<p>I understand that the best career for each individual depends on their personal preferences. likes, and dislikes, but I was hoping that people could discuss their service selections/careers. I'm personally interested in SWO and flying, but I'd be interested in anything you have to offer about Navy/MC careers (stories, too!).</p>
<p>Thanks in advance</p>
<p>Go Navy, Beat Utah
Go Navy, Beat Army</p>
<p>I asked a retired Marine officer something similar a few years back. Paraphrased, his answer was:</p>
<p>"The most satisfying (re:best) type of military career ends with you and the people you are responsible for ending THEIR respective careers alive and well. Anything less and the level of satisfaction with your choice diminishes accordingly."</p>
<p>I think that is an excellent quote shogun. I think attitude is everything. If you love what you do (in this case what Service Selection you and the Dept of the Navy makes) then I think you will have a good experience. If you go into a career with a negative attitude, you will have a bad experience. I think it's probably like Plebe Summer, it will only be as good/bad as you make it.</p>
<p>That's a good question. I've heard in the Navy you may not make as many family events as you would in a civilian job or even in the other branches. I read about a naval aviator who also served a few years in the Air Force say that he had a little more freedom for family time in the Air Force versus Navy. I've also heard prop pilots who are on the coast have more time in the states than the tactical fighters do that are deployed more at sea. Some cargo pilots also like to argue that their pipeline better prepares them for a future airline job. Just remember to go with what you like and stay dedicated.</p>
<p>So I want to go SWO, but it seems like that is looked down upon at USNA as one of the least desirable Service Selections, is there a reason?</p>
<p>I heard someone say once that the the Air Force is run like a corporation, the Army and the Navy are run like normal military branches, and the Marine Corps is run like a religion.
I was at a briefing earlier this year given by the XO of MARSOC, and he said that the Navy is a job, and the Marine Corps is a calling. There is a huge difference as you will find out.</p>
<p>There is nothing wrong with wanting to be a SWO. Many consider them to be the back bone of the Navy.</p>
<p>I would definently agree that the Marine Corps and Marines in general are very different than other branches and warriors in the way that they operate, live, and think.</p>
<p>The current CNO and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs are both SWOs as are many of the Fleet Commanders, so I do not think they are looked down upon by anyone. Looking at the numbers, there are more opportunities for Command at Sea as a SWO. Of course there are more people competing for the jobs. I am not sure what the probability for command is looking at it statistically. Someone else might know. I was a SWO and as a bachelor shared a house with 2 aviators and a SEAL, needless to say there were many grand discussions about the best community.</p>
<p>Not sure how accurate my numbers are, but you'll get the point.</p>
<p>This year, the class of 2008 at USNA had 375 first choice Surface Warriors.</p>
<p>Of course USNA is not going to commission 375 SWO's, so some of them were forced in NFO, Subs, and even Navy Pilot. The point is that normally SWO is the community others are pushed into at USNA, and this year, they were pushing people out of it in favor of jobs that would otherwise be more competitive.</p>
<p>The reason a lot of firsties gave was SWO is the easiest way to "5 and dive" whereas aviation (Pilot or NFO) requires a seven year commitment (someone correct me if I'm wrong).</p>
<p>The United States Navy has more Surface Warfare Officers than any other warfare community.</p>
<p>As far as numbers are concerned, there are more opportunities for command at sea in surface warfare than in any other branch. If you are a SWO and you stay in, you should get command at some point provided you have a master's and that you haven't messed up before. More and more, we're seeing SWO selectees serving 5 years, then resigning. Those SWO's who do stay often get command by default, although it is still competitive, no doubt.</p>
<p>Getting back to why SWO is generally undesirable. SWO is usually given to the bottom of the class at USNA. Now it seems as though it's in high demand over the last few years, opening up slots for other communities.</p>
<p>GoNavyXC said: Getting back to why SWO is generally undesirable. SWO is usually given to the bottom of the class at USNA. </p>
<p>I am not sure where you get this information. But during my career this was not the case. Do you have data to back this up?</p>
<p>I was a SWO and I had a blast. I think that several changes may have influenced the general rise in the SWO community. </p>
<p>-First, we have done a fairly good job in recent years of getting rid of the old image of the "surface line eats its young."</p>
<p>-Second, with the advent of AEGIS, Tomahawk, and the SQQ-89 ASW system, we have "sexy" stuff that is front line. </p>
<p>-Third, we have lots of senior leadership in the military community come from the SWO community, such as Vern Clark and Mike Mullen. </p>
<p>-Fourth, the SWO bonus ($50K) for completing your department head tour has to be an incentive. I wish I had been able to take advantage of that.</p>