| The Problem. The United States Navy's current approach in training aviators does not adequately prepare them in the complete spectrum of skills which an aviation squadron Commanding Officer must perform, notably managerial functions.;Method. The research design consisted of personal interviews of Squadron Commanders using a semi-structured interview technique. The subjects totaled forty-two and were male officers of the United States Navy serving, or had served, as Commanding Officers of an aviation squadron under the command of Commander Naval Air Force United States Pacific Fleet.;The sampling interview instrument was researcher-designed and divided into four sections: (1) demographics, (2) job perceptions, (3) opportunities for choice, and (4) non-aeronautical responsibilities. Interview data collected were described and summarized using descriptive statistics.;Results. Findings of the study revealed the following: (1) The perceptions of the Commanders of their job, strategies, responsibilities, and choices. (2) At least 24 percent of the Commanders felt inadequately trained in twelve of the fourteen areas of management. (3) All of the Commanders felt there could be improvements in the training program of future Commanding Officers. (4) Some suggestions for improvement included starting a training program earlier in an aviator's career, Functional Wing Commander involvement in the training program, and/or improvements to the prospective Commanding Officer/prospective Executive Officer course.;The study sought to identify those specific managerial functions which require specialized training to: (1) better prepare future squadron officers and (2) increase the efficiency and effectiveness of existing Squadron Commanders. |
