In 2017, 17 U.S. Navy sailors died in collisions involving its ships. Congressional investigations identified inadequate training in the foundational skills of seamanship as one of the likely causes for the collisions. The Navy is revising training methods for more than 75 percent of its occupations. Most of the training curriculum is hands-on work with simulations and interactive courseware with 20 percent being lecture. For example, during bootcamp, the Navy has reduced the amount of time new recruits spend in the classroom and instead focuses more on experiential learning to simulate conditions aboard a ship in war or peacetime. Recruits now participate in 177 hours of hands-on training during the eight weeks at boot camp, an increase of 17 hours. Officers in charge of boot camp divisions of approximately 88 recruits evaluate their division's weaknesses and use time to have them practice skills such as tying knots to anchor a ship rather than participate in online learning. The training involves doing multiple repetitions of the skills to ensure they are retained. Recruits spend two days on a life-size replica of the deck of a ship. The recruits practice tying lines, relaying orders, getting a ship underway, and bringing it back to port. During practice, instructors ring a bell every time recruits make a mistake. To graduate, recruits must pass an all-night test in a simulator designed like the deck and hull of a warship. There are explosions to deal with, leaking pipes to repair, and fires to extinguish. The Navy is also providing specialized training after sailors finish boot camp.

1. Summarize the case study. Think outside the box and critically analyze what happened, how it happened, where it happened, and who was involved. 
2. 
   
3. Examine the components of an effective training needs analysis (TNA) that relate to this case study. Explain what the basic parts of a successful training program would be in this case study. Why would they be successful? Then apply the three basic parts of the TNA to the Navy's training and boot camp preparation program. Were the needs in each area met? Why or why not? 
4. 
   
5. Describe how the training should be delivered, and briefly describe two motivational theories from those in the textbook. Explain how the theories support and enhance this type of training to enhance an organization’s performance.

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

Case Study Summary In 2017 the US Navy experienced a series of collisions involving its ships resulting in the death of 17 sailors Congressional investigations determined that inadequate training in s... View the full answer