Computer Scientist working in Research/Development Navy Reserve Officer options

[Deleted member 67144 scul]

I would need to check the PA but I’m pretty sure EDO wants engineering-focused degree.

Based off this guy’s background, IWC DCO is his best suit. Supply possibly... but I think it would be a more distant long shot to getting selected.

Either way, he’s got no masters degree which puts him at a very competitive disadvantage for DCO.

PA 203 does mention computer science, fortunately. Even things like math, chemistry, and ceramics are on there. CS lends itself to software engineering and is the major to study to be properly educated to become a software engineer. Some form of software is in literally everything these days, like fancy toilets.

 

[Judge Q]

PA 203 does mention computer science, fortunately. Even things like math, chemistry, and ceramics are on there.

I would love to be in the room when the board sees an EDO app with a ceramics degree.

 

[nittany03]

I would love to be in the room when the board sees an EDO app with a ceramics degree.

Uhh . . . materials science. Think space shuttle tiles, not middle-aged women making little statuettes.

 

[Judge Q]

Uhh . . . materials science. Think space shuttle tiles, not middle-aged women making little statuettes.

I figured it was something more along those lines I was just picturing someone who took pottery classes trying to be an engineer, the obviates me of the need to be correct.

 

[spwalsh187]

Look up SPAWAR, PEO C4I, PEO EIS, and PEO Space.

From how you've described your civilian background, that's basically you.

If you like the idea of being part of what they do, both EDO/AEDO and IDC (IP/IW) communities provide manning for the above commands.

I'll have to check those out. Thanks. The problem with EDO/AEDO seems to be they require very specific things (P.E. licence/aero-related work).

I would need to check the PA but I’m pretty sure EDO wants engineering-focused degree.

Based off this guy’s background, IWC DCO is his best suit. Supply possibly... but I think it would be a more distant long shot to getting selected.

Either way, he’s got no masters degree which puts him at a very competitive disadvantage for DCO.

I think my plan is going to focus on going for an IWC DCO (Intel or IP). Will have to look into different certs possibly. As for the Master's, I will be beginning the Naval War College's Fleet Seminar Program this fall (registered for 'Strategy and War' class) and plan to apply for the related Master's program next year. Also, looking into a Computer Engineering program.

I’d find it hard to believe that a CS degree wouldn’t count towards STEM or towards an AEDO/EDO requirement. All of our systems are so SW intensive that the relevance would be easy to argue. If masters is a requirement for DCO then such is life.

Either way you need to ask yourself what kind of work youd be interested in doing as most officer jobs are more management than technical. Which field interests you the most?

I definitely am interested more in management. Don't want to be a code monkey. The technical stuff is fine but I've done an assortment of technical work in the past and want to move on. In my current position I've been given the opportunity to move towards project management and I am finding it more interesting.

 

[Deleted member 67144 scul]

The problem with EDO/AEDO seems to be they require very specific things (P.E. licence/aero-related work).

As I'm in the application process, I've asked a number of EDOs who haven't heard of many EDOs being EIT or PE licensed, and the EDO community includes civil engineers (the people who actually need an EIT/PE, along with some mechanical and power engineers). You're a CS guy. EIT/PE is absolutely irrelevant. I just got a waiver earlier today from the Reserve OCM as a just-in-case measure waiving the experience and PE "requirement". The Reserve OCM is an EDO himself, and part of his job as OCM is to play gatekeeper.

 

[spwalsh187]

As I'm in the application process, I've asked a number of EDO Captains and Commanders who haven't heard of many EDOs having such a thing, and the EDO community includes civil engineers (the people who actually need an EIT/PE, along with some mechanical and power engineers). You're a CS guy. EIT/PE is absolutely irrelevant. I just got a waiver earlier today from the Reserve OCM as a just-in-case measure waiving the experience/PE "requirement". The Reserve OCM is an EDO himself, and part of his job as OCM is to play gatekeeper.

Huh, below is an excerpt from the doc my OR gave me describing the different programs:

Engineering Duty Officer (EDO):
Applicants must hold an advanced engineering degree, either a Master of Science or a Doctorate in an
approved field. ... A Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer in Training Certificate is
preferred. ...

