Really stupid questions about life as a SWO and anything else not aviation related [mod dog wuz hərə]

[Spekkio]

I've been researching the opportunities for a SWO to attend grad school (Naval War College, Naval Post grad school, Executive MBA, etc) and was surprised to learn that some SWOs think that time out for grad school is not good for career progression. Any SWOs have any feedback on this--is higher education not worth the time if an officer wants to make the Navy a career?

SWO/Sub are pretty similar in this regard - you will be judged primarily by your performance at sea for your O-4 board. The post DIVO shore duty is more important to aviators because of the way their career progression is set up. The only really 'career enhancing' post-JO billet would be on an Admiral staff.

As it stands now, as long as you get in 1 year+ of DH sea duty before your in-zone look and perform competently as a DH, you will probably screen O-4.

Of the two, NPS offers a wider array of degree options.

 

[PenguinGal]

Definitely do not discount NPS as a SWO for shore tour. Even if you have a masters (or PhD!) already, the networking opportunities alone are invaluable. If you want to be truly technical, NPS is actually "USNA, take 2". That is, it was founded as the graduate school portion at Annapolis and only move to its current location in the early 50s. I would imagine that any USNA grad would tell you that their time at Annapolis was a major network booster. The NWC on the other hand has an emphasis and a history in 'wargaming'. It has far fewer actual degrees (i.e., one that could be used in the civilian sector) and many of those that are civilian accepted are also done as a joint program through Salve Regina. Both schools are great and a fantastic opportunity for a SWO shore tour, but keep in mind the different emphasis.

That being said, enlUSMC, I would register for and check out SailorBob.com if I were you. It is the SWO version of AirWarriors and there is a LOT of discussion about SWO career paths (just as AW has a lot on aviation paths). Even if you are just 'lurking' over there (which is what I tend to do), you can learn a lot about which way the community is going.

 

[Steve Wilkins]

The only really 'career enhancing' post-JO billet would be on an Admiral staff.

I'm assuming you're just speaking about post JO tours for sub guys, yes? Because what you said is not applicable for SWO's in the sense that there is only that particular billet that is career enhancing.

 

[Steve Wilkins]

Always thought studying at the War College would be a great opportunity, but I guess I'll figure out more down the road whether or not it's worth it.

It is possible to do both a masters on your post JO shore tour and then NWC later on as an O-4 or O-5.

 

[swerdna]

I've been researching the opportunities for a SWO to attend grad school (Naval War College, Naval Post grad school, Executive MBA, etc) and was surprised to learn that some SWOs think that time out for grad school is not good for career progression. Any SWOs have any feedback on this--is higher education not worth the time if an officer wants to make the Navy a career?

I received advice like this once, but it wasn't that higher education isn't worth your time, it was that it's not worth it to pursue a masters on your own. The reasoning was that the Navy has options to earn a degree (eg NPS) and if you get one on your own, they're not going to pay to send you anywhere to study. Made sense to me.

 

[azguy]

I've been researching the opportunities for a SWO to attend grad school (Naval War College, Naval Post grad school, Executive MBA, etc) and was surprised to learn that some SWOs think that time out for grad school is not good for career progression. Any SWOs have any feedback on this--is higher education not worth the time if an officer wants to make the Navy a career?

SWO is the most supportive community of a Masters- and shore duty in general. The M.A. (NPS, ROTC Instructor, Olmsted Scholar, SWO MBA) is built into the career path.

We have to do something to make up for INSURV!

 

[enlUSMC]

Definitely do not discount NPS as a SWO for shore tour. Even if you have a masters (or PhD!) already, the networking opportunities alone are invaluable. If you want to be truly technical, NPS is actually "USNA, take 2". That is, it was founded as the graduate school portion at Annapolis and only move to its current location in the early 50s. I would imagine that any USNA grad would tell you that their time at Annapolis was a major network booster. The NWC on the other hand has an emphasis and a history in 'wargaming'. It has far fewer actual degrees (i.e., one that could be used in the civilian sector) and many of those that are civilian accepted are also done as a joint program through Salve Regina. Both schools are great and a fantastic opportunity for a SWO shore tour, but keep in mind the different emphasis.

That being said, enlUSMC, I would register for and check out SailorBob.com if I were you. It is the SWO version of AirWarriors and there is a LOT of discussion about SWO career paths (just as AW has a lot on aviation paths). Even if you are just 'lurking' over there (which is what I tend to do), you can learn a lot about which way the community is going.

Thanks. SB is actually where I read that some SWOs don't think taking time to attend college full-time is worthwhile. It's good knowing there's more than one perspective out there on this graduate school thing.

 

[azguy]

Thanks. SB is actually where I read that some SWOs don't think taking time to attend college full-time is worthwhile. It's good knowing there's more than one perspective out there on this graduate school thing.

For what it's worth, I passed up the opportunity to go to NPS for the benefit of having an awesome shore job in a great city. Pros and cons either way.

At least as a SWO, there is ample time in the 5 years between DH and XO to do the ful time M.A. thing at the War College. Concur it's not as technical as NPS, but I'm not that smart and NWC students do a lot of very interesting work in the aforementioned war gaming world.

 

[Adam Badaracco]

Hey guys, I just took my OAR today and this is my first post on this site. I was curious what other members thought of my level of competitiveness based on my information. I'm still waiting to go to MEPS and have to fill out my ASPR/Security Clearance Info.

