ABOUTEffective, secure communication in the cyber domain is essential to the everyday operations of military intelligence in America’s Navy.

Information Professionals who oversee the seamless operation of the global Naval network environment are key to these efforts.

Their responsibilities include :

• Mapping out the network platforms of the future
• Ensuring the effectiveness of the Navy technologies
• Helping to develop and deploy information systems, command and control, and space systems
• Serving as a key part of the Information Dominance Corps in its mission to gain a deep understanding of the inner workings of adversaries and developing unmatched knowledge of the battlespace during wartime

RESPONSIBILITIESAs an IP, you are among those who plan, acquire, secure, operate and maintain the Naval network and the systems that support Navy operations and business processes. This role may include :

• Leading the Naval network warfare missions in developing tactics and procedures to realize tactical, strategic and business advantages afloat and ashore
• Driving interoperability with joint, allied and coalition partners
• Building professional excellence through education, training and certification, and milestone qualifications
• Optimizing organizational effectiveness through cutting-edge technologies, knowledge management techniques and a culture of innovation
• Overseeing the work of Information Systems Technicians Enlisted Sailors (no degree required) who serve as specialists in information technology

WORK ENVIRONMENTInformation Professionals serve in challenging roles of increasing scope and responsibility both afloat and ashore. This could include :

• Being part of Battle Group staffs on ships at sea
• Working in C4I / Space / Surveillance on shore tours
• Serving on major Navy and joint staffs
• Serving in command of key communication and surveillance facilities around the globe

TRAINING & ADVANCEMENTThose pursuing an Information Professional Officer position are required to attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, R.

I. Upon completion, they typically attend a five-week IP Basic Course of instruction in Pensacola, Fla., before or during their initial assignment.

IPs must complete specific qualifications as part of their training during Fleet tours and are expected to pursue advanced education opportunities.

Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance. It’s also important to note that specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields.

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIESBeyond professional credentials and certifications, Information Professionals can advance their education by :

• Pursuing opportunities at institutions such as Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) or Navy War College (NWC)
• Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges

Postgraduate education is important to the success of the Information Professional. Most IPs will complete a master’s degree in C4I, space, information systems, computer science or modeling and simulation.

There’s also potential to pursue a graduate certificate, DoD certifications, federal executive fellowships and information assurance scholarships and internships.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTSA four-year degree is required to work as an Information Professional. Candidates seeking an Officer position in this community must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in a technical field, preferably in one of following fields : Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Operations, Computer Science, Systems Engineering or General Engineering.

All candidates must also be : U.S. citizens, willing to serve worldwide, eligible for a Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance, and qualified for sea duty.

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.