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1117 Career Guide

Navy

1117: Surface Warfare Officer

Career transition guide for Navy Surface Warfare Officer (1117)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 1117 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Project Manager

$110K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

PMP CertificationAgile methodologies

Logistics Manager

$95K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Supply chain management software (e.g., SAP)APICS certification

Facilities Manager

$85K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Facility Management Professional (FMP) credentialHVAC systems knowledge

Maritime Operations Manager

$125K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Commercial maritime certificationsSpecific vessel type endorsements

Government Contractor/Consultant

$100K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Business developmentProposal writingFederal contracting regulations

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 1117 training built — and where they transfer.

Rapid Prioritization

Surface Warfare Officers constantly juggle competing demands, from immediate threats to long-term maintenance, making split-second decisions that can impact mission success and crew safety.

This ability to rapidly assess and prioritize tasks translates to civilian roles requiring quick thinking and efficient resource allocation under pressure.

Situational Awareness

SWOs maintain a 360-degree understanding of their environment, considering factors like weather, enemy activity, and equipment status to anticipate and react effectively to changing circumstances.

This skill is crucial for any role that demands a broad perspective and the ability to proactively identify and mitigate potential risks.

Resource Optimization

From fuel and ammunition to personnel and maintenance schedules, SWOs are responsible for maximizing the efficient use of limited resources to achieve mission objectives.

This translates directly to civilian roles where efficient resource allocation and cost management are essential for success.

Team Synchronization

The success of any naval operation hinges on seamless coordination between diverse teams. SWOs are adept at fostering clear communication, shared understanding, and collective action.

This is a key attribute in any leadership position, enabling you to build high-performing teams and drive successful outcomes through collaboration.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Emergency Management Director

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been trained to maintain situational awareness under pressure, rapidly prioritize actions in response to emerging threats, and coordinate diverse teams to achieve critical objectives, all of which are crucial in emergency management.

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You've been responsible for the efficient allocation of resources, managing complex schedules, and ensuring operational readiness. This skillset translates directly to logistics management, where optimizing supply chains and minimizing disruptions are key.

Project Manager (Construction)

SOC 11-9021.00

You've honed skills in planning, resource allocation, risk mitigation, and team leadership – all essential for managing complex construction projects and ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Surface Warfare Officer School (SWOS), Newport, RI

400 training hours10 weeksUp to 6 semester hours in Naval Science

Topics Covered

  • Naval Warfare Fundamentals
  • Shipboard Engineering Systems
  • Damage Control and Firefighting
  • Naval Gunnery and Missile Systems
  • Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
  • Anti-Air Warfare (AAW)
  • Ship Handling and Navigation
  • Leadership and Team Management

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Manager (CM)60% covered

Requires study of general management principles, human resources, and marketing.

Project Management Professional (PMP)40% covered

Requires study of formal project management methodologies, tools, and techniques as described in the PMBOK.

Recommended Next Certifications

Master of Business Administration (MBA)Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Aegis Combat SystemIntegrated naval combat management systems (e.g., Saab 9LV, Thales TACTICOS)
Shipboard Air Traffic Radar (SATR)Commercial marine radar systems (e.g., Furuno, Raymarine)
Global Command and Control System – Maritime (GCCS-M)Maritime surveillance and intelligence platforms
Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC)Distributed sensor networks for collaborative decision-making
Naval Tactical Command Support System (NTCSS)Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for maritime operations
Integrated Bridge System (IBS)Integrated maritime navigation systems
Battle Force Tactical Training (BFTT) systemMaritime simulation and training software

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