Many U-boat commanders were under forty because submarine operations rewarded initiative and aggression. The U.S. Navy made a similar judgment during the Second World War when it removed many senior submarine commanders and promoted their executive officers. Younger officers had stronger career incentives to press attacks and make a name for themselves. These wartime reliefs show how a service can change command personnel when peacetime seniority does not produce the behavior combat demands.
Notable Point · 1:10:56-1:11:29
Why submarine services favored younger aggressive commanders
German U-boat ages and the U.S. Navy's wartime reliefs show why submarine services often preferred younger, more aggressive commanding officers.