Pathways, Training & Advancement Commissioning via the United States Naval Academy, NROTC, or Officer Candidate School followed by Basic Division Officer training and shipboard qualifications; earn the Surface Warfare Officer qualification through experience and demonstrated proficiency; attend advanced schools in tactics, engineering, and combat systems as you progress; complete joint professional military education and other leadership courses while advancing to department head, executive officer, and commanding officer assignments. Work Environment Sea tours aboard surface combatants and amphibious or support ships, with shore assignments at training commands, fleet and joint staffs, and other shore activities worldwide; work in combat information centers, bridges, engineering spaces, and command and control spaces at sea; office, classroom, and simulator environments ashore that support training, planning, and staff duties.