Navy NEC · Combat & Infantry

O26A Special Warfare Operator (SEAL)

A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating. Part of the Special Warfare Operator rating

Overview

A Special Warfare Operator performs unconventional and special warfare operations for fleet, unified, and specified commanders while collecting hydrographic, terrain, and target intelligence in coastal, riverine, and other restricted waters. The operator also performs static line and freefall parachuting, demolishes explosives, and uses all types of SCUBA operationally.

Core Skills

  • special operations tactics
  • hydrographic reconnaissance
  • target intelligence collection
  • coastal surveillance
  • scuba diving operations
  • parachute operations
  • explosive demolition
  • small unit leadership
  • land and water navigation
  • intelligence reporting

Civilian Software & Tools

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Amazon Web Services AWS software
  • Apache Hadoop
  • Apache Hive
  • Apache Kafka
  • Apache Spark

Civilian Career Paths

  • Private Security
  • Law Enforcement
  • Intelligence Analysis
  • Geospatial Intelligence

Training & Development

Getting Started

  • CompTIA Security+
  • PADI Divemaster
  • State POST Certification

Career Growth

  • Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
  • Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP)
  • Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
  • Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) Commercial Diver Certification

What the Work Involves

  • Validate known intelligence with data from other sources.
  • Gather, analyze, correlate, or evaluate information from a variety of resources, such as law enforcement databases.
  • Evaluate records of communications, such as telephone calls, to plot activity and determine the size and location of criminal groups and members.
  • Gather intelligence information by field observation, confidential information sources, or public records.
  • Analyze intelligence data to identify patterns and trends in criminal activity.

Related Occupations

  • Digital Forensics Analysts
  • Private Detectives and Investigators
  • Information Security Analysts
  • Riggers

Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.

Defense contractor jobs for O26A

Equivalent Roles in Other Branches

Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.

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