Navy STA-21: Seaman to Admiral Commissioning Program (2025)

This guide covers everything you need to know about the U.S. Navy’s Seaman to Admiral (STA-21) program for Fiscal Year 2025.

The STA-21 program is designed to help qualified enlisted Sailors rise to officer ranks.

It’s the most detailed guide you’ll find on the STA-21 program and the various options available.

Let’s dive in!

History of the Seaman to Admiral Program

When sailors hear “Seaman to Admiral,” they think of Admiral Boorda, the former Chief of Naval Operations.

Back in the early 1960s, he was the first CNO to rise from the enlisted ranks. He got there through the Integration Program, which turned high-achieving enlisted sailors into officers.

The Navy built it for those with strong qualifications and a drive to serve at a higher level.

When Boorda became CNO, he revived the Seaman to Admiral program, opening the door for young sailors to earn their commissions.

He believed talent should rise, no matter where someone started.

Since its revival in 1994, the program has evolved with the Navy’s needs, but Boorda’s vision still holds. Sailors in the program keep their pay, benefits, and active-duty privileges while earning a scholarship to a top university.

They graduate as Naval Officers, ready for long, successful careers.

What is the Seaman to Admiral Program?

Seaman to Admiral was once just one of many ways for sailors to earn a commission.

Each program had different benefits, selection criteria, education paths, and requirements. The result? A complicated maze of applications, deadlines, and options that confused sailors and created headaches for the Navy.

Good candidates slipped through the cracks. Some didn’t apply because of strict rules, education gaps, or financial worries.

To fix this, the Navy streamlined the process. Most commissioning programs merged into one: Seaman to Admiral-21 (STA-21).

The name stayed, honoring Admiral Boorda, but now it’s a clearer, more accessible path for sailors aiming to become officers.

The STA-21 Commissioning Program helps the Navy reach its goals for the 21st century while also giving the best active duty Sailors a fair chance to get a top-notch college education and become officers.

The STA-21 Program was made by putting together the following fleet commissioning programs:

Seaman to Admiral
Enlisted Commissioning Program (ECP)
Aviation Enlisted Commissioning Program (AECP)
Nuclear Enlisted Commissioning Program (NECP)
Civil Engineer Corps Enlisted Commissioning Program (CECECP)
Fleet Accession to Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC)
- (Includes Nurse Option)

The STA-21 Program differs from most other commissioning programs because it treats the Sailor with fairness.

Some old commissioning programs made sailors pay for college themselves. Others forced them off active duty, cutting off their income. STA-21 doesn’t do that.

Sailors stay on active duty at their current pay grade. They keep their pay, benefits, and allowances. They can even get promoted while in the program.

Time spent in school won’t count toward retirement, but it does count toward pay. The Navy covers up to $10,000 a year for tuition, books, and fees.

Anything beyond that? The sailor pays. And if tuition is less than $10,000, they don’t pocket the extra.

When selecting candidates, past fleet performance matters. But the real focus is on finding those with the academic and leadership potential to be outstanding Naval officers.

Seaman to Admiral Benefits

Participants in the STA-21 program will:

Be able to use the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) benefits (Chapter 30 of Title 38) to pay for classes after their STA-21 funds run out if the payments are for different classes and not all for the same class.
Receive the full pay and allowances for their enlisted pay grades, including BAH and BAS.
Be eligible for enlisted advancement.
Get up to $10,000 a year, which is paid to the college to help pay for tuition, fees, and books.
Be put on active duty as Ensigns in the US Navy (USN) after getting their degrees.
Keep getting medical care and using the commissary and exchange.
Be able to get housing on base (area permitting).

Participants in STA-21 will NOT:

Be able to get benefits from the Navy’s Tuition Assistance Program, Navy College Program, or Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP).
Be able to get paid for special duty assignments (SDAP).
Be eligible to build up service years:
- From 10 USC 6328: Computation of years of service: voluntary retirement

Officer candidates who were chosen for the Navy’s Seaman to Admiral (STA-21) program on or after October 28, 2009, will not be counted as having served during the months they were trying to get a bachelor’s degree.

Instead, those months will not be added to the officer’s years of service when figuring out whether he or she is eligible for retirement, unless the officer is forced out of the Navy.

For all other purposes, this active service will be added to the officer’s total number of years of active service.

Seaman to Admiral Program Options

Sailors in STA-21 can choose between the Core Program or a Target group option.

The Core Program gives the most flexibility—students pick their major and school. When they commission, they enter as Unrestricted Line (URL) officers. In their final year, they request a specific officer community, but final assignments depend on annual Navy goals set by BUPERS and NSTC.

Target group options work differently. Sailors in these programs commit to a specific officer community from the start. Each target group has its own requirements, outlined below.

STA-21 Core Option

This section details all the STA-21 Core option qualifications and requirements. These requirements are current as of July 2019, per the Navy Personnel Command. No updates have been issued so far.

Core Option Requirements

Citizenship	Applicants must be citizens of the United States.
Age	All applicants must be at least 19 years old and able to get a degree and a commission before they turn 32. Waivers can be given when a specific program option allows it.
Education	Must have finished high school. If issued by the Department of Education of a state, commonwealth, territory, or the District of Columbia, a high school diploma or equivalency certificate based on military education experience and General Equivalency Diploma test results can meet the educational requirements. (See additional requirements below)
Aptitude	Applicants must show their scores on either the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Testing (ACT). The minimum SAT score is 1000 (500 in math and 500 in critical reading), or a combined 41 in math and English on the ACT (not less than 21 Math or 20 English).
Physical	In line with Chapter 15 of the Manual of the Medical Department and as explained in DoD Instruction 6130.03 of May 6, 2018, (Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, Or Induction in the Military Services). More medical qualifications will depend on which STA-21 option you choose.
Disciplinary	The NSTC Deputy Commander for Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Operations can recommend to the DCNO Nl that a candidate be expelled from the program for disciplinary problems, such as using drugs or getting in trouble with the law.

