U.S. NAVY CWO SPECIAL WARFARE BOAT OPERATOR (SB) SOFT EPAULETS

us navy cwo soft shoulder boards special warfare combat craft crewmen

To a large degree, the establishment of the Special Warfare Boat Operator (SB) and Special Warfare Operator (SO) ratings was a response to the special nature of the combat required in the Global War on Terror. Unlike previous conflicts such as the two World Wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and even the first Gulf War, there are no “front lines” in the traditional sense: Insurgent fighters can be found even in areas that, at first blush, seem eminently safe and secure, or they might be in locations so remote that only highly specialized units such as Rangers, Marine Force Recon, SEALs, and Special Warfare Boat Operators can reach them.

With the creation of these two ratings, the Navy recognized the urgent need for technical specialists in the form of Chief Warrant Officers (CWOs) to oversee their operations. To ensure both types of units had leaders with the expertise necessary for success, the Chief of Naval Operations announced in December, 2005 that a Naval Special Warfare Critical Skills Accession Bonus would be offered to CWOs who were commissioned after October of that year in the CWO designators of Special Warfare Technician (715x) or Combat Craft Technician (717x).

While Sailors who had been selected for CWO could apply for the $45,000 bonus, it would be paid only after they had been commissioned. Further, acceptance of the bonus meant the recipient was obligated to complete a four-year service period that began immediately upon commissioning. The bonus came as a single, lump-sum payment; those who did not complete the entire four-year service obligation would be required to return payment on a pro rata basis.

In June, 2016, the Navy announced the renewal of this bonus, but this latest bonus specifies that CWO designators are 7151 and 7171. The last digit of the four-digit designator indicates an officer’s status; the number “1” means an officer of the Regular Navy whose permanent status is Warrant Officer.

Important: Due to the extremely low demand on this item, it is manufactured on order. While we might have some in stock, please allow for up to 10 business days processing time.

Related Items
CWO Special Warfare Boat Operator Hard Shoulder Boards
CWO Special Warfare Boat Operator Sleeve Device
CWO Special Warfare Boat Operator Collar Device

Rank

Price

$32.39

Quantity

USPHS

Merchant Marine

AUXILIARY

U.S. NAVY CWO SPECIAL WARFARE BOAT OPERATOR (SB) SOFT EPAULETS