INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL (1820)

OVERVIEW

The 1820 Information Professional (IP) designator identifies Restricted Line officers in the Navy Information Warfare Community (IWC) who specialize in Navy networks, communications, satellite-communications planning, command-and-control systems, and defensive cyberspace operations (DCO). IP officers serve aboard ships, submarines, aviation squadrons, expeditionary staffs, and at major communications stations and Joint Force Headquarters–Cyber.

IPs are the operators and managers of the Navy's portion of the Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN) — the global, classified and unclassified network that connects every Navy ship, station, and squadron to fleet command and to the joint warfighting enterprise. They plan tactical and SATCOM communications for carrier strike groups, run network operations centers, lead defensive cyber teams, and integrate the afloat networks that enable distributed maritime operations.

Information Professionals commission via USNA, NROTC, OCS, and the STA-21 program, and a small number lateral-transfer from URL communities. After basic-course training at Pensacola, IPs alternate sea and shore tours throughout their careers, with command opportunity at Naval Computer and Telecommunications Stations, Navy Information Operations Commands, and major joint cyberspace billets at Fort Meade and the geographic combatant commands.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead a Navy communications division aboard a ship, submarine, or expeditionary unit
• Manage Navy network operations at a Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station (NCTAMS)
• Plan and execute defensive cyberspace operations protecting Navy networks
• Engineer satellite communications and afloat networks for fleet and joint operations

HISTORY

The Information Professional designator was created in 2001, consolidating the former Cryptology Engineering, Space, and Telecommunications subspecialties into a single, networks-focused community. The community grew significantly after 2010 when the IWC reorganization brought IPs alongside Cryptologic Warfare Officers, Intelligence Officers, and Meteorology/Oceanography Officers under a unified Information Warfare structure.

IPs played a central role in the standup of Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command (NCDOC) and continue to provide significant joint manning to U.S. Cyber Command and the Cyber Mission Force.

COMMISSIONING SOURCES

• USNA
• NROTC
• OCS
• STA-21
• Lateral transfer (limited)

TRAINING PIPELINE

1. 1. Information Warfare Basic Course (IWBC)~12 weeks
   NAS Pensacola, FL
   Joint IWC accession course.
2. 2. Information Professional Basic Course (IPBC)~10 weeks
   NAS Pensacola, FL
   Networks, communications, and DCO basic skills.
3. 3. Joint Cyberspace Operations Planner Course~3 weeks
   Joint Forces Staff College, Norfolk, VA
   Mid-grade joint cyber operations planning.

TYPICAL CAREER PATH

1. O-1/O-2
   IWBC + IPBC + first sea tour
   Joint IWC and Information Professional basic courses, then first sea tour as a ship Communications Officer.
2. O-3
   Mid-grade Production Tour
   Department head tour at NCTAMS, NCDOC, or fleet staff.
3. O-4
   Major IP Department Head
   Major staff department head ashore or afloat.
4. O-5
   Major Command
   Command of a Navy Computer and Telecommunications Station.
5. O-6
   Senior IWC Command
   Command of a Navy Information Operations Group or major Fleet Cyber Command staff.

RELATED DESIGNATORS

• 1810 · Restricted Line
  Cryptologic Warfare Officer
• 1830 · Restricted Line
  Intelligence Officer
• 1840 · Restricted Line
  Cyber Warfare Engineer
• 1860 · Restricted Line
  Maritime Space Officer

RELATED BASES

• Navy Base · VA
  Naval Station Norfolk
• Navy Base · HI
  Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
• Navy Base · MD
  Fort George G. Meade

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

SOURCES

• U.S. Fleet Cyber Command / U.S. TENTH Fleet
• My Navy HR — IWC Community
• Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT)