Requirements to Join

As a branch of the American military tasked to defend our nation’s freedom, Sailors must be able to pull their own weight. The Navy’s physical requirements are measured through the Navy Physical Readiness Test (PRT), which consists of pushups, planks and running. Your overall score must amount to 60 points.

Requirements are adjusted based on age and sex. For example, as a minimum requirement to pass the PRT at boot camp, you must complete: 

For more detailed information, contact a recruiter. Sailors who receive a “Satisfactory” grade in their PRT may also receive enlistment bonus compensation. 

You won’t need to meet any physical fitness requirements before joining the Navy as an enlisted Sailor with the exception of Naval Special Warfare programs. There are requirements if you join through ROTC or another Officer path—your recruiter will provide the details.

All Sailors must meet the weight requirements based on their corresponding height. If the requirement is not met, an abdominal circumference and body mass index (BMI) measurement will be taken. Please see the chart for your information. 

Enlisted Sailors need to have a high school degree or equivalent to join, while Officers need a college degree by the time they are commissioned. To enlist, you’ll also need to meet a minimum score on the Navy placement exam, the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). It’s recommended you check the requirements of your preferred job, since some specific jobs also require minimum scores.

CAN I NO LONGER JOIN IF I HAVE A SCORE TOO LOW ON THE ASVAB PLACEMENT EXAM? 

The Navy understands that some circumstances can impact your ability to score well. Your recruiter can answer all of your questions about the ASVAB placement exam.

Whether you’re a skilled swimmer or have never swum a stroke, you’re welcome in the Navy. Part of Navy boot camp is the swim test. Many Sailors join the Navy without knowing how to swim, but instructors at boot camp are trained to teach you everything you’ll need to know before the test. The test consists of three events: a jump into a pool, a 50-yard swim and a prone float for five minutes.

The Navy has the most accepting tattoo policy of any military branch. In fact, Sailors have a long history of getting tattoos to symbolize milestones within their Navy careers.

• Sailors can have full-sleeve tattoos on arms and legs.
• Sailors are permitted to have a single tattoo on their neck no larger than 1 inch.
• Tattoos located on the ears, behind the ears, on the neck (below the jawline) viewable from the front as well as those on the back of the neck may be waived by Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, on a case-by-case basis.
• No tattoos are permitted on the head, face or scalp.
• Offensive, racist, extremist and sexist tattoos are not allowed.

Navy grooming standards promote neatness, cleanliness and safety. All hair must be neat, clean, well-groomed and natural in color.

For Men:

• Hair must be tapered, off the ears and above the collar
• Maximum length: 4 inches; maximum bulk: 2 inches
• Acceptable styles: Flat tops, fades, afros and similar styles
• Mustaches permitted if neatly trimmed and above upper lip
• Sideburns must be trimmed and not extend below mid-ear
• Religious accommodations available for beards

Not Permitted for Men:

• Braids, locks, twists, faux hawks, goatees or handlebar mustaches

For Women:

• Short hair may be worn down if above collarbone
• Long hair must be secured; maximum 3 inches below collar
• Acceptable styles: Buns, ponytails, braids, locks and cornrows
• Hair accessories allowed: Small barrettes, clips and bobby pins (matching hair color)
• Conservative makeup and nail polish permitted

Not Permitted for Women:

• Widely spaced braids, pigtails, unnatural colors, decorative items or false eyelashes exceeding 14mm

For specific questions, consult your recruiter.

Sailors rotate between sea and shore duty. You may spend three years assigned to a ship’s command and then rotate to serve three more years at a shore command. You will not be at sea during your entire Navy career. During your sea tour, you may live off-base nearby, but must be available to travel with the ship for deployments or training.

A typical sea deployment on a Navy ship can last anywhere from six to nine months. Ships typically deploy once every 18-24 months. In preparation for deployment, Sailors should be prepared to go to sea for 10 to 14 days each month for training.

Enlisted positions typically require an initial service commitment of four years, but positions involving longer-term training may involve five- or six-year obligations.

Officer positions typically require an initial service commitment of three to five years, but positions involving longer-term training may involve longer service obligations.

Unpaid loans, overdue bills or a history of bad credit could impact your ability to serve in the military because you must be eligible for security clearance. In certain cases, you must prove you can meet your current financial obligations before joining.

Congratulations, and here is the deal: If there are no children in the household, spouses are eligible to enlist. The Navy Reserve also offers opportunities for personnel married to an Active Duty Servicemember.

Yes, you can. However, due to the risks associated with serving in the military, the Navy requires a waiver for any single-parent applicant.

Once you meet the requirements to join, a world of Navy career opportunities opens up to you. The Navy offers over 100 distinct career paths across numerous fields including aviation, engineering, healthcare, information technology, special operations, submarine operations and surface fleet operations. 

Every job, space and rank in the Navy is open to all qualified candidates. Our fleet includes Sailors serving as mechanics, aviators, engineers, scientists, nuclear technicians and more. Whether your dream is to become a Submariner, a SEAL Operative or our next fleet Admiral, the Navy will support your journey.