Bill Overview
Title: To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a joint training pipeline between the United States Navy and the Royal Australian Navy, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill requires the Department of Defense to carry out an exchange program for Australian submarine officers. Under this program, two such officers shall be selected each year to receive training and, after completing such training, be assigned to duty on an operational U.S. submarine at sea.
Sponsors: Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2]
Target Audience
Population: People affected by US-Australia submarine officer exchange program
Estimated Size: 500
- The primary group affected by the legislation are Australian submarine officers who will have new training opportunities.
- The secondary group impacted includes personnel in the US Navy who will work alongside the Australian officers during training and submarine operations.
- This program could also indirectly affect other service members and operations due to the enriched capabilities from the training pipeline.
Reasoning
- The primary targets of this policy involve both Australian and American naval personnel. The simulation focuses on potential changes in wellbeing for American servicemembers who might be impacted by working with the Australian officers.
- The policy's budget appears to cover training and logistical costs for the exchange program, allowing up to two Australian officers annually. This suggests limited direct interaction for any individual American servicemember and potentially only moderate changes in responsibilities or environment for those specifically involved in the training or operations.
- Indirect effects might include national pride or slight morale boosts due to increasing international cooperation, potentially influencing Wellbeing scores slightly among those aware but not directly engaged.
- The implementation of this program could influence the wellbeing of those directly involved in their work dynamic, stress levels, and job satisfaction, while those not involved remain unaffected.
Simulated Interviews
Submarine Officer (Norfolk, VA)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's exciting to have international collaboration right on our deck.
- This might mean more workload initially due to training, but it enriches our operational perspective.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Navy Instructor (San Diego, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate the increased emphasis on cooperation.
- This adds a layer of complexity to my job but brings new insights into different naval strategies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Submarine Technician (Honolulu, HI)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Minimal direct impact, but it's nice to see more international officers around.
- I expect things to largely remain the same for me day-to-day.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Defense Policy Analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This program strengthens our ties with key allies.
- My role involves tracking such programs, which fits well with this new initiative.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Submarine Chief (Groton, CT)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a good move for our operational capabilities.
- It's another responsibility, but with potential long-term rewards.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Administrative Assistant (Jacksonville, FL)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm only involved in the paperwork side, so not much changes for me.
- Nice to be part of international collaboration, though it doesn't affect my work directly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Submarine Logistics Coordinator (Kings Bay, GA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Interesting policy, might make my job a bit more dynamic.
- It's not directly affecting day-to-day logistics but adds an interesting element.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Submarine Operations Analyst (Seattle, WA)
Age: 32 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy bolsters our international standing and operational knowledge.
- Inclusion of Australian officers might enrich our data analysis.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Enlisted Sailor (Pearl Harbor, HI)
Age: 26 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Not directly affected, but the scope of our missions might change slightly.
- It's good to know we're building stronger alliances.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Navy Personnel Trainer (Annapolis, MD)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This aligns well with our international training goals.
- Excited to see more integrated training sessions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $3000000)
Year 2: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $3000000)
Year 3: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $3000000)
Year 5: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $3000000)
Year 10: $2500000 (Low: $1800000, High: $3500000)
Year 100: $3000000 (Low: $2200000, High: $3800000)
Key Considerations
- The program strengthens U.S.-Australia military relations, enhancing allied cooperation in maritime operations.
- Training exchange programs promote the sharing of best practices and joint operational capabilities, although initial costs are incurred.
- Operational costs from incorporating foreign officers into U.S. naval operations should be routinely monitored for efficiency.