Career Paths

Surface Warfare

While the U.S. Navy has the most technically and tactically advanced defense and war-fighting capabilities on land, in the air, and under the sea, the mainstay of the force is the vast fleet of aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, frigates, dock landing ships, and other surface vessels. These ships and their crews are commanded and managed by an elite group of ship drivers and ship fighters – the Navy’s Surface Warfare Officers. If you’re up for the challenge of inspiring a ship’s crew and being at the helm of million-dollar high-tech equipment, accelerate your life as a Surface Warfare Officer.

Submarine Warfare

Submarine Officers command, manage, and operate the Fleet’s attack, ballistic missile, and guided missile submarines that patrol the world’s oceans, monitoring hostile enemy actions, intercepting electronic communications, and gathering information. These submarines are the most important deterrents the United States has at its disposal. Submarine Officers have the immense task of ensuring that all systems run smoothly, from atmosphere control and nuclear propulsion systems to fire control and weapons systems. A small group of disciplined and committed Officers are in charge of an entire crew and some of the most technologically advanced equipment in the world. If you possess the exacting standards necessary to lead a submarine crew and operate multimillion-dollar equipment, accelerate your life as a Submarine Officer.

Naval Aviator

As a Navy pilot, you’ll fly from land bases and ships, often at a moment’s notice, to perform missions across the globe. Pilots can fly in a number of Navy aircraft, including jet, helicopter, turbo-propellor, and other tactical aircraft. While training as a pilot, you will have the opportunity to request the training pipeline you would like to pursue upon completion of primary flight training. During advanced flight training you will learn skills specific to your aircraft such as air-to-air combat, bombing, search and rescue, aircraft carrier qualifications, over-water navigation, and low-level flying.

Naval Flight Officer

Imagine the skills and concentration needed to track a submarine while flying just 200 feet above stormy seas. Naval Flight Officers (NFOs) are the key to successful mission accomplishment. A select group of individuals have the combination of talent and dedication it takes to be an NFO. NFOs receive specialized training on the advanced tactical systems and complex communications systems found in Navy aircraft. You’ll study aerodynamics, aircraft engine systems, meteorology, navigation, flight planning and aircraft safety.

Nuclear Engineering

You will learn the ins and outs of nuclear propulsion plants, the heart of over 80 submarines and aircraft carriers in the U.S. Navy. You will apply this detailed knowledge while supervising top-notch Sailors as they enable submarines to gather covert intelligence and aircraft carriers to launch round after round of sorties. Officer candidates for the Navy nuclear power program are carefully selected based on a high aptitude for math and science and their abilities to handle responsibility and to work well under pressure.

Special Operations/Special Warfare

To some people, comfort is a warm spot under the covers. To Special Warfare and Special Operations Officers, it’s parachuting 500 feet into the frigid ocean, overseeing the disposal of an ocean-borne mine, traveling silently underwater in a SEAL Delivery Vehicle, or scurrying through a dense jungle in a combat situation. Only the most physically fit, strategically thinking team players qualify to orchestrate operations among this elite community. SEAL and Special Operations Officers are the experts and leaders in unconventional warfare. They quietly and efficiently destroy enemy targets, recover and dispose of explosives, and collect information on enemy operations.

Nurse Corps

Gain the recognition you deserve as a nursing professional — and unprecedented respect. In the Navy Nurse Corps, provide high-quality nursing care for Sailors, Marines and servicemembers — and their families — wherever duty calls. Doing everything a typical nurse would do:

Then step outside of your comfort zone. That could mean taking part in humanitarian relief efforts as well as outreach programs in this country and around the world. Collaborating with physicians, surgeons, cardiologists and fellow nurses as colleagues and equals. Developing the leadership skills that will set you apart.
As a Navy Nurse, you’ll elevate your credentials and set the standard as you:

Marine Corps

Before there was a nation, there were Marines. They have defended our country in every battle since 1775, and have made history in the process. Leading the way have been Marine Corps Officers. If you think you have what it takes to be one, this is your opportunity.