But you're right. It would be a massive waste of time/money/effort for me to get a PE/EIT. It would serve no purpose for my specific career. I think I need to get in front of some Reserve Officers from these fields and talk to them directly.

 

[Deleted member 67144 scul]

Yes, it's also mentioned in PA 203. But seriously, holding software engineers to standards only really needed by civil engineers is silly. I work at a major tech corporation and the world leader in mobile technologies/standards. I haven't heard of anyone having an EIT/PE, and few I talk to seem to know what it is because frankly it's one of the most useless things hardware and software engineers could get.

If I'm talking to EDO Captains/Commanders who scratch their heads to remember if they know anyone with an EIT/PE, then I'm sure the selection board knows this isn't really a thing even in their own community. My only concern is if they're under the impression that it's a thing in the civilian world outside of civil engineers and some mechanical, power, and chemical engineers. Otherwise, it just seems like it's a check mark item. If you have it, cool, if not then, whatever. At least that's what I'm hoping the reality is.

 

[Hair Warrior]

EIT/PE is for CEC and Seabees. EDO wants engineering disciplines that are a natural fit to shipbuilding and ships' onboard systems (electronics, radar, etc.). Same for AEDO but with aviation-related engineering. IWC seems to appreciate STEM of all types, so maybe target 1820 IP.

 

[BigRed389]

Huh, below is an excerpt from the doc my OR gave me describing the different programs:

Engineering Duty Officer (EDO):
Applicants must hold an advanced engineering degree, either a Master of Science or a Doctorate in an
approved field. ... A Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer in Training Certificate is
preferred. ...

But you're right. It would be a massive waste of time/money/effort for me to get a PE/EIT. It would serve no purpose for my specific career. I think I need to get in front of some Reserve Officers from these fields and talk to them directly.

I've met several newly commissioned DCO EDO's.

The only thing that was a no kidding requirement was the technical education requirement (ie a Master's or at least near completion of advanced degree).

Out of a class of 10+, I can't think of any that mentioned they were PE's or EIT's.

 

[Deleted member 67144 scul]

EIT/PE is for CEC and Seabees. EDO wants engineering disciplines that are a natural fit to shipbuilding and ships' onboard systems (electronics, radar, etc.). Same for AEDO but with aviation-related engineering. IWC seems to appreciate STEM of all types, so maybe target 1820 IP.

Then maybe the PA and the reserve recruitment info should be updated not to make it out like it's a requirement so it doesn't scare off people like we're seeing right now.

To my understanding, DCO IP/CW de facto requires relevant work experience (read: IT security / infosec) and lots of DoDD 8570 approved IT certifications.

I've met several newly commissioned DCO EDO's.

The only thing that was a no kidding requirement was the technical education requirement (ie a Master's or at least near completion of advanced degree).

Out of a class of 10+, I can't think of any that mentioned they were PE's or EIT's.

Excellent news. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Hair Warrior]

Then maybe the PA and the reserve recruitment info should be updated not to make it out like it's a requirement so it doesn't scare off people like we're seeing right now.

To my understanding, DCO IP/CW de facto requires relevant work experience (read: IT security / infosec) and lots of DoDD 8570 approved IT certifications.

When I say “target 1820” I am implying there is still work to be done and he will have to go after and attain those very things.

Not every career path in the world has a corresponding naval officer role. You have to change yourself to fit the Navy’s needs, and not the other way around.

 

[spwalsh187]

Kicking up an old thread, but I wanted to provide an update.

After going through two IWC board interviews, two separate medical qualifications (had to redo the one I did at PAX at Walter Reed because another applicant decided to lie on their forms causing PAX to stop doing med quals.), and tons of waiting...

I was finally selected for a commission last week!

I will be commissioning as a LTJG Information Professional Officer with NIFR Washington DC.

I know this thread died a while ago, but I wanted to thank you all for the advice and information you all offered. It was very helpful!

 

[wink]

Congrats! Have fun.

 

[taxi1]

I will be commissioning as a LTJG Information Professional Officer with NIFR Washington DC.

Skipping Ensign?