An unpopular essay with implications for understanding human behaviour

Brett_Crozier was of course the officer at the centre of the scandal surrounding the COVID-19_pandemic_on_USS_Theodore_Roosevelt.

The problem

Crozier was faced with a terrible dilemma.

He had good reasons to believe that if he obeyed the orders he had received, the inevitable results would needlessly include::

• The deaths of persons under his command.
• The compromising of the US naval capability that was and is his lifework.

And he was right on both counts.

Those orders, while appearing and in most senses being perfectly legal, had been issued by a chain of command that subsequently proved itself indifferent to either consequence.

So he acted

He did not disobey those orders. His actions were unusual and desperate but effective.

But in taking them he knowingly placed his duty before his personal interests. This was in the very best traditions of the US Navy and of any other service.

These actions and their aftermath were of course extremely embarrassing to members of the chain of command that had issued those orders. They should have been embarrassed instead by the orders themselves, the ones they had given, but they have never shown even the slightest sign of this. There is no suggestion that this was Crozier's motive, it was not his priority nor even a major consideration in the circumstances. That will never be conceded nor even believed much less understood by those he embarrassed. They have a different mindset entirely. See how to reveal yourself.

To penalise him for these courageous actions served the personal interests of members of this chain of command. It was predictable. But just like the orders they issued which Crozier had managed to circumvent, penalizing him was and is completely contrary to the mission of the US Navy. 

The solution

I believe that the US Congress has the power to commend an officer for exceptionally meritorious conduct, and for this commendation to carry with it a promotion on that officer's retirement.

So I think that this is exactly what should happen. That commendation should mention his courage, initiative, and his placing of his duty above his personal interests, state that the lives of persons under his command were saved as a result, and explicitly carry with it promotion to full Admiral on retirement.

Crozier should not be forced to retire, but should be offered that option, immediately or at any future time of his choosing. I believe based on his record that, despite the mistreatment he has received, he would still make that decision on the basis of what he thinks is best for the Navy. And I further believe that he is in a position to make a good call on that, and should be offered the opportunity to do so. The timing of his retirement is not an easy call, and possibly he would even prefer not to be the one to make that decision, but he is the best person to make it.

And should he not retire immediately, he may yet make full serving Admiral in any case, in due course. So much the better. His current posting would be good experience for a Chief of Naval Operations or even Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or the deputies of these positions. All four of these positions carry four star rank. Crozier was born in 1970 so there is still time for any of these to happen.

And again, the sooner the better. The chain of command obviously needs a very good shake-up. Maybe he can help with that? Appointing him to one of these positions would itself give that chain of command a lot to think about, thoughts that are long overdue judging by their recent performance. There seems no doubt that Crozier would do an excellent job. The Navy survived Admiral beer, broads and beards Zumwalt.  They can survive Admiral straight talk Crozier. 

The commendation should happen anyway. Will the new President do something like that? Such a commendation would traditionally be recommended by the CiC. I watch with interest. Biden has previously indicated that he thinks that Crozier was treated unfairly. Probably neither he nor Crozier want to make a fuss about it. (Maybe I'm even making it more difficult for him.) But it's hard to see how they can avoid that!

Just my 2c from across the Pacific, from an Aussie who acknowledges the enormous value of the support we have had from the US Navy over many years, and the price that many US sailors have paid in coming to our aid.