The object of the training system is to supply the fleet from the training stations with fairly efficient men in the shortest possible time; to give such preliminary training at the training stations as will avoid the delay in getting a battleship ready for battle, as would result if raw recruits were sent to the fleet. From this, it is evident that the fleet is part of the training system, and unless the preliminary training at the training stations is perpetuated in the fleet, on board the fighting ships, the desired results (having, finally, able-bodied men-of-wars' men) will not be obtained.
It was found that the practice of taking very young, undeveloped boys into the service, for training, did not meet the requirements of modern fighting ships, where the weights to be handled, and the work to be done, are beyond the capacity of the very Young, undeveloped lads. Also, that the system did not meet the requirement of supplying the fleet with men in the shortest possible time. This latter requirement was made more apparent by the shortage of enlisted force throughout the fleet, and the necessity for getting men as soon as possible, with new ships to be commissioned.
The Bureau of Navigation decided; that to meet these requirements, recruits, rated apprentice seamen, should be received into the service for the seaman branch, between the years of seventeen and twenty-five; that these apprentice seamen shall go through a Preliminary course of training at the training stations, for a Period of four months, at the end of which time, the apprentice seaman is rated ordinary seaman, and transferred to the fleet, Where this preliminary training is to be continued.