Career Compass, Second Edition

Since the release of the first edition of Career Compass over two decades ago, the landscape of a Navy officer’s career has transformed significantly, adapting to societal changes while upholding the Navy’s core values of service and excellence. Key milestones, such as the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the Combat Exclusion Act, have fostered a more inclusive and diverse environment, enhancing the Navy’s overall strength. The second edition of Career Compass offers updated insights into the evolving culture, communication strategies, career opportunities, and management practices, all while reinforcing the enduring importance of exceptional performance. 
This edition includes crucial updates on mentoring, graduate education, sea-shore rotations, Washington duty, fitness reports, and career-planning tools, including strategies for engaging with community detailers. Though military pay and retirement specifics fall outside its scope, they remain integral to long-term career planning. Drawing on over 20 years of experience mentoring midshipmen and junior officers, the author presents this guide as a vital resource for aspiring officers looking to navigate their Navy careers with purpose, foresight, and success. 

Douglas H. Rau is the Class of 1961 Chair and Distinguished Professor of Leadership Education at the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA). A graduate of USNA in 1974, he served thirty years as a Surface Warfare–qualified Engineering Duty Officer (EDO). His sea tours included Chief Engineer of USS Rathburne (FF 1957) and USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Shore tours included Department Head at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Fellow on the CNO’s Strategic Studies Group, Senior Detailer and Community Manager for the EDO community, Dean of Engineering at USNA, and Commanding Officer, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C.