Swo navy life. There is a high level of BS that you have to endure, but like most things in life if you are willing to make the most of the opportunities you get you will thrive. SWO ED Options that wish to remain in the Surface Warfare Community must submit a command-endorsed request letter to decline the ED Option and remain in the URL community to the Engineering Duty Officer Community Manager via the Surface Warfare Officer Jan 9, 2024 · In recent years, retention among SWOs has remained at approximately 34 to 35 percent, up from a 30 percent retention rate roughly 20 years ago. S. May 1, 2014 · What is Surface Warfare? Surface Warfare is the "traditional" community within the Navy that employs surface ships for the missions of forward naval presence, sea control, and projection of power ashore. The standard length for deployments continues to rise, numerous hulls are on the chopping block, maintenance is battling to keep up with a harried operational tempo, and as ever, its leaders – Surface Warfare Officers, or SWO . Apr 12, 2025 · What is Navy SWOS? Surface Warfare Officers School (SWOS) is a United States Navy institution that provides comprehensive training and education to officers who will serve in surface warfare roles. As the retention gap between men and women continues to grow as SWOs progress in their careers, so does the imbalance and the loss of talent within the community. Nuclear Surface Warfare Officers lead Sailors in the Reactor Department to maintain and operate the ship’s complex reactor system. The desire to settle down and settle in. In this episode of the Academy Insider Podcast, Captain Gervy shares his captivating journey from his roots as the son of a Navy Chief to attending the Naval Surface Warfare Officers School Command (SWOS or SWOSCOLCOM), located at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, is a "Center of Excellence" for surface warfare – where we take pride in being the focal point for training the officers and enlisted Sailors who man and fight our ships. Ever wondered about a day in the life of navy aircraft carrier personnel? Explore the intricate operations, challenges, diverse roles. Starting to consider Navy Dive Officer, EOD officer, or maybe even SEAL officer if SWO life is really that bad. SWO ED Option will redesignate to 1460 within (+/-) 6 months of promotion to Lieutenant. Feb 28, 2019 · Known as the “SWO Draft”, the students made their selections with the assistance of the Navy Personnel Command’s (NPC) surface warfare officer detailers (PERS-41) in Millington, Tennessee. In our three special tanks, we selected 2 eligible officers for CTF 64 command, 2 eligible officers for Navy Recruiting Region Commodore, and 2 eligible officers A forum to discuss Navy Recruiters, processing at MEPS, Delayed Entry Program, Enlisted Ratings, "A" Schools, Officer Candidate School, Recruit Training Command, and transferring to your first command. Many of A forum to discuss Navy Recruiters, processing at MEPS, Delayed Entry Program, Enlisted Ratings, "A" Schools, Officer Candidate School, Recruit Training Command, and transferring to your first command. Officers who screen CDR CMD on (1st or 2nd look) or through self-nomination and demonstrate level of interest, education, and acquisition experience are selected and added to the SWO AP For quality of life, it was said earlier in this thread, but there are many SWOs that lateral transfer out of the community but not many Supply officers who do the same. Learn about US Navy culture, salaries, benefits, work-life balance, management, job security, and more. Feb 25, 2020 · To my recollection, Ships are broken down into Departments and Divisions, and baby SWO's are Division Officers. However, I'm concerned about the potential for burnout on subs and whether it might affect my long-term career plans in the Navy. Family obligations. You’ll have a stateroom with a few more sailors, unlike the enlisted which are crammed/stacked on top of one another into a birthing space. Learn about roles, preparation, and the ship selection process for future officers. A big reason I wanted to join the Navy was that I wanted to lead sailors from the front and SWO was perfect for that. Was it relatively simple finding meaningful/well paying work or did the skills struggle to translate? Planning for possible life after the navy with a kid on the way. How the perception of these challenges takes shape seems to differ based on communities’ levels of pride. Sounds like an essential person is getting shit and that causes a loss of an important member of the ship's crew, leading to That navy becoming second rate, compared to navies who recognise the essential importance of a linchpin job. TAR SWO's have a career path that closely mirrors the active duty SWOs and is essentially identical to their AC counterparts. The course provides practical instruction in navigation, seamanship, and shiphandling both in the classroom and in simulators. Now, for me personally, I always thought the mission sets submarines have were some of the coolest in the Navy and if that's the case, why did I go SWO (N)? Easy: I'm 6'7" and 235lbs. There’s also a lot more to being a SWO than ship driving, so whether or not you have a knack for the bridge be humble and apply yourself to your quals. Mar 20, 2025 · U. Like anything else in the Navy, you