the enemy would include its ASW advancements and capabilities, and as much
about their attack methods as possible. Strategic knowledge would include
knowing the basic tenets of submarine warfare, like the tactics of convoy
attacks, how to set up and use the stern tubes, and surviving a depth
charge attack.

But more important to the Big Picture is knowing what is going on all the
time. There is nothing more frustrating than setting up a great second
attack on a large convoy, only to discover that the torpedoes from deck
storage were never loaded. There is nothing more dangerous than ignoring
the damage control reports during a sustained depth charge attack.
Ignoring radio reports of convoy movements from other U-boats creates
missed opportunities. The Big Picture means acting like, and thinking like,
a U-boat captain.

A good example of the importance of the Big Picture is knowledge of the
depth under keel--the distance from the U-boat's keel to the mud on the
bottom of the ocean. There are times when the depth of seawater is less
than 150 meters, which means that any crash dive will land the U-boat on
the bottom of the sea, stuck in the mud. (There are times when sitting on
the bottom of the sea is a good idea, but while diving to do so, make sure
that the U-boat has no forward motion).

LAST ONE TO SPOT THE ENEMY DIES

As the boat exits the harbor, it is time to plot a course to a patrol area.
Plotting a course is done by setting up waypoints. Early in the career,
all the patrol areas will be centered around England. Simply plot the
easiest, fastest way to the patrol area. The trick to transiting is not in
plotting the course; the trick is simply to keep a close watch as the
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