Additional Education Requirements

Everyone who takes part in STA-21 must earn a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school within 36 months.
Participants must keep a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a scale of 4.0.
People who choose the STA-21 Core option must take calculus and calculus-based physics for at least two semesters or three quarters and get a grade of “C” or better in both. For the STA-21 requirement to be met, calculus and physics classes taken at a school other than the host school must be transferable to the host school.
Some option programs may require more schooling than others.
Those who are chosen will major in a subject that is directly related to the unrestricted line.

Waivers

If the applicant is older than the age limit but has an outstanding record or skills that the Navy needs, it may be possible to waive the age limit in certain situations.

Who Can Apply

Must be on active duty in the U.S. Navy or Full-Time Support with an active duty service date. For special work orders, reservists who are selected must be on active duty.

Navy Reservists who are on active duty for training, including annual training and inactive duty for training, are not eligible.

Indoctrination Process

Before starting full-time college, STA-21 participants must complete an 8-week Naval Science Institute (NSI) course at Officer Training Command Newport, RI. This covers essential officer training.

While in college, STA-21 officer candidates train with their school’s NROTC unit, take part in drills, and complete two naval science leadership courses. They’re also encouraged to take on leadership roles.

Once they earn their bachelor’s degree, they commission as U.S. Navy officers.

Sailors ranked E-4 or lower are automatically promoted to E-5 upon entering the program. Promotions remain possible while in STA-21.

Graduates enter as Ensigns in the Navy’s unrestricted line. Their career options include Nuclear, Surface Warfare Officer, Pilot, Naval Flight Officer (NFO), Special Warfare, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal.

Service Obligation

STA-21 graduates must serve at least five years on active duty after commissioning.

Pilots commit to eight years after earning their Naval Aviator wings (designator 1310).

Naval Flight Officers (NFOs) serve six years after getting their wings (designator 1320).

Dropping out of flight training comes with a financial penalty, as outlined in OPNAVINST 1420.1B.

Per Title 10, Section 6328 of U.S. Code, time spent earning a degree in STA-21 does not count toward an officer’s service years for promotions—unless they are medically retired or separated.

For all other purposes, this time still counts as active service.

Core Option Benefits

STA-21 participants keep their full enlisted pay, allowances, and promotion eligibility.

Each year, they receive a $10,000 education voucher, paid directly to their school. This covers tuition, fees, and books—nothing else. Any unused funds go back to NSTC, not the student.

If costs exceed $10,000, the sailor covers the difference.

STA-21 students can’t use the Navy’s Tuition Assistance program but can use the Montgomery GI Bill and other benefits under Title 38 to help pay for school.

STA-21 Pilot and Naval Flight Officer (NFO) Option

This section details all the STA-21 Pilot and NFO option qualifications and requirements. These requirements are current as of March 2022, per the Navy Personnel Command. No updates have been issued so far.

Pilot and NFO Option Requirements

Citizenship	Applicants must be citizens of the United States.
Age	Those who want to join must be at least 19 years old and not older than 32 when they are commissioned.
Gender	Applications are open to men and women.
Education	Applicants must maintain educational eligibility under OPNAVINST 1420.1 series.
Physical	Must meet the physical standards set by the Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery and be able to do flying-related work. Active-duty members of the military who are accepted as candidates must get a physical exam from a qualified flight surgeon to see how well they can adapt to flying.
Aptitude	Minimum scores for the Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB) are: Academic Qualifications Rating (AQR) 4/Pilot Flight Aptitude Rating (PFAR) 5 for 1390 applicants and AQR 4/Flight Officer Aptitude Rating (FOFAR) 5 for 1370 applicants. Before being accepted into the STA-21 pilot option, applicants must meet the minimum AQR/PFAR standard. Before being accepted into the STA-21 NFO option, applicants must meet the minimum AQR/FOFAR standard.
Security Clearance	For candidates to get access to sensitive compartmented information, they must meet the requirements set out in the Director of National Intelligence, Intelligence Community Directive 704.

Who Can Apply

To qualify, sailors must be on active duty, including Full-Time Support or Selected Reserve on extended orders like Active Duty for Special Work, mobilization, recall, or canvasser recruiter duty.

Reservists on active duty for training (including annual training) or inactive duty for training are not eligible.

Applicants must have a clean record—no felony convictions, no Article 15 punishments, and no misdemeanor convictions (except minor traffic violations) in the past three years.

Any proven drug use while in the military is automatic disqualification.

Indoctrination Process

Before starting full-time college, STA-21 participants complete an eight-week Naval Science Institute (NSI) course at Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. This covers essential officer training.

While attending an NROTC-affiliated college, STA-21 officer candidates train with their unit, take part in drills, and complete two Naval Science leadership courses. They’re also strongly encouraged to take on leadership roles.

Once they earn their bachelor’s degree, they commission as U.S. Navy officers.

Service Obligation

Graduates are commissioned as Ensigns with the designator 1390 or 1370, depending on their program.

Pilots (1310) commit to eight years of active duty after earning their wings. Naval Flight Officers (1320) serve six years after winging. Dropping out of flight training comes with a financial penalty under OPNAVINST 1420.1.

Per Title 10 U.S. Code 6328, time spent earning a degree in STA-21 does not count toward an officer’s service years for promotions—unless they are medically retired or separated. However, it still counts toward total active service for all other purposes.

Pilot and NFO Option Benefits

STA-21 Pilot and NFO participants keep their full enlisted pay, allowances, and promotion eligibility while in the program.

Each year, they get a $10,000 education voucher, paid directly to their school. This covers tuition, fees, and books—nothing else. Any unused funds go back to NSTC, not the student. If costs exceed $10,000, the sailor pays the difference.

They can’t use the Navy’s Tuition Assistance program but can use Montgomery GI Bill funds and other VA educational benefits under Title 38, Section 3681(b)—as long as they don’t double-dip by using both for the same course.

