[June 28, 2019] Growing up, I always knew my uncle was in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Named after my granddaddy Smith (married to Bigmama), “Junior” was a man of serious integrity, family-focused, and a person you could trust to help no matter what. Yesterday, I received his 1944 Bluejacket’s Manual; something I will forever keep in the family.
The book provides sound advice for a new Navy recruit. It begins with an introduction on what to expect and a definition of the “qualities of a good navy man.” As I flipped carefully through the fragile pages of my uncle’s book, I found myself reading subjects about personal hygiene and first aid, physical fitness, gunnery, types of navy ships, aircraft of the navy, and battle stations. Every page reinforced the very qualities it takes to be a first-class sailor.
Here are the qualities of a good navy man, as explained in the 12th edition of The Bluejacket’s Manual:
- Be loyal.
- Obey orders.
- Show initiative.
- Be a fighter.
- Be reliable.
- Keep a clean record.
- Be fair.
- Be honest.
- Be cheerful.
- Be neat.
This list was originally established in the first edition, published in 1902 by the U.S. Naval Institute, Annapolis.1 I found the list of qualities to closely match those of the Boy Scouts of America.
Leaders who lay out practical, day-to-day guidance on how to succeed are the very leaders we all want to follow. So it is with the Navy Bluejacket’s Manual. I found that it reads in a simple, straightforward manner and covers all the basic topics needed by someone entering the U.S. Navy. Its pages are as relevant today as it was 75 years ago when it was published.
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Good article, Gen. Satterfield. Thanks for showing that values do, in fact, matter.
I just loved today’s article. I am so proud of our service men and women. Today’s article just brought that home to me.
The US Air Force Airman Handbook free download (2017 version): https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/afhandbook1/afhandbook1.pdf
Thanks, Lynn.
I’m a Navy man myself and wish only that I had a copy of mine from 1965 when I joined. I just did 4 years in the Navy but learned about how to be a good person and valuable citizen.
My son is getting ready to join one of the military services. Good for him. I’m sure he will also learn about being a good citizen from his experience. My thinking is this is how so many of my generation learned about being good and about giving back. Not so for the rest of the nation.
Now you can download many of the manuals electronically. Some cost money but I’m sure if you search the web, you will find it for free. Here is an example of a site that shows what you can get.
http://www.emilitarymanuals.com/newrecruit.html
Gen. Satterfield, I’m always using military examples that support those qualities it takes to succeed in America. My students and football players agree that it works well. I never thought about using one of these recruit manuals. Some of those commenting today have noted that the cost is low for some of them and I will be placing an order shortly, later today. Great article that reminds me of my dad who was in the Navy. Unfortunately his manual was lost long ago.
Best of luck and thanks for helping our kids remember the fundamental values of the U.S.
This article is a companion to another article you wrote a while back, “The Army Officer’s Guide: Army Traditions”
https://www.theleadermaker.com/the-army-officers-guide-army-traditions/
I thought there was another article. These books, written by experienced warriors, are great reading. Anyone who gets the chance and can take the time to read them (inexpensive off the Internet) will be pleased with the quality of the writing and how close they align with American values. I’m sure other country militaries have similar books/manuals that also closely fit their value system. Worthy reading.
True. And I’ve ordered a copy from eBay and it cost only $20.00. I’ll have my copy in just 3 days. Thanks for the recommendation.
Thanks Ronny, for the analysis and the recommendation.
Good memory. Thanks.
Gen Satterfield, many of those new Navy recruits trained out in California. I’ll bet that is where your Uncle was at during his training time. You are very fortunate to have the Bluejackets Manual. While they are not worth much on the open market, the family value is incalculable. Keep it in the family.
Janna, yes, it is written on the inside cover of the manual, as well as his unit designation.
BLUEJACKET – Another term for naval rate, a junior enlisted sailor in a navy
I never knew that until this article came out.
I do believe the Boy Scout values and those of the US Navy are closer than one might initially think.
As a retired Navy man and long-ago Boy Scout, I must agree with you Andrew and Gen. Satterfield. The familiarities are strangely familiar.
Thank you for your service, Dale.
Good observation. I think, however, if you look at most very successful organizations these lists will be similar. The real taste in the pie is whether the values are taught and enforced.
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. Good to see you online today, Lady Hawk. It’s been a while since you commented, I think. 🙂