Last Updated on October 14, 2024
This guide provides information that will help you with your decision to become a Navy Surface Warfare Officer during Fiscal Year 2025.
A Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) is an Unrestricted Line Officer who is largely responsible for the operations of Navy ships. SWOs specifically lead the ship’s crew in all aspects of shipboard operations.
So, here’s a little more detail: if you’re a SWO in the Navy, your designator code is 1110. Now, if you’re in the early training stage, you’re going by 1160.
SWOs aren’t just about being on ships either. They get involved in a lot of areas across the Navy, even stuff that doesn’t happen out on the water.
Alright, let’s dive deeper into this.
What Does A Surface Warfare Officer Do?
When folks mention “Naval Officers,” they’re usually talking about Surface Warfare Officers. These are the leaders running the show on Navy warships, managing everything from navigation and safety to engineering and combat systems. Basically, they’re responsible for keeping an armed ship up and running smoothly.
SWOs work in all sorts of environments—both on land and out at sea. At sea, their big job is guiding sailors and making sure the ship’s mission is on point. They usually spend their Sea Duty aboard Navy ships from fleets all over the world.
When they’re on Shore Duty, SWOs might find themselves studying full-time at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, working in the Pentagon in DC, or leading at shore stations worldwide. It’s a pretty broad range of assignments, both at sea and on land.
And as a SWO, you’ll get to learn and put into practice leadership and technical skills. Think of it as a mix of junior executive and professional Naval Officer training. You might find yourself aboard one of the Navy’s latest Arleigh Burke-class destroyers or even a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, working with top-notch equipment and some of the best talent in the military.
You’re not just managing people and high-tech gear, though. You’re pushing your team to grow, solving problems on the fly, and building confidence in your own leadership abilities. All of this is geared toward preparing you for the ultimate challenge—leading a Navy ship at sea.
Initial Sea Tour For Surface Warfare Officers
Graduates from Navy OCS, the US Naval Academy, and NROTC spend about 6 to 15 months on an active ship to gain hands-on experience and lock down their first shipboard qualifications.
Before getting into the thick of things, they’ll either head to some specialized schools for more advanced training or get it right after they’re settled aboard, all to make sure they’re ready for their shipboard roles.
Once they knock out those initial qualifications, they move on to the Basic Division Officer Training (BDOC), which is a five-week course based on seminars. During this part of training, SWOs dive into some key areas like ship handling simulators, interactive computer-based combat scenarios, damage control drills, and engineering programs.
After BDOC, they head back to their ship to finish up their Surface Warfare Officer certification (aka, getting their SWO pin) and wrap up their first sea tour.
Typical Ship Assignments
Surface Warfare Officers are assigned to one of five groups of ships:
1) Aircraft Carrier Forces
Provide shore bombardment and air defense from conventional and nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
2) Cruiser-Destroyer Forces
Combat ships that have a diverse variety of missile and firepower capabilities that assist anti-submarine, anti-air, and surface warfare operations, as well as escort and shore bombardment.
3) Amphibious Forces
Embark and transport vehicles, supplies, and personnel in preparation for amphibious assault operations.
4) Combat-Logistics Forces
Supply combatant ships with fuel, ammunition, food, and spare parts via underway replenishment ships, as well as repair, maintenance, and rescue via fleet support ships.
5) Mine Warfare Forces
Detecting and eliminating mine-related hazards to maritime forces.
How To Become A Surface Warfare Officer
To become a SWO, applicants must be American citizens who are 19 to 29 years old with at least a bachelor’s degree and a GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. SWO applicants must also score at least a 42 on the Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) exam.
If you’re thinking about becoming a Surface Warfare Officer, you must know upfront—it’s pretty competitive to get commissioned in the United States Navy.
First, you’ll need to see if you meet the basic qualifications to even apply for a commission. Keep in mind, this isn’t like applying for a typical civilian management job. SWOs have a direct impact on national security, which means you’ll be held to a much higher standard when it comes to both your performance and your behavior.
But hey, if that didn’t scare you off, then you might just have the right mix of pride and integrity for this role.
So, let’s walk through the steps to becoming a Navy SWO and what you’ll need to qualify:
Step 1: Determine your eligibility
You must first determine your eligibility to compete for a Navy SWO position. The basic eligibility requirements for the Navy SWO program are listed below.
