Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) - Curriculum 373 (Under
Department of Meteorology)
Subspecialty
Completion of this curriculum qualifies an officer as a METOC Subspecialist with a
subspecialty code of 6401P. The Curriculum Sponsor is the Oceanographer of the Navy
(CNO N2/N6F5).
Educational Skill Requirements (ESR)
Meteorology & Oceanography (METOC) - Curriculum 373
Subspecialty Code: 6401P
1. Weapon & Sensor Performance: The officer must have an understanding of the
effects of open-ocean and near-shore ocean and atmospheric properties on
weapons, sensors, and platform performance. The officer must have the ability to
translate this knowledge into warfighter decision recommendations based on
sound decision theory, taking into account available courses of action,
assessments of vulnerability, uncertainty, and risk as indicated on performance
surfaces.
2. Integration of Oceanic & Atmospheric Parameters: The officer must be able to
observe, assimilate, analyze, and predict oceanic and littoral water conditions,
and atmospheric conditions using direct and remote sensing observation
techniques, statistical analysis, and numerical models. The officer will have a
sound understanding of polar, mid-latitude and tropical atmospheric and
oceanographic dynamics, including the impact of regional conditions on military
operations and systems.
3. Numerical Processing: The officer will have a thorough understanding of
numerical modeling/processing as it applies to the physics and dynamics of the
ocean and the atmosphere. This understanding should include a broad
understanding of the modeling process itself to include strengths, weaknesses,
and vulnerabilities; the state of current models and techniques; and appropriate
applications of deterministic and stochastic techniques.
4. Ocean/Atmosphere Problem Solving: The officer must develop critical thinking
skills and conduct independent analyses to solve environmentally challenging
problems in the fields of Physical Oceanography and/or Meteorology as they
apply to Naval/Joint operations, using modern scientific research techniques,
field experience, tools, and equipment. The officer should understand the
concept of developing and producing a performance surface.
5. Other NPS Requirements: The officer must successfully complete all NPS
requirements for the Master's Degree in Meteorology and Physical
Oceanography.