Navy Information Warfare Field

(090317-N-5174T-013 HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii (March 17, 2009) Adm. Robert F. Willard, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, thanks Lt. Heather Beal, an information warfare officer assigned to Navy Information Operations Command, Hawaii, during an Individual Augmentee awards luncheon for her service as an individual augmentee in Afghanistan. The event, held at the Hickam Air Force Base Officer's Club, was hosted by the Honolulu Council Navy League and recognized more than 150 Sailors and Marines for their service as Individual Augmentees. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Shane Tuck/Released)

As an Information Warfare Officer, you will live and work with information security, contributing to sensitive initiatives through the application of cryptology — specifically cryptography and cryptanalysis.

Navy Information Warfare combines two related skills: cryptography, or disguising communications to protect them, and cryptanalysis, or deciphering the coded communications of others.

Navy Information Warfare Officers specialize in disguising communications to protect them. You'll focus on the art of deciphering the coded communications of others. You'll work with highly sophisticated electronic surveillance equipment and supervise the investigative efforts of others.

As an Information Warfare Officer your duties may include:

• Deploying as part of a direct support team onboard surface warships or submarines or onboard operational staffs or joint task forces
• Deploying onboard specially configured aircraft conducting aerial reconnaissance in support of tactical, theater and national missions
• Qualifying as an Operations Watch Officer, responsible for real-time signal intelligence collection, processing, analysis and reporting
• Computer network operations
• Development and acquisition of cutting-edge exploitation and defense systems that directly support our core mission areas

The Information Warfare field is a highly competitive area offering advanced expertise and highly sought-after security clearance. Your mission will be to perform Naval Information Operations functions as directed by the Chief of Naval Operations afloat and ashore, as well as National Signals Intelligence tasks assigned by the National Security Agency. You’ll be trained to operate and maintain specialized electronic equipment, such as radio receivers, antennae, recorders and computers.

Candidates must possess a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree from an accredited college in political science, foreign language, mathematics, economics, geography, electronics, physics or history.

Taken from the Navy's "Careers and Jobs" website 20 January 2010.