He also served as the U.S. Senate-confirmed 18th United States Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (ASN M&RA) from June 11, 2018 to January 20, 2021.

[citation needed] Upon his return from sea duties, Slavonic was discharged from active service and entered the United States Navy Reserve in Oklahoma City where he earned a commission as an Ensign.[when?

[citation needed] Slavonic was then assigned to the staff of U.S. Central Command under General Norman Schwarzkopf Jr. and assumed duty with the Navy public affairs section, Joint Information Bureau in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

[citation needed] Slavonic served as Chief of the Navy News Desk and Combat Media Escort Officer, leading Combat Correspondent Pools aboard the guided-missile frigate USS Curtis, where he documented the processing and interrogation of over 40 Iraqi prisoners of war and the removal of floating Iraqi mines that threatened U.S. and international shipping.

[citation needed] In addition to his duties, Slavonic oversaw the Navy Reserve Program 35, responsible for training and managing over 600 public affairs officers and enlisted journalists.

Following the 9/11 attacks and the onset of the Iraq War, he mobilized over 200 Navy Reserve personnel to support combat operations, both at sea and on land, over the next four years.

[2] While in Iraq, he coordinated the largest media event for the newly formed MNF-I on July 1, 2004—the first court appearance of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein since his capture on December 13, 2003.

Following his retirement, he was contacted by Computer Sciences Corporation to assist in drafting a Request for Proposal for a new community outreach contract, a key initiative by the Chief of Information to engage U.S. cities in promoting the Navy and sea power.

[12] This role included the development of programs and policies related to military personnel (active, reserve, and retired), recruiting, family members, and the civilian workforce.

[citation needed] Slavonic is the President & CEO of Blue-Water Strategies, LLC,[13] a consulting firm specializing in areas such as human resources, media training, public/media relations, crisis communications, government affairs, and business transformationg.

[4] Slavonic currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for ChemResearch Co Surface Technologies(CRC), a company that specializes in coating and finishing metal parts to enhance their strength and durability for aerospace, defense, and electronics industries.

[citation needed] Its staff includes professionals who have served at the White House, State Department, Pentagon, and on Capitol Hill, enabling clients to make informed and strategic decisions.