More Information
Many of the jobs within the Navy’s human resources community offer rewarding opportunities to interact with people throughout their military careers for many different reasons, at many different stages of life. Your responsibilities may include:
- Providing general career guidance and counseling related to Navy occupations, promotions, employee rights and benefits
- Connecting Sailors with education and job training opportunities
- Interviewing personnel for assignment recommendations
- Assisting Enlisted Sailors and their families with special problems or personal hardships
- Establishing and maintaining liaison with the Navy Personnel Command
- Managing your duty station’s Career Information Program
- Maintaining and entering data into Enlisted Service Records
- Assisting with personnel transfer, separation and retirement
- Gaining personnel to new commands
As a Human Resources Officer, you may work from one of many offices located at more than 40 major Naval bases across the country. Your work will usually be performed in a clean office environment, either alone with little supervision, or with others under close supervision, depending on your assignment.
Those pursuing a Human Resources Officer position are required to attend Officer Development School (ODS) in Newport, RI. ODS is a five-week program that provides a comprehensive introduction to the responsibilities of Navy Staff Corps Officers. Here they learn about the military structure of the U.S. Navy, its rich history of traditions and customs, leadership development and military etiquette.
Once that training is complete, you will learn the ins and outs of life as a Navy Human Resources Officer and receive your first assignment. Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance.
Post-Service Opportunities
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.
Wherever you are in your professional career, the Navy can help ease your financial burdens and advance your career with generous financial assistance and continuing education programs. Opportunities for further education within this platform include:
A degree from a four-year college or university is a minimum educational requirement to become a Commissioned Officer. You must also attend Officer Training. There may be exceptions to the degree requirements based on extensive service experience.
To qualify for the role of Human Resources Officer, you must be a U.S. citizen.
General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.
Serving part-time in the Navy Reserve, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Human Resources Officers in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes. This gives you the flexibility to expand your profession in the Navy without compromising your civilian career at home.
For annual training, Human Resources Officers may serve anywhere in the world, whether at sea or on shore stations at home and abroad.
Take a moment to learn more about the general roles and responsibilities of Navy Reserve Sailors.
Most of what you do in the Navy Reserve is considered training. The basic Navy Reserve commitment involves training a minimum of one weekend a month (referred to as drilling) and two weeks a year (referred to as Annual Training) – or the equivalent.
Human Resources Officers in the Navy Reserve serve in an Officer role. Before receiving the ongoing professional training that comes with this job, initial training requirements must first be met.
For current or former Navy Officers (NAVET): Prior experience satisfies the initial leadership training requirement – so you will not need to go through Officer Training again.
For current or former Officers of military branches other than the Navy (OSVET), as well as for Officer candidates without prior military experience: You will need to meet the initial leadership training requirement by attending the 12-day Direct Commission Officer (DCO) School in Newport, RI. This will count as your first Annual Training.