OCEANO
New Today
Category / Component: Enlisted • Active
Overview
Oceanography Officers, also called METOC officers, are Information Warfare professionals who provide the Navy with geophysical expertise in meteorology, oceanography, hydrography, bathymetry, geophysics, and precise time and astrometry. They define and apply the physical environment from the ocean floor to space to enable safe navigation, freedom of maneuver, and effective employment of naval forces.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and support the collection, processing, prediction, and dissemination of environmental and geophysical data for fleet and joint operations. Provide mission focused meteorology and oceanography support to surface, subsurface, aviation, mine warfare, amphibious, and special operations forces. Advise commanders on the impact of weather, ocean, and geophysical conditions on sensors, weapons, communications, platforms, and plans. Serve as the one of one geophysical expert at many operational commands and lead teams of military, civilian, and contractor personnel in operational and staff roles.
What to Expect
Expect a career that combines technical analysis, operational support, and leadership responsibilities in a variety of maritime and joint environments. Daily work may involve running models and tools that predict atmospheric and ocean conditions, producing tailored decision aids for commanders, and coordinating with operators across warfare communities. Oceanography Officers develop expertise across multiple warfare areas over time and are expected to communicate complex environmental information clearly to non technical audiences.
Work Environment
Work in a mix of sea and shore assignments, including small deployable teams embarked on U.S. and partner nation ships, billets on carrier strike group and amphibious ready group staffs, and joint task force staff positions. Shore tours include major production and forecast centers, reach back centers, data centers, research labs, and headquarters commands in the United States and overseas. Officers may be assigned to locations in Europe, Hawaii, Asia, and the Middle East and often serve as the senior or sole METOC expert at their command.
Pathways, Training & Advancement
New Oceanography Officers attend the Information Warfare Basic Course in Dam Neck, Virginia, followed by Basic Oceanography Accession Training in Gulfport, Mississippi before reporting to their first operational assignment. Throughout their careers, they complete additional leadership and warfare courses such as the Division Officer Leadership Course and other Information Warfare community training as required. As mid grade lieutenants, most Oceanographers attend the Meteorology and Operational Oceanography curriculum at the Naval Postgraduate School, and a small number attend advanced programs at select civilian institutions and may pursue doctoral studies to fill PhD coded billets.
Oceanography Officers are accessed as Information Warfare Line officers with designator 1800 through standard officer commissioning programs such as the United States Naval Academy, Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps, and Officer Candidate School. Candidates compete for selection into the Oceanography community based on academic background, technical aptitude, performance, and the needs of the Information Warfare Community at the time of accession.
Qualifications
All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include:
Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy
A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelor's or qualifying professional degree for officer positions
Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy. Some communities have more restrictive age ranges
Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards
Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening
Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs
Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator
Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.
Additional qualifications for this job may include:
Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree, preferably in a technical field, with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.8, and must have completed a full college calculus sequence through Calculus II with at least a C average and a calculus based physics sequence through Physics II with at least a B average. Degrees in physics, physics based oceanography, meteorology, hydrography, earth science, engineering, or mathematics are strongly desired. Candidates must be qualified for sea duty, be worldwide assignable, and be eligible for a Top Secret security clearance.
Education
Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the Sailor's status, training, and current Navy policy.
Pay, Benefits & Service
Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options. Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.
Incentives
Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed. Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.
Notes and Disclaimers
This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community. It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes. Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy
- Location:
- Long Beach