United States Navy Enlistment Eligibility

Basic Requirements for Navy Enlistment

August 3rd, 2008

People wanting to enlist in the United States Navy must meet specific eligibility requirements to be considered qualified. The following information is segmented into the various types of things that are required, and each of those paragraphs have links to the specific pages that may answer your questions – also try the search function, as there are a few hundred pages of information regarding enlistment eligibility available, not to mention the 1000′s of informative comments. Please ask any questions you may have from the most appropriate page, or use the contact form to communicate via email (here). Thank you!

So, first lets talk about how old you have to be to join the Navy. The days of being 15 years old and lying about your age to get in are long gone. You have to be at least 17 years of age (17 with parents signed permission that is) and not older than 34 (if you have reached your 35th birthday, your ship has sailed as it were) for service in the active Navy, you can be anywhere from 18-39 years of age for service in the Navy Reserve. If you want to be a Sailor in the Full Time Support, New Accession Training and National Call to Service programs you can be anywhere from 17-39 years old (again, 17 yr olds must have parents written permission, unless you’ve been emancipated…).

Update as of April 13, 2011: 17 year old applicants may enlist into the Delayed Entry Program but may not ship prior to their 18th birthday, unless their 18th birthday will occur no later than 60 days from date of shipping. All other notes regarding enlistment of 17 year old applicants still apply.

You need to be a United States citizen, permanent resident alien, or U.S. non-citizen national and possess a Social Security Card. You can’t join if we can’t tax ya! (Detailed citizenship requirements)

Must be a High School Diploma Graduate (DoD Tier I) and score at least a 35QT the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). If you don’t have an approved high school diploma, a Tier II credential like the GED, you must score a minimum ASVAB score of 50 – the seats available for Tier II are very limited. English doesn’t have to be your first language, but you must be proficient in reading, speaking, writing, and understanding English to enlist.

You can have no more than one dependent although dependency waivers may be granted if you have more dependents if you can prove that you are a financially responsible human being. Note: If you’re single you must not have physical custody of a dependent if you are processing for enlistment in the active Navy.

Whether you are enlisting or seeking a commission, you must pass a physical examination. This isn’t your every day physical and it must be completed by a doctor at the Military Entrance Processing Station (good ol’ MEPS). You must be within the Navy height and weight standards. The physical not only checks your current status but reviews your past medical history as some ailments can cause long term issues that you may not feel any effects from today. Some disqualifying medical conditions can be waivered and some are normally disqualifying altogether.

You can not be under civil restraint to include, but not limited to, probation or incarceration nor have a pattern of minor convictions or any non-minor misdemeanor or felony convictions; although, Waivers may be granted depending on number and severity – your personal conduct and accomplishments are just a couple of the factors used to determine your waiver (remember: if you get to the point where a waiver interview will be conducted, be respectful and polite!). Special circumstances for domestic violence charges and convictions.

You can not be a substance abuser to include prescription drugs, alcohol, and/or illegal drugs. The Navy has a zero tolerance when it comes to drug usage, it is a ONE strike and you’re OUT.

A 6 minute video that describes a regular visit to MEPS – your individual experience may vary depending on the need for medical consultations and the processing of any waivers that may be required.

Keep in mind this post is very general and is intended to give you a basic overview of enlistment requirements. Make sure you discuss any and all information with your Recruiter and ensure ultimately the information is documented in your enlistment application.

Related posts:

  1. New Education Requirements
  2. Military Education Requirements
  3. Moral Waivers for Enlistment
  4. Latest Navy Eligibility Changes

Read Comments (1,099)

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1,099 Responses to “Basic Requirements for Navy Enlistment”

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  1. NCCM(Ret) says:
    February 17, 2013 at 5:52 pm

    Oscar,

    Because of the drug charge, you can never be in Navy Special Warfare.

  2. Oscar says:
    February 17, 2013 at 6:17 pm

    Even after being in for a while?

  3. harry says:
    February 25, 2013 at 3:09 am

    Hi,

    I am currently awaiting word on a waiver for my vision. I have a correctable acuity at 20/30, but I have a mild condition of nystagmus that is non progressive and is actually fading away as I age. My recruiter says eye waivers are are common and easy to obtain but I’m looking for reassurance. I am 5’10 190 kpounds at 6% body fat so I’m pretty athletic so I don’t see any reason for a denial I’m a condition the does not deem. Me ineffective.

  4. harry says:
    February 25, 2013 at 3:12 am

    In a condition that does not deem me ineffective*

    Sorry for typing errors*

  5. NCCM(Ret) says:
    February 25, 2013 at 8:32 am

    Harry,

    I can not give you any reassurance beyond the fact that because the service forwarded the medical waiver, you have a chance — they don’t do that if there is no chance at all.

