There is more to this story than what has been reported. Most NOBCs (Naval Officers Billet Codes) do not require expertise with small arms, so therefore, being unknowledgeable of and not recognizing the configuration of a scoped rifle would not in itself be cause for censure or to be relieved of command. Relieving a commanding office, regardless of service branch, is a very serious action that reflects poorly on the officer (usually ending their career) and on the service that put them in command. This is especially true in the Naval service where sea duty distance, even in today instantaneous communication world, puts ultimate responsibility on the CO for the command climate, mission accomplishment, crew well being and equipment care. This photo has the appearance a photo op of some kind……the CO was handed an M4 to shoot. The hand on his shoulder is the Safety man. The CO may have been the butt of a joke by his crew which, if the case, could be an indicator of command climate and the level of respect from his crew. In the eyes of seniors, this would raise questions about command structure and environment when added to other issues of his command culture that could be considered in an overall “loss of confidence “ to command finding. Why he was handed a backward scoped M4 is the issue, not that he didn’t recognize it.
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