🚀 How I Became one of the Navy’s Top SME
My Navy career began with specialized training in electronics and cryptographic equipment, leading to my first assignment at a critical communications station in Scotland. I was assigned to Technical Control, the hub for the station’s most advanced gear.
The Challenge of the “Primadonna System”
The undisputed king of the control center was the Verdin/ISABPS system. This state-of-the-art computer network was tasked with broadcasting vital, multi-channel data to submerged submarines—a critical link for potential nuclear command and control. Given Scotland’s proximity to the Soviet Union at the time, this was a highly strategic post.
Midway through my tour, all the seasoned Verdin experts transferred out, replaced by newly trained, junior technicians. These newcomers were immediately afforded the prestige and responsibility previously reserved for the veterans. As a more senior tech, I didn’t appreciate the slight.
Self-Taught and Indispensable
My response was to take ownership of my career. I committed to mastering the system myself. I utilized every available minute—duty nights, lunch breaks, and downtime—to immerse myself in the technical manuals. I leveraged my prior on-the-job knowledge and learned alongside the other technicians.
I not only became the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the complex, multi-computer Verdin system, but I was also cross-trained on its companion, the massive LF transmitter on the deck above. I quickly became the go-to person for all system operations and troubleshooting.
Earning the Stripes
When it was time for my transfer, I was offered no special assignment, but I proactively requested a follow-on tour to another Verdin site—one that hosted the world’s most powerful transmitter. Crucially, I was also assigned to the advanced four-month long, intense Verdin/ISABPS school.
Entering the school, I kept my vast self-acquired knowledge quiet. However, one instructor, a friend of a former colleague, knew my expertise matched the instructors’ own. By the end of the course, I had nearly aced the curriculum, only missing a single, poorly worded question.
This trajectory, culminating in my subsequent tour in Guam, led to an exceptional result: I was promoted to Chief Petty Officer (E-7) early and without any sea time—a distinction I believe was unique at the time.
I had more responsibility in my mid 20’s then most people ever get in their whole life.
The Moral of the Story
Don’t wait for permission or formal training to excel. Sticking your neck out, committing to self-mastery, and becoming the definitive expert will provide you with a fruitful and accelerated career.