Join the US Navy Reserve as a Maritime Space Officer

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Navy Maritime Space Officer: Harness Space Power to Protect the Fleet!

Are you ready to join the next frontier of naval warfare and make a lasting impact on national security? As a Navy Reserve Maritime Space Officer (MSO), you will be at the forefront of space operations—leveraging advanced space capabilities to support maritime missions while denying adversaries the ability to do the same.

This is your opportunity to combine technical expertise, leadership, and service in a part-time role that allows you to balance your military duty with your civilian career.

Why Become a Navy Reserve Maritime Space Officer?

MSOs are critical to the Navy’s ability to dominate the space domain. You will play a leading role in integrating space operations into naval missions, ensuring the fleet has access to the latest space-based capabilities while protecting against adversarial threats. By joining this elite community of only ~50 Reserve Officers, you will contribute to the Navy’s cutting-edge missions in partnership with U.S. Space Command and the Space Force.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide space expertise to support maritime and joint operations.
  • Develop and advocate space requirements and strategy.
  • Evaluate and employ tactics, techniques, and procedures for space operations.
  • Contribute to spacecraft operations, space control, launch activities, and human spaceflight support.
  • Participate in space acquisition efforts, including R&D, systems design, testing, and program management.

Typical Areas of Assignment Focus:

  • Navy Space Command (NAVSPACE) – Shape Navy space requirements and integration.
  • Joint Assignments – Operate in joint, multi-domain environments requiring early Joint Qualification.
  • U.S. Space Command (SPACECOM) & National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) – Support joint space operations.

Training and Development:

The US Navy Reserve prioritizes your professional development. As a newly commissioned Maritime Space Officer, you’ll participate in specialized training, including:

  • Officer Development School (ODS) – 5 weeks at Officer Training Command, Newport, RI.
  • Reserve Maritime Space Officer Basic Course – Includes Intro to Joint Space, Concepts of Orbital Warfare, and Space Boot Camp.
  • Space Officer Qualification Program (SOQP) – Completed within 36 months of commissioning.
  • Information Warfare Basic Course (IWBC)
  • Ongoing opportunities for advanced space qualifications, graduate education, and joint training.

Career Advancement:

Your path as a Navy Reserve MSO is designed to develop you into a strong leader in both the military and civilian worlds. Initial assignments develop you into a recognized space professional; later roles emphasize joint operations and leadership in space-enabled missions. 

Who We’re Looking For:

We are seeking highly motivated professionals with a passion for space, leadership, and service. Ideal candidates meet the following criteria:

  1. Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Dual citizenship (U.S. and another country) is not necessarily disqualifying.
  2. Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and less than 42 years old at the time of commissioning. Prior qualifying service will be considered for year-for-year credit up to age 50. Waivers beyond age 54 will not be considered.
  3. Education: A bachelor’s degree in space operations, engineering, physics, aeronautical engineering, acquisitions, or another closely related technical field is required ( Minimum GPA of 3.0). Applicants with a GPA of 2.8–2.99 may request a waiver. A graduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or greater can supersede a lower undergraduate GPA.

  4. Professional Experience: Prior experience in space operations or space acquisitions (civilian or military) is strongly desired. Applicants without a qualifying degree must have at least two years of relevant space-related experience.

    • Space Operations Experience may include: developing space policy and strategy, identifying and advocating space requirements, evaluating and implementing space tactics and procedures, executing space control, providing space force enhancement, conducting spacecraft operations and launches, or supporting human spaceflight activities.

    • Space Acquisition Experience may include: conducting scientific and technical studies on space issues, engaging in space-related research and development, designing and engineering space-based systems, testing and evaluating space systems, or providing program management support for space-related projects.

  5. Security Clearance: Applicants must be eligible to obtain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance. You do not need to have this clearance at the time of application, but you will need to complete a pre-nomination interview with the local special security office to assess your eligibility.
  6. Commitment to Excellence: A dedication to continuous development of your leadership and technical expertise.

What You’ll Gain:

  • Leadership Experience: Strengthen your leadership skills in both military and civilian contexts.
  • Global Impact: Influence maritime and joint operations at the highest levels.
  • Professional Growth: Access continuous training, advanced space qualifications, and joint education opportunities.
  • Work-Life Balance: Serve part-time, allowing you to balance your military service with your civilian career and personal life.

Apply Today

If you have any questions about this opportunity or would like to submit your resume for consideration, please contact me directly.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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