Anyone interested in becoming a navy meteorologist has several options. Receiving navy training or pursuing a college degree to become eligible for a position as an officer are examples of these options. The best option may depend on the type of navy career one desires; those who intend to stay in the navy for the rest of their lives may want to consider becoming officers, which will provide them with better pay and benefits over time.
Enlisting in the navy, passing entrance exams, and expressing an interest in meteorology are all options. After boot camp, eligible candidates may be sent to a special training school where they will learn how to work as a support person with meteorologists. They gain more training over time, which may include credits toward a degree. This path to becoming a navy meteorologist can lead to work in a variety of settings and, if a sailor wishes to pursue a degree, could lead to an officer’s position.
People with meteorology degrees can join the navy with their previous education and experience and automatically be assigned to the rank of officer. They will receive military training to prepare them for duty and, like other naval officers and enlisted sailors, will be eligible for periodic promotions. Another way to become a navy meteorologist is to earn a college diploma while serving in the navy or through a Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program, in which the navy helps pay for college in exchange for post-graduation service.
Anyone considering a career in this field should be aware that it is extremely diverse. A navy meteorologist may work in forecasting, military planning, or research, and they will often have access to cutting-edge tools, facilities, and equipment. Climate and meteorology research is important to the military because it can affect engagements, and there are numerous opportunities for scientific research and exploration.
Promotions are based on time in service, performance, and feedback from superiors after a sailor has become a navy meteorologist. Career sailors can speak with their supervisors about their goals to learn more about how to advance their careers and become eligible for higher pay grades and other benefits. With their military experience and training, people can pursue civilian careers in meteorological research, reporting, and related fields after serving in the navy. Job candidates with military experience may also be of interest to military contractors.