HOW TO BECOME AN ENGINEERING DUTY OFFICER
The Engineering Duty Officer Community does not have direct accessions through USNA/NROTC commissioning sources. The ED community relies on the URL communities for it's accessions. A typical new accession is warfare qualified, a strong performer and academically qualified to pursue a technical Master's Degree.
Alternative ways to become an EDO is as follows:
(1) Lateral Transfer
Lateral Transfer/Redesignation boards meet twice per year in February and August. To learn more about the process, please refer to MILPERSMAN 1212-010 or contact the EDO Community Manager for more information.
(2) ED Option
ED Option is available as a choice during Service Selection through NROTC, United States Naval Academy, OCS, Seaman-to-Admiral 21 and Merchant Marine Reserve candidates. MILPERSMAN 1212-040 outlines the ED Option Program for USNA, NROTC, STA-21, OCS and MMR commissioning sources.
All Submarine and Surface Warfare Officers who selected at commissioning, for the ED Option Program, should register and create a profile on the EDOmain Options website. This website will provide you current up to date information pertaining to our community to include instructions, contact info for other ED options in your area and the lead LCDR/LT EDO in your region. The Lead LCDR/LT can provide guidance and connect you with EDO CAPTs and CDRs for mentoring. Please select this link for step by step instructions on setting up your Intellink account and creating your EDO Option website profile. The whole process only takes about 10 minutes so please take the time to join so you can be connected not only with the ED community but your fellow ED Options nearby.
Submarine Officers who did not receive the ED Option at commissioning may apply for an used Option via Program Authorization 101F. Please contact the New Accessions Detailer for quota availability.
a. SWO ED Options
A SWO ED Option is required to earn their SWO pin. SWO ED Option will redesignate to 1460 within (+/-) 6 months of promotion to Lieutenant.
SWO ED Options that wish to remain in the Surface Warfare Community must submit a command-endorsed request letter to decline the ED Option and remain in the URL community to the Engineering Duty Officer Community Manager via the Surface Warfare Officer Community Manager. The concurrence of both the EDO and SWO Community Managers are needed to approve the request to decline the ED Option.
b. Submarine ED Option
A Submarine ED Option is required to complete their Division Officer and Department Head tours as a Submarine Officer. Sub ED Options are required to attend graduate school at the Naval Postgraduate School to earn a technical Master’s degree. Sub ED Options may attend MIT but should contact the Junior ED Detailer to discuss quota availability. Failure to attend graduate school following their Division Officer tour will result in a loss of the ED Option.
Submarine ED Options must submit a command-endorsed ED Option Execution letter to BUPERS-314C (EDO Community Manager) with copy to PERS-42 (Submarine Distribution Division) in order to exercise their option. Please click the following link to access a sample letter​.
(3) Probationary Officer Continuation and Redesignation Boards (POCR)
Officers who will attend a POCR Board, and are interested in becoming an EDO, should reach out to the EDO Community Manager for more information to determine eligibility.