Commissioning Programs in the U.S. Navy

Welcome to the Mission to Commission Resources section! Becoming an officer in the United States Navy is a prestigious and rewarding career path that offers the opportunity to lead, inspire, and make a significant impact. Whether you are currently enlisted, a college student, or a professional seeking to transition into military service, the Navy provides multiple pathways to commission as an officer. Explore the options below to find the best route that fits your background and aspirations.

Unrestricted Line Officer Programs

Officer Candidate School (OCS)

Overview: Officer Candidate School (OCS) is a rigorous training program designed to transform enlisted sailors and civilians into commissioned officers. Located at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, OCS is a 12-week program that focuses on leadership development, military skills, and physical fitness.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Age between 19 and 42 years (varies by community)
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Navy Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance
OAR score (Officer Aptitude Rating) for some communities

Training:

Location: Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island
Duration: 12 weeks
Leadership Training and Development: Emphasis on developing decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
Military Tactics and Strategies: Instruction on Navy tactics, operations orders, and military planning.
Physical Conditioning and Endurance Training: Rigorous physical training to meet Navy standards.
Academic Instruction on Military Subjects: Courses on naval history, Navy organization, and combat operations.

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Candidates receive pay and benefits commensurate with their rank and time in service.
Housing and meals are provided during training.
Medical and dental care are covered for the candidate.
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE.

Career Opportunities: Graduates of OCS are commissioned as Ensigns and can serve in various communities, including surface warfare, aviation, submarines, and special operations. OCS graduates are typically assigned to community-specific Basic Officer Leader Courses following their commissioning.

Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC)

Overview: The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) is a college-based program that prepares students to become commissioned officers while completing their undergraduate degrees. NROTC offers scholarships and stipends to help cover tuition, books, and other expenses.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Age between 17 and 23 years
High school diploma or equivalent
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Enroll in a participating college or university
Commitment to serve in the Active Duty Navy or the Navy Reserve upon graduation

Training:

Location: Participating colleges and universities across the U.S.
Duration: Four years (or two years for the accelerated program)
Leadership Development Courses: Focus on developing leadership skills through practical exercises and classroom instruction.
Naval Science Classes: Courses on naval tactics, history, and Navy organization.
Physical Fitness Training: Regular physical training to maintain Navy fitness standards.
Summer Training Programs: Includes at-sea training and specialized programs such as aviation, submarine, and Marine Corps training.

Pay and Benefits During Training:

NROTC midshipmen receive stipends ranging from $250 to $400 per month, depending on their year in the program.
Scholarships cover full tuition, fees, and book allowances.
Additional stipends may be available for certain programs.
Medical and dental care are available through campus health services and military facilities.
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE for those who are enlisted and activated.
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is provided if authorized to live off-campus.

Career Opportunities: Upon graduation, NROTC midshipmen are commissioned as Ensigns and can serve in the Active Duty Navy or the Navy Reserve. They can pursue various career fields, such as surface warfare, aviation, submarines, and special operations.

NROTC Nurse Program: This option within NROTC allows students to complete their nursing degrees and become commissioned as nurses in the Navy Nurse Corps.

United States Naval Academy (USNA)

Overview: The United States Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Maryland, is a prestigious four-year institution that provides a comprehensive education and military training. USNA graduates are highly respected and well-prepared for leadership roles in the Navy and Marine Corps.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Age between 17 and 23 years
High school diploma with strong academic performance
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Nominated by a U.S. Congressman or Senator
Pass a medical examination
Pass the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA)
Demonstrate strong leadership potential and character

Training:

Location: Annapolis, Maryland
Duration: Four years
Rigorous Academic Curriculum: Includes engineering, humanities, and social sciences.
Military Leadership Training: Focuses on leadership development, ethics, and military skills.
Physical Fitness and Athletic Programs: Emphasizes physical conditioning, team sports, and individual fitness.
Summer Training Programs: Provides hands-on military training and leadership experience on Navy ships and submarines, and with Marine Corps units.

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Midshipmen receive a monthly stipend of approximately $1,185.
Tuition, room, and board are fully covered.
Medical and dental care are provided for the midshipmen.
Additional benefits include uniforms, books, and a personal computer.
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE for eligible dependents.

Career Opportunities: Graduates of USNA are commissioned as Ensigns in the Navy or Second Lieutenants in the Marine Corps. They can pursue various career fields, including surface warfare, aviation, submarines, and Marine Corps operations. USNA graduates are also well-positioned for advanced training and leadership roles.

