Hi everyone,

I just graduated from school with a degree in B.S. Environmental Science and have always had a passion to make a tangible impact through science. I did climate science research at an oceanographic institution in undergrad and it has allowed me to discover my passion for climate science and weather. Based on this background, what kinds of jobs in NOAACorps are available, and how selective is the process? Part of me feels like I won’t be competitive enough because my degree is too general and not specialized, but I am not exactly sure what they are looking for in a candidate besides that. Any advice?

I was told recently that with a DD-214 we can get a veteran designation on our drivers license. Is that legit for us to do once we leave the service?

Title ^

Aloha, my son is about to graduate high school and is considering what college or career training path to take. He is a very high performing student and could take a degree program at university but his passion is sailing and he really wants to try to find a career path with sailing.

He does not support US involvement in foreign wars and so will avoid Navy careers. He loves the search and rescue aspect and would want to do Coast Guard academy but since they are also deployable to war that doesn't seem like a good fit either.

I recently found out about NOAA corps (I saw an ad for an upcoming recruitment event in Honolulu) and was wondering if there is a path to sail with NOAA right out of high school? Hopefully paired with further opportunity for education/ advancement? Is anyone stationed on sailing vessels out in Hawai'i and can give some information or experience?

How's it going NOAA friends,

I've been reading around a ton and had a few questions. I'm a AC-130J pilot. I'm coming up on 1700 hours across a lot of aircraft but mostly gunships and will be moving to Eglin soon up in the Florida panhandle to be a C-130J test pilot. I've got roughly 5 years to go on my service commitment for TPS and pilot training.

I've always wanted to be a hurricane hunter. Born and raised on the gulf coast. Always had huge respect for the mission since it directly helped my community growing up.

I'm split on going Air Force reserves versus NOAA. I want to do 20, and my understanding is NOAA could still get me to my big 3 legacy retirement.

Understandably, NOAA has no reserve component, so if I switched I'd be staying active. Is it possible to fly the majority of that? I'm also approaching that point where stability in my life would be nice. No more PCSs or deployments overseas.

Reading NOAAs page, it seems like I could be released up to two years early by the Air Force to join NOAA. Has anyone pulled that off? I get the feeling I would not be allowed to leave.

Let me know your thoughts and please share your stories! I'm trying to chart the best path forward for me and my family. And who knows, maybe I'll get to work developmental test for yalls new J models if they come through Eglin!

I am 29 years old and currently work with a major insurance carrier. I make good money but I’m not entirely happy. My dream since I was 5 has always been to chase storms or do something related to weather and science. I do not have any college education, I have a GED. Would it be worth it to chase the “dream job” ? This would mean I would have to go to college for at least 4 years. How competitive is this industry? Is it worth it? My biggest goal is to become a scientist with NOAA flying into hurricanes but I’m not sure that pipe dream is realistic at this age. Any advice? I want a job in weather so bad 😞 thanks guys!

Hey r/NoaaCorps, I’m a current Navy P-8 NFO interested in a IST at the expiration of my current term of service. I’ve always been extremely interested in the NOAA mission set and would love the opportunity to be able to continue my service career while working as a pilot in the NOAA Corps. As background I have a BS in Civil Engineering and a MS in Electrical Engineering.

I’ve seen that typically ISTs from the Navy have requirements for Military Multi-Engine Pilot time. As an NFO, I will have zero Military Pilot time, but I will have significant hours as a P-8 operator to include mission commander time. I am also finishing up my civilian pilot ratings and will be an FAA rated Multi-Engine Commercial Pilot with hopes of being able to get Multi-Engine Instructor added on (therefore more Multi experience) by the time I would apply. Does anyone have any experience or info on whether this is even something that would be considered for an IST?

Assuming the above is even feasible, what would be the best way to bolster my application? Obviously high performance in my Navy career is essential and I would assume more flight hours (both civilian and military) would never hurt. Would it be worthwhile to try to add some sort of education in related fields such as a MS in Meteorology? Additionally, what would be a good way to begin the process? I’m assuming the sooner I get in touch with a IST POC or a recruiter the better.

Lastly, for those of you who have transferred from other services, how does the squadron life at NOAA relate to that of other services? Is it relatively straightforward to go from a Navy squadron to NOAA or is there a considerable learning curve in switching services? How does career progression work after an IST? As a senior O-3 or new O-4 would that set me up in a weird position as far getting into a flying billet while also remaining competitive for DH/Command selections?

Thank you all, I apologize for the long post! Any and all advice or input are greatly appreciated!

TLDR; Navy P-8 NFO with FAA ratings interested in IST to NOAA Corps.

I’m champing at the bit to get my application started the website says October but so far no links have come up on the Application portal. Any guidance on specific dates would be appreciated.

Is there any chance of joining NOAA Corps without a Selective Service Registration? I am past the window where I can register. All attempts at communication that SSS sent during the window were returned as no deliverable because I bounced from place to place so frequently for about ten years after I was 18 years old.