start at lower levels of responsibility and through Launch a career as a Naval Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) and learn to operate the most advanced fleet of ships in the world. What is a SWO? Surface Warfare is the community within the Navy that involves the use of the surface fleet's ships for the missions of forward naval presence, sea control, and projection of power ashore. Perfect for Ensigns, OODs, and all who live the SWO life. Do you get any time off as a new SWO? I’ve been reading a lot about the SWO life and it seems extremely strenuous. Highly trained SWOs who specialize in one of four warfare areas – IAMD, ASW/SUW, AMW, or MIW – and enable SMWDC’s LOO Working on my STA-21 application and while deciding what communities to select for, I saw that SWO and CORE options had the most selectees last year, which would give me the highest chance of commission. “People Jul 2, 2025 · Explore Surface Warfare at the U. I spoke with my recruiter and several people I knew personally in the Navy and decided SWO would be best for my goals. I just didn’t see spending that much time away from home and in looking 20 years down the road I was mindful of eventual post navy jobs and what was the civilian equivalent of ship driver. Navy JOs who got out of the Navy following their initial commitment or shore tour, what do you do for a living? How has life been since leaving? Current 1110 SWO here wondering if former JOs have been able to find a job/career outside the Navy with equivalent or even higher pay? Jun 18, 2021 · The following is the Government Accountability Officer June 17, 2021 report, Navy Readiness: Actions Needed to Evaluate and Improve Surface Warfare Officer Career Path From the report SWOs are U. The basic requirements for selection to the Surface Warfare Officer designator 1160. , responsible for leading your Division. The negative connotations associated with SWO are going away. Welcome to SWOTIVATED. If the ship is underway you’re on the ship and you will have a place to sleep. The jobs vary , including Weapons, Operations, and Engineering. This training includes shipboard operations, weapons systems, navigation, and tactical warfare. I understand that you can go into any other designation through this path but I’m curious as to what the day to day life/pipeline of a nuke swo is like? I’m not sure if I’ll do 5 or 50 years but I owe the navy 6 already, what’s a few more if I can get a great education, broad life experiences, and no debt? I Apr 4, 2021 · The Navy veterans on here will give you a more informed answer, but even as someone with no Fleet experience I know that if you foresee being miserable on a ship then you should pursue a different branch. Mar 29, 2023 · Military Best: Life Aboard a Destroyer as a First- Class SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER! Life Aboard A Destroyer as a First Class SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER! "Join the men and women aboard USS Paul Hamilton I’m prior aircrew (enlisted), current SWO. Launch a career as a Naval Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) and learn to operate the most advanced fleet of ships in the world. Navy life is challenging regardless of your community. These officers serve alternate tours in conventional surface ships (as Division Officers, Department Heads, Executive Officers, and Commanding Officers) and in nuclear-powered aircraft carriers where they lead Sailors Hello, Reaching out to ask what jobs people got in the civilian world after leaving the navy as SWO. Naval Academy. Additionally, officers do not go to basic A forum to discuss Navy Recruiters, processing at MEPS, Delayed Entry Program, Enlisted Ratings, "A" Schools, Officer Candidate School, Recruit Training Command, and transferring to your first command. For any officers (especially SWOs) out there, What was your first ship and what was life like for you? What ship would you recommend for a SWO straight out of OCS? Jul 2, 2025 · Prepare for a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) career. Should I look towards the Army instead? I really want to be an officer in the Jul 22, 2018 · SWO is a hard life, but it can be very rewarding. Jul 7, 2021 · For one Navy lieutenant, there are certain aspects of life as a surface warfare officer, or SWO, that can’t be beat, such as globe-spanning deployments and pulling into exotic ports. Officers are expected to serve in and complete their required Division Officer tours, screen and serve two tours as a Department Head afloat, and compete for Command at Sea and other afloat milestone billets. Navy is retooling the career path for surface warfare officers in the aftermath of last year’s fatal guided-missile destroyer collisions. On paper at least, you are quite overqualified as an initial accesion nuke officer, which is why they are pushing SWO nuke on you. My impression is that while at sea you’re working a full time job, standing watch for 6 hours a day, and studying for your qualifications in any other “free” time. Top secret clearance is lucrative. I was originally looking at IP or Pilot or NFO, but would like to maximize my chances for selection. Apr 16, 2025 · This guide provides helpful information for Surface Warfare Officers in the Navy who wish to transition into the Engineering Duty Officer community. After