America’s Navy has the most modern, advanced fleet of ships in the entire world. Surface Warfare Officers (SWOs) are trained extensively to maintain and operate these ships, their crews and their systems. SWOs learn and apply the critical leadership and technical skills of junior executives and professional naval officers. As a SWO, you could do any of the following: 

• Directing personnel operations aboard Navy vessels, such as aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, amphibious warfare ships, mine warfare ships and frigates
• Managing shipboard vertical launch systems and weapons systems
• Using computer displays and advanced technology in battle and ship defense
• Providing support to Navy expeditionary forces, Theater Air Missile operations, anti-submarine warfare, surface-to-air warfare, and support and supply missions

You will lead some of America’s finest men and women, taking charge of highly skilled professionals and millions of dollars’ worth of high-tech equipment. Providing direction. Leading by example. As the backbone of fleet leadership, you have the opportunity to use your skills on ships throughout the fleet. A career as a SWO could eventually lead you to becoming a Commanding Officer of a navy warship. Surface Warfare Officers are assigned to ships in one of five groups:

• Aircraft Carrier Forces: Provide air defense and shore bombardment from conventional and nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
• Cruiser-Destroyer Forces: Combat ships with a wide array of missile and fire power capabilities providing anti-air, anti-submarine and surface warfare support, escort and shore bombardment.
• Amphibious Forces: Embark and transport vehicles, cargo and troops for amphibious assault operations.
• Combat-Logistics Forces: Provide combatant ships with fuel, ammunition, food and spare parts through underway replenishment ships and repair, maintenance and rescue capabilities through fleet support ships.
• Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and neutralize threats to maritime forces from hostile use of mines.

PAY, BENEFITS & EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Our people are our most valuable assets, so we care for them well. With world-class training, opportunity to pay for college and advanced degrees, access to the best health care in the country, retirement plans, tax incentives, and more perks than you could have imagined, Navy active-duty benefits are the most competitive out there. 

• Earn up to $150,000 while finishing your degree
• Regular monthly income ranging from $4,000 to $6,000 prior to your graduation   
• Free graduate education through Post 9/11 GI Bill
• 30 days of paid vacation time each year
• Competitive and pay and bonuses: Total compensation at 4 years of service for Lieutenant in San Diego, CA ($130,000)
• Automatic Promotions based on ability and performance
• Comprehensive medical and dental care at no cost to sailor
• Low-cost childcare services
• Opportunities to travel the world
• Excellent retirement benefits including Blended Retirement System/Pension and 5% 401K Government matching contribution
• Food allowances
• A housing allowance that is based upon the location of the school you attend

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

To be an eligible candidate, you must be:

• A U.S. citizen
• 19-29 years old (age waiver may be approved on case-by-case basis)
• Bachelor’s degree or be in pursuit of a bachelor's degree with at least 60 credits hours and be currently enrolled full time to a baccalaureate degree from a non-NROTC affiliated institution accredited institution
• Prior Service Navy and other branches of service are welcome to apply

Makeup of a competitive candidate:

• GPA > 2.8,
• Physical fitness
• Extra-curricular activities
• Community involvement
• Outstanding character
• Great leadership potential
• Excellent communication skills

America’s Navy is approximately 450,000 Sailors, 300 ships and submarines, and 3,700 aircraft strong. Water and salt flow through our veins in the same proportion as the sea. That mighty force is the lifeblood of the greatest Navy ever to sail unstoppably upon it, slip stealthily beneath it or fly unchallenged above it. And we defend with honor, courage, and commitment every hour of every day. We are America’s Navy. We are forged by the sea.