I have received a hard copy of the June 1998 CSL/CSP Instruction.

This looks like the news that we have been waiting for.

I wonder why none of us stumbled upon it between June 1998 and now. So now we are in that 10% that don't get the word? But we'll take it. This is probably as good as it gets.

"With the exception of Midshipman on cruise, a minimum time of 6 months (not in shipyard) is required for qualification."

COMSUBLANT/COMSUBPACINST 1552.16B of 15 Jun 1998 removed all reference to Midshipmen being able to qualify.

Paragraph 4.b in the new instruction states: "Personnel serving in a non-submarine source rating or not assigned to a submarine for duty, serving in a temporary duty status onboard a submarine (e.g. CTs and SEALS), who complete the requirements for qualification in submarines must request a waiver of the eligibility standards from the Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS)(Pers-403) via the Commanding Officer of the ship on which qualified, info the appropriate Submarine Force Commander.

'Since no Middie is ever on board for 6 months, no Middie can ever earn Dolphins.

This change was DELIBERATE, and designed to have the intended effect without ruffling anyone's feathers.

Similar changes were made for Surface and Air qual programs. Pretty slick!'