Why frequent technology adoption could make admirals cautious

Frequent exposure to new equipment could make admirals cautious about claims that an emerging weapon was already ready for service. Recognizing its future importance did not require treating it as effective immediately. That distinction helps explain why officers continually adopting technology could acquire a reputation for conservatism. The comparison criticizes a pattern of army officers disregarding change and then embracing it abruptly. Radio replacement supplies a later illustration: naval boats needed updated sets to keep working with other vessels. In the example recalled here, Land Rover radios appeared to remain unchanged for about thirty years while Royal Navy boats passed through roughly six generations. The comparison also acknowledges that armies operated many more radios.