I know that I can join the military without it, and I was curious if I would be eligible for NOAA, since it is one of the eight uniformed services, similar to the military.

Anyone who can shed some light here would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

I am currently an O-2 USSF Space Operator, with 1.5 years left on my contract. I graduated from college with a degree in geophysics and initially had my sights set on joining the NOAA Corps, but I was picked up for commissioned through the USSF OTS first. However, I have not found much job satisfaction in my current role and am considering not reupping once my contract ends in 2026.

I have been researching the possibility of transitioning from the USSF to the NOAA Corps, but I haven't found much info about USSF members. If anyone has experience or insight regarding this transition, I would greatly appreciate your input. I also am what kind of jobs open up with USSF background members.

Additionally, I am interested in aviation and hold a private pilot license (PPL). I am open to any job opportunities within NOAA, but I would love to incorporate aviation into my career if possible.

Thank you in advance for any advice or guidance

-I am wondering if there are any officer positions aboard any of the aircraft operations besides the pilots? Are the civilian scientists the only other onboard personal?

-If there are other officers stationed onboard and if so what are their duties and how competitive are the positions?

Thank you

Objectively speaking, could this year’s election have serious repercussions for NOAA employees? When it comes to politics I try to see from as many perspectives as possible and glean information from credible, impartial sources. I’ve seen a lot of news around the “Project 2025” document calling to privatize government agencies like NOAA. If this were to actually happen what would that mean for the NOAA Corps? A close friend of mine just got selected as a primary and they are concerned about job security.

Without getting political (as I’m sure officers shouldn’t be stating those views publicly), how do you see this playing out if Trump is elected? Just trying to be better informed.

Has anyone here successfully IST’d from active duty Army to the noaa corp aviation job? I currently fly Blackhawk’s for the Army but I also have my FW commercial ratings

Team NOAA Corps,
On behalf of the mods, thank you for all those that come here seeking answers, providing support and addressing general guidance. It's terrific to see how this sub has grown and adapted to the needs of our service!

Seal2

Hey guys, I’ve been looking into NOAA Corps aviation opportunities wondering the best course of action for me

Right now I am recently turned 19 years old, I’m a CFI, CFII, MEI with about 500 hours of flight time (roughly 250 hours of instructional time) in G1000 and two aircraft, I have no failed checkrides and an 87% pass rate with 8 signoffs.

I have no college experience but I know I am capable of completing a bachelors and I think I would be interested in getting into NOAA Corps for a multitude of reasons

I’m totally fascinated with weather and radar technology, I live in Florida, and I’m looking for something that is both flying, and meteorology/environmental sciences.

What steps should I take to get there?

I am currently on an NROTC scholarship going into my first year as a biochemistry major. I am thinking about what I would like to do once I graduate and commission. Does anyone here know if I could go to the NOAA Corps directly out of NROTC? If so, how could I get there and what are things I should take into consideration (e.g., specific requirements, trainings that might be required). I am interested in oceanic research, especially in marine biology studies and I may change my major to marine studies or take a minor in it - whichever would help my case the most. Thank you!

Given that the Basic Officer Training Class (BOTC) is offered in January and July, what will the January 2026 BOTC number be? Will it be 146, 147, or 148?

Thanks!

I know there are a lot of old threads on the subject, finding info on the NOAA Corps pilots is really difficult. I've seen old threads state that you either A. Have to Get Lucky and hopefully get selected as a pilot at BOTC or after your first tour you can request to transfer to pilot.

I've also seen posts stating that you can guarantee a pilot contract before BOTC if your qualifications are good enough. I've also found posts stating that for this NOAA uses the Air Forces AFOQT others the Navy's ASTB. I've taken both by my AFOQT/TBAS scores are much higher than my Navy scores.

I'm also hoping to complete my PPL very soon. Is it still possible to have a guaranteed flying contract prior to BOTC?

Also regarding being an officer, say I do become a pilot and serve 6 years in NOAA. After that am I eligible to transfer to the Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard or Army Reserve or Army Guard as a rated pilot? Or am I the same as a civilian off the street?

Also is the only way to apply just the application form on the website? Basically you just fill it out with the info and if you get picked you get notified or at least a TBNT? I have a Masters of Science in Cybersecurity, is that a good degree for NOAA? I know they have preferences for science degrees.

TLDR at the end

Hello,

I know the title seems a little vague and I want to hear everyone opinions about NOAA CORP!! not your personal political opinion please. I want to join NOAA corp but I don’t want to be affiliated with being apart of the military branch because I know they work closer together (I know NOAA corp is under the DoCommerce). NOAA Corps is definitely appealing to me because I want to learn and be apart of maritime navigation but I don’t want to be apart of an organization that supports genocide or aids in military/colonial advancements. Which I know the juxtaposition of the whole thing in the first place but I am doing my own research about the organization and it’s history. I just want to know your opinions on whether or not it does or does not support. Please don’t say anything mean, I merely just want to know and I am open to hear anything open minded, just don’t be rude please.

