Several Z-Grams show the range of Zumwalt's reform agenda. One established a Command Excellence Chair at the Naval War College for an officer with a strong record at sea. Z-Gram 49 required half of an awards board's members to be below commander so that junior personnel would receive fairer consideration. Z-Gram 59 allowed officers to spend a year on independent research and professional study, with the added benefit of relative stability for their families. Another measure created a Naval War College forum that could send personnel-policy views to the Chief of Naval Operations and the Secretary of the Navy. These policies joined professional education with fairer evaluation and more sustainable service life.
Chapter · 31:24-33:31
Zumwalt's Z-Grams and professional development
Zumwalt's Z-Grams used education, fairer boards, independent study, and professional forums to reshape the Navy's personnel policies.