Navy Rating · Combat & Infantry
SO Special Warfare Operator
Overview
Special Warfare Operators conduct maritime, land, and airborne special operations in urban, desert, jungle, arctic, undersea, and mountain environments. They perform direct action, counterterrorism, special reconnaissance, unconventional warfare, hostage rescue and recovery, foreign internal defense, security force assistance, and humanitarian assistance.
Core Skills
- special operations mission planning and execution
- small unit leadership and team coordination
- intelligence gathering and reconnaissance
- risk assessment and threat analysis
- communications discipline and secure comms usage
- joint and interagency coordination
- training and instruction of partner forces
- operational security (OPSEC)
- situational awareness and rapid decision making
- adaptability in complex environments
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- SAP software
- Amazon Web Services AWS software
- Microsoft Access
Civilian Career Paths
- Private Security
- Physical Security
- Emergency Management
- Intelligence Analysis
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Amateur Radio Service Operator License: Amateur Extra Class · Funded
- Basic Electricity and Electronics: Alternating Current (BEE-AC) · Funded
- Basic Electricity and Electronics: Direct Current (BEE-DC) · Funded
- Electronics Module AC (EM2)
- Electronics Module DC (EM1)
Career Growth
- Safety Management Professional (SMP)
- Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa) · Funded
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) · Funded
- Master Parachute Rigger
- Wireless Communications Electronics Technician (WCM)
What the Work Involves
- Develop budgets for security operations.
- Identify, investigate, or resolve security breaches.
- Plan, direct, or coordinate security activities to safeguard company employees, guests, or others on company property.
- Direct or participate in emergency management and contingency planning.
- Respond to medical emergencies, bomb threats, fire alarms, or intrusion alarms, following emergency response procedures.
Related Occupations
- Security Management Specialists
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers
- Compliance Managers
- Security Guards
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a four-year degree or equivalent experience.
Formerly Known As (Legacy)
Retired codes that converted into SO. Each legacy page documents the cited history.
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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