How to Become a Navy Commodore

The title of Commodore is one of the highest professional honors that the US Navy bestows upon a working officer. While no longer a rank in and of itself, Commodore is a title that betokens a Navy Captain of one of a group of sophisticated warships or operations. Though the path is long and hard, follow these steps to become a Navy Commodore.

Instructions

1. Attend the Naval Academy, as almost all Captains who achieve the title of Commodore do. The Naval Academy not only provides officers in training with the knowledge to set them on a Captain-track career, but also provides a valuable set of contacts and credentials that can help an officer get to the rank of Captain.

2. Serve in the Navy's Operating Forces. It's important for someone who is trying to become a Commodore to stay in the Navy's Operating Forces, instead of on a Shore Establishment. Experience as an officer on one of the kinds of ships and operations whose captains are considered Commodores (such as battle groups, aircraft wings and construction regiments) greatly helps in achieving a Commodore command.

3. Become a Captain. This is the crucial step that leads to an officer becoming a Commodore. Although it is difficult to become a Captain, decades of dedication, hard work and reliability serving the Navy make it an attainable goal. To become a Commodore, however, you must become a senior captain in charge of a group of ships, aircraft or other large-scale Navy operations.

4. Earn a temporary title of Commodore, in name only, if you are a Captain. Just travel on board or visit a Navy ship that has a Captain in command. In order to avoid confusion between the two captains, the visiting captain is always referred to as Commodore for the duration of the voyage.