Regardless of storms or sea-state, the Navys ships and submarines must perform missions across the oceans to protect our national security. Its up to officers in the Science field to map a course for each ship, and steer the crew from adverse weather or ocean conditions. Officers in Sciences navigate troop movements based on weather forecasts and ocean conditions, research and develop new materials for military equipment, develop better medicines and conduct studies of human and animal diseases to understand their causes and find treatments. If you are a master of math and science and have an analytical mind, explore new frontiers through research and analysis as a science officer in the Navy.

What Will You Do?
Science officers are the problem-solvers of the Navy. They use observation, research and scientific thinking to navigate and maintain each ships and units course, while creating the safest, most technologically advanced environment in which to work and live. In meteorology and oceanography, you may find yourself advising a rescue team about the ocean tides and currents during a search and rescue mission. As a chemist or biochemist, you could conduct top-secret military research to develop human defenses against biological and chemical warfare. As an officer in the Science field, some of your responsibilities may include:

• Observing weather conditions from airplanes
• Interpreting weather data received from satellites and weather balloons
• Preparing short-range and long-range weather forecasts
• Relaying forecast updates and violent weather warnings to military and civilian authorities
• Directing personnel who gather oceanographic and weather data
• Directing the preparation of ocean, sea and waterway charts and maps
• Collecting information on ice conditions in ocean shipping lanes
• Collecting information about ocean currents for military operational planning
• Conducting chemical research for military and medical uses, such as protecting people from radiation, chemicals and biological agents
• Conducting experiments in chemical synthesis, structure and interactions
• Establishing strength and durability standards for materials used to build aircraft, ships and other equipment
• Studying bacteria and parasites to determine how they invade and affect humans and animals
• Studying ways of protecting people through immunization from disease
• Studying the effects of aerospace flight, temperature and movement on human physiology
• Studying food storage and handling methods

Skills and Training
There are a few ways to become a naval officer. Enrolling in the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) or the U.S. Naval Academy are two paths toward gaining a commission. Other prospective officers attend Officer Candidate School (OCS), a 13-week Navy orientation school in Pensacola, Florida. OCS prepares you for the roles and responsibilities expected of and afforded to U.S. naval officers through academic and military courses and physical fitness training. Course subjects include naval operations, orientation and administration, Navy history, strategic deterrence and sea control, shipboard management, combat systems, ship control and surface ship fundamentals.

Officers in the oceanography field attend Basic Oceanography Accession Training (BOAT) prior to their first duty station. As a Meteorology officer, you will receive specialized training prior to your first assignment. Some of your advanced training may include methods of analyzing weather conditions, identification of common weather patterns and techniques and procedures of forecasting.

Educational Opportunities
The Science field in the Navy puts a heavy emphasis on research and education. As an officer in this field, youll be able to take advantage of the Navys elite educational institutions and the programs they offer. Meteorology and Oceanography officers can often attend the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California to complete a masters degree in meteorology and physical oceanography. You may also be eligible to earn a doctorate degree while being paid full-time as naval officer.

Career Outlook
The Navy is known throughout the world for its exacting standards in fields of science, which makes it ideal as a launch pad for careers in both the Navy and civilian sector. The skills you will acquire as a science officer will prepare you to work as a chemist, or in a university or medical laboratory as a biologist, biochemist, medical technologist, toxicologist or veterinarian. Other careers may include working for federal government agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or the U.S. Weather Service or functioning as a meteorologist for a commercial airline.

Special Pay/Bonuses
As a naval officer, your hard work is not only rewarded with an excellent salary, youll also receive generous bonuses. Officers can earn additional pay for sea duty or special pay for serving on a submarine.

If youd like to find out more about career opportunities with the U.S. Navy, Request More Information.