Restricted Line and Staff Corps Officer Programs

Direct Commission Officer (DCO) Program

Overview: The Direct Commission Officer (DCO) Program allows professionals with specialized skills and expertise to become commissioned officers. This program is ideal for individuals in fields such as medicine, law, chaplaincy, and cyber security.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field
Professional experience and credentials
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: Officer Development School (ODS) at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island
Duration: 5 weeks
Officer Development School (ODS): Provides military orientation and leadership training.
- Focus Areas: Naval Leadership, Naval Administration, Naval Organization, Sea Power, Military Law, Military Indoctrination, Naval Warfare, and Damage Control.
- Leadership Development: Case studies and instructor-led scenarios.
- Values: Emphasizes personal Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Direct Commission officers receive pay and benefits commensurate with their rank and time in service.
Housing and meals are provided during training.
Medical and dental care are covered for the officer.
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE.
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is provided if authorized to live off base.

Career Opportunities: Direct Commission officers serve in their professional capacities, contributing their expertise to support the Navy's mission. They can serve on Active Duty or in the Navy Reserve. Career fields include the Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps, the Medical Corps, and the Cyber Corps.

Medical Professions Officer Programs

Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)

Overview: The Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) is designed for medical, dental, veterinary, psychology, and optometry students. The program provides full tuition and a monthly stipend to students in accredited programs, in exchange for an active duty service commitment.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Enrolled in or accepted to an accredited medical, dental, veterinary, psychology, or optometry program
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Navy Physical Fitness Test (PFA)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: Students attend their civilian medical schools
Duration: Duration of medical program
Summer Training: Officers participate in a 45-day Active Duty Training (ADT) annually
Officer Training Program: Officer Development School (ODS) at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Full tuition paid to the school
Monthly stipend of over $2,300
Additional allowance for books, supplies, and equipment
Medical and dental care are covered for the officer
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is provided during Active Duty Training periods

Career Opportunities: Upon graduation and completion of residency (if applicable), HPSP officers are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Navy Medical Corps, Dental Corps, Veterinary Corps, or Medical Service Corps and serve on Active Duty. They can work in a variety of medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and field units.

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS)

Overview: USUHS is a federal medical school that educates health professionals for careers in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Public Health Service. Students receive a full scholarship and a salary in exchange for an active duty service commitment.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Bachelor's degree with strong academic performance
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Navy Physical Fitness Test (PFA)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Duration: Four years
Academic Curriculum: Includes medical and military training
Military Training: Focus on leadership, military ethics, and operational medicine
Officer Training Program: Officer Development School (ODS) at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Full tuition paid
Monthly salary as an Ensign (over $2,200/month)
Medical and dental care are provided for the student
Additional benefits include uniforms, books, and a personal computer
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE

Career Opportunities: Graduates are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Navy Medical Corps and serve on Active Duty. They work in Navy medical facilities, research institutions, and field units, and can pursue various medical specialties.

Health Services Collegiate Program (HSCP)

Overview: The Health Services Collegiate Program (HSCP) is designed for students pursuing advanced degrees in health care fields, such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, clinical psychology, and pharmacy. This program offers financial assistance while students complete their degrees, in exchange for an active duty service commitment.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Enrolled in or accepted to an accredited graduate program in a health care field
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Navy Physical Fitness Test (PFA)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: Students attend their civilian schools
Duration: Duration of graduate program
Summer Training: Optional summer training programs are available
Officer Training Program: Officer Development School (ODS) at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Monthly salary as an E-6 to E-9, depending on program and rank
Full active duty benefits, including medical and dental care
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE

Career Opportunities: Upon graduation and completion of any required residencies, HSCP officers are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Navy Medical Corps, Dental Corps, Veterinary Corps, or Medical Service Corps and serve on Active Duty. They can work in a variety of medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and field units.

Baylor University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program

Overview: The Army-Baylor University Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy is designed for students pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. The program provides a comprehensive education in physical therapy and includes clinical internships.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Bachelor’s degree with prerequisite coursework
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Navy Physical Fitness Test (PFA)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance
GRE scores

Training:

Location: Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and clinical sites across the U.S.
Duration: 30 months
Academic Curriculum: Includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and other physical therapy subjects.
Clinical Internships: Hands-on training at military and civilian medical facilities.
Officer Training Program: Officer Development School (ODS) at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Full tuition paid
Monthly stipend and salary as a Second Lieutenant
Medical and dental care are provided for the student
Additional benefits include uniforms, books, and a personal computer
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE

Career Opportunities: Graduates are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Navy Medical Specialist Corps and serve on Active Duty. They can work in a variety of medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and field units.

Specialized Training Programs

Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program (BDCP)

Overview: The Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program (BDCP) offers financial assistance to college students who are within 24 months of completing their degree. This program provides a monthly stipend while students complete their education and prepares them for a commission as an officer.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Enrolled in an accredited college or university
Within 24 months of completing a bachelor's degree
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Navy Physical Fitness Test (PFA)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: Students attend their civilian schools
Duration: Duration of college program
Summer Training: Optional summer training programs are available
Officer Training Program: Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Monthly stipend as an E-5
Full active duty benefits, including medical and dental care
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE

Career Opportunities: Graduates of BDCP are commissioned as Ensigns and can serve in various communities, including surface warfare, aviation, and submarines.

