View Full Version : Operations Specialists in NSWU 3
Sir/Ma'am,
Apologies if this question is in the wrong place, didn't know where to put it. What would an Operations Specialist do for NSWU 3 if he's not a SEAL or SWCC? My Command Career Counselor doesn't know. He also doesn't know where to look it up. And my detailer is ignoring me. Please help before I get the wrong orders.
V/R,
OS2(SW) Stevens
Kinnikinik
02-19-2006, 06:00 PM
The NSWU are the command elements of Special Warfare. They require the same support a normal command requires that includes, Supply, Intel, Radio, and an Operations department. Generally, the divisions are much smaller and you have a much larger impact on real world missions. If you can swing it, and are in shape (PT is a big deal at SPECWAR commands), I would definitely get these orders!
I am sorry if I can't tell you specifically what you will be doing, but trust me, you won't be sorry. I know a few guys up there at NSWU 3, its a great command.
Kinnikinik
K,
Thanks for the reply. Still undecided. It's currently between IBU 53, or NSWU 3. Hooyah!
V/r,
OS2
Kinnikinik
02-21-2006, 07:51 AM
IBU's are not bad, but I think you will have more fun with the NSWU. IBU's mostly do port security which can be fairly boring... but you may get out on the boats, while the NSWU will have you jockeying a desk, but depending on your specialty you may end up at an FOB (Foreward Operating Base) closer to the front lines, which is very cool.
Up to you OS2... I'm still trying to get you to lean towards the NSWU. IBU is big navy and NSWU is SPECWAR. There is a HUGE difference in attitude and funding between the two. Can anyone else help me out with this? Lets ask the community what they think.
K
K,
Before I left my ship, one of my shipmates left for SWCC, and he was trying to get me to go also. I know that NSWU 3 would be a better career choice and it's only a year tour, but still undecided. Do IBUs work with SWCCs? Do you think it'd be easier to go from NSWU to SWCC than IBU to SWCC as far as training, experience and job related skills, etc go? I'm on an air force base right now and can't wait to get back to the Navy. Decisions decisions...
V/R,
OS2
Kinnikinik
02-21-2006, 06:48 PM
IBU's do not work with SWCC. They are basically MAA on boats. I think they are a bit more hardcore than regular MAAs, but I am partial to boat guys. IBU guys mostly guard ports. They escort ships in and out, patrol for suicide boats, and open up floating barriers. Their training is good from what I have seen, and you do get to wear cammies, but nothing compares to being around the group of guys that you want to join. The NSWU will be much more supportive of you going SWCC. They will probably try to make you go SEALS (Special Warfare Officers are SEALs) but resist that crazy notion. SWCC is where it is at!
The long and short of it is, if you want to go SWCC eventually, go NSWU. If you aren't worried about going SWCC, but want to get behind a boat and drive right away (after applicable PQS of course) go IBU. The NSWU will be a much better resource for you if you do want to transfer into the SPECWAR community.
I hope that helps you out. Could you do me a favor? We get a bunch of new guys dropping by, looking into SPECWAR and the Navy, could you help me out and explain the detailing and advancement process to everyone here. I am sure that will help alot of people out when they are looking at joining the Navy. Consider it payment for all this helpful advice =)
K
K,
No prob. Be glad to help out a shipmate. I've worked with the Army and Air Force. From what I've seen, the Navy has one of, if not the fastest promotion rates in the Armed Forces (depending on your rate*). I went from E-1 to E-5 in three years. Paygrades E-1 thru E-3 are recieved automatically over a fixed time period. Navy E-4s are Petty Officers (other services equivalent to NCOs*) and require a rating advancement exam to be promoted to the next paygrade. The current rating exam consists of a 3 hour time limit, 200 multiple choice questions. 150 pertain to job knowledge, and 50 to basic military knowledge. Factors for advancment include your time in rate, rating exam, FitRep* and PRT* scores. Remember, with more rank and more money come more responsibility. Rank is earned, not given. Study hard, volunteer for collateral duties and stay out of trouble! Enough of the lecture.
Detailing is the Navy's process for filling job requirements on ships, aircraft squadrons, shore installations, Special Boat/SEAL Teams ( had to add them in there =) ), etc. The Naval Personnel Command oversees this task. When a Sailor reaches around 9 months before his/her PRD*, said Sailor contacts their Command Career Counselor and rating detailer and begins the process for negotiating orders. Depending on the Sailor's sea duty time, training, school requirements, etc, the Sailor will then decide which orders are right for him/her, AND the Navy. The needs of the Navy come first. Hope this helps any future Sailors out there. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask, and we will be glad to help.
*
Rate = Navy's equivalent to MOS (military occupatuional specialty)
NCO = Non-Commissioned Officers, leadership and supervisor ranks
FitRep = fitness report, Navy's equivalent to work/performance feedback
PRT = Physical Readiness Test, conducted every 6 months. consists of timed run/swim, push ups, situps
PRD = Projected Rotation Date, date in which Sailor rotates from sea duty to shore duty, vice versa
K, is there anything I left out? I'm an OS not an NC =p oh yeah, I'm on 9545 shore duty, so I'm already wearing cammies =) I'm leaning toward NSWU orders, but still have to convince COMNAVWIFEPAC. I already applied on JASS for the IBU orders. Do you know if there's anyway to cancel the application? I'll go talk to my Career Counselor tomorrow. later.
V/r,
OS2
Kinnikinik
02-22-2006, 05:58 PM
That was perfect. Mind if I copy this info and sticky it to the top here? I want to get a little database of Navy related info up here and this is a really good summary of the process. I think you hit most of the important parts.
As for the JASS thing, the only thing I can think of for you to do is contact your detailer. In fact, I would contact him even if you want to go IBU just to make sure there aren't any misunderstandings... they seem to happen with detailing sometimes =)
Anyway, good luck.
K