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?
FY26 APPLICATION CYCLE IS CLOSED - FY27 WILL OPEN NOV2025
PART I – Application Package (Completed by Candidate)
Submit all NSW package items as two (2) PDFs to the following to SEAL_Apply@navy.mil:
1. NAVPERS 1210/9 ODC - Digital PDF
2. All documents in single, numbered order according to Application Guide - PDF
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)
Official College Transcripts - Digital PDF only
Medical Disclaimer (Template) - DD2807-2 (Link) & DD2808 (Link) hand carried to SOAS
**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)
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 2023
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 eligibles to ~225 applicants. Selected candidates from this panel are invited to attend SEAL Officer Assessment and Selection (SOAS) during the summer over three separate opportunities (JUN/JUL/AUG).
PART III SEAL Officer Assessment and Selection (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 and Selection (SOAS). Officers seeking lateral and inter-service transfer should make every effort to attend SOAS. If unable to attend due to operational commitments, applicants must conduct an interview with SOAS staff members. SOAS 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 SOAS with the ability to:
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Run distances greater than five miles on varying terrain
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Swim long distances with and without fins
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Run distances greater than five miles carrying a 35-40lb ruck on varying terrain
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Pass the PST with competitive scores
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Lead, follow, and work in a team during challenging team-building physical events
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Display resilience and grit in stressful physical and mental situations
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Communicate clearly and effectively to a group
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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@navy.mil.
2. April - Down select panel narrows down eligible applicants. Selected candidates from this panel are invited to attend SEAL Officer Assessment and Selection (SOAS).
3. June - SO application packages are due to SEAL_apply@navy.mil.
4. June, July, or August - SOAS takes place in three different sessions in Coronado, CA.
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.