Nominations are now being call for a unique and exciting opportunity for a select few junior officers to commence METOC training in 2002.

The training is completed in two phases of an initial eight months at the Bureau of Meteorology in Melbourne and the final component (Military METOC Course) conducted at HMAS Albatross.

Students graduate in December with an accredited Graduate Diploma in Meteorology and award of the METOC sub-specialisation.

Following a posting to one of Navy's Meteorological and Oceanographic Centres, officers can look forward to employment in deployed METOC support, METOC projects, policy and/or training.

A further opportunity to study exists at the US Navy Post Graduate School in Monterey, California, completing a Masters of Science in Oceanography.

Alternatively, officers may wish to return to their parent PQ after a period of consolidation within METOC to pursue other professional courses such as PWO.

Nominations must meet the following mandatory (M) and desirable (D) criteria:

* SBLT or LEUT (M)

* Hold a BSc degree majoring in mathematics, physics or a physical science (eg: oceanography). Officers holding alternative degrees will be considered subject to their mathematics and physics content (M)

* SMN officers preferred (D) - non-SM PQs will be considered

* Well-developed time management skills (D)

* Good presentation and briefing skills (D)

Nominations close on October 26.

Details (including a copy of academic transcript) should be forwarded by Fleet mail, facsimile 02-6265 1189, email or signal to DNOP attention: SMN3.

If an academic transcript cannot be forwarded by the due date, the nomination should include academic details, with the transcript forwarded separately.

Further information on METOC career opportunities can be sought through LEUT Barbra Dubsky on 02-9359 3123, or email barbra.dubsky@defence.gov.au.