This thesis examines the relationship between pre-commissioning and post-commissioning characteristics and junior surface naval officer performance, retention, and promotion. The study uses data from the Officer Promotion History Files, (1981-1995). Data on 7,038 officers entering the Navy from 1976 to 1986 are analyzed. Results indicate that Naval Academy graduates, business majors, officers with CRUDES experience, and non-minority officers are more likely to achieve Surface Warfare qualification and receive top fitness report scores. NESEP and NROTC graduates, math majors, officers with CRUDES experience and top fitness reports, and minorities officers are more likely to stay in the Navy to the O4 promotion board. Academy graduates, engineering majors, officers with CRUDES experience, and officers with top fitness reports are more likely to promote to Lieutenant Commander. No significant difference is observed between minority and non-minority O4 promotion probabilities after pre-commissioning and post-commissioning factors are controlled. However, the effects of CRUDES experience, warfare qualification, and fitness report scores may lead to indirect effects which lead to observed performance and promotion rate differences between race/ethnic groups.