2Fast / 2Fast

In this episode, we have another short question and answer segment with a future sailor. Then, we attempt to take a practice ASVAB test as fast as we can. Nukes usually have the highest ASVAB scores... what about ex-nukes? If there's one thing we know for sure, it's that we definitely know our shapes!

In this episode - we have a Q&A session with a future sailor. Here are the things he asked about:
Nuke rates vs other rates
Getting a degree while in the Navy
Enlisted to Officer programs
Submarines or Surface ships
Gyms on Submarines
Submarine size
STAR Re-enlistments
Would we re-join the Navy today?
Recruiter statements
Are Navy contracts guaranteed?
Boot camp preparation
Quality of life for nukes on ships
Life before qualifying
What is the Navy doing right and wrong?
Is it dangerous?
Retirement and benefits
Why did we start the podcast?

In this episode of the 2Fast/2Fast Podcast, we shine a light on the world of Navy food, taking a fun and humorous approach to rank various dishes and drinks from submarines and surface ships. Our hosts and special guest share their unique experiences with Navy cuisine.
Ever heard of bug juice? What about the legend of submarine coffee? Can you imagine how much sailors (especially officers) love real ice cream? Do we really eat hamsters!? We rank all these and many more foods into a tier list covering the vast spectrum of naval culinary experiences.
You may relate to the highs and lows of Navy dining, as well as the sense of camaraderie that comes with sharing meals in the close quarters of a submarine.
Join us for an entertaining exploration of Navy food culture, where we discover what truly makes a meal memorable—whether it's the taste, the preparation, or the stories that come with it. Tune in for a hearty dose of laughter and repulsion!

In this episode, we dive into the history and current state of U.S. shipbuilding, a crucial topic in the context of national security and fiscal policy. Starting with the World War II boom, we explore how the U.S. shipbuilding industry rapidly expanded to meet wartime demands, producing an astonishing number of submarines in just a few years. However, post-war stagnation followed as international competitors, particularly Japan, modernized their capabilities while the U.S. completely lacked innovation.
We discuss pivotal moments, such as the impact of the Suez Canal Crisis and the shift toward private shipyards, which drastically changed the landscape of naval construction. As economic shocks like the OPEC oil embargo set in, the industry struggled to adapt, leading to significant challenges.
Fast forward to modern day, the establishment of the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program aims to revitalize the Navy's shipbuilding capacity. Yet, as we experienced first-hand, the realities of cost overruns, delays, and personnel shortages have plagued and undermined efforts. With China rapidly expanding its naval fleet, the U.S. is under pressure to modernize and maintain its naval superiority. This pressure will inevitably lead to massive failure with unknown consequences.
Join us as we examine the latest congressional review highlighting scheduling delays and budget constraints, and hear insights from military leaders about accountability and strategic investments.
Tune in for a comprehensive look at the past, present, and future of U.S. shipbuilding, and what it means for national security and the Navy’s readiness.

In this episode we explain the Navy's personnel evaluation system and it's impact on career advancement. Issues with these evaluations have persisted for decades and the inability or unwillingness to change and modernize has real consequences.
Key points include:
A 2022 Navy Post Graduate School report's findings that evaluations often reflect pre-determined rankings rather than actual performance.
The problematic practice of adjusting scores to fill predetermined quotas, undermining the integrity of the evaluation system.
Less than 25% of Navy personnel believe that the evaluation system promotes the best-qualified candidates.
The inefficacy of reliance on a single evaluator, and the call for more objective standards and additional reviewers.
We also propose changes to the Navy evaluation system - taking inspiration from other branches and the civilian world - which would improve objectivity and promote trust in the Navy eval process.
These critical issues not only affect individual career trajectories but also the overall culture within the Navy.

TRIGGER WARNING! In this episode, we have serious discussions about mental health and suicide.Join us this week as we dive deep into the Navy's ongoing efforts to improve quality of life for service members. We'll explore the Secretary of the Navy's two-year review, and give our brutally honest feedback of efforts towards quality of life improvements.
We’ll also discuss expectations set by the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy regarding chiefs' roles in supporting their team's mental health and the emphasis on quality of life.
Additionally, we'll unpack the Navy's shameful response to suicide prevention recommendations in light of the tragic events surrounding the USS George Washington. We’ll examine the pressing issues surrounding housing, transportation, working conditions, and other crucial issues that affect the morale and well-being of sailors.
Tune in for an insightful conversation that addresses these uncomfortable challenges, highlighting the importance of investing in people for a stronger, more resilient force.

In this episode, we dive deep into the ever-evolving landscape of Navy recruiting, exploring the various hurdles the military faces in attracting new talent. From cultural perceptions shaped by Hollywood, to the realities of recruiting amidst a competitive civilian job market. We provide insights to recruiting headlines and data spanning several years.
Join us as we unpack key topics such as:
Cultural Shifts: How media representation of the military impacts recruitment and public perception.
Strategies and Messaging: Analyzing the Navy's fluctuating goals, including the drastic measures taken to meet targets, like expanded age limits and new physical training programs.
Retention Issues: The challenges of keeping experienced sailors and the implications of recent policy changes
Mental Health and Manning: Addressing the stressors sailors face and the Navy's struggle with manpower shortages, particularly among junior ranks.
We also attempt to provide solutions to the recruitment dilemma and share our thoughts on what the Navy might do differently moving forward. Tune in for an engaging discussion that sheds light on the complexities of military recruitment in today's world!