Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 2/16/2009

Question
QUESTION: What would be the best path to follow to do this?

ANSWER: Are you in college or a college graduate?  That answer will help determine the path you must take.  If the answer is yes, then you will need to attend the Navy's Officer Candidate School (OCS), A 12-week school in Newport, Rhode Island.  I'm assuming you haven't talked to a recruiter yet and are still in the planning stages. Are you interested in Surface Ships, Aviation (the Navy actually has more airplanes and helicopters than the Air Force), or Submarines.  You need to go to this web site: http://www.navy.com/careers/officerplanner/
to help get started.  Most recruiters deal with enlisted folks, and will refer you to their supervisor for officer recruitment  Having a general knowledge of what you want to do in the Navy before you talk to a recruiter will help impress him and also help you to understand what's available.
Congratulations on choosing the Navy.
Colonel H

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have taking some class's and no i have not graduated, i want to do firefighting then move up from there. i have to start fresh and work my way up, but i been doing that all my life so it doesnt borther me.....just need a plan and path to work my way to officer hope that helps any suggestions would be awesome

Answer
William,
First of all you need to know there are NO Navy firefighting jobs  ashore!  The Navy employs civilians to do the Firefighting jobs ashore.  That means if you want to be a firefighter you'll be assigned to ship duty.  Everybody onbard a ship is trained to some extent as firefighters.  It's a very important additional duty because  the lives of the crew depend upon knowing how to control a fire quickly.  The Navy Rating or "Job" of firefighters is a Damage Controlman.  Hull Technicians are also heavily trained as shipboard firefighters.
Much of the shipboard firefighting is very similar to city firefighters.  Of course there are differences, but for the most part they are alike.  You'll learn a lot of stuff and have fun while you're doing it.
Now's the time to get your recruiter involved.  He'll know how to get you in as a firefighter if possible, and how to properly progress.  I'm not just passing you off.  In this case he's really the expert and can explain it to you face-to-face.
Best of luck,
  Colonel H