Reports of cheating stain submarine force

The Navy must take with the utmost seriousness a report that cheating on nuclear training exams in the submarine force may be far more insidious than first thought.

According to the Associated Press, the Navy's inspector general for the Atlantic submarine force confirmed it is investigating potentially widespread cheating, a review that began in August following a complaint that originated at the Naval Submarine Base in Groton.

A year ago reports of a cheating scandal aboard the Groton-based USS Memphis rocked the submarine force. Investigators found sailors were emailed answers before qualification exams, took tests without supervision, and utilized answer keys. The commander was relieved of duty and 13 crew members disciplined.

The Navy characterized the case as an isolated problem, but according to the AP reporting, it appears pervasive.

The nuclear submarine force built its record of zero reactor accidents on the high standards of excellence, personal integrity and responsibility established by Adm. Hyman G. Rickover, the "father of the nuclear Navy." For the safety of the sailors and the public, today's Navy brass cannot afford to let those standards erode.

It appears from the AP accounts that the problem is not the ability of the submariners, but the hubris of their commanders. Competing for the highest proficiency ratings, some commanders want the best scores on the hardest tests and apparently are willing to tolerate some greasing of the skids to get them.

If the investigation confirms as much, then a tough crackdown is called for to send a message that such conduct is unacceptable. Just imagine, what would Adm. Rickover do?