Navy Supply Corps (United States) - Professional Qualifications

Professional Qualifications

Supply Corps officers can earn one or more of four community warfare insignias:

• The Surface Warfare Supply Corps Officer (SWSCO) pin for supply officers serving on board a ship
• The Submarine Supply Officer pin for supply officers serving on Independent Duty as the SUPPO on a sub
• The Naval Aviation Supply Officer (NASO) pin for supply corps officers serving on board a Carrier/Amphib or at a Naval Air Station (NAS) Aviation Supply Detachment (ASD)
• The Seabee Combat Warfare Officer insignia for supply officers assigned to a Navy Construction Battalion NCB/NMCB units.
• The Navy Expeditionary Supply Corps insignia for supply officers assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (COMNAVEXPDCMBTCOM) or Naval Special Warfare Command (COMNAVSPECWARCOM)

Officers must complete a personal qualification standard (PQS) program, demonstrate an extensive practical and applied knowledge of the specialty, and successfully stand before an oral examination board of senior officers to earn each warfare pin.

Earning a warfare qualification is often a prerequisite for promotion to senior officer ranks of Commander (O-5) and higher. A Supply Corps officer's future career promotion and assignment prospects can be negatively impacted if he/she served at an operational unit or on board a ship, but failed to earn a warfare pin.

Current Navy policy dictates that Supply Officers complete two operational tours and obtain a warfare pin for consideration for Lieutenant Commander (O-4) boards.