    You may want to ask NavyDoc on one of the medical waiver pages, he is a MEPS Chief Medical Officer.

  6. Destinie. says:
    March 5, 2013 at 7:08 pm

    Hi,
    I am currently being home schooled with ECOT (Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow). I have been with ECOT since 2011, middle of my Junior year of high school. I have all my credits, but I am finishing up my Ohio Graduation Test, I have Science and Social Studies left. Do you guys accept diplomas from my school?

    Destinie

  7. NCCM(Ret) says:
    March 5, 2013 at 7:13 pm

    Destinie,

    As long as the Distance Education and Training Council recognizes the school, you receive a diploma/certificate from the school, and you are able to score a 50QT or higher on the ASVAB test, you would be eligible.

    http://www.navycs.com/blogs/dod-tier-i

  8. Destinie. says:
    March 5, 2013 at 7:25 pm

    hi,

    when i am looking for a recruiter, what is the difference between Enlisted and Officer. Cause the Enlisted is closer to me

    Destinie

  9. NCCM(Ret) says:
    March 5, 2013 at 8:02 pm

    Destinie,

    The enlisted recruiter is the one you seek.

  10. Shai says:
    March 7, 2013 at 9:42 am

    How long does it usually take for a DD form 368 to get approved? I mailed it mid January.

  11. NCCM(Ret) says:
    March 7, 2013 at 12:21 pm

    Shai,

    To whom did you mail it?

  12. Shai says:
    March 7, 2013 at 11:13 pm

    I mailed it to PERs 913

  13. Roy N says:
    March 9, 2013 at 8:35 pm

    I enlisted in the reserves but I haven’t gone to basic yet and I wanted to find out if I can still switch to active when I get to basic? I heard you can switch once you arrive at basic, how true is that?

  14. NCCM(Ret) says:
    March 10, 2013 at 6:15 am

    Roy,

    It would be a very rare occurrence to have your component changed while at boot-camp. I would not count on it happening.

  15. NCCM(Ret) says:
    March 10, 2013 at 6:26 am

    Shai,

    I have seen it take anywhere from 30 to 60 days for the IRR 368 to be returned. It shouldn’t be much longer. (Sorry for the delay in answering — just started a weeks vacation in Florida :))

  16. Roy N says:
    March 10, 2013 at 11:04 am

    I’m just weighing my options but what can I do to switch from reserves to active before going to basic?

  17. Nick says:
    March 14, 2013 at 10:02 pm

    NCCM,
    I am a 29 yr old non custodial parent of two young boys. I have a court order for child support that is directly deducted out of my pay at my current job. I am looking to enlist as a HM with hopes to be attached to marine unit. I have been arrested once when i was 22 for a criminal trespass charge that was dismissed at the magistrate level and very minimal run-ins with law enforcement. I do have subpar credit history. I have served my community as a volunteer firefighter for over ten years and been an EMT for nearly 8 years. I also am currently a little above the height and weight standards but began working towards my goal of enlisting. I have no medical history to my knowledge. In your opinion will I have any trouble enlisting for this career in the Navy? Is an HM in high demand at this current time?

  18. NCCM(Ret) says:
    March 15, 2013 at 5:26 am

    Nick,

    If your debt to income ratio is not out of bounds, I would suspect that a waiver for enlistment is likely. The HM rating is one of the highly sought after ratings in the Navy, and when seats do open up, the get filled fast — your chances of getting into the rating are just as good as the next person’s — your criminal trespass charge should have no negative effect on your chances of getting the rating — it will be all about availability based on what you are telling me.

  19. Jerrilyn says:
    March 25, 2013 at 2:59 am

    Hi! I graduated high school and I’ve taken up 1 year of BS Biology in the Philippines. I’m 17 years old and I’m a US citizen. I plan to enlist as a hospital corpsman, so I’ll be leaving for the US soon. And I was wondering if there are any other requirements I should show a recruiter besides those indicated on navy.com/joining/getting-started.html. Thank you!

  20. NCCM(Ret) says:
    March 25, 2013 at 6:59 am

    Jerrilyn,

    Those documents will do it. The character references are not required (an actual written reference), but you will need to list folks to get references from.

  21. channing says:
    March 28, 2013 at 9:00 pm

    Hi my name is channing, im 27 and I would like to be in the navy. I am a nursing student and would like to do so as a job in the navy. I have a GED and a minor criminal history. Ive had 8 to 9 bad checks that were mine but all have been paid off and were misdemeanors. Also theses were over 9 yrs old. My question is can I still enlist.

