Oceanography Officer; Reserve

About Meteorology and Oceanography encompass every natural law that dictates the Navy’s every move. At sea or ashore, we must plan and prepare for the potential environments we will operate in. That’s why we need Officers to inform us of weather patterns, prepare comprehensive maps, and watch over Aerographer’s Mates who forecast the weather. Planning an air mission, charting the best course for a ship or identifying currents that affect a submarine underway—whatever the scenario, meteorology and oceanography are factors that inevitably come into play.

Be part of the team that studies how our environment changes our actions.

Responsibilities Whether operating in the air, at sea or underwater, Navy equipment, people and decision-making all rely on the technical and tactical advice of Navy Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) Officers. They apply expertise in all facets of oceanography, meteorology, hydrography and precise time and astronomy as they:

• Help guide ships, aircraft and troops with recommendations based on weather forecasts and ocean conditions
• Relay forecast updates and weather warnings to military and civilian authorities
• Prepare ocean, sea and waterway charts and maps for anything from basic navigation to search-and-rescue efforts
• Maintain the military's primary master clock, which provides the most precise time interval in the world and drives the Global Positioning System (GPS)
• Oversee the work of Aerographer’s Mates – Enlisted Sailors who monitor weather conditions and provide forecast information

Work Environment Navy Meteorologists and Oceanographers may serve in a wide variety of settings around the world, from serving aboard aircraft carriers or amphibious ships, to conducting research at the Naval Observatory or Naval Research Labs. You will also have the opportunity to further your education at Naval Postgraduate School.

Training and Advancement Those pursuing a Meteorology and Oceanography Officer position are required to attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, RI. Upon completion, they typically attend a 5-week Basic Oceanography Accession Training (BOAT) in Gulfport, MS. They also receive specialized training that includes methods of analyzing weather conditions, identification of common weather patterns, and techniques and procedures of forecasting. From there, METOC Officers embark on a career path that usually progresses from an operational tour (a non-oceanography role on a ship or with a deployable unit) to a Naval Oceanography tour (within a war fighting directorate or production center) followed by an education tour (which involves receiving formal education in a preferred discipline).

After that, there are opportunities to serve on aircraft carriers, with Strike Group Staff, and in roles more specialized to one’s preferred discipline and with increasing leadership responsibilities.

Post-Service Opportunities Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance. It’s also important to note that specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields in the civilian sector.

Education Opportunities Beyond professional credentials and certifications, Meteorology and Oceanography Officers can advance their education by:

• Pursuing opportunities at institutions such as Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) or Navy War College (NWC)
• Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges
• Oceanography and Meteorology Officers eventually earn a dual master's degree in meteorology and physical oceanography at Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, CA. There are opportunities to receive informal business training in areas such as budget/finance, manpower and research and development. And beyond that, you could potentially earn a doctoral degree while being paid full-time as a Navy Officer.

Qualifications and Requirements A four-year degree is required to work as a Meteorology and Oceanography Officer. Candidates seeking an Officer position in this community must have a bachelor’s degree from a…