Civil Engineer Collegiate Program (CECP)

Overview: The Civil Engineer Collegiate Program provides financial assistance to students pursuing degrees in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering. The program prepares students for a commission as Civil Engineer Corps officers.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Enrolled in an accredited engineering program
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Navy Physical Fitness Test (PFA)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: Students attend their civilian schools
Duration: Duration of college program
Summer Training: Optional summer training programs are available
Officer Training Program: Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Monthly stipend as an E-3 to E-5, depending on the year in school
Full active duty benefits, including medical and dental care
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE

Career Opportunities: Graduates are commissioned as Ensigns in the Civil Engineer Corps and can serve in various locations, including construction battalions (Seabees) and public works.

Nurse Candidate Program (NCP)

Overview: The Nurse Candidate Program (NCP) provides financial assistance to nursing students who are within 24 months of completing their degree. The program prepares students for a commission as officers in the Navy Nurse Corps.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Enrolled in an accredited nursing program
Within 24 months of completing a bachelor's degree in nursing
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Navy Physical Fitness Test (PFA)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: Students attend their civilian schools
Duration: Duration of nursing program
Summer Training: Optional summer training programs are available
Officer Training Program: Officer Development School (ODS) at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Monthly stipend of $1,000
Additional grant of $10,000 ($5,000 upon program acceptance and $5,000 upon commissioning)
Full active duty benefits, including medical and dental care
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE

Career Opportunities: Graduates of NCP are commissioned as Ensigns in the Navy Nurse Corps and serve on Active Duty. They can work in various medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and aboard ships.

Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) Program

Overview: The Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) Program is designed for students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields. The program provides financial assistance and prepares students for a commission in the Navy's nuclear program.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Enrolled in or graduated from an accredited college or university
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Navy Physical Fitness Test (PFA)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance
Strong academic performance in a STEM field

Training:

Location: Students attend their civilian schools
Duration: Duration of college program
Summer Training: Optional summer training programs are available
Officer Training Program: Officer Development School (ODS) at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Monthly stipend of up to $5,000
Full active duty benefits, including medical and dental care
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE

Career Opportunities: Graduates of NUPOC are commissioned as Ensigns and serve in the Navy's nuclear program. They can pursue careers as nuclear submarine officers, nuclear surface warfare officers, or instructors at the Naval Nuclear Power School.

Chaplain Corps and JAG Corps Officer Programs

Navy Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO)

Overview: The Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO) is designed for seminary students who aspire to become Navy chaplains. The program provides opportunities to gain experience and training while completing their religious education.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Enrolled in or accepted to a seminary or graduate-level theological school
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Navy Physical Fitness Test (PFA)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: Various Navy installations and training centers
Duration: Ongoing training during seminary education
Summer Training: Includes Chaplain School and other Navy training programs
Officer Training Program: Officer Development School (ODS) at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Monthly stipend
Full active duty benefits during training periods, including medical and dental care
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE

Career Opportunities: Upon completion of seminary education and ordination, candidates are commissioned as Navy chaplains and serve on Active Duty or in the Navy Reserve. They provide spiritual support and guidance to sailors, Marines, and their families.

Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG) Direct Commission Program

Overview: The Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG) Direct Commission Program allows law school graduates and licensed attorneys to become commissioned officers in the Navy JAG Corps. This program provides legal professionals the opportunity to serve as legal advisors and advocates within the Navy.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
Admission to practice law in a state or federal court
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Navy Physical Fitness Test (PFA)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: Officer Development School (ODS) at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island
Duration: 5 weeks
Officer Development School (ODS): Provides military orientation and leadership training.
- Focus Areas: Naval Leadership, Naval Administration, Naval Organization, Sea Power, Military Law, Military Indoctrination, Naval Warfare, and Damage Control.
- Leadership Development: Case studies and instructor-led scenarios.
- Values: Emphasizes personal Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
Naval Justice School: Additional legal training specific to military law.

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Direct Commission officers receive pay and benefits commensurate with their rank and time in service.
Housing and meals are provided during training.
Medical and dental care are covered for the officer.
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE.

Career Opportunities: JAG officers serve as legal advisors in various capacities, including providing legal assistance, prosecuting, and defending court-martial cases, and advising commanders on legal issues. They can serve on Active Duty or in the Navy Reserve.

The U.S. Navy offers diverse and comprehensive commissioning programs designed to develop future leaders. Whether you are a current enlisted sailor, a college student, or a professional with specialized skills, there is a pathway to becoming a commissioned officer that aligns with your goals and aspirations. Explore these programs and take the first step toward a rewarding career as a leader in the U.S. Navy, serving either on Active Duty or in the Reserve components.