Night exercises build delegated destroyer command

The 1920s naval war manual made torpedo attack the destroyer's primary tactical function while assigning submarine attack, destruction of disabled ships, and fleet security as additional duties. Repeated night exercises tested those ideas and exposed problems such as searchlights revealing a battle fleet to its attackers. The Royal Navy accepted damage and other training risks to develop practical night competence. Junior destroyer officers needed clear operating bounds and confidence that senior commanders would hear the reasoning behind a failed attempt. Exercises gave them opportunities to demonstrate judgment, after which promotion could put successful officers in positions to encourage others. The aim was to develop enough capable leaders for the whole destroyer force instead of depending on an exceptional wartime group.