Is it bad to have a command of primarily Mustangs (LDOs)?

Question

I worked in a Navy command that was probably 3/4 Mustangs out of 20 officers. The CO said he preferred experience over education.

Answer 1

Experience is better over education but I can't figure out how they all got under one roof. To many swollen heads in one place must have been very uncomfortable.

Answer 2

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. In 20 years of Naval service I knew many mustangs who were just plain know it alls. I found it much easier to work with a line Ensign or LTJG who was eager and willing to learn than a mustang who only went after a commission for the prestige and power. However, a good ex-enlisted officer can be a great asset in the wardroom and to the command in general.

Answer 3

It has its advantages and disadvantages. The know the enlisted side better but some make terrible leaders as their egos are Out of control. However they know the Navy better. Depends on the person and the mission. Experience helps in combat ops esp if things go bad because the LDOs know basic sailor tasks and are more effective in leading/digging in with own hands.....the negative to this is they can lose span of control while helping....
So it a very definite maybe thing.
As ex-enlisted. I wanted my officers to know/have a taste of the enlisted side of things so they know how thier decisions affect people

Answer 4

Depends on the type of command. I was once with a Mine Squadron, consisting of 36-foot Minesweeper Boats (MSBs). The Squadron Commodore was a mustang and all of the officers were too, with one exception. The COs of the MSB's were all Chief Petty Officers, but were addressed as "Captain". That Commodore is the first C.O. to forward my request to compete for a commission to BUPERS. The next C.O. I had was a mustang who forwarded my test and interview results to BUPERS with a sterling endorsement. The next C.O. I had was the one who swore me in as a brand-new Ensign.
Most of the commands I served in during the next twelve years were those with almost all mustangs on the administrative side of things. Direct appointment types only started showing up during my last assignment.

Answer 5

depends on the Mission Requirements. Mustangs are less likely to be snowed by kids trying to fudge PMS reports.

but at some commands, Education is necessary, especially Technical education.

Answer 6

It depends. Are we in a current and active state of Hostilities? is it peace time?

Your going to want more Mustangs about when people are shooting at you