Life as an SWO in the navy

Question

I am considering joining a NROTC program and would like some information on life as an SWO and what kind of ship (carrier, destroyer, etc) is best to serve on. Also, if i major as a mechanical engineer what can i expect to be doing onboard a ship?

Answer 1

I am currently a SWO - 2 years on a destroyer and now going to be a DH, this is the truth in other words.

It does not matter what your major is - you will be doing the same thing as all the other SWO's at your first command - getting qualified as Officer of the Deck and as a SWO to wear the pin and get a designator.  I would go for a smaller ship (CG, DDG or FFG) to get time on the bridge for qualification.

You could be in the combat systems department, the Operations Dept or the Engineering Dept.  You will have a division of about 20 people that you will be administratively responsible for and a Chief to keep them in line and get the division work done.  The Chief's job is also to get you trained.

Being a Mechie, the NROTC officers will want you to get a scholarship and possibly go Nuke.  You will be doing the same thing your first command - getting qualified, but as a nuke, your second command will be nuclear power school and then to an Aircraft Carrier to work in the Engineering Department.  Otherwise, you will go directly to another ship doing almost the same thing.

I am not going to lie - your first tour will be h**l!  The best thing I can tell you is to get qualified as quickly as possible and be an asset to the ship.  This will get on the good side of your Department head, XO and CO.