A qualitative analysis of company officer performance assessment at the United States Naval Academy

Abstract

For one hundred fifty-seven years, the United States Naval Academy has been producing junior officers to serve in United States Navy and Marine Corps fleet commands. Each year, more than 1,200 new midshipmen are inducted into the four-year, total immersion process. Overseeing every aspect of midshipman life is a dedicated and experienced officer and senior enlisted core. The 4,200 midshipmen in the brigade are divided into thirty companies; each led by a fleet experienced junior officer. These Company Officers play a pivotal role in the education, leadership and training of their midshipmen. This research extracts the current measures employed to assess these Company Officers by way of a thorough review of USNA instructions, previous theses, popular literature, and expert interviews. These interviews were conducted with both Battalion and Company Officers via a specific set of uniform questions. Data obtained from interviews were analyzed qualitatively using content analysis in order to identify themes and patterns. Identification and explanation of these measures will assist current and perspective Company Officers in performing their duties more effectively and providing a better product to their midshipmen.