SWO(IWC) Program

This program ("SWO Option") allows Midshipmen to qualify and gain experience as a Surface Warfare Officer in an IWC-related job (e.g. Communications Officer) before automatically being transferred after their first tour to the IWC community for which they were selected.

Details of the program can be found in MILPERSMAN 1212-050. Key information from this document:

Redesignation Prerequisites. IWC Option Program officers will be automatically redesignated, without board action, into their respective IWC communities upon completion of the following prerequisites: Surface warfare qualification and completion of one SWO division officer tour; completion of this tour is usually within 2.5 years from date of commission. IWC Option Program officers meeting the prerequisites will normally be redesignated within 2.5 years of commissioned service, but no later than 3 years of commissioned service.