The following requirements are current as of November 2023, per the Navy Personnel Command. No updates have been issued so far.
Basic Eligibility for Navy SWO
| Citizenship | You must be a United States citizen, either by birth or naturalization. |
| Gender | The Surface Warfare Officer program is open for both men and women. |
| Age | You must be at least 19 years old and must not be older than 29 years old upon commissioning. Maximum age may be adjusted for prior active duty service. |
| Education | You must have at least a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and at least 2.75 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. |
| Physical | You must pass a physical and medical screening, typically conducted during the application process. |
| Aptitude | You must pass the Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) with a score of at least 40. |
If you’re applying for an officer role and you meet all the needed qualifications for direct selection, you can actually skip the usual Officer Candidate School (OCS) Selection Board review. Instead, the Officer Community Manager will evaluate you, and if everything checks out, you’ll be fast-tracked to OCS as soon as possible. Pretty sweet deal if you qualify!
To be eligible for this fast-track consideration, candidates must satisfy all the specified requirements below:
- Have a clean background without the need for waivers or exceptions for any policy violations, including drug usage or criminal records.
- Be within the age range of 19 to 25 years.
- Hold a Grade Point Average (GPA) of no less than 3.3 out of a possible 4.0.
- Achieve a minimum score of 50 on the Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR).
- For those currently serving in the fleet, possess no more than six years of total active duty service.
- Prioritize the Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) role as either their first or second career choice. The requirement for a specific designator may be overlooked if the applicant presents a Flag Letter of Recommendation or successfully completes an interview.
Step 2: Prepare your professional resume
If you have not prepared a current resume or curriculum vitae, it is best to start now. Once you contact your local recruiter, they will ask you for your current resume before you can apply for Navy SWO positions.
Your local officer recruiter may even ask you for a resume that is signed and dated by hand.
Step 3: Contact local officer recruiter
You then must contact your local officer recruiter. They will be able to provide you with the current Navy SWO position availability, and any other nuanced requirements for the upcoming Navy SWO selection board.
The recruiter will ask you to provide basic identification documents as proof of eligibility (eg. birth certificate, passport, social security card, etc.), along with your college transcripts and current resume.
Step 4: Take the Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR)
Once the officer recruiter verifies your basic eligibility for the SWO program, they will schedule you to take the Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) exam.
Again:
You must pass the Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) with a score of at least 42 in order to qualify for the Navy SWO program.
In order to qualify for immediate selection, candidates must achieve a minimum OAR score of 50.
The most crucial requirement that you can fully control is your OAR score. It is the primary objective criteria upon which all applicants are compared against.
To maximize your chances of obtaining an exceptional OAR score, we only recommend this OAR Study Guide for your success. All others are mediocre at best.
Step 5: Complete Navy NASIS
Before you can get commissioned, you’ll need to go through a background check—this could be a National Agency Check, Local Check inquiry, or something similar.
The Navy uses the Navy Accessions Security Information System (NASIS) to gather info from future officers so they can start security investigations.
To kick off the process, your security clearance information gets sent to the Defense Information System for Security (DISS). Basically, NASIS handles the data collection and communicates with DISS to make it all happen.
Before you’re officially commissioned, you’ll need to fill out the SF-86 form for your security clearance and make sure there’s an open investigation. Don’t worry—your recruiter will walk you through how to log in to NASIS and get it done. Just be sure to fill it out carefully!
Step 6: Complete physical exam at MEPS
Once you submit all medical paperwork to your officer recruiter, they will schedule you for your full physical exam at MEPS.
MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Stations) are joint-service facilities run by the Department of Defense that employ both military and civilian personnel.
Furthermore, MEPS evaluates applicants based on their physical qualities, intelligence, and moral standards as defined by each branch of military service.
Hotel accommodation may be available for MEPS upon request.
Step 7: Acquire professional references
If you’re applying to the Navy SWO program, you can strengthen your application by getting endorsements from senior Navy Officers or senior enlisted personnel. These could be active duty, reserve, or even retired.
It’s also pretty common to list prior or current work supervisors and college professors as references when applying for a Navy Officer position. These recommendations can really help show what kind of person and leader you are.
Step 8: Write a motivational statement
The Officer Selection Board receives complete information about you from the Application Processing and Summary Record (APSR).
Within the APSR form, there is space to write a motivational statement. You must ensure that your motivational statement fits within the allotted space in the APSR form.
