Before joining the U.S. Navy, it is important to understand the basic enlistment requirements.
These requirements cover physical standards, testing benchmarks, age limits, and legal eligibility.
Specific standards can vary depending on role, enlistment type, and individual circumstances.
This page outlines the general requirements used when evaluating Navy applicants.
Related Article – Air Force Requirements for Males & Females
Table of Contents
What People Get Wrong About Navy Enlistment Requirements
Many people assume Navy enlistment requirements are identical across all military jobs, even though standards can vary by rating or program.
It is often misunderstood that meeting minimum requirements guarantees acceptance, despite enlistment decisions depending on overall eligibility and needs of the service.
Some believe age limits apply the same to enlisted and officer candidates, even though the ranges can differ.
There is a common misconception that vision standards are uniform for all Navy roles, even though specialized jobs may have stricter criteria.
Many applicants assume GPA is evaluated for all enlistees, even though GPA is not generally a factor for enlisted service.
Some people believe citizenship requirements are flexible, even though lawful status requirements are clearly defined.
It is also commonly misunderstood that physical fitness standards only apply after enlistment, even though physical readiness is evaluated during the accession process.
1. Height & Weight Requirements
The Navy requirements include weight minimums and maximums. The weight is related to your height, and these charts will help you figure out if you meet this expectation.
| Height (in inches) | Men Maximum Weight (in lbs.) | Women Maximum Weight (in lbs.) |
|---|---|---|
| 57 | 127 | 127 |
| 58 | 131 | 131 |
| 59 | 136 | 136 |
| 60 | 141 | 141 |
| 61 | 145 | 145 |
| 62 | 150 | 149 |
| 63 | 155 | 152 |
| 64 | 160 | 156 |
| 65 | 165 | 160 |
| 66 | 170 | 163 |
| 67 | 175 | 167 |
| 68 | 181 | 170 |
| 69 | 186 | 174 |
| 70 | 191 | 177 |
| 71 | 196 | 181 |
| 72 | 201 | 185 |
| 73 | 206 | 189 |
| 74 | 211 | 194 |
| 75 | 216 | 200 |
| 76 | 221 | 205 |
| 77 | 226 | 211 |
| 78 | 231 | 216 |
| 79 | 236 | 222 |
| 80 | 241 | 227 |
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2. Vision Requirements
Another Navy requirement for enlistment is vision expectations.
In general, sailors must have at least 20/40 in one eye and 20/70 in the worse eye, with vision-correcting contacts.
The other variation is 20/20 for the better eye and 20/400 for the other eye as long as the vision is correctable.
However, the vision requirements depend on the job.
For instance, the Navy Seals have a different set of vision requirements. Therefore, please check with your recruiter if you have a specific job in mind.
Furthermore, you cannot be colorblind in the Navy.
3. Age Requirements
One of the Navy requirements to join involves your age.
You must be at least 17 years old to enlist, but you cannot be more than 39 years old.
However, if you are 17, you need a parent or guardian to sign off on your enlistment because you are a minor.
If you wish to join the Navy as an officer, you must be at least 19 years old but no older than 42.
Related Article – Marine Corps Requirements
4. ASVAB Score Requirements
All military branches require potential recruits to take the ASVAB test.
Part of the ASVAB test is the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT).
In the Navy, you must score at least a 31 on the AFQT part of the ASVAB if you have your high school diploma.
However, if you have your GED, you need to score a 50.
Although, if you have your GED and 15 hours of college credit, you can score a 31 because the college hours change your educational tier status.
5. GPA Requirements
The Navy’s requirements do not include your GPA. However, your schooling does matter.
You must either have your high school diploma or your GED.
However, if you have your GED, talk to your recruiter if you have a specific job you prefer to do in the Navy. The Navy reserves some jobs for those with High School diplomas.
Officer programs generally require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Related Article – Can You Join the Military With a GED?
6. Citizenship Requirements
In order to be in the Navy, you must meet citizenship requirements.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident status is required for enlistment.
7. Other Requirements
There are physical fitness requirements for the Navy, as well.
Physical fitness is evaluated using Navy physical readiness standards that include multiple fitness components.
Passing scores are determined by current Navy physical readiness standards and may vary by age and gender.
References:
See Also
Pros and Cons of Joining the US Navy
Navy Boot Camp Graduation Dates
Navy Signing, Enlistment, and Reenlistment Bonus List
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