Bill Overview
Title: Australia-United States Submarine Officer Pipeline Act
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: Sen. Blunt, Roy [R-MO]
Target Audience
Population: People impacted by the Australia-United States Submarine Officer Pipeline Act
Estimated Size: 200
- The legislation impacts Australian submarine officers selected annually for exchange and training.
- It directly involves the U.S. Department of Defense personnel managing and conducting the training.
- The potential impact on U.S. submarine operations includes integration of foreign officers into the crew.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily impacts a very small group of people within the US, including Department of Defense personnel, submarine crews, and administrative staff involved in the training of Australian officers.
- Each year, a limited number of Australians are integrated into US naval operations, meaning the broader US population will likely experience no direct influence, thus minimizing mass impact on wellbeing scores.
- Due to the program's budget constraints and its specified reach, affecting only certain military personnel and submariners, adjustments to wellbeing scores are expected to be minor at the societal level.
- However, individual personnel involved in direct rotations or management of the exchange program might experience a range of impacts, including increased workload or exposure to cross-cultural experiences, which might influence their personal satisfaction and stress levels.
- Officers directly engaged with the Australian trainees might find the policy beneficial for enhancing international relations skills, which could reflect in a slight increase in their Cantril wellbeing scores.
Simulated Interviews
Submarine Officer (Norfolk, VA)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's a great opportunity to enhance inter-operational capabilities and understand the working styles of our allies.
- Introducing Australian officers onboard might initially challenge our routine, but it'll ultimately enhance our cooperative skills.
- Personally, I'm excited about the cultural exchange and learning opportunities.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Department of Defense Policy Advisor (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Managing such international programs adds an extra layer of responsibility, but it aligns well with our strategic alliances.
- The policy strengthens our ties with Australia, which is crucial given current geopolitical tensions.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Submarine Crew Member (San Diego, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm curious about how Australians do things differently, but I don't think it'll impact my day-to-day very much.
- As long as this doesn't increase my workload, I’m neutral about it.
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 |
Navy Psychologist (Honolulu, HI)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Cultural exchanges add a unique dimension to my work, and I'm optimistic about the positive impact on crew well-being.
- Training international officers demands some extra effort but enriches our community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Submarine Engineer (General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, CT)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is primarily operational in focus and doesn't directly influence my work.
- Understanding foreign operational personnel can provide some insights into future design considerations.
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 | 7 | 7 |
Defense Budget Analyst (Denver, CO)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Financially, this program is a small line item but reflects strategic alliances.
- Doesn't affect my job directly, it's more a macro consideration.
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 Navigator (Pearl Harbor, HI)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Could be a good opportunity to learn from our Australian counterparts.
- Doesn't change much for my current duties.
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 | 8 | 8 |
University Military History Professor (Seattle, WA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Seems like a significant policy for strengthening military alliances and understanding different naval practices.
- I might incorporate this example into my curriculum.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Submarine Design Consultant (Groton, CT)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I doubt there will be any substantial influence on my consulting work.
- It's essential for us to understand operational preferences of allied forces for future designs.
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 | 7 | 7 |
Naval Support Staff (Kittery, ME)
Age: 31 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My job is all about logistics, so the integration of Australian officers won't change my role.
- It’s always positive to see us working with allies.
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 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 2: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 3: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 5: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 10: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 100: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Key Considerations
- The program establishes stronger defense ties and operational familiarity between the U.S. and Australia.
- There are strategic benefits from training foreign officers in U.S. military operations.
- Costs primarily arise from training and administrative expenses.
- Potential long-term collaboration gains are outside the immediate fiscal evaluation.