• SWO
• 22/Male/Non-Prior
• B.A. in Political Science (anticipated May 2015), 3.24 GPA - University of Kentucky
• OAR 51
• LOR : Chief of Police (J-Town)/Former DEA executive, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Former Lt. Gov. of KY, Country Club manager (employment), and Legal Counsel to Senator McConnell (employment)
• Leadership/Service: Numerous leadership positions and community service experience as a member of college fraternity

Thanks.

 

[Marko88m5]

Hey guys, I just took my OAR today and this is my first post on this site. I was curious what other members thought of my level of competitiveness based on my information. I'm still waiting to go to MEPS and have to fill out my ASPR/Security Clearance Info.

• SWO
• 22/Male/Non-Prior
• B.A. in Political Science (anticipated May 2015), 3.24 GPA - University of Kentucky
• OAR 51
• LOR : Chief of Police (J-Town)/Former DEA executive, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Former Lt. Gov. of KY, Country Club manager (employment), and Legal Counsel to Senator McConnell (employment)
• Leadership/Service: Numerous leadership positions and community service experience as a member of college fraternity

Thanks.

Looks good. It would always help to improve that GPA especially since you degree is not in a hard science based field. Just Make sure SWO is at least your first or second option. Anything other than that will preclude you from consideration.

 

[Adam Badaracco]

^I still have a semester left so it should be above a 3.3 when I graduate if my math is correct. SWO is my first option without a doubt.

 

[MikeMillerUK]

Hey guys, I just took my OAR today and this is my first post on this site. I was curious what other members thought of my level of competitiveness based on my information. I'm still waiting to go to MEPS and have to fill out my ASPR/Security Clearance Info.

• SWO
• 22/Male/Non-Prior
• B.A. in Political Science (anticipated May 2015), 3.24 GPA - University of Kentucky
• OAR 51
• LOR : Chief of Police (J-Town)/Former DEA executive, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Former Lt. Gov. of KY, Country Club manager (employment), and Legal Counsel to Senator McConnell (employment)
• Leadership/Service: Numerous leadership positions and community service experience as a member of college fraternity

Thanks.

Adam, scores and stats are definitely looking competitive. Glad to finally see you here on AirWarriors haha! Definitely work to bring that GPA up as much as possible this last semester, it's definitely one of the most important factors for a program like SWO.

 

[gmann338]

Hi there everyone, this is my first time posting, but I've been lurking here for a long long time! This place has always been awesome for information! Here's my stats. Be straightforward, I can take it!

• SWO is my first choice
• 26/Male/Currently serving in Army Reserves with conditional release in hand
• B.A. in International Relations 2.9 GPA - American Military University
• OAR - 48(1st go)
• LOR - E8(Deployment 1SGT), E8(Deployment Platoon Sergeant) O4(Deployment CO), O3(Current CO)
• Leadership/Service - During my deployment as an additional duty I was tasked with being my unit's Crew Master Gunner, which is dealing with the different electronic warfare devices we used out on mission. I got some pretty extensive training with the electromagnetic spectrum, which could be useful, depending on who's looking. I was also tasked to be my unit's representative on the Intelligence Support Team, where I had to give briefs prior to missions and take pictures on mission of anything of value, again this could be useful depending on who's looking.
• I have a security clearance already, which as I understand is useful for processing purposes.

I already know that AMU is sort of a joke, but I started there while overseas and it just seemed silly to transfer and practically start over once home. Now, just to explain my gpa.. I know it's low. I foolishly took classes while I was in Afghanistan not realizing our optempo was going to be a day after day turn and burn sort of deal. I crashed and burned on a few classes and as we all know, a few bad grades can wreck a gpa faster than a few good grades can raise one. Anyways, I got back on track after a few months home and am putting a lot into this application. There's a definite upward trajectory in my academics and in my life in general, something I noted in my personal statement. I just want to see what everyone else thinks. I look forward to hearing honest opinions! Thanks in advance!

Garrett

 

[Signup15]

Hi there everyone, this is my first time posting, but I've been lurking here for a long long time! This place has always been awesome for information! Here's my stats. Be straightforward, I can take it!

• SWO is my first choice
• 26/Male/Currently serving in Army Reserves with conditional release in hand
• B.A. in International Relations 2.9 GPA - American Military University
• OAR - 48(1st go)
• LOR - E8(Deployment 1SGT), E8(Deployment Platoon Sergeant) O4(Deployment CO), O3(Current CO)
• Leadership/Service - During my deployment as an additional duty I was tasked with being my unit's Crew Master Gunner, which is dealing with the different electronic warfare devices we used out on mission. I got some pretty extensive training with the electromagnetic spectrum, which could be useful, depending on who's looking. I was also tasked to be my unit's representative on the Intelligence Support Team, where I had to give briefs prior to missions and take pictures on mission of anything of value, again this could be useful depending on who's looking.
• I have a security clearance already, which as I understand is useful for processing purposes.

I already know that AMU is sort of a joke, but I started there while overseas and it just seemed silly to transfer and practically start over once home. Now, just to explain my gpa.. I know it's low. I foolishly took classes while I was in Afghanistan not realizing our optempo was going to be a day after day turn and burn sort of deal. I crashed and burned on a few classes and as we all know, a few bad grades can wreck a gpa faster than a few good grades can raise one. Anyways, I got back on track after a few months home and am putting a lot into this application. There's a definite upward trajectory in my academics and in my life in general, something I noted in my personal statement. I just want to see what everyone else thinks. I look forward to hearing honest opinions! Thanks in advance!

Garrett

Navy boards love Marines and Army guys for some reason. I've seen less impressive stats make it.

 

[enlUSMC]

Regarding specialty career paths for SWOs--does anyone know if it's a good career option to take any of these? I'm also wondering out if anyone has any experience with the antiterrorism/force protection option.