How to Become a Commissioned Officer in the Navy

There are a number of possible ways to become a commissioned officer in the United States Navy. Whether you're in high school, a college student, out in the work force, or already enlisted in the military, there's a way for you to earn your commission. In some fashion, you'll need to become a college graduate in order to be commissioned. As an officer in the Navy you'll have the opportunity to specialize in one of many fields, including aviation (as a pilot or naval flight officer), surface warfare (driving ships), nuclear power, submarine warfare, special operations (SEALs, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, etc.), and many others.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Get fit or stay fit!
   
   Wherever you are in life, in order to be a commissioned officer in the Navy, you'll need to be physically fit to do so. So get out there and either get fit or maintain your current fitness level if you're already there. Every six months Naval personnel must take a physical fitness assessment where you'll be required to make a minimum time on a 1.5 mile run or a 500 yard swim, and perform a minimum number of push-ups and sit-ups during a 2-minute time limit. The minimums will depend on your age and whether you're male or female.

2. Decide which commissioning source is best for you.
   
   If you're in high school and are ready to go to college, your two best options are to acquire an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, or to join a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) at a university or college. You can either apply for a NROTC Scholarship or simply join the unit when you get to your college of choice. As long as you fulfill all requirements during your time in the Academy or in NROTC, you'll be commissioned immediately upon graduation.
   If you're already in college and you don't want to join the NROTC unit due to other obligations or you simply don't have one at your school, don't worry. Your best option would be to go to Officer Candidate School once you graduate. From there you'll be commissioned after completing the school.
   If you're currently enlisted in the Navy, the way to become a commissioned officer is to apply for the Seaman-to-Admiral (STA) program. If you are accepted, the Navy will send you through the Naval Academy or a NROTC program to earn your commission.

3. Increase your marketability.
   
   Your chances are best for not only earning a commission as an officer, but in being able to work in your field of interest in the Navy if you're a hard worker, make good grades, and are dedicated to serve. If you're enlisted, high scores and "EPs" on your evaluations will be critical.

4. Work hard.
   
   Once you're accepted into one of the commissioning programs, it is crucial that you work hard and apply yourself fully if you want to specialize in one of the more difficult fields like aviation, nuclear power, and special operations. Don't drop the pack once you get accepted into a commissioning program!

Tips & Warnings

• There are a few other options out there, but they only apply in special situations. Contact a recruiter or check out the Navy's Officer website listed below for more information.
• If you're in high school but not yet prepared to go to college, enlisting might be the right option. Then you can decide if you'd like to apply to the STA program at a later time.
• Don't give up! If one avenue toward becoming a commissioned officer doesn't work for you, try one of the other routes.

Resources

• U.S. Navy Officer Website