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Officer

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Command your future in America’s Navy. As a Navy Officer, you won’t just lead — you’ll push beyond your limits, make decisions that shape our country’s future and mentor the next generation of American heroes. When you step into a Navy Officer career, you join other men and women who represent America in the world’s largest and most powerful naval force. Whether you're pursuing a college degree, already have one or are currently Enlisted, there’s a path to Commission that begins where you are.

Apply Now

 

What Does it Mean to Be an Officer?

U.S. Navy Helicopter Pilot and Officer disembarks a from an MH-60S Seahawk on the flight deck of the USS George Washington.

Lead with Purpose

From seabed to space, you’ll make the decisions that define the world’s most powerful fleet.

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Grow With Opportunity

Become the strongest version of yourself as you gain certifications, security clearances, money for college and leadership skills that few in the civilian world can claim.

A Navy Health Care Administrator and Officer at Walter Reed National Military Center in Washington, D.C.

Serve With Honor

Make it your legacy to defend freedom, strengthen our nation and create a future built on purpose and pride.

How to become a Navy Officer

Earning your place among us takes strength, skill and determination to become the best version of yourself

Talk to a Recruiter

 

A Pathway for Everyone

An all-volunteer force, we’re made up of men and women who represent America. There’s no single path to becoming an Officer in the Navy. Whether you’re just exploring options, a current Sailor or a professional looking to make a change, the future is yours in America's Navy. Which of these Navy Officer programs will lead you to stand watch for our nation?

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Current High School Students

Life after high school can go a lot of directions — many of which can lead to being an Officer in the Navy. Want to attend a four-year college, but worried about tuition? Consider some of these pathways from high school to Naval Officer:

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College Students

Already enrolled in a traditional four-year college? You can still join the Navy and get your degree or school paid for. There are multiple tuition reimbursement programs that will help pay for continuing your education. The pathways from college student to Naval Officer are:

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Graduate, Professional Students or Working Professionals

Specialized degrees and working professionals have critical roles in the world's most powerful fleet. Whether your academic goal is legal, religious, medical or STEM, the Navy does more than just encourage you; it will financially support you. Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS), Officer Development School (ODS), graduate school and other forms of continuing education can all be paid for by the Navy.

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Enlisted Sailors

Already one of the best and brightest warfighters in the world? Move up through the ranks with the help of tuition assistance programs and the GI Bill. There are also several Enlisted-to-Officer scholarships and Navy Officer programs that can help.

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Prior Service Members

As a previously Enlisted Veteran, if you have a college degree you can Commission into the Navy as an active-duty Reserve Officer — giving you access to training and many education benefits.

Find Your Fit as a Navy Officer

There are many ways to join America’s Navy and many ways to lead, protect and succeed. Almost every Enlisted position in the Navy has an equivalent Officer role. Whether your passion is aviation, engineering, healthcare, intelligence or beyond, your future is waiting in the world’s most advanced fleet.

View Officer Careers

EARN MORE THAN RESPECT

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Competitive Pay

Your hard work and dedication earn Navy Officer pay and the benefits you need to support yourself, your family, your ambitions and your future. Count on reliable insurance, retirement plans and additional incentives that rival those of the private sector.

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Tuition & education Assistance

Between undergraduate and graduate scholarship programs, the GI Bill and more, when you commit to defending our nation, we invest in you. Helping you reach your full Navy Officer potential is what keeps the world’s most powerful fleet ahead of the rest.

Explore All Navy Benefits

Navy Officer Requirements

Citizenship:

Must be a U.S. Citizen at time of Commissioning as a Navy Officer.

 

Education:

A bachelor's degree or completion of a four-year degree program by the time you Commission as an Officer.

 

Age:

Varies by program but generally must be 19-29 (or 19-41 at the age of Commissioning, depending on the program). Age waivers may be considered on a case-by-case basis for those who exceed those ages for applicable programs.

 

Physical Fitness:

Be medically and physically fit, including passing the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) medical exam and meeting Navy physical standards.

 

Standardized Tests:

Achieve a qualifying score on the Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) and/or Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB). These scores vary by program.

 

Background & Security:

Meet the mental and moral standards of the Navy, which include completing a background check, questionnaire and interview and providing required documentation for security clearance.

Common Questions About Becoming an Officer

What is the difference between a Commissioned Officer and a Non-Commissioned Officer?

Commissioned Officers already have specialized skills, education, or professional experience in the civilian world and are commissioned into the Navy. Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) begin their career as Enlisted and are the highest-ranking Enlisted personnel.

How much do Navy Officers make?

The amount Navy Officers make depends on rank, years of service, location, dependency status and specialty/duty.

What is Officer Candidate School?

Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS) is an intensive 13-week program in Newport, Rhode Island. Designed to transform college graduates (or prior-Enlisted with degrees) into Commissioned Navy Officers, it's a rigorous training environment focused on developing leadership, physical fitness and instilling Navy values and knowledge. Upon successful completion, candidates are commissioned as Ensigns (O-1) and proceed to specialized training for their Navy career path.

How long is Officer Candidate School?

Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS) lasts 13 weeks.

How hard is Officer Candidate School?

Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS) is a rigorous program, designed to mentally and physically test Officer candidates for the Navy.

How do you apply for Officer Candidate School?

To apply for Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS), candidates must:

  1. Ensure that they meet the basic requirements for age (19-37; depending on the program; check with a Recruiter for details), U.S. Citizenship, a bachelor's degree and physical/moral standards.
  2. Speak with a Navy Recruiter for guidance through the application process.

How do you get into Officer Candidate School?

Admission into Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS) is highly competitive, and the selection process is rigorous. Candidates must pass an entrance exam and their application package is subject to a review by the Officer Candidate Board.

What is Officer Development School?

Navy Officer Development School (ODS) is a five-week course in Newport, Rhode Island. It is designed for Commissioning Officers who already possess specialized professional skills (e.g., doctors, lawyers, chaplains, engineers). Unlike Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS), ODS focuses on rapidly integrating these professionals into the Navy by teaching them basic Navy customs, traditions, leadership and military etiquette, rather than foundational Officer training. It prepares them for their roles as Commissioned Navy Officers within their specific professional communities.

What are the different Navy Officer ranks?

Junior Officers (O-1 to O-4)  

  • Ensign (O-1): The entry-level Officer rank
  • Lieutenant Junior Grade (O-2)
  • Lieutenant (O-3)
  • Lieutenant Commander (O-4)

Senior Officers (O-5 and O-6)  

  • Commander (O-5)
  • Captain (O-6)

Flag Officers (O-7 to O-11)  

  • Rear Admiral (lower half) (O-7)
  • Rear Admiral (upper half) (O-8)
  • Vice Admiral (O-9)
  • Admiral (O-10)
  • Fleet Admiral (O-11): The highest rank, which is a wartime rank

Do Navy Officers take the ASVAB?

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test is not required for Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) but is required for Officer Candidate School (OCS) and Officer Development School (ODS). However, OCS candidates can substitute an ACT or SAT score. Candidates can bypass the ASVAB by scoring an ACT of 23 or higher, or an SAT of 1000-1100. 

What is the difference between a Limited Duty Officer and a Chief Warrant Officer?

While both are prior Enlisted personnel who become Officers, they have distinct roles:

  • Limited Duty Officers (LDOs) are commissioned Officers (O-1E to O-6) who apply their extensive technical expertise to manage personnel, equipment and programs within their specific occupational fields.
  • Chief Warrant Officers (CWOs) are highly specialized technical experts who provide in-depth knowledge and advice in a particular field, and serve as hands-on specialists, bridging the gap between the Enlisted and Commissioned Officer ranks.

What is a Petty Officer in the Navy?

A Petty Officer is a Non-Commissioning Officer (NCO) in the U.S. Navy, holding ranks from E-4 (Petty Officer Third Class) to E-6 (Petty Officer First Class). NCOs bridge the gap between Junior Enlisted Sailors and Chief Petty Officers/Officers, translating orders into action and ensuring that the day-to-day operations of the Navy are carried out effectively.  

What is a Warrant Officer in the Navy?

Warrant Officers (WOs) are highly specialized technical experts who provide in-depth knowledge in a particular field. They serve as hands-on specialists, bridging the gap between Enlisted and Commissioned Officer ranks.

How do you become a Commissioned Officer in the Navy?

Becoming a Commissioned Officer in the Navy involves several distinct paths, but all require that candidates have a college degree, and meet the general requirements to join the Navy. 

There are three primary paths to become a Commissioned Officer:

  • Attend the U.S. Naval Academy or Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC).
  • Civilian college graduates who hold a bachelor’s degree can apply for Officer Candidate School (OCS) to earn a commission, or with applicable professional experience can Commission and attend Officer Development School (ODS).
  • Enlisted Sailors can become a Limited Duty Officer (LDO) by demonstrating extensive technical skills and leadership within their rating.  

What do Navy Officers do?

Navy Officers are the leaders, managers and strategic thinkers of the most powerful fleet in the world. Their primary role is to command and lead Sailors, ensuring the successful execution of missions and the effective operation of Navy assets.

How do you become a Navy Officer from Enlisted?

There are several scholarship programs — such as Seaman to Admiral-21 (STA-21) — to help Enlisted Sailors earn a college degree and a commission. Otherwise, Sailors who demonstrate extensive technical expertise in their rating can be elevated to a Limited Duty Officer (LDO).