| The Bluejacket's Manual | |
|---|---|
23rd Edition Hardcover |
|
| Author(s) | Thomas J. Cutler |
| Country | U.S. |
| Language | English |
| Subject(s) | United States Navy life |
| Genre(s) | Handbook |
| Publisher | United States Naval Institute Press |
| Publication date | 4 May 2009 (24th Edition) |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 644 (Hardcover 24th edition) |
| ISBN | ISBN 9781591141532 (Hardcover 24th edition) |
| OCLC Number | 262434708 |
The Bluejacket's Manual is the basic handbook for United States Navy personnel. First issued in 1902 to teach new recruits about naval procedures and life and offer a reference for active sailors, it has become the "bible" for Navy personnel, providing information about a wide range of Navy topics. The current version is the 24th Edition, issued in 2009.[1]
Prior to The Bluejacket's Manual the United States Navy had at least two books for training young men in naval procedure but neither of them had the widespread use of the manual. Seamanship, by Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan, was the primary textbook about seamanship itself at the United States Naval Academy at the end of the 19th century but was not used by enlisted men; many sailors at the time were still illiterate and in any case, the oral traditions and procedures of petty officers were the basis of enlisted sailors' education. The Seaman's Handbook by LCDR Stephen B. Luce, was a success but primarily in Merchant Marine - not the Navy.[2]
The Bluejacket's Manual was first written in 1902 by LT Ridley McLean. Also started in 1902 was the Recruit's Handy Book, issued to every new enlistee. By World War I, both were being issued to every recruit but during the 1920s, the Handy Book was discontinued.[2]
In 1938 the title was changed from the singular possessive form to a plural possessive form of Bluejackets'.[2] After several decades of updates and revisions, the Manual was given its original title back under the singular possessive Bluejacket's.[1]
In the 2002 Centennial Edition, also called the 23rd Edition, several modifications were made, these include the title revert. In addition, a chapter was added covering "Naval Missions and Heritage". The periodic updates were included in respect to the changed world as well as the expansion of the "Navy Education and Training" chapter.[1]
The current edition's official author is CDR Thomas J. Cutler (Ret.); Cutler referred to the work as a "collaborative effort".[2]
The bluejacket manual (centennial edition) by Thomas J. Cutler is considered the basis for modern day seamanship and is received by all recruits upon entering recruit training command in Great Lakes, Illinois.