  22. NCCM(Ret) says:
    March 28, 2013 at 11:21 pm

    Channing,

    The most Non-traffic offenses you can have over your lifetime and still receive any level of waiver consideration is seven — with eight or nine, you are not eligible.
    http://www.navycs.com/blogs/2010/05/23/moral-waivers-for-enlistment

  23. lillie says:
    April 5, 2013 at 3:13 pm

    Hi my name is lillie, im 5’1 and 175 pounds…I’m in college at. the moment getting my medical assistant diploma…and i do have my ged…no criminal history at all…do i have to b in my bmi range. becaus.e i know i may have to loose a couple of pounds event tho I’m not fat.

  24. NCCM(Ret) says:
    April 5, 2013 at 3:15 pm

    Lillie,

    To join, you would have to meet the height-weight requirements. There is a link to the weight chart in the sidebar of this blog.

  25. lillie says:
    April 5, 2013 at 3:16 pm

    I’m also graduating in June with a 3.8 gpa

  26. lillie says:
    April 5, 2013 at 3:20 pm

    Wow so i have to loose 30 pounds

  27. Felix says:
    April 5, 2013 at 3:25 pm

    I’m in the same boat Lillie! I’m 5’8 228 lbs. Not fat at all, built like a football player, but I need to drop like 15 to 20lbs.

  28. Thomas says:
    April 5, 2013 at 10:18 pm

    @ NCCM – Hello, I am looming to enlist into the Navy. I am almost 26, tomorrow actually, and I am hoping to go for the rate of MA. The questions I have are, 1) What is the likely hood and typical availability of the Master at Arms rate? 2) I was told the new fiscal year starts in October and this is when a lot of positions open up, is this true? 3) Finally I wanted to know if I would be disqualified for owing back federal taxes to the IRS, so long as I am working with them to pay it off? I thank you in advance for any help or advice you can lend.

  29. NCCM(Ret) says:
    April 6, 2013 at 10:55 am

    Thomas,

    October is the beginning of the new fiscal year, but has not as much to do with job availability as you may think. Every week is a new “shipping cycle”, and each one has its own boot-camp and associated “A” school seats with it, so essentially, every week new opportunity can open. The MA rating is like every other, it depends — all ratings have openings at some time during the year, and MA is a large rate which means it would be open more than some others.

    Any debt could affect your ability to gain a clearance; whether or not your debt is large enough to make a difference, only the job classifier at MEPS could tell you for sure.

  30. Thomas says:
    April 6, 2013 at 11:04 am

    @ NCCM – Thank you for the info. I guess i will work with the recruiters as well as those at MEPs and see how things go. Thanks again.

  31. Asia says:
    April 6, 2013 at 2:56 pm

    In November of last year I was booked and spent almost two days in jail but all charges were dropped and I never saw a judge or had been sentenced. Will that effect me enlisting?

  32. NCCM(Ret) says:
    April 6, 2013 at 3:22 pm

    Asia,

    If you were booked, charges were brought — the court record that shows the charge, proceeding and disposition will have to be reviewed to determine if a waiver is required.

  33. Asia says:
    April 6, 2013 at 3:30 pm

    It was “theft” but all charges were dropped and they released me. I never saw a judge or had any other charges. They told me because I had no record I was free to go and if I stayed out of trouble until this November it would be expunged

  34. NCCM(Ret) says:
    April 6, 2013 at 4:03 pm

    Asia,

    Then you require a waiver for theft. Stay out of trouble until November is a condition which means you were adversely adjudicated. Whether or not a charge is expunged is irrelevant.

  35. Jasmine says:
    April 8, 2013 at 3:20 am

    Hello my name is jasmine i’m 16 years of age. What open fields are there for me? I have a heart problem it is called Tretalogy of Fallot I’m starting to exercise so I won’t get as tired , and im working out . Will I still be able to enter the Navy with a heart problem? Im nearly done graduating highschool i have straight A’s and a year ahead i plan on joining at the age of 17. i also read that i can study like college classes while in navy is that so? Please respond it will mean so much to me thank you so much.

  36. NCCM(Ret) says:
    April 8, 2013 at 7:21 am

    Jasmine,

    You will not be able to enlist with a heart condition. I wish I had better news for you.

  37. Twitch says:
    April 9, 2013 at 5:15 pm

    Hi, I pleaded no contest on a sex offense. I passed all physcosexual exams and polygraphs. I spent 352 days in custody and want to know if I would have a chance to get a waiver?

