WHAT: The Navy’s inspector general for the Atlantic submarine force is investigating claims that widespread cheating has tainted written exams administered to enlisted sailors and officers as part of their nuclear training.
HOW: Investigators already found that USS Memphis sailors were emailed answers before qualification exams, took tests without proctors and openly asked officers for answer keys. Whistle-blowers now charge such cheating is rampant aboard subs.
WHY: Submarine commanders competing for the highest proficiency ratings allegedly made exams so difficult that they have little to do with the skills that sailors from the engineering crews actually need for maintaining the vessels’ nuclear reactors.