STA-21 Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) Option

This section details all the STA-21 SWO option qualifications and requirements. These requirements are current as of June 2019, per the Navy Personnel Command. No updates have been issued so far.

Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) Option

Citizenship	Applicants must be citizens of the United States.
Age	All applicants must be at least 19 years old and not older than 35 years old at the time they are commissioned.
Gender	Applications are open to men and women.
Education	All applicants must earn a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school within 36 months and have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a scale of 4.0. Those who are chosen must take at least two semesters or three quarters of calculus and calculus-based physics and get at least a “C” in both classes. For the STA-21 requirement to be met, calculus and physics classes taken at a school other than the host school must be transferable to the host school.
Physical	In line with the Manual of the Medical Department, Chapter 15, and as described in Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction into the Military Services, DoD Instruction 6130.03 of May 6, 2018.
Aptitude	Applicants must send in their SAT or ACT scores. The minimum score on the SAT or ACT is 1000 (500 Math and 500 Verbal) or 41 (Math and English combined) for the ACT (not less than 21 math and 20 English).
Disciplinary	Besides being expelled for academic reasons, candidates can be kicked out for disciplinary problems (such as drug use, civil convictions, etc.) if the NSTC Deputy Commander for NROTC Operations tells the DCNO N1 to do so (NSTC N04).

Waivers

If the applicant is older than the age limit but has an outstanding record or skills that the Navy needs, it may be possible to waive the age limit in certain situations.

This must be done before the selection board meets.

Who Can Apply

Those who want to apply must be on active duty in the U.S. Navy or Full-Time Support and have a date for their active duty service.

For special work orders, the Reservists who are chosen must be on active duty.

Navy Reservists who are on active duty for training, including annual training and inactive duty for training, are not eligible.

Indoctrination Process

Before starting full-time college, STA-21 participants must attend the 8-week Naval Science Institute (NSI) at Officer Training Command Newport, RI to finish the required officer professional core competencies.

STA-21 officer candidates will take part in drills with their NROTC unit while they are attending their chosen college or university that is affiliated with the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC).

They will also take two leadership courses in naval science and are strongly encouraged to take on leadership roles within their NROTC unit.

Participants in STA-21 will be made officers in the U.S. Navy when they finish their bachelor’s degree programs.

Service Obligation

Sailors ranked E-4 or lower are automatically promoted to E-5 upon entering STA-21 as officer candidates. Promotions remain possible while in the program.

Graduates commission as U.S. Navy Ensigns (1160) and commit to five years of active duty.

Per OPNAVINST 1420.1B, dropping out of the program comes with a financial penalty.

Under Title 10 U.S. Code 6328, time spent earning a degree in STA-21 does not count toward an officer’s service years for promotions—unless they are medically retired or separated. However, it still counts toward total active service for all other purposes.

SWO Option Benefits

Participants will keep getting their full enlisted pay and allowances, and they will still be able to get promoted.

Each participant will get a $10,000 education voucher every year, which will be paid directly to the school they attend.

This voucher will only pay for classes, fees, and books. The school will send any extra money for vouchers to NSTC, which oversees running the program.

Any needs that go beyond the $10,000 voucher will be paid for by the participants.

Students in STA-21 are not eligible for tuition assistance from the Navy’s Tuition Program.

However, they can use Montgomery GI Bill funds and the other Veterans Affairs educational benefits listed in section 3681(b) of Title 38 U.S. Code, if the payments are for different courses and not for the same course.

STA-21 Nuclear Option

This section details all the STA-21 Nuclear option qualifications and requirements. These requirements are current as of May 2019, per the Navy Personnel Command. No updates have been issued so far.

Nuclear Option Requirements

Citizenship	Applicants must be citizens of the United States.
Age	All applicants must not be older than 35 years old at the time they are commissioned. Waivers may be given.
Education	The requirements for a bachelor’s degree must be able to be met in 36 months. Applicants must have finished or be enrolled in the Naval Nuclear Power Training Pipeline at either the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command or a Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit.
Physical	Per the Chapter 15 of the U.S. Navy Manual of the Medical Department.
Aptitude	Applicants must show their scores on the SAT or ACT. Minimum SAT/ACT scores of 500 in verbal and 500 in math, with a minimum combined score of 1140, or a minimum ACT score of 21 in math and 21 in English, with a minimum combined score of 50 in math and English.
Disciplinary	If a candidate for the nuclear option in STA-21 is kicked out of the program for any reason, they cannot stay in the STA-21 program. Nuclear candidates can be kicked out of the program by OPNAV N133 for disciplinary or moral problems, like using drugs or getting in trouble with the law.

Additional Education Requirements

STA-21 enrollees must attend an NROTC-affiliated college or university as full-time, year-round students, including summer sessions.

For the Nuclear option, OPNAV N133 designates approved schools and publicizes the list. Once enrolled, students must stay at their original university—transfers aren’t allowed.

A technical major is required, and students must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. After every semester, quarter, or term, OPNAV N133 reviews transcripts. All technical, math, and science courses must be passed with a “C” or better.

Failure to meet academic standards can lead to removal from the STA-21 Nuclear option program. Approved technical majors are determined by OPNAV N133 and NSTC OD.

Additional Program Requirements

STA-21 nuclear option candidates must begin their college courses before their 8th year of service.

About 6 to 12 months before graduation, all nuclear candidates go through an interview with the Director, Naval Reactors, to determine if they qualify for the naval nuclear propulsion program as officers.

Those who don’t get accepted into nuclear training can still complete their degrees and commission—but not as nuclear power officers. Instead, they’ll be placed in the general STA-21 pool and compete for unrestricted line officer positions.

Per OPNAVINST 1420.1B, all candidates must attend an NROTC host university.

Waivers

On a case-by-case basis, these age and educational requirements may not need to be met (i.e., a 6-month extension for an established 5-year degree program).