  38. NCCM(Ret) says:
    April 9, 2013 at 7:38 pm

    Twitch,

    You receive an automatic, permanent disqualification if you have been convicted of rape, sexual abuse, sexual assault, incest, carnal knowledge, forcible sodomy, sodomy of a minor, prostitution involving a minor, indecent assault, assault with intent to commit rape, assault with intent to commit sodomy, indecent act with a minor, indecent language with a minor, kidnapping of a minor (by a person not a parent), pornography involving a minor, attempt to commit any of the foregoing, conspiracy to commit any of the foregoing, any other sexual offense, or solicitation to commit any of the foregoing, or if you are required by any state or federal court, statute, or administrative regulation, to register as a sex offender — no waivers are authorized. http://www.navycs.com/blogs/2010/05/23/moral-waivers-for-enlistment

  39. Zachary says:
    April 12, 2013 at 8:49 am

    Hello,
    I am a recent college graduate (BS in Health Science). I graduated with a 3.4+ gpa. I am a good student with good morals, but last year I was charged with a DUI. The limit in Maine is .08 (I’m not making excuses)it was stupid mistake that I will never make again, I don’t want that mistake to define me or cancel out my dream of becoming a Naval Officer. Will I still be able to apply for Officer Candidate School? It has been a year since my DUI, I have finished all of my requirements and paid my fines. I have held a full-time job in a local eye doctor’s office and am a very responsible person. Any information you can forward to me will be helpful! Thank you very much. Zachary

  40. NCCM(Ret) says:
    April 12, 2013 at 8:59 am

    Zachary,

    Having a prior DUI would exclude you from the Navy’s medical field — you would need to contact your local Officer Recruiter to find out if they are currently accepting applicants with previous DUIs for other designators.

  41. Ricky P says:
    April 15, 2013 at 12:44 pm

    I have talked to my parents about enlisting into the navy they said after my 17th birthday i will turn 17 in june but i want to finnish off my senior year. how? would i get started

  42. NCCM(Ret) says:
    April 15, 2013 at 1:06 pm

    Ricky P.,

    Once you turn 17 years of age and you are officially a high school senior (once the current seniors at your school graduate), you can join the Navy’s Delayed Entry Program with your parent’s consent. You cannot leave for boot-camp until you graduate high school, and you must also be within 60 days of your 18th birthday when you leave. I recommend that you contact your local recruiter today to make an appointment — there is a lot of paperwork involved, and he/she can at least get you started getting that stuff together. Good luck!

  43. jalissa. says:
    April 17, 2013 at 3:45 pm

    Read the requirements but i didn’t see anything about tattoos

  44. NCCM(Ret) says:
    April 17, 2013 at 3:59 pm

    Jalissa,

    Tattoos are covered on this page –>> http://www.navycs.com/blogs/2008/12/11/brands-tattoos-body-art

  45. Justin says:
    April 19, 2013 at 12:28 pm

    Hi, it’s been a while since I have been on here but the last time I was you informed me that with my re code which is re3e and my seperation was for a panic disorder I was Disqualified. As of yesterday meps has approved me to go take a full physical and psych evaluation. Now do you have any idea what i should expect for the evaluation? And if approved does that mean I will be able to get back in or does it have to go through more channels? Thank you.

  46. NCCM(Ret) says:
    April 19, 2013 at 1:03 pm

    Justin,

    That means that the Navy medical department at Navy Recruiting Command is willing to consider your medical waiver. Once you have completed the physical and consult, those results will go to Navy Recruiting Command (medical department) for a medical waiver (due to your medical discharge for the panic disorder), if the medical waiver is approved, the you will be considered for the RE-code waiver (for medical discharges, if cleared by medical, it is normally approved as long as there are not additional extenuating circumstances like you got arrested after you were discharged — that sort of thing). RE-code waivers are also completed by Navy Recruiting Command — they are not done at your local district.

    I have no idea what they will ask you during the consult.

  47. Justin says:
    April 19, 2013 at 1:11 pm

    Do you think it has a good chance of approval? Since I have been out I have been in college and am currently a volunteer firefighter with no violations on my record.

  48. NCCM(Ret) says:
    April 19, 2013 at 2:27 pm

    Justin,

    It is usually a pretty good sign when Navy’s medical tells MEPS to go ahead and start the process — it does not assure approval by any means, but it is a good sign.

  49. Marco says:
    April 21, 2013 at 1:26 am

    Hi, I am 36 years old and always my dream is be part of the navy. I need some advice about my options inside the navy, what type of careers are available for me, my experience and studies count for a better position, etc etc. thanks for all. Marco

  50. NCCM(Ret) says:
    April 21, 2013 at 6:41 am

    Marco,

    Unless you have prior military service, you are too old for the active duty Navy. I recommend that you seek out your local Navy Reserve recruiter to see what opportunities are available with the qualifications that you have.

  51. Judd says:
    May 5, 2013 at 3:06 am

    I was in a few car accidents within a couple months (wasn’t the driver, bad luck) and was prescribed oxycodones for my pain, will being prescribed them in my past disqualify me from joining as long as I didn’t abuse them and no longer even taking them after feeling better?

  52. NCCM(Ret) says:
    May 5, 2013 at 6:25 am

    Judd,

    All of the medical records that lead to the prescription must be submitted to the MEPS for review. Using prescribed medication (except for marijuana) is not the issue, the reason for the prescription is the issue that must be considered.

