<p>In general, the first five years of a SWO’s life are spent “at sea”, with the first DIVO tour lasting three years and the second lasting between two and three.</p>
<p>The first shore duty follows that, and lasts between two and three years. Assuming they are selected, that would include Department Head School, then back out to sea for another 2-4 years as a Department Head at one or more ships (normally 2). Another 2-3 year shore assignment and, if selected, Executive Officer School, followed by about 2 years as an XO at sea. Another shore rotation, including (if selected) CO school. Back out to sea for 2-3 years as an afloat CO.</p>
<p>These are AVERAGES. Anything can happen. My first DIVO tour was just short of three years, but then I was suddenly pulled off and sent on temporary assignment with the Argentine Navy during the whole Haiti thing back in 1994. My second DIVO tour was cut short when I blew my back out and had to have surgery, and I completed my commitment at a shore-duty station.</p>
<p>Some SWO’s earn accelerated progress; others go to special duties such as SEA SHADOW; still others cross over into EDO, etc.</p>
<p>Let her go ahead and decide she doesn’t want to be a SWO. She will not be in the minority at USNA. Lord knows, the LAST thing I wanted to be was a SWO. SWO is considered by most Mids to be the bottom of the barrel, with most of them aspiring to more “elite” programs such as Subs, USMC, Aviation, and SEALs. A bad rap, perhaps, but there it is.</p>
<p>But here is the kicker: SHE HAD BETTER STUDY HARD OR SHE MAY END UP BEING A SWO WHETHER SHE LIKES IT OR NOT. That’s what happened to me. I DIDN’T STUDY and my grades showed it. Then, three years later, my application to Nuclear Power School was denied. </p>
<p>There is NOTHING that can happen to a Mid during their tenure at USNA (other than being injured or separated) that is worse than watching your classmates select their dream careers while you sit there with no desireable options. She had better HIT THE BOOKS and HIT THEM HARD. That is my ONE great regret in life (moreso, even, than having married my first wife). Don’t let her do that to herself.</p>
<p>As for YP cruises simulating a SWO career, there is good and bad. Assuming the YP’s are the same as they were when I was there, the living conditions aboard a YP are crap compared to a modern Navy surface vessel. Even my 1960’s-era cruiser was nicer. Much more room, for one. Also, the food will be better and cooked by people who actually know how to cook (well, better than your average Mid, anyway). </p>
<p>On the flip side, when you are off watch as a DIVO, you have a slew of other responsibilities that require your attention, and things like sleeping, working out, and watching a movie or reading a book take second place to those and to achieving your OOD, SWO, EOOW, and CDO qualifications. This is no different, however, than life anywhere else in the Navy as an Officer.</p>
<p>BTW, just because you are in an “at sea” billet doesn’t mean you are physically at sea the whole time. There is in-port time, both in homeport and abroad, as well as times where the ship may be in drydock for months at a time (that happened to me TWICE, which plays havoc on your qualification schedule). Still, you DO deploy for days, weeks, and months at a stretch from time to time. Such is the nature of the beast.</p>
<p>Hope all that helps…</p>