Well I am sure that we all agree that any "fix" would not be an overnight thing. That being said I figure we should start from the beginning in order to implement any changes. You wanted specific answers, well here are my two cents
1. Recruiting-Go back to requiring the NFQT to be taken, regardless of ASVAB scores. Ensure that those going into the program have an done well in advanced classes like physics, math, and other core classes.
2. Boot camp-Really, really pay attention to the people that you are putting into perspective rates. Immaturity is not a quality you want to see in an SRO that is stading watch all by hisself at 0300.
3. A school/NPS-Bring back the mentality of being a filter, not a pump. Remove civilians from the decision making process of whether a student is retainable or not(they don't have to work with the broke ones on a real ship, so they get no input as to whether we have to). Make a clean cut policy for academic failures. Two subject(math, BM, MERO, Heat Transfer, Etc) failure, you get an Academic board. You MUST pass the academic board with at least a 2.8 to continue. If you pass the ac board and you fail another subject, GOODBYE. You must also pass your Comp exam to continue. You get one retake. Furthermore, if you are sent to mast more than once, GOODBYE.
4. Prototype-No longer accept sailors that did not legitimately pass NNPTC(see above). Switch from the nanny-style hand holding where qualifications are concerned, and adopt a personal resposibility with encouragement style qualification program. If you are Dinq it is your fault, we will help you, but we are NOT going to FORCE the staff to spend extra time here because you want to slack off. Realize that there are those who do NOT need to spend 12 hours days at Prototype, therefore those that are exceptional should be placed on Staff hours, not the current reduced hours program. No more, no less. Furthermore, delete approx 1/3 of the signature in the book that are overly redundant or serve no useful purpose. Do you really need to demonstrate that you know what to do for a scram to 9 different watchstanders, especially when the last one is Integrated and you are going to go over all the information in one checkout as you did in the other 8.
5.Fleet/Shore Duty-there are way too many things to put into this column. Some of the bigger ones are, maximize liberty to greatest extent possible and follow through with that policy. Minimize the "hurry up and wait" and "just in case something happens" mentality. Realize that there are some smart nukes out there, let them operate the plant because they know how it works, Don't crucify them if they don't have the book open every single time for minor routine operations. Prototype Staff Tours really suck, realize this and ensure that those that go that route are adequately compensated, perhaps with a split tour at NNPTC afterwards. Yes throw more money at us, but not just for re-upping, throw a little more into the "pro pay" pot. Realize that just because one guy is a complete screw-up that this does not require numerous hours of additional training for EVERYONE else. Also, NRRO is not God, therefore we should not treat them as such. They are there to assist us, not hamper us in our activities. Along with that, procedures are not fool proof, they are often ambigious enough to be left up to interpretation by numerous individuals. These individuals change, thus does the interpretations. Stop this, figure out what it is you want to do, and stick to it for good unless a very good reason causes you to re-evaluate your interpretation.
6. Other-About 2 times a year, allow subordinates to evaluate their bosses to those above. This would help identify those who are poor leaders, but get results due to rank and regulations. Give credit where credit is due. Reward those who work hard, but not with more work. Do not reward those who slack off or are incompetant with easy jobs or good deals.
Well I hope that this meets some of the requirements of my fellow nukes. If you agree/disagree with any of it, let it flow.