When I was in the Marines, many years ago, we had some enlisted Marines at Battalion level (if I recall correctly) their MOS was Naval Gunfire. What their job amounted to was that they were Forward Observers for all the different kinds of fire support that naval ships offshore could provide for the Marines. The officer in charge of them was a Naval officer, not a Marine officer. That is one reason why I might expect a Naval officer to be in the shit. Also, I wouldn't be surprised if the Air Force might have a similar relationship with the Army. I almost forgot. this Naval Gunfire officer would be only be issued a pistol, but in combat, if he wanted to carry a rifle, I'm sure he would be accommodated.