ABOUT
Effective, secure communication in the cyber domain is essential to the everyday operations of military intelligence in America’s Navy. Information Professionals who oversee the seamless operation of the global Naval network environment are key to these efforts. Their responsibilities include :
RESPONSIBILITIES
As an IP, you are among those who plan, acquire, secure, operate, and maintain the Naval network and the systems that support Navy operations and business processes. This role may include :
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Information Professionals serve in challenging roles of increasing scope and responsibility both afloat and ashore. This could include :
TRAINING & ADVANCEMENT
Those pursuing an Information Professional Officer position are required to attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, R.I. Upon completion, they typically attend a five-week IP Basic Course of instruction in Pensacola, Fla., before or during their initial assignment.
IPs must complete specific qualifications as part of their training during Fleet tours and are expected to pursue advanced education opportunities. Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance. It’s also important to note that specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields.
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Beyond professional credentials and certifications, Information Professionals can advance their education by :
Postgraduate education is important to the success of the Information Professional. Most IPs will complete a master’s degree in C4I, space, information systems, computer science, or modeling and simulation.
There’s also potential to pursue a graduate certificate, DoD certifications, federal executive fellowships, and information assurance scholarships and internships.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
A four-year degree is required to work as an Information Professional. Candidates seeking an Officer position in this community must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in a technical field, preferably in one of the following fields : Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Operations, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or General Engineering.
All candidates must also be : U.S. citizens, willing to serve worldwide, eligible for a Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance, and qualified for sea duty.
General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before, or whether you’ve never served before.