Last Updated on October 15, 2024
Alright, so here’s the deal about the Navy’s Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) to Foreign Area Officer (FAO) Tailored Community Transition (TCT) Program for Fiscal Year 2025.
This pilot program is basically a chance for SWOs, who’ve finished their SWO Department Head (DH) tours, to switch over and start a new career as a Foreign Area Officer.
If you’re thinking about making a move from being a SWO to something a little different but still within the Navy, this program might be your perfect shot at transitioning into the FAO community.
What’s the Navy SWO to FAO TCT Program?
This program gives SWOs a special path to become FAOs after wrapping up their SWO DH tours or Single Longer Tour (SLT). If you get picked, you’ll get an “FTX” designator, which means you’re officially in training to be a FAO.
Why does this matter? The Navy needs skilled officers to fill key positions in the FAO community, helping with international security and making a big impact globally. The FAO Community Manager (OCM), under BUPERS-314, handles this program.
Key Details
- Program Authority: OPNAVINST 1210.5B
- Quotas: Each year, the number of available spots is set by the SWO and FAO OCMs, and they’re part of the overall FAO community’s yearly quota.
Pretty straightforward, right? If you’re a SWO and want a career shift into the FAO world, this program might be your next step.
Qualifications for the Navy SWO to FAO TCT Program
Alright, so if you’re thinking about jumping into the Navy’s SWO to FAO TCT Program, there are a few things they want to see you’ve got covered. The requirements belows are current as of August 2023, per the Navy Personnel Command. No updates have been issued thus far.
Citizenship
- You’ve gotta be a U.S. citizen, no exceptions.
Age
- There aren’t any strict age limits to worry about.
Education
- You need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Your GPA has to be at least 2.6 (out of 4.0), so make sure you’ve hit that mark.
Physical
- You and your family have to pass the overseas screening, following the standards set by Naval Support Activity Bahrain.
- This needs to be backed up with paperwork, specifically the NAVPERS 1300/16 “Report of Suitability for Overseas Assignments”.
SWO Warfare Qualification
- You must’ve completed all your Surface Warfare Officer qualifications and successfully been screened for your DH tour.
Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB)
- Your DLAB score has to be 110 or higher. So, if you haven’t taken it yet, start prepping for that.
Security Clearance
- You need to show that you’re eligible for Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance. Proof is required.
FAO Interview
- Lastly, you’ve gotta nail an interview with a FAO panel. The panel is led by a FAO who’s an O-6, so make sure you’re prepared to impress.
That’s the checklist to get yourself into the SWO to FAO TCT Program. Pretty clear-cut, but you’ve gotta have all your ducks in a row!
Waiver Process
Okay, so here’s how the waiver process works if you don’t meet all the requirements for the Navy’s SWO to FAO TCT Program but you’ve got some standout skills or an impressive record:
Application for Waiver
- You’ll need to put together a formal waiver request and send it up to the Director, Military Community Management (BUPERS-3). You’ll go through the FAO OCM for this.
- In the request, you’ve gotta explain why the waiver is needed. Basically, make your case for why they should consider you despite not hitting all the standard boxes.
Routing and Approval
- Your request goes through your chain of command first, then to the FAO OCM for their endorsement.
- Final approval sits with BUPERS-3, so they’re the ones who make the final call.
Notification
- Once a decision is made, the FAO OCM will let you know if your waiver’s been approved or not.
That’s the waiver process in a nutshell. If you’ve got what it takes, even if you don’t meet every requirement, there’s still a chance through the waiver. Just make sure your application makes a strong case!
Alright, here’s the breakdown on what happens after you make the switch from SWO to FAO through the TCT Program:
Service Obligation
- Once you officially become a FAO (with the new 1710 designator), you’re on the hook for two more years of active duty from the date you change designators.
- Good news though, this two-year commitment runs at the same time as any other active duty obligations you’ve already got. So, it’s not tacked on separately.
Training and Assignment
Once you’re selected for the program, here’s what’s next:
- International Security Affairs Master’s Degree:
You’ll need to complete a master’s in International Security Affairs. This is a big part of your transition into the FAO world, giving you the skills you’ll need to tackle international security challenges. - Language Training:
Get ready for some intense language training! It’s customized based on the region you’ll be working in, and it can last anywhere from 24 to 36 months, depending on what the region demands. - FAO Detailer Coordination:
During your post-division officer shore tour, you’ll be working closely with your FAO junior detailer to make sure all the training lines up with where you’re headed in your new FAO career.
Post-DH Tour Assignment
- Once you wrap up your SWO DH tours, you’ll automatically become a FAO—no need for a board review. You’ll then be assigned to FAO-specific billets and start your new chapter.
That’s pretty much the roadmap for transitioning from SWO to FAO, with a solid plan for training and getting you ready for those international assignments!
More Information
Wanna know more about the SWO to FAO TCT Program? Your best move is to check out the FAO Community Management page or ask around at your local command. Both the FAO and SWO OCMs are there to help you out with any questions on the application process or quotas.
You can also hit up your local Naval Officer Recruiter if you need more info or guidance.
This program is a cool way for SWOs to switch things up and dive into international relations and diplomacy, helping make a global difference with the Navy’s FAO team.
