The naval officer serves in a position of leadership in the Navy. Consequently, a fine liberal study, professional, and technical education is particularly important. Most officers obtain their training through the United States Naval Academy, NROTC (Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps) programs, Aviation Officer Candidate Schools (AOCS), or Officers Candidate School (OCS).
The Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy takes as its mission "to pre-pare midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically to be professional officers in the naval service." The academy is located in Annapolis, Maryland, a beautiful nautical setting near the Chesapeake Bay. The curriculum consists of a typical college program coupled with professional military and leadership training. The variety of majors has expanded greatly in recent years. Seven designated bachelors of science degrees are offered in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, marine engineering, naval engineering, and ocean engineering. Students at the academy may also elect undesignated Bachelor of Science degrees with majors in the following fields:
The following course descriptions provide a sample of the technical matter studied by midshipmen and midshipwomen:
Principles of Aeronautics and Flight
An introductory course in the theory and practice of atmospheric flight, propulsion, rocket performance, space flight, satellite systems and uses, and other topics in the field of astronautically engineering. It is designed to prepare the beginning aerospace engineering student for future studies and to develop good engineering practices.
Naval Engineering
An introduction to ship systems, which includes basic methods of ship procurement, construction, and power plant selection. Principles of ship stability and operability as related to preventive and corrective damage control.
Ship Structures
A course in structural theory and practice. Topics include longitudinal and transverse strength of the hull girder, bending moments in a seaway, plate theory, development of ship structural design, submarine pressure hull design, and shipbuilding materials.
Sea-keeping and maneuvering
Topics include ship steering, maneuvering, motion, and sea-keeping. The basic equations of motion for a maneuvering ship and for ship motions in a seaway are developed, and various methods of solution are discussed. The course also covers the experimental aspects of sea keeping and maneuvering.
Fundamentals of Naval Science
Introduction to the basic concepts of seamanship, ship handling, coastal piloting, and engineering. Includes at-sea labs on 108' Yard Patrol Craft (YPs).
Polar Oceanography
A descriptive course that covers the history of polar exploration as well as the physical oceanography and meteorology of the Polar Regions with particular emphasis on the role of sea ice in global warming studies. Current DoD polar programs will be reviewed including the following: Deep Freeze, International Ice Patrol, and Navy operations such as ICEX and TEAMWORK.
Following the four years of study, the graduate must serve a five-year commitment as an active duty officer. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the academy:
NROTC
Many colleges and universities prepare naval officers through NROTC (Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps) programs. These midshipmen and midshipwomen lead essentially the same campus life as civilian undergraduates. In addition to their normal studies, they must satisfactorily complete specified naval science courses and participate in scheduled drills and summer training periods. Some students receive scholarships and a stipend; in addition, non-scholarship students receive an allowance in their junior and senior years. Upon satisfactory completion of all requirements, candidates receive commissions and must serve four years as officers. For additional information contact the following schools:
Many of the above colleges have "cross town" relationships permitting students at other colleges to become part of the program at a NROTC school. For more information contact one of the above listed institutions of higher education.
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