Requirements to join the United States Navy

The United States Navy (USN) is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. It is the largest and most capable navy in the world and it has been estimated that in terms of tonnage of its active battle fleet alone. The Navy is part of the Department of Defense (DOD).

It protects waterways (sea and ocean) outside of the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction. Navy warships provide the runways for aircraft to land and take off when at sea. Navy SEALs (sea, air and land) are the special operations force for this branch. All service members are known as sailors. The reserve component is Navy Reserve.

Requirements to join the United States Navy (USN)

Candidates wishing to join the United States Navy (USN) must meet the following requirements.

1. Must be a U.S. citizen or entered the United States on a permanent residence visa or have an Alien Registration Green Card and have;
   • Established a bona fide residence.
   • Established a home of record in the United States.
2. Must be between 17 to 34 (17-year old recruits require parental consent).
3. Have no more than two dependents.
4. Women are eligible to enlist in all occupational fields, with the exception of serving in the Navy Seals or on submarines.
5. Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test (minimum AFQT score: 35).
6. Must be a high school graduate, have earned a GED or have met other high school equivalency requirements to enlist as a Sailor in the Navy. To become an Officer, you must have received a four-year BS or BA degree from an accredited university and have strong grades.
7. Background check (security and financial checks) must be passed.
8. Recruits must be in good health and pass a physical fitness test at basic training.
9. The Navy has a zero-tolerance drug/alcohol policy. Early in the enlistment or commissioning process, you will take two urinalysis tests. You’ll also be asked questions about prior drug and alcohol use.
10. The Navy also applies medical, legal and character standards to your application, including traffic offense history, criminal history, citizenship status and more. A criminal record may disqualify you from military service.

Height and weight requirements

Here are the U.S. Navy’s height and weight requirements for recruits to enlist.