Your motivational statement should answer the following questions:
- Why do you want to be a Navy SWO?
- Why do you want to be a Naval Officer?
- What do you offer to the Navy?
- Why should the selection board choose you?
Step 9: Complete application paperwork
At this point, your officer recruiter will present you with some paperwork that are required to be submitted with your SWO program application.
Complete these forms as accurately and promptly as you can.
Once complete, your application for the Navy SWO program will be submitted to the Navy Surface Warfare Officer selection board.
Selection results typically are released 30 to 45 days after the Navy Surface Warfare Officer selection board convening date.
Service Obligation
Under Title 10 of the U.S. Code, section 651, every officer has to commit to serving for eight years. Now, how you do that can be a mix of active duty and reserve duty, but you’ll need to serve at least four years on active duty—or complete two Division Officer tours, whichever takes longer.
These days, it usually takes around 5.25 years to finish two Division Officer tours. If you want to apply for a lateral transfer before wrapping up your second tour, you’ll need to get a waiver for the service requirement to even be considered.
Surface Warfare Officer Training
Officer Candidate School
Prospective officers attend Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS) – approximately 13 weeks of Navy orientation courses in Newport, RI.
Navy OCS develops your professional knowledge of the Navy and helps you make the transition from civilian life to the Navy.
Apply as early as one year before you graduate from college, as openings are limited and fill quickly.
Academic courses, military training and physical fitness training at OCS are difficult and intense. You will work hard, so self-discipline, physical conditioning, and good study habits are required.
Course subjects include naval operations, orientation and administration. Other study areas are Navy history and the roles of strategic deterrence, sea control, power projection and presence in controlling the seas during conflicts and maintaining freedom of the seas during peace.
Before Navy OCS graduation and commissioning as a Navy officer, you will receive a ship assignment. This assignment begins after Phase II training.
Also Read: Navy OCS Guide for Officer Applicants
Surface Warfare Officers School
The Surface Warfare Officers School Command (SWOS) is the Surface Warfare “Center for Excellence,” where officers and senior enlisted leaders refine their leadership, management, and professional abilities throughout their careers.
The mission of SWOS is pretty clear: to provide ongoing education and training that prepares officers, enlisted engineers, and quartermasters for service at sea.
The key focus of SWOS development is to build skills and knowledge for sea duty assignments, ultimately preparing officers for Command-at-Sea positions.
One of the things that really sets the Surface Warfare community apart is how often officers get professional military education at key points in their careers.
This training not only helps keep leaders sharp on their day-to-day duties but also keeps them informed on the latest changes in the geopolitical and operational world.
Basic and Advanced Division Officer Courses
This tour kicks off with the Basic and Advanced Division Officer Courses (BDOC/ADOC), which are designed to develop you into a Division Officer and Officer of the Deck (OOD).
BDOC is an 8-week course that preps new Division Officers with the core skills they’ll need when they first step aboard a ship. You’ll learn about division-level administration, engineering, leadership, and damage control, while also getting hands-on training in navigation, seamanship, and ship handling.
ADOC builds on what you learn in BDOC but ties it more to real-world fleet experience after you’ve had some time on a ship. It involves more time in the classroom and on simulators, with a focus on refining your skills as an Officer of the Deck and getting you ready for more advanced naval warfare and engineering credentials.
A big change in the course came with the introduction of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), which needs its own special training approach.
SWOS has evolved from the traditional lecture-based model to include more simulation and off-ship training, known as the Train to Qualify (T2Q) concept. T2Q brings in methods from naval aviation and the civilian marine industries to prepare you for operating high-stakes systems with little room for mistakes.
SWOS’s LCS simulators are highly realistic, replicating the bridge environment down to the control layout. As an Officer of the Deck for an LCS, you’ll need to handle the ship without a big bridge crew backing you up, so mastering these simulations is crucial.
Navy Reserve Surface Warfare Officer Program
Here’s your shot to have it all.
You’ll see for yourself how putting in part-time effort can lead to long-term rewards and opportunities. You get access to the same training and growth that active-duty personnel do, and you should aim to meet those same high standards.
As a Navy Reserve Officer, you’ll play a vital role in supporting national security and promoting U.S. interests worldwide. And the best part? You’re still fully connected to the Navy while pushing forward in your civilian career.
