LDO, CWO programs seeking enlisted applicants

For the Sailor, it provides another avenue up the leadership ladder. Combined, these two communities make up more than 11 percent of the officer corps.

''Of course I want to make chief, but I don't want to stop there,'' said AME1(AW) Travis Stahly, a leading petty officer at Patrol Squadron 2. ''I want the increased challenge and responsibility that comes with the commissioned ranks.''

The LDO program provides commissioning opportunities to qualified senior enlisted personnel and chief warrant officers. Members of the CPO community, first class petty officers who are selection board eligible, and all warrant officers are eligible to apply for this program. In addition, senior enlisted personnel are also eligible to seek a commission through the warrant officer program.

''It's the greatest single job-related choice I have ever made,'' said Capt. Leo Falardeau, commanding officer of Trident Refit Facility. ''The program gives the opportunity for deckplate Sailors to become captains.''

As the name implies, Limited Duty Officers are commissioned officers within a limited career path. For example, Sailors seeking a commission in supply or administration fields will remain in that specific professional field throughout their career.

Are You Ready? Applicants must complete all eligibility requirements for E-7 Active-duty applicants must have completed at least eight, but not more than 16 years of service by Oct. 1 of the year application is made. Applicant must be a high school graduate or have an equivalency certificate. Applicant must meet physical fitness standards of satisfactory-medium or higher at the time of application and appointment. Applicant must not exceed High Year Tenure requirements.

Warrant officers are technical specialists who perform knowledge and skills of a specific occupational field at a level beyond what is normally expected a master chief petty officer.

Qualified personnel may apply for both LDO and CWO simultaneously. A baccalaureate degree is not required, but is encouraged. Leadership ability, military qualifications, and technical expertise still remain the key factors leading to selection.

''Your LDO or CWO package is the most important part of the application process,'' said CWO2 Charles Brown, a division officer at TRF. ''The best way to set yourself up for success is to take your package to an LDO or CWO and have that person review it to make sure all the T's are crossed and I's dotted.''

An informational brief by Capt. Falarduea was held June 27 for Sailors interested in the programs, but it's not too late to seek information. Commands are highly encouraged to proactively identify and assist Sailors in applying for these communities

PH2(AW/NAC) Will Tonacchio can be reached by calling 573-9623 or at william.tonacchio@navy.mil.