commissioning and completing the SWO education pipeline, a new Ensign will serve as a Division Officer, with responsibilities for leading enlisted personnel and directing a portion of the ship's equipment and operations. Military Best: SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER's Life Aboard a Destroyer as a First- Class SWO! The Journey of a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) in the US Navy with Captain Gervy Alota This page contains information applicable to Active Duty (1110) and TAR (1117) Surface Warfare Officers and Surface Warfare Officer trainees (1160) OCS OCS candidates should first contact their Command Career Counselor for information on commissioning programs. To become an active duty Engineering Duty Officer requires lateral transfer from another community (SWO, SUB, etc. Jul 2, 2025 · SWOs serve on every type of surface ship in the Navy and are primarily responsible for driving the ship, fighting the ship, and maintaining the ship. But difficulty and adversity are not unique to the surface community. Everything she leads turns to gold! A forum to discuss Navy Recruiters, processing at MEPS, Delayed Entry Program, Enlisted Ratings, "A" Schools, Officer Candidate School, Recruit Training Command, and transferring to your first command. How is the life of a SWO? What is the work/life balance like? Where do they mostly get stationed? What do they do? Launch a career as a Naval Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) and learn to operate the most advanced fleet of ships in the world. The Joint Force, our nation and allies, all depend on our Surface ships; therefore, we must continue to retain talented officers, with the right skill sets, in the most For your first four years, SWOs are on a ship. Im interested in going from enlisted to officer through the naval academy. Truth #1: Achieving the surface warfare qualification is the top priority for a first-tour surface warfare officer (SWO). Both onshore and at sea, SWOs manage a number of important roles. In this episode we're talking through the process for becoming a Surface Warfare Officer. S Earn SWO, TAO, & EOOW qualifications Pass Command Assessment (CA) - (SWOS) Shiphandling and Tactical Scenarios Examination: RoR, CM, MR, NSS, MW Recommendation from an Afloat CO while serving afloat Surface Warfare Command Leadership Assessment (SWCLA) replaces Command Oral Board (proactive scheduling required) I've spent hours on Reddit doing research, but I'm a bit stuck on what it's like for SWOs (from what I've researched, it's hell), specifically SWOs working on a destroyer (I'm using the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer for inspiration on this one). Division Officer Duties and the SWO Qualification Aug 22, 2024 · @Nuke3395 brought up great quality of life comments as a SWO -- I fully agree. I’m not interested in being a pilot and the other Navy communities seem to be extremely competitive. See full list on navalofficerrecruiter. Quality of life is fine onboard a ship, it’s just not as cushy as the aviation community. I can’t speak on the officer part of when you arrive to a ship but every new SWO that I’ve seen based on my ship experience gets to be a DIVO but hopefully you don’t go straight to Engineering because that life is brutal. I’m active duty SWO (prior enlisted) by the time I finish my second tour. I am speaking out about the hostile workplace and harmful culture still promoted by both the SWO community and PERS 41 Surface Warfare Officer Assignments - YouTube The videos are all chaptered so you can easily jump to the topics that apply to you or the officers you're mentoring. Thank you! We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. If your son or daughter is planning to join the Navy, you may have questions. Learn more about what Navy life means for your family with our helpful Q&A. Learn more about the SWO Training Pipeline from Lieutenant Mike Perry, a Basic Division Officer Course Instructor (BDOC). SWOS reports to Surface Warfare Schools Command, a learning center for Naval Education and Training Command. Sep 7, 2023 · Life as a SWO is very dynamic, as they have the opportunity to participate in almost all aspects of critical Navy missions. 50 votes, 40 comments. Jul 2, 2025 · The Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer: Program offers a unique career path, balancing warfighting with nuclear power. Once you're fully qualified it's a lot different and life becomes much better as a department head. Your first tour of Sep 2, 2024 · (This account was written and submitted to MLAA by the author, a U. There are some exceptions to this but they are not common. Anyone with this sort of experience willing to share what day-to-day life was like? That being said, SWO has a pretty negative reputation in lot of places and I'm worried that the job won't be as cool as I think it will be. The school Service select is still a few years away, but I've been hearing a lot of negative talk about the SWO community. These are the things that lead many SWOs to leave active duty. Explore bonuses & flexible sea tour options. To send Ryan a message on Facebook: / ryanszimanski To support this channel and Battleship New Jersey, go A forum to discuss Navy Recruiters, processing at MEPS, Delayed Entry Program, Enlisted Ratings, "A" Schools, Officer