People who would be older than 31 at commissioning may get a waiver if they ask in writing.

A written request for a waiver may be considered on a case-by-case basis for candidates who:

Not be able to finish a bachelor’s degree in the time allowed (i.e., a 6-month extension for an established 5-year degree program).
Do not meet the requirements of getting a “C” or higher in all math, science, and technical classes.

Who Can Apply

Active-duty enlisted U.S. Navy members who are attending or have graduated from Naval Nuclear Power School.

Indoctrination Process

Before going to college full time, STA-21 students must spend eight weeks at the Naval Science Institute (NSI) in Newport, Rhode Island, to finish all the required officer professional core competencies.

STA-21 officer candidates will join the NROTC unit and drill at their chosen nuclear option NROTC-affiliated college or university.

However, they only must take two Naval Science Leadership courses because most of the material is covered during NSI.

Participants in STA-21 will be made officers in the U.S. Navy when they finish their bachelor’s degree programs.

Service Obligation

STA-21 nuclear option candidates commission as Ensigns with designator 1160N or 1170.

Selection comes with a six-year commitment. After commissioning, officers serve five years on active duty.

If a participant voluntarily drops out before commissioning, they must serve five years as an enlisted sailor or complete their remaining enlistment—whichever is longer. Those who finish their degree but don’t commission must also serve five years enlisted from their dropout date.

Additional service may be required due to specialized training received after commissioning.

Per Title 10 U.S. Code 6328, time spent earning a degree in STA-21 does not count toward service years for promotions—unless the officer is medically retired or separated. However, it still counts toward total active service for all other purposes.

Nuclear Option Benefits

Participants will keep getting their full enlisted pay and allowances, and they will still be able to get promoted.

Each participant will get a $10,000 education voucher every year, which will be paid directly to the school they attend. Only tuition, fees, and book costs will be paid for with this voucher.

The school will send any extra money for vouchers to NSTC, which oversees running the program.

Any needs that go beyond the $10,000 voucher will be paid for by the participants.

Students in STA-21 are not eligible for tuition assistance from the Navy’s tuition program, but they can use Montgomery GI Bill funds and the other VA educational benefits listed in Title 38 U.S. Code section 3681(b) if the payments are for different courses and not for the same course.

STA-21 Civil Engineering Corps (CEC) Option

This section details all the STA-21 CEC option qualifications and requirements. These requirements are current as of April 2019, per the Navy Personnel Command. No updates have been issued so far.

CEC Option Requirements

Citizenship	Applicants must be citizens of the United States.
Age	Applicants must be at least 19 years old and not yet 42 years old when they are commissioned.
Education	Must have enough college credits to finish a first professional engineering or architecture degree from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology – Engineering Accreditation Commission (ABET-EAC) or National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) in 36 months. Those who choose the STA-21 CEC option must take calculus and calculus-based physics for at least two semesters or three quarters and get a “C” or better in each class. To meet the STA-21 requirement, calculus and physics classes taken at a school other than the host school must be transferable to the host school. Those who are chosen will major in an NAAB-accredited architecture program or an ABET-EAC-accredited engineering program and keep a grade point average of at least 2.7 on a scale of 4.0. There are no approved programs for engineering technology. Enlisted to Officer Commissioning Programs Application Administrative Manual, OPNAVINST 1420.1B, says that applicants must still be able to go to school.
Physical	Must meet the physical requirements set out in Chapter 15 of the Manual of the Medical Department. At the time of application and at the time of commissioning, applicants must meet the weight or percentage of body fat standards.
Aptitude	Applicants must show their scores on the SAT or ACT. Minimum SAT/ACT scores of 500 in verbal and 500 in math, with a minimum combined score of 1140, or a minimum ACT score of 21 in math and 21 in English, with a minimum combined score of 50 in math and English.
Disciplinary	Besides being kicked out for academic reasons, the Director, Military Personnel Plans and Policy (OPNAV N13), based on a recommendation from NSTC Officer Development, can kick out candidates who have problems with discipline or morality, such as using drugs or getting in trouble with the law.
Time in Service	During the year you want to apply, you must have at least 4 years of active duty, of which at least 3 years were spent in a setting other than formal training.

Who Can Apply

Enlisted Sailors must be on active duty, which includes Full-Time Support (FTS) or a selected reserve on extended orders (e.g., active duty for special work, mobilization, recall, canvasser recruiter).

Navy reservists who are on active duty for training, including annual training, or who are on inactive duty for training, are not eligible.

Applicants must not have been found guilty by a court-martial or a civilian court of a felony, been punished under Article 15, Uniform Code of Military Justice, or been found guilty by a civilian court of a misdemeanor (except for minor traffic violations) in the three years before they apply to STA-21.

Any drug use that can be proven while a person is in the military will get them kicked out.

Indoctrination Process

Before going to college full time, STA-21 participants must go to the 8-week NSI curriculum in Newport, Rhode Island, to finish the required officer professional core competencies.

They will also take two leadership courses in naval science and are strongly encouraged to take on leadership roles within their NROTC unit.

Participants in STA-21 will be made officers in the U.S. Navy when they finish their bachelor’s degree programs.

Service Obligation

Those who are in paygrades E-4 or lower will be called officer candidates and move up to paygrade E-5. While they are in the STA-21 program, participants will still be able to get a promotion.

Officer candidates for the STA-21 CEC option will have to serve 5 years of active duty after they are commissioned.

Candidates who are kicked out of the program will have to meet the requirements in OPNAVINST 1420.1B.

Under 10 U.S. Code section 6328, the months of active service spent getting a baccalaureate degree through the STA-21 program should not be counted toward the years of service of an officer who was promoted to the rank of Ensign in the Navy after completing the program.

This is the case unless the officer is forced to leave the Navy or retire because of a physical disability.

For all other purposes, this active service will be added to the officer’s total number of years of active service.

CEC Option Benefits

Participants will keep getting their full enlisted pay and allowances, and they will still be able to get promoted.

