USN only

Anyone ever have 5 on 10 off at sea? I sure didn't. Further, with the reduced manning I have been hearing about for a long time it does not seem remotely possible.

http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htmora ... 40328.aspx

"Morale: U.S. Navy Makes Peace With The Clock
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March 28, 2014: The U.S. Navy has adopted another more efficient personnel practice from the civilian world. This one has to do with how the sailors work schedule at sea is organized. For a long time most crew worked five hours then had ten hour off."...

I know it says U.S. Navy in the title but the 5 on 10 off at sea never happened to me either. I recall grumbling about a watch bill once as a junior enlisted not realizing that my XO was standing behind me, I was asked if I had any objections to some extra duty when my scheduled watch was over. I never complained again about having to stand multiple watches in a row and I don't think I ever polished as much bright work in one day ever!

As a Second Class Petty Officer I became a work center supervisor and was responsible for 8 other sailors. The Chief I reported to subscribed to the theory that sailors with too much free time on their hands will find a way to get in trouble, working 10 or 12 hours and sleeping 3 or 4 hours between shifts keeps them out of trouble. Even with the increased time standing watch, all of the drills, and the actual fires and other emergencies there's already plenty of horse play going on anyhow.

It was also my experience that as I gained in rank I lost more of my off time due to other duties I could not pawn off on my NCOs and the occasional port call and all of the crap that comes with turning a ship full of sailors loose on liberty. There's a reason when I make coffee you can float a horse shoe on the surface - with the horse attached (and, no, I am not allowed to make coffee in the office at my current job. I have to bring my own thermos from home)!