1113 Career Guide
1113: Surface Warfare Officer
Career transition guide for Navy Surface Warfare Officer (1113)
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Top civilian roles for 1113 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Project Manager
Skills to develop:
Logistics Manager
Skills to develop:
Facilities Manager
Skills to develop:
Emergency Management Director
Skills to develop:
Maritime Security Specialist
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 1113 training built — and where they transfer.
Situational Awareness
Surface Warfare Officers must maintain a constant awareness of their surroundings, including the position and movement of other ships, aircraft, and potential threats, both in peacetime and combat scenarios. They must quickly assess the implications of this information for the safety and mission effectiveness of their vessel.
This translates to an ability to quickly synthesize complex information from various sources to understand the big picture and anticipate potential problems or opportunities in dynamic environments.
Rapid Prioritization
In a combat environment or during emergency situations, Surface Warfare Officers must rapidly assess the urgency and importance of competing demands and make quick decisions about which actions to take first to mitigate risks and achieve objectives.
You can quickly determine what's most important in a fast-paced environment and focus your efforts where they will have the greatest impact, even under pressure.
Team Synchronization
Surface Warfare Officers are responsible for coordinating the actions of a diverse team of sailors and officers to achieve a common goal. This requires clear communication, delegation, and the ability to build trust and cohesion within the team.
You excel at leading and coordinating teams, ensuring everyone is working together effectively towards a shared objective. You understand how to motivate people and foster a collaborative environment.
Resource Optimization
Managing shipboard resources, including personnel, fuel, ammunition, and supplies, is a critical aspect of a Surface Warfare Officer's job. They must make efficient use of these resources to ensure the ship can sustain operations and accomplish its mission.
You are adept at allocating resources strategically to maximize efficiency and achieve desired outcomes. You can identify areas for improvement and implement solutions to streamline operations.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Emergency Management Director
SOC 11-9161.00You've been trained to think clearly under pressure and make quick decisions in crisis situations. Your experience managing complex operations and coordinating diverse teams makes you an ideal candidate to lead emergency response efforts.
Logistics Manager
SOC 11-3071.00You've honed your skills in resource management and supply chain operations while overseeing shipboard logistics. Your ability to track inventory, anticipate needs, and optimize distribution makes you well-suited for a career in logistics management.
Project Manager
SOC 11-9199.11You've managed complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities. Your experience in planning, executing, and monitoring projects to achieve specific goals makes you a strong candidate for project management roles across various industries.
Business Continuity Planner
SOC 13-1199.00You've developed a strong understanding of risk management and disaster preparedness. You've been responsible for creating plans to sustain operations, which directly translates to the responsibilities of a business continuity planner.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Surface Warfare Officer School (SWOS), Newport, RI
Topics Covered
- •Shipboard Management
- •Naval Operations
- •Weapons Systems
- •Engineering Principles
- •Damage Control
- •Leadership
- •Navigation and Seamanship
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
While the SWO role involves significant management and leadership, the CM certification requires specific knowledge of HR, finance, marketing, and information technology. Focus study on these business administration areas.
SWOs manage projects, but PMP requires formal PM training. Study the PMBOK guide, focusing on the 10 knowledge areas, including integration, scope, schedule, cost, quality, resource, communications, risk, procurement, and stakeholder management.
The role involves budget execution, but CGFM requires specific knowledge of government accounting, auditing, and financial reporting. Focus on federal financial management regulations and standards.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Aegis Combat System | Integrated naval combat management systems (e.g., Saab 9LV, Thales TACTICOS) |
| AN/SPY-1 Radar | Long-range air surveillance radar systems (e.g., Lockheed Martin TPS-77) |
| Vertical Launching System (VLS) | Missile silo systems for land based applications |
| Shipboard Air Traffic Radar (SATR) | Airport surveillance radar (ASR) |
| Global Command and Control System - Maritime (GCCS-M) | Maritime domain awareness platforms (e.g., Lloyd's List Intelligence, MarineTraffic) |
| Naval Tactical Command Support System (NTCSS) | ERP systems with modules for maintenance, supply chain management, and personnel management (e.g., SAP, Oracle) |
| Damage Control Console (DCC) | Building management systems (BMS) with fire and flooding monitoring, industrial control systems (ICS) for critical infrastructure |
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