Each participant will get a $10,000 education voucher every year, which will be paid directly to the school they attend.

This voucher will only pay for classes, fees, and books. The school will send any extra money for vouchers to NSTC, which oversees running the program.

Any needs that go beyond the $10,000 voucher will be paid for by the participants.

Students in STA-21 are not eligible for tuition assistance from the Navy’s tuition program, but they can use Montgomery GI Bill funds and the other Veterans Affairs educational benefits listed in section 3681(b) of Title 38 U.S. Code, if the payments are for different courses and not for the same course.

STA-21 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Warfare Option

This section details all the STA-21 EOD warfare option qualifications and requirements. These requirements are current as of June 2019, per the Navy Personnel Command. No updates have been issued so far.

EOD Warfare Option Requirements

Citizenship	Applicants must be citizens of the United States.
Age	Those who want to join must be at least 19 years old and not older than 35 when they are commissioned.
Gender	Applications are open to men and women.
Education	There are no specific requirements for the degree. Applicants are, however, strongly urged to get technical degrees.
Physical	According to SEAL/EOD/SWCC/DIVER/AIRR Physical Screening Testing Standards and Procedures, MILPERSMAN 1220-410 and Enlisted to Officer Commissioning Programs Application Administrative Manual OPNAVINST 1420.1B, all EOD officer applicants must be able to pass a physical screening test (PST) and be physically qualified. An undersea medical officer or the Director for Undersea and Special Operations will decide what to do from a medical point of view (BUMED M34). The minimum standard for the PST is listed in the MILPERSMAN. Candidates should try to do much better than that.
Aptitude	Applicants must show their scores on the SAT or ACT. The minimum combined math and verbal SAT score is 1000 (not less than 500 math or 500 verbal), or the minimum combined math and English ACT score is 41. (Not less than 21 Math or 20 English).
Disciplinary	Besides being kicked out for academic reasons, candidates can be expelled for disciplinary problems (such as drug use, civil convictions, etc.) if the NSTC Deputy Commander for NROTC Operations tells the DCNO N1 to do so.

Additional Education Requirements

Individuals who are chosen for STA-21 must take calculus and calculus-based physics for at least two semesters or three quarters and get a “C” or better in both classes.

For the STA-21 requirement to be met, calculus and physics classes taken at a school other than the host school must be transferable to the host school.

All STA-21 participants must complete requirements for a baccalaureate degree in 36 months.

On a scale of 4.0, participants must keep a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5.

Enrollees will go to colleges or universities that are part of the Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NROTC) and be full-time students all year (including summer sessions).

Participants in STA-21 must stay at the university where they first enrolled. They will not be allowed to switch to a different university.

Additional Program Requirements

STA-21 applicants aiming to become EOD officers must already hold an enlisted EOD NEC (M02A, M03A, or M04A) or an enlisted diving NEC (M1DV, M2DV, B16A, B17A, L27A, L28A).

After commissioning, those with an EOD NEC (M02A, M03A, M04A) must complete the Joint Diving Officer (JDO) course at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center to become EOD officer trainees (designator 1190).

New officers with enlisted diving NECs (M1DV, M2DV, B16A, B17A, L27A, L28A) must first complete the JDO course at Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal, followed by advanced training, before becoming EOD officer trainees (designator 1190).

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be on active duty in the U.S. Navy or Navy Reserve, which includes Full-Time Support, Selected Reserve, and Navy Reservists on active duty (active duty for special work, canvasser recruiter, etc.).

Those who are on active duty for training, including annual training and initial active duty for training, are not eligible.

Applicants must not have been found guilty by a court-martial or a civilian court of a felony, been punished under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice or been found guilty by a civilian court of a misdemeanor (except for minor traffic violations) in the three years before they apply to STA-21.

Any drug use that can be proven while a person is in the military will get them kicked out.

Indoctrination Process

Before going to college full time, STA-21 students must take an 8-week course at the Naval Science Institute in Newport, Rhode Island, to learn the required officer professional core competencies.

They will also take two leadership courses in naval science and are strongly encouraged to take on leadership roles within their NROTC unit.

Participants in STA-21 will be made officers in the U.S. Navy when they finish their bachelor’s degree programs.

Service Obligation

Sailors ranked E-4 or lower are promoted to E-5 upon entering STA-21 as officer candidates. Those already E-5 or higher keep their rank. Promotions remain possible while in the program.

STA-21 EOD warfare option candidates commission as Ensigns (1190) and must serve five years of active duty.

Candidates removed from the program must follow the guidelines in OPNAVINST 1420.1B.

EOD Warfare Option Benefits

Participants will keep getting their full enlisted pay and allowances, and they will still be able to get promoted.

Each participant will get a $10,000 education voucher every year, which will be paid directly to the school they attend.

This voucher will only pay for classes, fees, and books. The school will send any extra money for vouchers to NSTC, which oversees running the program.

Any needs that go beyond the $10,000 voucher will be paid for by the participants. Students in STA-21 are not eligible for tuition assistance from the Navy’s Tuition Program.

However, they can use Montgomery GI Bill funds and the other Veterans Affairs educational benefits listed in section 3681(b) of Title 38 U.S. Code if the payments are for different courses and not for the same course.

STA-21 Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Option

This section details all the STA-21 Naval Special Warfare (SEAL) option qualifications and requirements. These requirements are current as of September 2020, per the Navy Personnel Command. No updates have been issued so far.

