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Navy SEALs are trained, organized, and equipped to operate in the sea, air and land domains to accomplish special operations missions. All SEALs attend Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training at the Naval Special Warfare Center. Upon completion of BUD/S, SEAL Officers attend Junior Officer Training Course (JOTC) and later undergo SEAL Qualification Training (SQT). Those who graduate are awarded the Trident insignia, which signifies a qualified SEAL Officer, and earn the 1130 Designator.
Ready to LEAD Special Operators? The FY27 application cycle is closed. The FY28 cycle will open 01NOV2026.
PART I – Application Package (Completed by Candidate) Submit all NSW package items as two (2) PDFs to the following to SEAL-Apply@us.navy.mil:
1. NAVPERS 1210/9 ODC - Digital PDF 2. All documents in order according to Application Guide - PDF - Applications not submitted in the required format, or with excess documents, will be returned and must be resubmitted for consideration.
APPLICATION CONTENTS Guides Located at Right
COMMON TO ALL: Officer Data Card (ODC) – (Template) Download / Enable All Features Physical Screening Test (PST) – (Template) OCM office DOES NOT schedule PSTs for applicants While challenge rate administrators are preferred (SEAL, EOD, Navy Diver) any E7 or above from another community can administer the PST if one is not available Personal Statement (Template) Letters of Reference (LOR) / No more than two (2) - (Template) Resume or Curriculum Vitae - (Template) College Transcripts - PDF only. Unencrypted/unprotected. Medical Disclaimer (Template) - DD2807-2 (Link) & DD2808 (Link) hand carried to SOAC **Medical Checklist (Document) **Dive medical officer signature is preferred yet not required to attend summer cruise but IS required for accession into NSW** OFFICER CANDIDATE SCHOOL (OCS):
CIVILIAN N3M Letter (Example) - Obtained from Naval Recruiting Command (NRC) after reviewing your MEPS Physical Letter to MEPS for EKG & Chest X-Rays (Letter) Personal Security Screening Questionnaire (template available and completed with recruiter) AD & AD SEAL CO Endorsement (Template) ETJ - NEC Tab Screen Shot (Link) Last 4x EVALS
NROTC / STA21 CORE Option: NSW Application Letter (Template) Duty Preference / CO Recommendation (Template) Signed by NROTC unit CO, including first choice designator (1180 for SEAL officer)
LATERAL TRANSFER: The NSW community is currently only accepting lateral transfer applications from Year Group 2024 NSW Application Letter (Template) CO Endorsement (Template) YCS Waiver (Template) Last 4x FITREPs INTER-SERVICE TRANSFER: NSW Application Letter (Template) CO Endorsement (Template) DD Form 368 (Link) Form can be sent AFTER notification of selection Master Personnel Record (Example) YCS Waiver (Template) Last 4x FITREPs/EVALs INTER-SERVICE ACADEMY TRANSFER: NSW Application Letter (Template) CO Endorsement (Template) DD Form 368 (Link) Form can be sent AFTER notification of selection
PART II Down Select Panel (Completed by SEAL OCM) Down select panel narrows down eligible candidates to ~ 225 applicants. Selected candidates from this panel are invited to attend SEAL Officer Assessment Course (SOAC) during the summer over three separate opportunities (JUN/JUL/AUG).
PART III SEAL Officer Assessment Course (Completed by Naval Special Warfare Assessment Command)
Three-week sessions during either June, July, or August
In order to be considered by the annual SEAL Officer Selection Panel, candidates (other than active duty SO members) must attend SEAL Officer Assessment Course (SOAC). Officers seeking lateral and inter-service transfer should make every effort to attend SOAC. If unable to attend due to operational commitments, applicants must conduct an interview with SOAC staff members. SOAC provides an opportunity for SEAL officer candidates to be assessed against their peers in a training environment. Prospective SEAL Officers are evaluated based on the following characteristics: Honor and Integrity, Leadership, Physical Fitness, Communication Skills, Commitment, Academic Performance, Conduct, and Peer Evaluations. Candidates should arrive to SOAC with the ability to:
Run distances greater than five miles on varying terrain
Swim long distances with and without fins
Run distances greater than five miles carrying a 35-40lb ruck on varying terrain
Pass the PST with competitive scores
Lead, follow, and work in a team during challenging team-building physical events
Display resilience and grit in stressful physical and mental situations
Communicate clearly and effectively to a group
Display composure and competency during pool events
PART IV SEAL Officer Selection Panel (SOSP) – (Completed by NSW Panel) The SEAL Officer Selection Panel convenes to select candidates who will begin Basic Underwater Demolition / SEAL (BUD/S) training during the subsequent fiscal year.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS SUMMARY
1. February - Applications for all candidates other than active duty SO members are due to SEAL-Apply@us.navy.mil. 2. April - Down select panel narrows down eligible applicants. AOCM notifies selected candidates of their invitation to attend SEAL Officer Assessment Course (SOAC). 3. June - Active duty SEAL (SO) OCS application packages are due to SEAL-Apply@us.navy.mil. 4. June, July, or August - SOAC blocks in Coronado, CA. Candidates coordinate with SOAC program manager for block assignment and travel. 5. September - The SEAL Officer Selection Panel convenes to select candidates who will begin Basic Underwater Demolition / SEAL (BUD/S) training during the subsequent fiscal year. 6. October - SEAL OCM notifies candidates' point of contact of their selection status.
Contact Information
SEAL Officer Community Manager (Applications) SEAL-Apply@us.navy.mil (703)-604-3573 SOAC Program Manager Andrew.dow.ctr@socom.mil (888)-633-5460; (619)-537-1150 (Mon - Wed)
Application Guides Officer Candidate School (OCS) OCS Flow Chart Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Lateral Transfer Inter-service Transfer Inter-service Academy Transfer
References MILPERS 1210-220 - SEAL Officer MILPERSMAN MILPERS 1220-410 - Physical Screening Test (PST) MILPERSMAN MANMED 15-105 - Medical Examinations NSTC M 1533.2D - Regulations for Officer Development OPNAVINST 1420.1B - Enlisted to Officer Commissioning Program Authorization 100D (OCS) Program Authorization 150Q (STA-21) OPNAVINST 1210.5 - Lateral Transfer of Navy Officers MILPERS 1300-082 - Interservice Transfer SECNAVINST 1000.7F - Inter-service Transfer of Officers
Quick Links SEALSWCC.com NSW Physical Training Guide Officer Candiate School (OCS) Homepage NROTC Homepage FAQ