  53. Kj [Last name redacted for privacy] says:
    May 6, 2013 at 5:01 pm

    Whats the restrictions on tattoos

  54. NCCM(Ret) says:
    May 6, 2013 at 5:14 pm

    KJ,

    You can find all the information concerning tattoos here –>> http://www.navycs.com/blogs/2008/12/11/brands-tattoos-body-art

  55. Dan says:
    May 20, 2013 at 2:39 pm

    I am currently 34. I served 4 years active duty and 3 years reserve. I was wondering if it was still possible to reenlist and if so, at what age is the cut off? I heard that active service offsets the age requirement? Also, would I be able to keep my rank of E-5? I have some weight to lose so that is why I was wondering about the time limit.

  56. NCCM(Ret) says:
    May 20, 2013 at 8:41 pm

    Dan,

    Each year of time you served on active duty offsets your age, so it is like you are 30 right now for reenlist net purposes. If you have been off active duty for more than 5 years, it is highly unlikely that you will keep the rank you left with. Any rank earned while in the reserve won’t carry over. The rating ECM you attempt to reenlist into (if there are billets available when you attempt to come back) must approve your reenlist meant and the rank you come in at.

  57. Shai says:
    May 20, 2013 at 11:47 pm

    Hello, I am waiting on my dd form 368(which was sent the first week of January)to come back so that I can re-join the navy. But I talked to a recruiter on the Navy website and they said there would be no reason to fill out the form. Can you tell me the steps in getting back into the Navy active duty and how to find a recruiter who won’t give me the run around. I am very serious about coming back in.

    Thank you

  58. Taneisha says:
    May 22, 2013 at 7:05 pm

    I was just wondering if it was possible to find out where in the Chain of Command a submitted request would be? My recruiter submitted a dd form 368 last month and still no word yet.

  59. NCCM(Ret) says:
    May 22, 2013 at 7:54 pm

    Taneisha,

    Where are you trying to get a release from? If it is from the IRR (Navy) it takes a minimum of a month — your recruiter won’t be able to check where it is, but he can check to see that it was in fact sent to the right folks (at my NRDs, we had a specific person who sent and tracked waivers and such)

  60. Taneisha says:
    May 23, 2013 at 5:40 am

    Yes I’m trying to be released from Navy IRR. He did check and make sure it was sent to the right people before it was submitted. It’s been a little over a month now and I just want to make sure it hasn’t been forgotten or misplaced.

  61. NCCM(Ret) says:
    May 23, 2013 at 5:45 am

    Taneisha,

    Yeah, it seems to take a frustratingly long time. Hang in there!

  62. Taneisha says:
    May 23, 2013 at 6:57 am

    What is the maximum amount of they to give me a response?

  63. NCCM(Ret) says:
    May 23, 2013 at 7:01 am

    Taneisha,

    You should be hearing back within a couple of weeks or so; approval of the conditional release is pretty automatic, so that shouldn’t be a concern. The people who do sign them are not in recruiting command — they don’t have the same sense of urgency we do.

  64. Michael says:
    May 24, 2013 at 2:37 am

    I am a student currently thinking of joining the Navy after a few years of college.
    But the problem is, My vision isn’t 20/20. Last eye exam I got was 60/80. Even if I get corrective lens, would this not have me qualify for the navy?

  65. NCCM(Ret) says:
    May 24, 2013 at 6:02 am

    Michael,

    I assume you mean that you have 20/60 and 20/80 uncorrected vision? Your current distant visual acuity must be able to correct with spectacle lenses to at least one of the following:

    1. 20/40 in one eye and 20/70 in the other eye.
    2. 20/30 in one eye and 20/100 in the other eye.
    3. 20/20 in one eye and 20/400 in the other eye.

    And, your current near visual acuity must correct to at least 20/40 in the better eye.

  66. Taneisha says:
    May 26, 2013 at 8:59 am

    Well my conditional release came back o. Friday but it was disapproved but only because they couldn’t find me in the system. They told my recruiter that it should be ok to proceed and gave him the number to the IRR division to make sure. So I’m hoping that after the holiday I’ll get some good news.

  67. NCCM(Ret) says:
    May 26, 2013 at 9:04 am

    Taneisha,

    I have seen that before, and it turned out well :)

    Good luck, and I hope you are enjoying a great Memorial Day weekend!

  68. aztylis says:
    May 26, 2013 at 11:27 am

    i had few surgeries i mean nothing major cyst on my ovary 16yrs ago and a removal of my uterus 3yrs ago im healthy good conditions sometimes my iron level is a little low but is because i dont eat much and also i have bad credit not crazy bad but just a little bit can all those things disqualified me to join?

