The program described in this instruction is designed to recognize the significant contributions made by officers of the medical department while serving in surface ships. SWMDO qualification represents a level of shipboard knowledge and experience that distinguishes an officer or warrant officer of the medical department from his or her peers.
The SWMDO qualification program is not mandatory for all afloat medical department officers and, therefore, not all officers are expected to participate. Progress toward SWMDO qualification, if pursued, should be in conjunction with, but should not interfere with, the primary duties of a medical department officer.