Developing an Expeditionary Warfare Officer Career Path

The Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) manages the Navy’s diverse expeditionary capabilities and combat support elements. NECC leadership has been concerned that officers are not developing enough expertise in expeditionary warfare and has looked for ways to develop the necessary leadership and proficiency. CNA undertook a quick-look analysis on how to best manage expeditionary warfare officer careers. United States Fleet Forces Command (USFF) requested that CNA provide a more in-depth analysis, focused on developing a suitable career path and using additional qualification designators (AQDs) to manage expeditionary warfare officers within their own communities. The underlying premise of the study is that some expeditionary warfare assignments require prior experience. This study quantifies the extent of such positions and examin es the practicalities of developing this expertise.