References:

(a) MILPERSMAN 1220-370
(b) OPNAVINST 1414.7
(c) NAVPERS 15665I, U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations

The EXW qualification (referred to as Enlisted Expeditionary Warfare Specialist) is a warfare qualification awarded to enlisted United States Navy and United States Coast Guard personnel who satisfactorily complete the required qualification course and pass a qualification board hearing. The program was approved 31 July 2006 by then-Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Mullen.

The qualification was developed to provide a chance for enlisted sailors in the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command community (naval personnel serving in a maritime security or maritime combat related role) to earn a warfare qualification. Core qualification skills will include weapons qualification and maintenance, marksmanship, land navigation, field communications, and expeditionary camp deployment. The very first awardee was Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Petty officer (EXW/SW) Carl P. Hurt Jr.

There are currently no plans to offer an officer version of the qualification.

Breast Insignia:

The design of the new pin encompasses the essence of enlisted expeditionary Sailors, presenting the bow and superstructure of a Sea Ark 34' patrol boat from Inshore Boat Units superimposed upon a crossed cutlass and M16A1 rifle. The waves represent the Navy's heritage, the cutlass represents the enlisted force, the M16A1 represents an NECC mission area and the boat, another NECC mission area. The background is the traditional waves of the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist badge.

Quote from Rear Adm. Donald K. Bullard, commander of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC): “What the warfare pin says to the rest of the Navy is that the Navy recognizes that this is a crucial area that Sailors can participate in. These are core Navy skills that we need to fine-tune, we need to hone. And we need to have a core group of Sailors that qualify in these specialized skills, just as you do in surface, aviation or subsurface.”

Quote from Master Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposalman (EOD/PR) Anthony Santino, Force Master Chief for NECC: “As part of the qualification program, the Sailor takes the time to learn everything about his warfare, not just within his specific community, but they also learn other command types. Additionally, it helps the Sailor on a personal level because once a Sailor is warfare qualified, he or she can be more competitive in advancement against their counterparts.”

Enlisted Sailors on Type 2 or 4 sea duty or those serving at a Reserve Naval Coastal Warfare Squadron (NCWS), Inshore Boat Unit (IBU), or Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit (MIUWU) and permanently assigned to subordinate units of the program, are eligible to work toward qualification.

Below is the information found in the MILPERSMAN Instruction:

MILPERSMAN 1220-370

Enlisted Expeditionary Warfare (EXW) Specialist Designation

1. Policy. Enlisted members E-5 and above shall obtain the Enlisted Expeditionary Warfare (EXW) Specialist qualification while assigned to a qualifying unit as outlined per reference (a). Enlisted members E-4 and below may voluntarily obtain EXW qualification while assigned to a qualifying unit and who meet eligibility requirements.

2. Authority to Wear the Insignia. Achievement of qualification entitles the member to wear the EXW insignia per reference (b), and to use the EXW designation. The Expeditionary Warfare designation is an 'EXW' placed in parentheses immediately after the members rate abbreviation, i.e., MM3(EXW), BMCS(EXW).

3. Updating the Service Record. When a member has been qualified as an EXW Specialist, an entry shall be made in the members service record NAVPERS 1070/613 (Rev. 7-06), Administrative Remarks as follows:

(Date) Qualified as an Enlisted Expeditionary Warfare (EXW) Specialist this date and assigned the (EXW) designator.

4. Updating the Evaluation. Once qualification has been approved, relevant comments should be made in the members next evaluation.

5. Disqualification. An enlisted member previously qualified shall be disqualified by an appropriate qualifying officer if that member fails to continue to meet the requirements set forth in reference (a). Formal notification of disqualification shall be recorded in the members service record NAVPERS 1070/613 as follows:

(Date) Failed to maintain qualification of an Enlisted Expeditionary Warfare (EXW) Specialist by (include specific rationale for disqualification). Member has been informed that, as of this date, he/she is disqualified and is no longer authorized to wear the EXW insignia or use the (EXW) designator as part of his/her rating.

Members, once notified of their disqualification, shall have the appropriate comments entered in the next periodic evaluation.

6. Re-qualification. Re-qualification shall be accomplished per policy guidance issued in reference (a).