  69. NCCM(Ret) says:
    May 26, 2013 at 11:36 am

    Aztylis,

    Along with the custody documents we discussed on another post, you would also need to bring all the medical records pertaining to your surgeries so they too can be submitted for review. Ensure the lab results are included from all things that were removed from the body, including your cyst and uterus. Your bad credit may hinder you, it depends on the number of dependents you have and your ultimate debt to income ratio (your recruiter will help you figure out those numbers when you bring in your court and medical papers).

  70. aztylis says:
    May 26, 2013 at 11:44 am

    ok but the medical records from my surgery to remove my cyst it will be complicated because is been 16 yrs ago and i dont think the hospital from puerto rico where it was done have my record

  71. NCCM(Ret) says:
    May 26, 2013 at 11:49 am

    Aztylis,

    They will have it or they will provide you a letter stating that they do not because they have a policy of destroying the records.

  72. Kyle says:
    May 26, 2013 at 5:13 pm

    Will I be allowed to enlist in the Navy if I am currently taking Cymbalta for High Anxiety?

  73. NCCM(Ret) says:
    May 26, 2013 at 5:19 pm

    Kyle,

    No, but I do not know how long you have to be off the medications in order to enlist — I recommend that you ask NavyDoc; he is a MEPS Chief Medical Officer, and he answers medical questions on this page —>>> http://www.navycs.com/blogs/2008/08/13/medical-not-waiverable

  74. Taneisha says:
    May 30, 2013 at 3:23 pm

    I.just got word back from my recruiter that apparently the Navy reserves has given me a Re code 4. This isn’t accurate and was wondering if I could appeal that to get it overturned?

  75. Joey says:
    May 31, 2013 at 2:07 pm

    NCCM(ret),
    Thank you so much for all of your insight. I read a great deal of your posts and they are all helpful. My situation is that I have a DWI (misdemeanor, and everything is taken care of in terms of fines and probation period) and spent a few years dependent on drugs although I was never arrested for drugs or in trouble at all for drugs. I did not hide any information from my recruiter because I told him every thing I have ever done. I am in great shape and set what the recruiter called a record on the practice ASVAB. (9 minutes and got an 89). I have been completely clean for over 5 years after a stint in rehab. I have fully come to peace with my past and honestly wouldn’t change it for anything because it has made me who I am today. What do you think the chances are I am able to get in and hopefully one day be an officer, (currently I have 104 college credits and am currently enrolled)?

  76. NCCM(Ret) says:
    May 31, 2013 at 5:19 pm

    Joey,

    For enlistment, you would require a medical waiver for the rehab, and then a drug use waiver that would require consideration by the Commander, Navy Recruiting Command. I think your chances of approval for both to enlist are slim — I do not think you will have a chance for an officer program. I do recommend that you follow through with your recruiter; ensure your medical/counseling documents are submitted to the MEPS for review and consideration.

    No matter how everything works out, I am sure you will do well. Keep moving forward, and I wish you luck!

  77. Daniel says:
    June 2, 2013 at 9:04 pm

    Hello NCCM, I have been out for 10 years. Got out with a Re-R1 code, am 32 years old. I was thinking about going in…. what are some hurdles that i would be facing? I was an IT2 when i got out. Thanks.

  78. NCCM(Ret) says:
    June 2, 2013 at 10:48 pm

    Daniel,

    With 10 years of broken service, your chances are not great. Navy Veterans discharged in paygrades E4 through E6 cannot have more than five years broken service without ECM waiver approval. To gain approval, you would need to be able to show documentation of significant Reserve service or civilian equivalent certification — if approved, it is not uncommon to lose a pay grade when there has been so much break.

  79. Daniel says:
    June 3, 2013 at 7:54 am

    Thanks for the reply NCCM. So do you think at this point it would be better to look into the Reserves? And what is an example of civilian equivalent certification?

  80. NCCM(Ret) says:
    June 3, 2013 at 8:02 am

    Daniel,

    I would start at the local recruiting station; yours may handle both active and Reserve — they can tell you which may be the best route for you based on your specifics and real time, up to the second what is happening with NAVETs stuff. For the certification, take IT as an example, if you have been essentially working in rate the whole time you were out doing IT stuff — and it has been/can be documented, the ECM may approve you depending on the needs of the rating.

  81. Daniel says:
    June 3, 2013 at 9:40 am

    Ok will do. I wasn’t working the entire time in IT but I obtained a Bachelor’s in IT and currently work in the field. Thanks for the info.

  82. NCCM(Ret) says:
    June 3, 2013 at 9:46 am

    Daniel,

    Try this, too http://www.navycs.com/officer/informationwarfareofficer.html

  83. Daniel says:
    June 3, 2013 at 10:39 am

    Wow! I think I will pursue that! Thanks! Would a standard recruiter be the first point of contact?

