plant in accordance with good engineering practice, and the ability of the department to en-sure maximum mobility and maneuverability of the ship and to supply all necessary services to other departments in fighting the ship.

2. Hit Exercise

a. Preparation and status of the plant.

b. Fulfillment of proper conditions of readiness.

c. Fire and missile hazards.

d. Condition of firefighting and damage control gear.

e. Condition of personnel clothing and protection.

f. Stationing and readiness of personnel.

g. Investigation and interpretation of casualty.

h. Promptness and effectiveness in taking care of casualty.

i.Were proper doctrine and procedures used?

j.Were prompting and additional information given by observer?

k.Were proper reports made?

1.Readiness of standby units.

m. Readiness of alternate and emergency lighting and power.

n. Were proper safety precautions ob-served?

o.Material deficiencies.

p.Coordination of personnel.

q.Coordination of engineering spaces.

3. Main engine control. Receipt of vital interior communications, origination and transmission of required reports to Conn, Damage Control Central, and other stations.

4. Action taken by main engine control:

a.Correct action.

b. Sound judgment based on good practice.

c. Assurance.

d. Speed.

5. Recommendations

The blank parts of the observers report forms are filled in as applicable to the individual observers station. Items that were not observed are either left blank or crossed out. Additional information, if required for a certain exercise or condition, may be written on the reverse side of the form. A separate form or sheet is used for each exercise or drill. Remarks or statements made by the observer should be clear and legible.