U.S. Navy General Officer Programs
When considering becoming a Naval Submarine Officer, give us a call to schedule a Officer Aptitude Rating
(OAR) test. Information on the test is located HERE
When it comes to upholding national security, the U.S. Submarine Force provides pivotal service by deterring
conflict through stealth, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and the use of its powerful offensive
capabilities. If you have the strength, ambition, and discipline to be part of an elite group of leaders, rise to
your life’s challenge by becoming a Submarine Officer.
Job Description:
Submarine Officers command, manage, and operate the Fleet’s attack, ballistic missile, and guided missile
submarines that patrol the world’s oceans, monitoring hostile enemy actions, intercepting electronic
communications, and gathering information. These submarines are the most important deterrents the
United States has at its disposal. Submarine Officers have the immense task of ensuring that all systems
run smoothly, from atmosphere control and nuclear propulsion systems to fire control and weapons
systems. A small group of disciplined and committed Officers are in charge of an entire crew and some of
the most technologically advanced equipment in the world. If you possess the exacting standards necessary
to lead a submarine crew and operate multimillion-dollar equipment, accelerate your life as a Submarine
Officer.
What Will You Do?
Submarines, their Officers, and their crews are heavily relied upon for antisubmarine warfare, antisurface
warfare, land attack, strategic deterrence, and landing Special Warfare forces, to name but a few of the many
exciting missions. Standards for submariners are very high, and operations are often covert and classified.
During a sea tour, Submarine Officers may be in charge of any number of tasks, including the safe operation
of the nuclear reactor; maintaining the ship’s torpedoes, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and sonar;
charting the ship’s position; and operating communications and intelligence equipment. As a Submarine
Officer, you will be specially trained in the nuclear field and assigned to a nuclear-powered attack submarine,
fleet ballistic missile submarine, or guided missile submarine.
Attack Submarines:
Designed to pursue and attack enemy surface ships and submarines. They are the most effective
antisubmarine warfare tool available to counter enemy diesel- and nuclear-powered submarines. They also
conduct many other missions, such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines: These submarines are almost two football fields long and carry long-
range missiles. With their nuclear reactors and stealth, they are always ready should a situation arise
needing their firepower.
Guided Missile Submarines: High-payload submarines armed with tactical missiles and the ability to employ
Special Operations Forces in support of Naval and joint operations.
Skills and Training
Two and a half years prior to college graduation, future Submarine Officers can enter the Nuclear Propulsion
Officer Candidate Program (NUPOC). This program offers you a monthly stipend from $2,600 to over $4,100
per month for up to 30 months depending on location, a $15,000 selection bonus, and an additional $2,000
bonus upon completing nuclear propulsion training. After completion of the 12-week course at Officer
Candidate School, Submarine Officers then begin training at the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command
(NNPTC) in Charleston, South Carolina. This 24-week course helps students understand the complex
nature of nuclear propulsion through a broad background on theory and operations mechanics. Once you’ve
successfully completed NNPTC, you’ll begin training at a Nuclear Power Training Unit for real-life work on an
actual operating reactor. Nuclear-Trained Submarine Officers then attend the Submarine Officer Basic
Course, a 12-week course that will familiarize you with submarine safety and operations and all of the
necessary aspects of submarine life as an Officer. On your first submarine you’ll work at all junior watch
stations and eventually assume the role of Officer of the Deck, responsible for the entire submarine.
Earn While You Learn
The Navy provides the most comprehensive training available in the nuclear field. Nuclear training includes
college-level classes in physics, chemistry, mathematics, electrical engineering, and thermodynamics. As a
Submarine Officer, nuclear engineering training is available in nuclear power plant design, construction,
instrumentation, and operation. The Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, is also an attractive
tour-of-duty option, which allows you to earn a master’s or doctoral degree while being paid full-time as an
Officer in the Navy.
Special Pay/Bonuses
As a nuclear-trained Officer, you’ll benefit from some of the most rigorous training the Navy has to offer. Your
hard work is not only rewarded with an excellent salary, but you’ll also receive generous bonuses.
Submariners also earn their own special pay because of the unique conditions of their service.
Career Outlook
Training as a Submarine Officer directly translates to civilian careers in executive-level management, as well
as the technology industry and high-tech specialty systems. The specialized knowledge and expertise you
could gain through Navy nuclear training will provide you with a skill set that is sought after worldwide. You
will gain important insights from your international travels, which will be invaluable to employers in the private
sector.
Submarine Officer