Naval Special Warfare Option Requirements

Citizenship	Applicants must be citizens of the United States.
Age	Those who want to join must be at least 19 years old and not older than 42 when they are commissioned.
Education	There are no specific requirements for the degree. Applicants are, however, strongly urged to get technical degrees.
Physical	In line with the Manual of the Medical Department, Chapter 15, and as described in Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction into the Military Services, DoD Instruction 6130.03, 6 May 2018. Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED M34) must review the Report of Medical Exam, DD 2808, and Report of Medical History, DD 2807. This is besides the other medical requirements. BUMED M34 will decide if the person is medically eligible during this review. If the person is eligible, a letter will be sent to the originator saying that they are physically fit for “special operations and diving” duty.
Aptitude	Applicants must show their scores on the SAT or ACT. The minimum combined math and verbal SAT score is 1000 (not less than 500 math or 500 verbal), or the minimum combined math and English ACT score is 41. (Not less than 21 Math or 20 English).
Disciplinary	Besides being kicked out for academic reasons, candidates can be expelled for disciplinary problems (such as drug use, civil convictions, etc.) if the NSTC Deputy Commander for NROTC Operations tells the DCNO N1 to do so.

Additional Education Requirements

Individuals who are chosen for STA-21 must take calculus and calculus-based physics for at least two semesters or three quarters and get a “C” or better in both classes.

For the STA-21 requirement to be met, calculus and physics classes taken at a school other than the host school must be transferable to the host school.

All STA-21 participants must complete requirements for a baccalaureate degree in 36 months.

On a scale of 4.0, participants must keep a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5.

Enrollees will go to colleges or universities that are part of the Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NROTC) and be full-time students all year (including summer sessions).

Participants in STA-21 must stay at the university where they first enrolled. They will not be allowed to switch to a different university.

Additional Program Requirements

Only Active Component sailors can apply. Reserve Component members are not eligible.

For Designator 1180, applicants must have NEC O26A or O23A and must not have started their Leading Petty Officer (LPO) milestone. Waivers go to the NSW Enlisted Community Manager (BUPERS-324) and must be approved by the NSW Program Management Office (OPNAV N137).

The SEAL Officer Selection Panel selects STA-21 candidates for SEAL officer training. Applicants should email SEAL_OCM@navy.mil for details on required application materials.

NSTC forwards all SEAL officer applications to the SEAL Officer Community Manager (SEAL OCM). The SEAL Officer Selection Panel reviews and ranks applicants, then sends NSTC a list of recommended candidates for final selection.

Waivers

In rare situations where an applicant does not meet all the requirements, a waiver may be given.

If the person is found to have a condition that makes them ineligible, BUMED M3B3 will make a recommendation for or against a waiver of the physical standards.

Who Can Apply

Those who want to apply must be on active duty in the U.S. Navy.

Applicants who are on active duty for training, including annual training and initial active duty for training, are not eligible.

Any drug use that can be proven while a person is in the military will get them kicked out.

Indoctrination Process

Before going to college full time, STA-21 students must take an 8-week course at the Naval Science Institute in Newport, Rhode Island, to learn the required officer professional core competencies.

STA-21 officer candidates will take part in drills with their NROTC unit while they are attending their chosen NROTC-affiliated college or university.

They will also take two naval science leadership courses and are strongly encouraged to take on leadership roles within the unit.

Participants in STA-21 will be made officers in the U.S. Navy when they finish their bachelor’s degree programs.

Officers will be sent to Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command (NSWBTC) after they get their commissions.

There, they will take the Junior Officer Training Course and SEAL Qualification Training.

Service Obligation

Sailors ranked E-4 or lower are promoted to E-5 upon entering STA-21 as officer candidates. Those already E-5 or higher keep their rank. Promotions remain possible while in the program.

STA-21 SEAL option candidates commission as Ensigns (1180) and commit to a six-year service obligation from the date they sign up.

After completing SEAL Qualification Training and becoming SEAL officers (1130), they must serve four years on active duty. The remaining service, up to eight years total, can be completed in the Ready Reserve.

Dropping out before commissioning requires five years of enlisted service or the remainder of their enlistment—whichever is longer. Candidates who finish their degree but aren’t commissioned must serve five years enlisted from their dropout date.

SEAL officer candidates who don’t meet program requirements but want to pursue another unrestricted line officer position can discuss transitioning to the STA-21 Core Program with NSTC OD, subject to SEAL program rules.

Naval Special Warfare Option Benefits

Participants will keep getting their full enlisted pay and allowances, and they will still be eligible for promotions based on their paygrade while they are taking part.

Each participant will get a $10,000 education voucher every year, which will be paid directly to the school they attend.

Only tuition, fees, and book costs will be paid for with this voucher. The school will send any extra money for vouchers to NSTC, which oversees running the program.

Any needs that go beyond the $10,000 voucher will be paid for by the participants. Students in STA-21 are not eligible for tuition assistance from the Navy’s tuition program.

However, they can use Montgomery GI Bill funds and the other Veterans Affairs educational benefits listed in Title 38 U.S. Code section 3681(b) if the payments are for different courses and not for the same course.

Those who chose the special warfare option should contact the NSW OCM to find out if they are eligible for special pay.

Keeping certain skills and qualifications up to date makes people safer and saves money compared to having to retrain them now and then.

STA-21 Nurse Corps (NC) Option

This section details all the STA-21 Nurse Corps option qualifications and requirements. These requirements are current as of May 2019, per the Navy Personnel Command. No updates have been issued so far.

Nurse Corps Option Requirements

Citizenship	Applicants must be citizens of the United States.
Age	Those who want to join must be commissioned before they turn 42.
Education	The applicant must be accepted by the university to which he or she is applying and have at least 30 semester credit hours or 45 quarter credit hours in nursing courses that are required for undergraduates. Credit hours can come from traditional classroom courses, college-level entry programs, online or distance learning programs, or military training, if the school to which the application is sent accepts the non-traditional credits.
Physical	In line with the Manual of the Medical Department, Chapter 15, and as described in Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction into the Military Services, DoD Instruction 6130.03 of May 6, 2018.
Aptitude	Applicants must show their scores on the SAT or ACT. Minimum SAT score is 1000 (500 in math and 500 in English), or a combined math and English ACT score of 41. (Not less than 21 Math and 20 English).
Disciplinary	Besides being kicked out for academic reasons, candidates can be expelled for disciplinary problems (such as drug use, civil convictions, etc.) if the NSTC Deputy Commander for NROTC Operations tells the DCNO N1 to do so.

