MCWO

Question 1

What is the purpose of Program Authorization 108E?

Answer 1

Officer Candidate indoctrination and training for appointment as a Maritime Cyber Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy.

Question 2

What legal authority governs this program?

Answer 2

Title 10 U.S. Code section 532.

Question 3

Are there any age restrictions for applicants?

Answer 3

Yes, applicants must be between 18 and 42 years old at the time of commissioning, though waivers are considered.

Question 4

What educational qualifications are required?

Answer 4

A baccalaureate degree in fields related to computer science and cybersecurity, among others, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, or equivalent experience.

Question 5

What is the minimum Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) required?

Answer 5

An OAR score of 50 or higher is required, though waivers are available for exceptional candidates.

Question 6

What type of work experience is preferred?

Answer 6

Experience in computer science, cybersecurity, and related fields is preferred. Military work experience needs validation through performance evaluations.

Question 7

What are the security clearance requirements?

Answer 7

Candidates must meet eligibility standards for access to sensitive compartmented information, including submitting an SF-86 form and undergoing an initial suitability screening.

Question 8

What are the waiverable criteria?

Answer 8

GPA between 3.0 and 2.7, OAR score under 50, specific degree qualifications, and the number of performance evaluations can be waived under certain conditions.

Question 9

What is the service obligation for selectees?

Answer 9

An 8-year active duty obligation from the date of appointment.

Question 10

What pay and allowances do selectees receive?

Answer 10

Upon starting OCS, selectees receive pay and benefits based on their paygrade.

Question 11

What are the citizenship requirements for applicants?

Answer 11

Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Question 12

Are there any gender restrictions for the program?

Answer 12

No, there are no gender restrictions.

Question 13

What type of educational background is strongly preferred?

Answer 13

Degrees in computer science, cybersecurity, information technology, and other related technical fields.

Question 14

Can graduate degrees affect GPA requirements?

Answer 14

Yes, a graduate-level degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher can supersede an undergraduate degree with a non-qualifying GPA.

Question 15

What physical standards must applicants meet?

Answer 15

Applicants must meet the standards outlined in the Manual of the Medical Department, Chapter 15, and be available for worldwide assignment.

Question 16

Is marital status considered in the selection process?

Answer 16

No, there are no restrictions based on marital status.

Question 17

What are the leadership qualifications?

Answer 17

A quantifiable record of leadership in academic, civilian, or military settings is strongly preferred.

Question 18

How is military work experience validated?

Answer 18

Through the submission of the applicant’s three most recent observed enlisted performance evaluations or a memorandum explaining their absence.

Question 19

What is the process for requesting a waiver for eligibility criteria?

Answer 19

Applicants must submit a formal request letter, which is routed from the recruiter to the Commander, Navy Recruiting Command for consideration.

Question 20

Where do selectees complete their indoctrination?

Answer 20

Officer Candidate School at Officer Training Command, Newport, Rhode Island.