Candidate School, Recruit Training Command, and transferring to your first command. Sailor to Sailor is the Official Newsletter of MyNavyHR, and is dedicated to Apr 20, 2019 · Here are the job descriptions and qualification factors for surface warfare officers, one of the Navy Commissioned Officer Job Designators. Surface Ships: I'm excited about the opportunity to travel and experience different places. My longest time on a ship totals 5 days, so I don't have the best idea what a SWO's day to Surface Warfare Officer After graduation, Ensigns designated as Surface Warfare Officers (SWO) report to the Navy's Surface Warfare Officer School (SWOS) to attend the Division Officer school along with some follow-on job specific training. In addition to your assigned billet, you will stand watches -- deck or engineering. Active duty Surface Warfare Officer thinking about going Reserve. Apr 10, 2023 · US Navy Photo While the simulators can’t fully replicate real-life bridge situations, the young officers aboard Halsey said they felt ready to begin their qualifications and pursue the SWO pin. Curious about life style and type of work. mil or send a message through our “CONTACT US” page or call N723/International Training at (401) 841-3648 or (401) 841-2522. com – Shop SWO shirts, Navy coffee mugs, Surface Warfare Officer gear, SWO daggers, commissioning gifts, and ship selection essentials. They learn the intricacies of shipboard life, from managing a crew to operating complex machinery and ensuring the vessel's readiness for any mission. FY-26 Major Command Board ewly selected Major Commanders! Overall, we selected 69 SWOs for Surface Major Command over the three looks, and 10 SWOs for quisition Corps Major Command. SWOs serve five years after graduation. This post is for those thinking about SWO life or unsure what exactly it entails: I’m coming up on my 5 year mark being a SWO… Apr 21, 2017 · With the recent incident of the USS Fitzgerald you can see the importance of shiphandling and damage control, constant items in the life of a SWO. High Rate of Separation To fill SWO department head, executive officer, and commanding officer billets, the Navy must retain more women. Surface Warfare Officer Surface Warfare Officers (SWOs) serve on Naval vessels such as aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and landing craft carriers. Candidates that desire to apply for Surface Warfare Officer (Conventional), should read the Program Authorization for eligibility See what it's like to be an officer living in a stateroom on a US Navy Cruiser!For centuries, sailors have carried a symbol of their service: the challenge c Retaining Warfighters: The Key to the Surface Navy’s Future We need a Navy of highly lethal Surface Warfare Officers (SWO) to lead our Sailors and command our ships in countering threats in support of the Joint Force. As a junior officer, you’ll mainly be busy getting PERS-41 Mission SUPPORT OPERATORS AT SEA The SWO Community is manned by a cadre of highly motivated, well-educated, tactically and technically proficient, and creative leaders who are intent on pursuing opportunities of increasing responsibility, leading to command afloat and ashore. Oct 28, 2022 · BDOC is a nine-week course focused on division leadership and is the surface warfare officer (SWO) career path's initial training. They serve all around the world and on every type of ship the US Navy operates. To answer your questions: EDOs like all other communites require passing the same PRT as everyone else. You can also email international_swos@navy. My recruiter just submitted my application to become a SWO because that officer position sounded the most interesting to me, but as I read into it more I see lots of mixed reviews. Nov 13, 2024 · 58 reviews from US Navy employees about working as a Surface Warfare Officer at US Navy. SWOS equips officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and manage naval surface ships, including navigation, ship handling, combat systems, warfare tactics, and leadership. Becoming a SWO is a challenging, but Apr 12, 2025 · This guide provides an overview of the expected duty stations of Navy Surface Warfare Officers (SWO). This is likely due not only to the demands of being a SWO but also the better quality of life and career flexibility for Supply officers. Navy Surface Warfare Officers lead ships and crews, conducting maritime operations and warfare, utilizing tactical knowledge and strategic planning to ensure national security and defense in littoral and open ocean environments. The United States Navy’s surface fleet finds itself in dynamic times. Like how everyone hates each other/their lives/themselves. There are very few good deals in the Navy, SWO nukes get insanely high bonuses to stay in but their retention is (unless it's changed recently) the worst of all the unrestricted line officer communities. There are two aspects of SWO life onboard the ship - standing watch and leading a Division. What was your rate in the May 20, 2025 · Surface Warfare Officer - Nuclear Trained The primary purpose of the SWO (N) community is to maintain a cadre of Surface Warfare Officers with a sub-specialty in nuclear power. ) of which there are some guaranteed contracts which are called options. The idea of broader exposure to various bases and locations is appealing. I’m trying to