Additional Education Requirements

STA-21 Nursing Corps (NC) option participants must attend an NROTC-affiliated college or university with an ACEN– or CCNE-accredited nursing program leading to a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

They must be full-time, year-round students, including summer sessions, and cannot transfer to another university after enrollment.

Unlike STA-21 Core, NC participants are not required to complete two semesters of calculus or calculus-based physics. However, they must complete all math and science courses required by their nursing program.

The degree must be completed within 36 months of enrollment. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is required.

Non-required co-op or work-study programs that delay graduation are not allowed.

Selected students cannot delay graduation, pause coursework, change majors, join an exchange program, or transfer schools without NSTC approval. Failure to get approval may result in disenrollment.

Nursing Licensure Requirements

NC officers must obtain and maintain an unrestricted registered nurse license from a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia, based on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

Commissioning can happen before passing the NCLEX, but the exam must be taken as soon as possible after graduation.

All costs related to obtaining and maintaining the nursing license are the officer’s responsibility.

Before commissioning, applicants must provide written confirmation that they understand the licensing requirements.

Who Can Apply

Those who want to apply must be on active duty or full-time support in the U.S. Navy. For special work orders, members of the reserve who are chosen must be on active duty.

Navy Reservists who are on active duty for training, such as annual training or training, while they are not on active duty. Personnel who are on inactive duty for training are not eligible.

Applicants must not have been found guilty by a court martial or a civilian court of a felony, been punished under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice or been found guilty by a civilian court of a misdemeanor (except for minor traffic violations) in the 3 years before they apply to STA-21.

Any drug use that can be proven while a person is in the military will get them kicked out.

A person who has drugs or alcohol addiction, abuses drugs or alcohol, or whose use of drugs or alcohol before joining the service shows a tendency to continue abuse in the service, or has a record of trafficking offenses, is not eligible.

Indoctrination Process

Before going to college full time, STA-21 students must spend 8 weeks at the Naval Science Institute at the Officer Training Command in Newport, Rhode Island, to finish the required officer professional core competencies.

STA-21 officer candidates will take part in drills with their NROTC unit while they are attending their chosen NROTC-affiliated college or university.

They will also take two naval science leadership courses and are strongly encouraged to take on leadership roles within the unit.

Participants in STA-21 will be made officers in the U.S. Navy when they finish their bachelor’s degree programs.

Service Obligation

Sailors ranked E-4 or lower are promoted to E-5 upon entering STA-21 as officer candidates. Promotions remain possible while in the program.

STA-21 Nursing Corps (NC) candidates commission as Ensigns (2900) in the U.S. Navy’s staff corps.

Selection requires a six-year service commitment from the date of acceptance. Reenlisting for this obligation does not qualify for a selective reenlistment bonus.

After commissioning, officers serve five years on active duty.

Dropping out before commissioning requires five years of enlisted service or the remainder of their enlistment—whichever is longer. Those who complete their degree but don’t commission must also serve five years enlisted from their dropout date.

NC option candidates who don’t meet program requirements but want to pursue an unrestricted line officer position can discuss transitioning to the STA-21 Core Program with the Nurse Corps Officer Community Manager (OCM).

This is subject to NC program rules, and all degree requirements must still be completed within 36 months.

Additional service may be required due to specialized training after commissioning.

Nurse Corps Option Benefits

Participants will keep getting their full enlisted pay and allowances, and they will still be able to get promoted.

Each participant will get a $10,000 education voucher every year, which will be paid directly to the school they attend.

Only tuition, fees, and book costs will be paid for with this voucher. The school will send any extra money for vouchers to NSTC, which oversees running the program.

Any needs that go beyond the $10,000 voucher will be paid for by the participants. Students in STA-21 are not eligible for tuition assistance from the Navy’s tuition program.

STA-21 Information Professional (IP) Option

This section details all the STA-21 Information Professional option qualifications and requirements. These requirements are current as of October 2022, per the Navy Personnel Command. No updates have been issued so far.

Information Professional Option Requirements

Citizenship	Applicants must be citizens of the United States. This cannot be waived.
Age	At the time of commissioning, candidates must be at least 18 years old and not older than 42. Waivers after age 35 will not be considered.
Education	Applicants must have a background in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Examples of such fields of study include information technology, information management, computer science, computer network administration, information assurance, information security, electronics engineering technology, and computer/software programming. Participants in the STA-21 IP option must complete a minimum of two semesters of Calculus and two semesters of calculus-based physics with a grade of “C” or better. Calculus and physics courses taken at institutions other than the host university must be transferable to the host institution in order to fulfill the STA-21 requirement. On a 4.0 scale, participants must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better. STA-21 IP option officer candidates who do not meet program requirements but wish to be considered for Unrestricted Line Officer opportunities should contact the IP Officer community manager for information on conversion to the STA-21 core program subject to the IP Program requirements.
Physical	Must meet the physical requirements set out in Chapter 15 of the Manual of the Medical Department. At the time of application and at the time of commissioning, applicants must meet the weight and/or percentage of body fat standards.
Security Clearance	For access to sensitive compartmented material, applicants must fulfill the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 704 eligibility criteria. If accepted, candidates must complete and submit an SF-86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions) showing their eligibility for a top secret/sensitive compartmented information clearance. Prior to final selection, the applicant must pass an initial suitability screening with the Fleet Cyber Command security directorate. Contact information is available at 850-452-6868. Waivers will not be entertained.
Gender	Applications open to men and women.
Time in Service	Maximum of 72 months enlisted service. Waivers will not be entertained. According to Title 10 U.S. Code section 8328, months of active service in pursuit of a baccalaureate level degree under the STA-21 program will be excluded in computing the years of service of an officer appointed to the grade of ensign in the Navy upon completion of the program to determine the officer’s eligibility for retirement, unless the officer is subject to involuntary separation or retirement due to physical disability. Such active service will be counted in determining the officer’s years of active duty for all other reasons.