TLDR: I want to join NOAA Corps but I don’t want to be directly affiliated with DoD

**AGAIN I DONT WANT PERSONAL THOUGHTS ABOUT POLITICAL ISSUES **

I want to apply for NOAA Corps after I graduate, but I have line tattoos on the inside of 4 of my fingers (on one hand) which I have read is not acceptable. Does anyone know how strict/lenient they are about tattoos?

Thanks!

Hello all,

I am a 36 years old career changer who is finishing my civilian aviation training. I recently became a full time flight instructor (CFI) and will soon start to work on my multi-engine and CFII ratings.

I will be frank...I have realized that I am not at all interested in commercial aviation such as flying for airlines or part 135 operators. I would like the flying I do to be a little more meaningful. I looked into flying in the military but unfortunately I am too old. However I came across NOAA and am very excited about what I see. I intend on applying to their direct-to-flight career path. I just had a few questions:

1. Where do NOAA pilots get sent for their flight training? I have read something about a coast guard academy but I am not sure if this is for flight training or officer training.

2. What kind of flight training will I go through if I get selected? I should have my commercial multi-engine rating by the end of this summer. So if I entered NOAA with that, would I go straight to type-specific training on the twin otter?

3. Do I need to take the AFOQT or ASTB?

4. Any other suggestions on how to make myself stand out as an applicant?

Thank you all in advance.

Hey everyone! It’s me again, Made it through the final leg of High School and now my drive for the NOAA Corps is higher than ever. Keeping up with this Reddit and following the Corps and ships socials has kept my passion well lit, All the projects and videos I see blow me away. Now that I’m going off to college in the fall I thought it would be wise to revisit ideas and plans to improve my eventual application. Now I do understand that it has been a hot minute since I last posted so please feel free to refer back to my previous posts to see what experience I already have and where my thoughts were at the time.

Work/Life experience plans:

Currently I have made plans to do multi-day volunteer trips with environmental organizations. For example in a couple weeks I will be going on a multi-day trip to a wildlife refuge to help preserve habitat there. I will be off the grid, without running water, and without internet for the duration of my stay. I thought that I would try this in order to gain experience doing field work with a team, and practice living and working with limited to no contact with the rest of society. I was wondering if some of you could give your two cents about this and see if my thought process is in the right direction. (The organization is called Friends of Nevada Wilderness if any of you want to get some more details).

I also plan to probably to do multi-day volunteer trips with a fisheries organization that is run by one of my aunts co-workers. I haven’t made any plans yet but it’s another thing in the works.

My dad made the suggestion of getting involved with undergraduate research projects once I get into the swing of college. It sounded like a promising idea so I thought to include it.

I have heard of the semester at sea program but I haven’t done a lot of digging into it yet so it’s not on my bucket list. But definitely a fun idea if it ends up being something I can do.

Certifications that I have an eye on:

Nevada boating license. Better to start early learning about boats no?

CPR/ First aid.

That’s all I really know of as of now. I figured I’d get these since it would help me get a better understanding of boats and safety

(being in Nevada and all its hard to find good places to get boating experience).

Any other ideas about certifications or ways to gain experience would be a godsend.

Thoughts, observations, or even questions would be invaluable. This is such a helpful and open community and I can’t stress enough how grateful and excited I am to be on the path to hopefully joining it.

Thanks a bunch!

Can NOAA Corps officers get assigned land duty at PMEL in Seattle?

As much as I would like to join the NOAA Corps, I don’t think I'd be able to commit to it due to the circumstances of my life right now. That being said, I'm still very passionate about the organization as a whole and want to contribute to it if I can. To the current and past officers, do you know of positions within NOAA or affiliated groups that work closely with the NOAA Corps specifically that I could potentially steer my career path toward? For background, I have a bachelors in Geosciences, and I currently work in Database Management, so a lot of experience using SQL and some other coding experience.

Hey everyone, just did my interview for BOTC 145. Second time through after being selected as an alternate and missing the cut for BOTC 144.

I have some sea time already and have worked as a 6-pac captain for a few years. Now I’m working towards my 100 ton masters, STCW Basic, and AB Limited. I’ve read and been told that you earn a basic STCW certification after completion of BOTC. I’ve also been informed that NOAA Corps officers don’t need licensing with national or international agencies to operate and drive the vessels (other than STCW?). That being said are there opportunities and resources available within the NOAA Corps to work towards these licenses during a career? All the way up unlimited tonnage?

Thanks for helping me clear this up!

Hello, I am a current undergraduate majoring in forest ecosystem management with a minor in GIS. I have experience as a TA and some undergrad research experience

I would like to go directly into NOAA corps post graduation, but it seems that has a low chance of acceptance.

What are some things I can do while completing my degree to increases my chances? Or if direct application after undergrad isn’t the best option, what general career path should I take to get to the corps?