The EXW qualification (referred to as Expeditionary Warfare Specialist) is a warfare qualification awarded to enlisted United States Navy personnel assigned to U.S. Navy expeditionary combat units, who satisfactorily complete the required qualification course and pass a qualification board hearing. The program was approved July 31, 2006 by then-Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Mullen. The qualification was developed to provide a chance for enlisted sailors in the naval service's Expeditionary Combat community (those serving in a maritime security or combat related role) to earn a warfare qualification. Core qualification skills will include weapons qualification and maintenance, marksmanship, land navigation, patrolling, field communications, and expeditionary camp deployment. The first awardee was Petty Officer 2nd Class (EXW/SW) Carl P. Hurtt, Jr, assigned to Mobile Security Squadron Seven (MSS-7).

Types of Expeditionary Warfare Specialist Qualification Platforms

Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) units, including:

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 ocean swells of the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist badge.