Additional Education Requirements

Participants in the STA-21 IP Option must pass at least two semesters of Calculus and two semesters of Calculus-based Physics with a “C” or better.

For the STA-21 requirement to be met, calculus and physics classes taken at a school other than the host school must be transferable to the host school.

On a 4.0 scale, participants must keep a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.8.

The OPNAVINST 1420.1 series says that applicants must keep their educational eligibility.

Failure to Meet Requirements

Candidates for STA-21 IP Option officer positions who do not meet the program requirements but still want to be considered for Unrestricted Line officer positions can talk to the IP Officer Community Manager about converting to the STA-21 Core program if they meet the IP Program requirements.

Who Can Apply

Enlisted sailors must be on active duty, such as Full Time Support (FTS) or Selected Reserve (SELRES) on extended orders (ex. Active Duty for Special Work, mobilization, recall, canvasser recruiter).

Navy Reservists who are on active duty for training, including annual training (AT) and inactive duty for training (IDT), are not eligible.

Any drug use that can be proven while a person is in the military will get them kicked out.

Indoctrination Process

Before starting full-time college, STA-21 participants must attend the eight-week Naval Science Institute (NSI) at OTC Newport, RI, to complete required officer professional core competencies.

STA-21 officer candidates will take part in drills with their NROTC unit while they are attending their chosen NROTC-affiliated college or university.

They will also take two Naval Science leadership courses and are strongly encouraged to take on leadership roles within their unit.

Participants in STA-21 will be made officers in the U.S. Navy when they finish their bachelor’s degree programs.

Service Obligation

After graduating from college or university, those who succeed will be appointed as Ensign, USN, Restricted Line, Information Professional Officer, Designator 1820.

STA-21 IP Option officers will have to do five years of active duty after they are commissioned.

Candidates who are kicked out of the program will have to meet the requirements in the OPNAVINST 1420.1 series.

Information Professional Option Benefits

Those who are selected will still get their full enlisted pay and allowances and can still be promoted while they are in the program.

Each participant will receive a $10,000 education voucher each year, which will be paid to the school they attend.

This voucher will only pay for tuition, fees, and book costs. Any extra voucher money will be sent to the program manager, NSTC, by the school.

Those who are chosen will pay for anything that costs more than the $10,000 voucher. Students in STA-21 are not eligible for tuition assistance from the Navy’s Tuition Program.

However, they can use Montgomery GI Bill funds and the other VA educational benefits listed in section 3681(b) of title 38, U.S.C., if the money is used to pay for different courses and not for the same course.

Upon Selection to STA-21 Program

Every year in the fall, people will be chosen for the STA-21 Program.

STA-21 Program participants will be told several months before the date they will start the program the following year. NSTC will decide when to send reports to NSI.

Naval Science Institute

The Naval Science Institute (NSI) trains STA-21 officer candidates in key Naval officer fundamentals.

The eight-week program at Officer Training Command Newport (OTC-N) in Rhode Island covers navigation, engineering, weapons systems, military history, law, and more.

NSI is designed specifically for experienced enlisted sailors, building on their skills to prepare them for leadership as officers.

All STA-21 selectees must complete NSI before starting their university programs.

College

After completing NSI successfully, STA-21 officer candidates will go to an NROTC-affiliated college or university for the summer term to work on their college degrees.

Placement

Each STA-21 applicant can list up to three preferred schools during the application process. Once accepted, NSTC assigns them to a school based on factors like available NROTC unit spots and program requirements.

Nurse Option: Applicants can only attend NROTC-affiliated universities with NSTC-approved nursing programs. These schools are marked with “RN” on the NSTC NROTC Colleges and Universities web page.

Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) Option: Selectees must complete an ABET-accredited engineering degree or an NAAB-accredited architecture degree at an NROTC-affiliated university.

List of Colleges

There are currently only 23 schools that Sailors who are in the STA-21 Nuclear Option can go to. Here’s a list of these schools.

University of Arizona
Auburn University
The Citadel
Columbia University
University of Idaho
University of Illinois
Iowa State University
University of Kansas
University of Minnesota
University of Missouri
University of New Mexico
North Carolina State University
Old Dominion University
Oregon State University
Pennsylvania State University
Purdue University
Southern University and A&M College
SUNY Maritime College
University of South Carolina
University of Texas
University of Utah
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin

Participants in the STA-21 Nurse Option, CEC Option, or Nuclear Option can only go to colleges or universities on the list of approved institutions. No exceptions will be made to this rule.

Visit the NSTC NROTC Colleges and Universities page at https://www.netc.navy.mil/NSTC/NROTC/Navy-ROTC-Schools/ for a full list of all universities that are part of the NROTC.

What to Study

Participants are strongly encouraged to get technical degrees, but they can study whatever they want as their major.

Certain STA-21 program options require a certain degree (Nuclear, Nurse, CEC, etc).

But, except for the Nurse Corps Option, all STA-21 officer candidates must pass two semesters of calculus and calculus-based physics before they can graduate, no matter what their major is.

All STA-21 officer candidates must take part in all NROTC Unit activities while they are in college, except for summer cruises and activities and the parts of the Naval Science course that are not covered during NSI.

Academic Calendars

STA-21 students must attend school full-time year-round and complete their degree within 36 months.

They are not required to participate in summer cruises or other NROTC midshipmen activities.

Enrollment is mandatory for every semester, quarter, trimester, or minimester the university offers.

Start dates vary. Many selectees begin in the summer, while others—like Nurse Option candidates—typically start in the fall.

Commissioning

The officer candidate will become an Ensign in the United States Navy after getting a college degree and graduating from his or her university.

After graduating from college, newly commissioned Ensigns are sent to their officer community’s basic training.