  84. NCCM(Ret) says:
    June 3, 2013 at 10:58 am

    Daniel,

    You need to speak with your local Officer Recruiter — your local Enlisted Recruiter can put you in contact with him/her.

  85. stephen [Last Name Redacted For Privacy] says:
    June 3, 2013 at 1:46 pm

    Can you enlist in the Navy if you are a Leukemis Survivor?

  86. NCCM(Ret) says:
    June 3, 2013 at 2:17 pm

    Stephen,

    Once the applicant has been cancer free for a minimum of five years, their medical records should be submitted to the MEPS for consideration, but not all cancers can receive a waiver — I recommend that you ask NavyDoc, he is a MEPS Chief Medical Officer and would be able to provide you with a more accurate answer than my general statement. Here –>> http://www.navycs.com/blogs/2009/09/17/navy-recruiting-medical-waiver-process

  87. tbernard says:
    June 4, 2013 at 12:36 am

    I was dq’d from the coast guard for oral allergy syndrome, even though my allergy doctor had written in stating that it is nothing serious. I could even eat the fruit I was slightly allergic to, I would just feel slightly irritated in the mouth, and cooked forms of the fruit would not effect me at all. I’m going to give the navy a try, would this be an issue for me to be disqualified from the navy as well?

  88. NCCM(Ret) says:
    June 4, 2013 at 6:13 am

    TBernard,

    In all my years, I never heard of the syndrome — I personally have no experience with the condition you describe; however, NavyDoc may — he is a Chief Medical Officer for a MEPS, and he routinely answers questions posted to this page –>> http://www.navycs.com/blogs/2008/08/14/medical-waiver-authorized I recommend asking the question there because I do not know your answer.

  89. tbernard says:
    June 4, 2013 at 8:17 am

    Thanks, I personally feel like the Coast Guard was giving me a rough time because they have so many people trying to join and got hit hard with budget cuts.

  90. NCCM(Ret) says:
    June 4, 2013 at 8:24 am

    Tbernard,

    The CG is notorious for not considering waivers that require more than a local approval. I do not know if your condition will/has received the required waiver recommendation from the MEPS to be able to be considered for a waiver from any branch — your recruiter can tell you if a they did — hopefully, NavyDoc can shed some light, too.

  91. erica says:
    June 9, 2013 at 7:51 am

    I am a prior service osvet. ive been speaking with a recruiter and he said i would be goin from army medic to hm. one question he hasnt been able to answer is whether or not i will be able to able to get fts in my contract or be able to active duty from the reserves. he told me going straight to active duty is out. i have passed my physical at meps and have a 92 on my asvab

  92. NCCM(Ret) says:
    June 9, 2013 at 8:13 am

    Erica,

    If the recruiter is telling you that going straight to active duty is out, that would also mean that FTS is out. As far as your chances of transferring to active duty when in the Reserve — if it is not a direct conversion based on a specific instruction that comes out in the future, then you would have to attempt to go active duty in the same manner as you are doing right now, seek out an active duty recruiter and start the process (adding, you would have to gain a release from the Reserve to do so (DD form 368)).

  93. Sabrina says:
    June 11, 2013 at 9:09 am

    Hello NCCM,
    I have a few questions please. My husband is 30years old we have one daughter and we are pregnant. He is a permanent resident going thru the naturalization phase (awaiting final interview). We both work full-time, he has good credit (with only 1 credit card and car loan on credit). Firstly, what is the likelihood of qualification on enlisting with him being 30 yo, residency status, and dependents? Do unborn children count as dependents and will his chances of qualifying drop after the child is born? He did complete his schooling (no college), but it was in a different country. Are most countries schooling system equivalent to our high school diploma? Lastly, we are pretty sure we will have his citizenship before enlistment (if qualified) but do you recommend he waits for his citizenship before he goes to MEPS?

  94. NCCM(Ret) says:
    June 11, 2013 at 9:34 am

    Sabrina,

    Congratulations for your upcoming addition to the family!

    Yes, unborn children count. He has three dependents (you, your daughter and the child you are expecting), and he would require a dependency waiver from the Commander, Navy Recruiting Command — as long as your credit is in order and your debt to income ratio is not out of line; based on what you describe, he should be okay.

    He does not have to wait to join due to citizenship, I assume he is here legally and has the proper documentation to prove that; the only thing he may wish to wait for his actual citizenship papers is the fact that he would be eligible for a wider selection of job choices — ratings/programs that are not open to non-citizens.

    His education is the main worry I would have — his education must be reviewed by the educational specialist; not all countries’ education systems are equal.

    I recommend that he contact his local recruiter to get everything evaluated!

