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NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps parent organizations

Frequently Asked Questions

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Ship

Question

If I am a retired service member, can I join NOAA Corps?

Answer

Retiring from any of the other six uniform services makes an applicant ineligible for appointment.

Question

What is Basic Officer Training Class like?

Answer

For more information click on Basic Officer Training

Question

Do I have to get my hair cut at Basic Officer Training?

Answer

For more information on personal appearance click on Basic Officer Training Requirements

Question

Does NOAA Corps decide where I will be stationed or will I have input?

Answer

During Basic Officer Training Class, each officer will submit a memorandum listing his/her top three choices for their first ship assignment. The needs of the service are primary and there is no guarantee of assignment. However, each officer's assignment preference and education is taken into consideration. For future assignments, whenever possible, NOAA Corps will try to match an officer's assignment with one of his/her skills, background and assignment preferences.

For more information on NOAA's fleet click on NOAA's Marine Operations

For billet descriptions click on Assignments

Question

What will I do at my first duty station?

Answer

All officers completing Basic Officer Training Class will serve up to 3 years stationed aboard one of NOAA's research vessels. General duties include familiarization with assigned ship and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); Performing inport Officer of the Deck (OOD) duties; Standing navigational watches as Junior Officer of the Deck (JOOD), typically in a "4 hours on, 8 hours off" schedule; Performing collateral duties as assigned (i.e. correcting navigational charts, tracking imprest fund, environmental compliance, safety and damage control, etc.)

Question

Does NOAA Corps have any summer jobs, internship or co-op opportunities?

Answer

NOAA Corps does not currently offer summer jobs, internship, or co-op employment programs. However, some civilian NOAA programs have a limited number of such opportunities depending on your specific interests.

For more information click on NOAA Careers and NOAA Volunteer Opportunities