This is a rare chance to serve your country while boosting your career. You’ll get top-notch training and leadership experience that’ll help you move up in both your civilian job and the Navy. Plus, you’ll find yourself in higher-level management positions before most of your civilian peers.
The Navy’s also got your back when it comes to flexibility. They’ll work with you to make sure your reserve time fits into your life. It’s truly the best of both worlds—serving your country while staying true to yourself.
Serve in the Navy Reserve as a Surface Warfare Officer
America’s Navy stands as the most advanced and skilled maritime defense force in the world, and it’s the dedicated men and women of the Navy who work around the clock to protect U.S. interests.
At the core of these operations are the Surface Warfare Officers (SWOs)—the leaders in charge of the Navy’s powerful surface ships. These ships, from aircraft carriers and destroyers to frigates and support ships, make up the backbone of the Navy.
Navy Surface Warfare is all about:
- Dominating the seas.
- Handling the full range of Navy missions.
- Tackling anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-air warfare (AAW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), land strikes, theater air missile defense (TAMD), and even supporting Marine Corps amphibious assaults and special operations.
SWOs lead the charge on the world’s most advanced ships, overseeing highly skilled sailors who handle shipboard operations and maintenance.
The leadership and technical skills you’ll gain as a SWO can give you a serious advantage in executive management roles and specialized high-tech jobs in the civilian world.
As a Navy Reserve SWO, you’ll have a ton of flexibility and options. Reserve SWOs often work in areas and industries not as accessible to those on Active Duty. You’ll be part of an elite team of “ship drivers” in charge of a variety of platforms like Aircraft Carriers, Cruisers, Destroyers, Amphibious ships, Fleet Support Ships, Combat-Logistics ships, and even Minesweepers.
Serve Our Country Part-Time
Navy Surface Warfare Officers thinking about leaving active duty should really think about switching to part-time service in the Navy Reserve instead.
Family commitments, career dreams, or just wanting to settle down—these are some of the big reasons SWOs step away from active service. But here’s the thing: in the Naval Reserve, you can still have all of that while keeping your naval career going.
In the Reserve, you can:
- Follow a career outside the military.
- Pick where you want to live and serve.
- Enjoy the freedoms of civilian life.
- Hold on to most of the benefits you got on active duty.
- Keep racking up points toward retirement.
Plus, you’ll still get that strong sense of community that comes with serving in the Navy. You can serve your country while pursuing your own goals. And with flexible drill options, you can even handle your annual duties on weekdays, not just weekends, depending on what works best with your civilian job.
Service Benefits
As a Naval Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, you’ll be leading men and women who’ve pledged to defend their country. It’s a huge responsibility, but also a big honor. And honestly, the rewards of meeting those challenges are pretty awesome.
For those who’ve already served, the Naval Reserve lets you keep your rank while still earning points toward retirement. For newly commissioned junior officers, you’ll feel a strong sense of pride and accomplishment, all while building the technical and leadership skills that can boost your civilian career.
In return for your dedication, the Naval Reserve offers perks that help both your military and civilian life, like:
- Paid weekend drills once a month.
- Two weeks of required training each year (with paid travel sometimes).
- Financial help for education.
- Eligibility for VA home loans.
- Affordable insurance options, including up to $400,000 in life insurance.
- Access to the military commissary and Navy Exchange for you and your family.
- Potential special pay incentives for officers with in-demand skills.
- Access to Officers’ Clubs worldwide.
- Retirement benefits.
How Can I Get Started?
If you are presently on active duty and want to become a drilling Reservist, contact the Career Transition Office at cto.officer@navy.mil or (901) 874-4192 to get started.
If you are presently in the Inactive Ready Reserve or have been off active service for over six months, you must contact a Navy Officer Recruiter to affiliate with the Naval Reserve Component.
You may find an Officer Recruiter near you by visiting www.navy.com and clicking on the
More Information
If you want more information about becoming a Surface Warfare Officer, the next logical step is to contact a Naval Officer Recruiter.
Let us start figuring out how you can benefit from becoming a Navy SWO – or if it is even the right career move for you.
If you are a current college student, the Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program might be useful to you.
Read this if you’re already a SWO and wish to transition to become a Foreign Area Officer FAO.
Others also read more information from our articles about other closely related Navy Officer jobs such as the Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer program and the Naval Flight Officer program.
Hope you found this helpful to your career planning.