explore my options right now. Feb 9, 2025 · This guide provides helpful information for those looking to become a Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer (SWO-Nuclear) during Fiscal Year 2025. Feb 24, 2025 · Upon completion of OCS, SWOs undergo further specialized training tailored to their specific role within the Navy's surface fleet. Jun 28, 2018 · The U. If the ship is in port, you’re on the ship but will typically be able to go home at night unless you are on watch. Surface Warfare Officers (or SWOs, pronounced "swohs") are the men and women who, as junior officers just out of college, lead the sailors within the many specialized divisions of a ship's Jul 2, 2025 · Explore the Surface Warfare program: career paths, professional development, and advanced education opportunities for aspiring Navy officers. Its pages contain updates on Navy matters including news from the SECNAV Retiree Council, stories about DOD policies, medical and educational benefits, legislation affecting veterans, and photographs from around the fleet. com Finalist for SURFOR SWO of the Year! LEADS ENTIRE COMMAND TO SUCCESS! Led us to CNO/SECNAV Safety Awards, authored the Enlisted Women’s Leadership Award Winner, and garnered “best CIC team on the waterfront in three years” during ATG Warfare Assessment. I wanted to challenge myself by working in difficult environments and taking on complex workloads. There are several variations to the career path shown below. ) Some questions about nuke swo How is the general day to day quality of life for a nuke swo JO? Furthermore, how does it compare to a conventional swo? What exactly does the nuke bonus look like? I’ve heard tons of different We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. They are stationed throughout the world, commanding a division of sailors responsible for a particular system on board the ship. Maintain and operate the most advanced fleet of ships in the world—along with the Surface Warfare Officers who are considering leaving active duty should give full consideration to transitioning from full-time service to part-time service in the Surface Reserve Component. However, in the Navy Reserve, you can achieve all of the Surface Warfare Officers, or SWOs, are the leaders of the naval surface fleet. If you’re a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO), you have what it takes to lead. Sailor for Life, the magazine designed especially for Navy Veterans, Retirees, and Families. Program leads to appointment on active duty as an Navy Ensign. I’ll be at 8 years (5 commissioned / 3 enlisted). A forum to discuss Navy Recruiters, processing at MEPS, Delayed Entry Program, Enlisted Ratings, "A" Schools, Officer Candidate School, Recruit Training Command, and transferring to your first command. Explore Naval SWO jobs. The navy needs SWOs. Even if you’re a pilot, Marine, or in We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Assuming you don’t want to be a SWO, you still need to be prepared for the “worst case scenario” of not getting the service assignment you want. Think you have what it takes? Is SWO life really that bad? I was interested in dropping my packet for the Navy but oh boy the negativity around it I’ve found online is making me second guess. If anyone can please share their experience that would be greatly appreciated. "At BDOC, we’re preparing students for the Junior Officer of the Deck PA 101A - Surface Warfare Engineering Duty Officer (SWO-EDO) Option PA 101B - Engineering Duty Officer In-Service Procurement Program (EDO-IPP) PA 101F - Submarine Engineering Duty Officer (SUB-EDO) Option EDO Main (Request Access for ED Options or Lateral Transfer Selectees) SECNAV Community and Merit Reorder Briefs Lateral Transfer/Redesignation SWO life is hard. The plan requires more school for new officers Hello! I have a nuke swo interview lined up for next semester, and I have a couple questions (especially since my “nuke swo mentor” is actually a sub officer. Career aspirations. I went to OCS and SWO was the only designator I applied to. Learn about SWO careers, roles, and hear testimonials from midshipmen. SWOs used to go to Surface Warfare Officer School (SWOS) before reporting to ships and then a Divison course after. ) September 2, 2024 I am a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) for the United States Navy. Navy Surface Warfare Officer. Hello, I am planning on commissioning as a nuke SWO after my graduation and I have seen some posts talking about how bad life is as a nuke. Surface Warfare Officers (SWO's) are the men and women who, as junior officers only a year out of college, lead the sailors within the many specialized divisions of a ship's crew. Standing watch varies depending on need and qualification Being a first tour SWO is rough cause you're learning and working on moving up in the ranks and qualifying. Is it really as bad as everyone says? Is the na/nfo path really that much better? I'd really appreciate your input. Jul 27, 2021 · SWO(N) Career Path – from PA to Reactor Officer Following PA, the traditional SWO(N) career path includes two shore duty assignments and XO/CO Fleet up prior to Reactor Officer. Fast attack submarines were an immediate "nope" for me. Now they go straight to a ship and then return to SWOS for schools as needed. pyqh5z35hvmsv9b8c4w3qoqdg4qcl09effxgxxipoh6cessz