How do I become a U.S. Navy Information Professional (IP) Officer?
Find an Officer Recruiter. Go to: http://www.navy.com/local
Fill out the Navy Reserve IP Officer Inquiry form by going to: https://www.navy.com/start
- Select Interest Area: Information & Technology
- Select career focus area: Information Professional
What do IP Officers do?
IP Officers defend and oversee the seamless operation of Global Naval computer networks.
Find out more. Go to: http://www.navy.com/careers/information-and-technology/information-professional.html#ft-key-responsibilities
Information Warfare Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IWCsync/?ref=br_rs
Information Warfare Community on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4031721/
Naval Information Force Reserve Command (NIFR, CAC-enabled): https://private.navyreserve.navy.mil/cnifr/
I have been selected as an Ensign in the IP Community now what?
- First things first, complete your Direct Commission School/Officer Development School as soon as possible. For more info, go to: https://www.netc.navy.mil/Commands/Naval-Service-Training-Command/OTCN/ODS/
- Seek an IP mentor (at least one pay grade above yours)
- Get an IP billet. Go to JO Apply (CAC-enabled): https://private.navyreserve.navy.mil/apps/rfmtweb/
- Complete your Basic Qualification. You will have to attend the IP Basic Course at Information Warfare Training Command Virginia Beach. This should help you complete your PQS for the BQ and up to 50% of your IQ PQS.
- Work with your mentor to earn your IDWO pin.
- It might be a good idea to also earn your CISSP credentials, this will automatically make you eligible for the IA Officer AQD.
- Once you are promoted to LT (O3), start working on completing JPME Phase I at the Naval War College.
- You may want to start working on the Intermediate Qualification (IQ) board.
- You may also want to start working on a technical Master degree.
- Once you are promoted to LCDR (O4), start working on your 2N1 qualification, for opportunity to serve as a CO/OIC.
- You may also want to start working on space qualifications.
Hello! Thank you for this list of things to do after being selected. A few questions if you don’t mind.
Do you think I would get credit for MS in IT Management as a “technical master’s degree”?
What’s an IQ board?
What are the incentives to complete JPME Phase I?
Thanks!
Chris
Hi Chris,
Thank you for your comment.
First things first, I would suggest not to be concerned about the IP Intermidiate Qualification (IQ) Board or JPME Phase I. You have to fully focus on being selected first. Yes your M.S. is a STEM Master’s, it will be credited as a technical Master degree, and will make you more competitive for the DCO selection board as well, congratulations!
Please hit me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobfabienzinga/) when you get a chance. I would be glad to review your resume and motivation essay. I would be glad to help interview you for the DCO program or get your recruiter contact information for Senior IP Officers who live in your region.
Based on the three dozens DCO interviews I have conducted so far, I believe that the following make DCO applicants more competitive (I probably need to write a separate post about this):
-Leadership experience (Being a Naval Officer is being a Leader, period.)
-Technical experience (the IP Tribe of the IW Community is a specialized community, technical experience is a must, especially as a Junior Officer)
-Formal education (at least a B.S, M.S. is highly preferred)
-IT/Security certifications (especially the CISSP)
-Ability and willingness to follow orders and work well with others
-Physical fitness (being within height and weight standard and be able to successfully pass the Navy Physical Readiness Test)
v/r
-bz