Men of honor 12 steps

Summary

In a tense military setting, Senior Chief Carl Basher, a Navy diver with a prosthetic leg, fights to prove his worth for reinstatement to active duty. Despite the physical challenges posed by his injury, Basher’s determination and dedication to Navy traditions challenge modern standards and protocols. The script explores themes of honor, sacrifice, and the clash between old and new Navy practices, as Basher strives to reclaim his place in a demanding world. His unwavering resolve to overcome personal and institutional obstacles makes for a poignant narrative of resilience and pride.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Navy diver, Senior Chief Carl Basher, faces doubts about his ability to keep up due to having one leg and being nearly 40 years old.
• 😀 Basher challenges the assumption that his prosthetic leg would prevent him from performing in a diving scenario, stating, 'Can they keep up with me?'
• 😀 There is a concern that if Basher were to drown, his prosthetic leg would hinder his buoyancy and he wouldn't float like a normal limb.
• 😀 Basher is adamant about his commitment to die like a Navy man if necessary, even at sea, regardless of the challenges he faces.
• 😀 The Navy's experimental diving unit tests divers with heavy equipment, requiring them to walk 12 steps unassisted as a qualification for diving.
• 😀 Basher insists he can walk the 12 steps unassisted, demonstrating his physical capability despite the difficulties presented by his prosthetic leg.
• 😀 Captain Hanks emphasizes the importance of thoroughness, agreeing to have Basher demonstrate his ability despite skepticism from others.
• 😀 There is a tense moment where Basher is confronted by a superior who questions his readiness and the appropriateness of the demonstration.
• 😀 Captain Hanks reflects on his own sacrifices in the Navy, believing the ultimate test of strength and loyalty lies in the sacrifices made by the men and women in service.
• 😀 The Navy diver’s role is defined not by heroism, but by expertise in salvage operations, with divers tasked to recover lost or sunken items from deep waters.
• 😀 Despite challenges and physical limitations, Basher is reinstated to full active duty, highlighting resilience, honor, and determination in the Navy’s tradition.

Q & A

What is the significance of the 12 steps in the Navy diving qualification process?

The 12 steps are a physical challenge meant to demonstrate a diver's ability to walk unassisted while wearing a heavy diving rig, which weighs 290 lbs. It symbolizes the physical endurance and strength required for Navy divers, ensuring they can handle demanding situations under pressure.

What does Senior Chief Carl Basher’s one-legged condition imply about his ability to complete the task?

Senior Chief Carl Basher’s one-legged condition raises concerns about his ability to complete the 12-step challenge unassisted, as it could potentially affect his balance and endurance. However, Basher is confident that he can perform the task despite the disability.

Why is the prosthetic limb mentioned in the script?

The prosthetic limb is mentioned to highlight a potential safety concern. If Basher were to become unconscious or deceased, the buoyancy of the prosthetic limb could hinder him from floating, potentially making it difficult for rescue operations in free-dive mode.

What does Captain Hanks mean by 'We’re in a new Navy now'?

Captain Hanks refers to changes in the Navy’s policies and traditions. He implies that the old ways of doing things, such as honoring certain traditions or customs, may no longer be relevant or applicable in the modern Navy.

How does Senior Chief Basher view the Navy's traditions?

Senior Chief Basher holds Navy traditions in high regard, considering them integral to his identity and career. He mentions that although he has experienced both positive and negative aspects of these traditions, they are what have sustained him in his Navy career.

What personal sacrifices has Senior Chief Basher made for his career?

Senior Chief Basher reflects on the personal sacrifices he has made, stating that his quest for success in the Navy has come at the cost of personal losses, particularly to those who love him. His family has endured great pains in supporting his career.

What role does the Navy diver’s work play in the script's narrative?

The Navy diver's work is portrayed as crucial yet uncelebrated. The diver's role is to salvage what is lost underwater, and their success is often measured by their ability to recover or move sunken or lost objects. The script underscores the lack of recognition for this dangerous, yet vital work.

What is the symbolic meaning of the line 'If I am killed at sea, I will make every effort to die like a Navy man'?

This line symbolizes Senior Chief Basher's deep commitment to the Navy and his unwavering sense of duty. It expresses a readiness to face death with honor, in line with the Navy's values and traditions, should his life be lost during a mission.

What role does Captain Hanks play in Basher’s reinstatement?

Captain Hanks plays a pivotal role in Senior Chief Basher’s reinstatement. Despite skepticism about Basher's physical ability to perform the 12-step challenge, Captain Hanks ultimately oversees the demonstration and agrees to reinstate Basher to active duty after he successfully completes the task.

How does the dialogue between Basher and Captain Hanks reflect their differing views on Navy traditions and modern practices?

The dialogue reflects a clash between Basher’s reverence for traditional Navy values and Captain Hanks’ more pragmatic approach to modern Navy policies. While Basher sees the Navy as an institution built on tradition and honor, Hanks views it as a more operational and business-like entity, with less room for sentimentalism.