Special pay/bonuses. SWO's earn seaduty pay while on sea duty from their 1st day of duty at sea. SWO's also earn hazardous duty pay and tax-free base pay while deployed to certain hot spots. Upon selection to Department Head, SWO's can earn a $50,000 bonus for signing on to complete a 36 month (typical) afloat department head sequence.
Academic/professional expertise. Candidates must be a graduate from Officer Candidate School (OCS), the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) or a Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program at a participating college and receive commissions as Navy officers; successfully complete the Surface Warfare Officers School (SWOS) Division Officer Course; complete the SWO Personnel qualification Standard (PQS). That's the hands-on training and qualification program aboard ship during the first sea tour.
Basic eligibility requirements. A surface Warfare Officer candidate must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be at least 19 and under 29 when commissioned (maximum age limit may be adjusted up to two years for prior active service)
- Have a B.S. or B.A. degree from an accredited college or university
- Have a qualifying score on the Officer Aptitude Rating Exam
- Be physically qualified by Navy standards
Additional comments. As a SWO you may be responsible for more than 300 people and millions of dollars of complex equipment during your initial tour. Many of the skills and much of the knowledge you acquired in college are put to immediate use. Once you're commissioned a Navy officer, educational opportunities from technical training to postgraduate school are available to further your professional growth. The pay is good. Promotions are regular and based upon performance. And as a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) you'll face challenges that can lead you around the world and back again.