  95. Sabrina says:
    June 11, 2013 at 10:21 am

    Thank you so much for your prompt response. And we will speak with the recruiter about the schooling

  96. ERICA says:
    June 11, 2013 at 4:26 pm

    The problem with that is I am getting different answers. I spoke to my recruiter again and he made it seem like I could go fts just not straight to active. I feel like i may need a new recruiter at this point. I talked to cyber recruter on the navy website and he told me that it depends if something was available and the other saying it isnt possible at all. I am holding my breath. I just got my waiver approved…(honorable discharge..got out a year early for preg). i have been told i would be a direct conversion to hm

  97. tele says:
    June 12, 2013 at 3:44 pm

    i am not yet a US citizen but i have social security no, i have a degree B.sc in Accounting from a university in my home country. Am i eligible to apply and enlist into the US navy?

  98. NCCM(Ret) says:
    June 12, 2013 at 4:25 pm

    Tele,

    As long as you have an unexpired, properly documented USCIS I-551 card, issued on or after your 13th birthday, you would be citizenship eligible for enlistment.

    http://www.navycs.com/blogs/2011/02/02/navy-citizenship-requirements

  99. Danielle. says:
    June 16, 2013 at 7:02 am

    Hi, I’m wondering if you have a small charge and theft (which i don’t) would that stop you from getting enlisted he’s not on probation or anything?

  100. NCCM(Ret) says:
    June 16, 2013 at 7:34 am

    Danielle,

    Theft can receive waiver consideration — you can find more detail, here http://www.navycs.com/blogs/2010/05/23/moral-waivers-for-enlistment

  101. Alex says:
    June 16, 2013 at 2:12 pm

    Hi, I was just curious about how much of an effect credit has on enlistment in active duty. I have not checked my credit score yet but I’m relatively sure it’s not great. I went for my G.E.D. about a year ago and scored in the top 5% in my state receiving an adult high school diploma, am currently attending a career institute for computer network management and maintaining a 4.0 GPA, working on my physical requirements, received a 95 on my practice ASVAB, and have a clean record police record. What are my chances of enlistment and what else can I do to improve my chances? Thank you very much in advance for your time.

  102. NCCM(Ret) says:
    June 16, 2013 at 2:16 pm

    Alex,

    Unless you have dependents, your credit score should not have a big effect on you joining — a bigger concern needs to be your education; I highly recommend that you have your recruiter ensure your education is considered as Tier I — if it remains Tier II (just the GED), you will have a very difficult time joining.

  103. Alex says:
    June 16, 2013 at 2:32 pm

    Thank you for the quick response. On my diploma it clearly states “high school diploma” and nowhere does it say G.E.D. (which I must say slightly confused me considering I took a G.E.D. test haha) but aside from that and physical requirements that I am workin on are there any other tips you can give me?

  104. NCCM(Ret) says:
    June 16, 2013 at 2:37 pm

    Alex,

    I cannot think of a state’s GED that does not have the words “High School Diploma” on them.

    I recommend that you stay out of trouble and as far away from drugs as you can — and go visit your recruiter!

  105. Alex says:
    June 16, 2013 at 2:56 pm

    Thank you for your help very much

  106. Noah says:
    June 18, 2013 at 1:24 pm

    I am a college graduate with a non stem degree, I am physically fit and have no physical issues and have not been arrested. I am attempting to become an intel officer but the only thing that I am worried about is my credit, which I messed up when I turned 18 and as a college student it isn’t easy to straighten out. The officer recruiter is very vague and said if I am court ordered to pay anything, which I am not, then it would be a problem. I was deemed as “competitive” but will bad credit keep me from being commissioned and force me to enlist?
    Also will a high enough ASTB score give me more leniency with the credit problems?

    Thank You

  107. NCCM(Ret) says:
    June 18, 2013 at 3:02 pm

    Noah,

    It can in fact have an effect on your chances. The level of clearance that you will ultimately require as an intel officer is about as high as they come. One of the qualifications for approval to be an intel officer is that you can gain access to sensitive compartmented information, and part of that security check is your credit history. Your recruiter is right to be vague because there is no way of know how your specific credit history will affect you; don’t misunderstand because it isn’t XXX credit score equals failure — if you get that far, you will have an opportunity to explain how you got to where you are. It is a positive thing to be able to move forward in the process as you are — recruiters do not like wasting their time, so he must feel you have a decent shot.

  108. STEPHEN says:
    June 18, 2013 at 5:12 pm

    As a former U.S.Navy Enlisted person, can I rejoin Navy at my age of 47. I have college education, and 25 years worth of special training in several law enforcement classes.

  109. NCCM(Ret) says:
    June 18, 2013 at 5:24 pm

    Stephen,

    For active duty, you would have had to served a minimum of 13 years on active duty (essentially, it is whatever the time is required to subtract from your current age to make you 34 again; 47 years old – 13 years of active service = 34) — Also, if your broken service is more than 10 years, it is very unlikely that you would be allow to reenlist.

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