ACTIVE DUTY SEAL OFFICER APPLICATION STEPS

The holistic approach to SEAL officer selection starts with Naval Special Warfare conducting an annual officer accession selection panel. Leadership potential is the most sought after trait. Honor and integrity are indispensable, and the highest levels of physical fitness are expected.

By: Naval Special Warfare
Posted: May 5, 2022

Related content:

  1. PDF  MILPERSMAN 1210-220 (SEAL Officer)
  2. PDF  MILPERSMAN 1212-010 (Lateral Transfer)
  3. PDF  MILPERSMAN 1300-0820 (Interservice Transfer of an Officer into the Navy)
  4. PDF  Program Authorization 150Q (Seaman to Admiral)
  5. SEAL Officer Community Manager

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THE HOLISTIC APPROACH TO SEAL OFFICER SELECTION

Naval Special Warfare (NSW) conducts an annual officer accession selection panel to select the next generation of Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) officers. Every SEAL officer is expected to lead men and women in combat operations early in their careers. In addition to the traditional concentration on direct action and surveillance and reconnaissance missions, officers will be diplomats and development experts. They must be culturally aware, adept at interagency collaboration, and experts at waging war at the individual to the troop level in complex, politically sensitive, and dangerous environments. Each SEAL officer will be required to fill critical leadership positions, and must be honorable men and women who can represent the nation well throughout the world. Officer selection is highly competitive; applicants must be dedicated to the Naval Special Warfare community and its mission. Future officers must possess leadership skills, integrity, teamwork, drive, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity.

In selecting future SEAL officers, the panel utilizes a holistic approach in its rigorous search for the men and women who'll lead SEAL platoons, troops, and eventually teams into combat. Leadership potential is the most sought after trait. Honor and integrity are indispensable, and the highest levels of physical fitness are expected. Academic achievement, with an emphasis on foreign language skills (Arabic, Farsi, Pashtu, Dari, French), regional expertise, and cultural knowledge and experience are highly valued. In consideration of the whole person, letters of recommendation are incredibly important, especially those written by SEAL officers. The panel recognizes that not everyone has access to a SEAL officer - someone who could write a letter of recommendation.

SEAL OFFICER CONTRACT QUALIFYING - PST STANDARDS

SEAL OFFICER CONTRACT QUALIFYING - PST STANDARDS
Exercise Time Rest Average Minimum
Swim 500 yards (breast or sidestroke) Unlimited 10:00 minutes 9:00 12:30
Push-up 2:00 minutes 2:00 minutes 85 50
Curl-up 2:00 minutes 2:00 minutes 85 50
Pull-up 2:00 minutes 2:00 minutes 20 10
Run 1.5 miles Unlimited Event over 9:00 10:30

LATERAL TRANSFER FOR NAVY OFFICERS

Navy officers in grades O-1, O-2, or junior O-3 with less than three years of commissioned service may apply for a lateral transfer to the SEAL community through the SEAL Officer Community Manager (OCM). The candidate must be on permanent active duty throughout the selection and transfer process at time of selection (annually in September). Applicants should work with their current command and the SEAL OCM to ensure packages are complete and properly submitted. See PDF MILPERSMAN 1210-220 for details about the Naval Special Warfare Officer (SEAL) and PDF OPNAVINST 1210.5B for Lateral Transfer/Re-designation and Augmentation of Officers in the Navy. Visit the Navy Personnel Command Lateral Transfer webpage for important dates and eligibility information.

INTER-SERVICE TRANSFER

Active duty officers in the Army, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Public Health Service, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the same grades may apply for an inter-service transfer through their chain of command and the SEAL OCM. See MILPERSMAN 1300-082 for details and consult the SEAL OCM webpage for important dates and further guidance. Inter-service Officer Academy students may also apply for SEAL officer through the same inter-service transfer process. See the SEAL OCM’s web page for details.

ENLISTED TO OFFICER

The SEAL Officer Selection Panel convenes every year in September. The application deadlines for active duty SO enlisted Sailors are due by June 30th of each year.

Active duty enlisted personnel should read PDF OPNAVINST 1420.1B to learn more about the Enlisted to Officer Commissioning Programs Application.

SERVICE ACADEMY STUDENTS

Contact the senior SEAL officer attached to the United States Naval Academy. That SEAL officer will have the latest application screening process information. All other Service Academy candidates need to apply for a Inter-Service Academy transfer.

Work with your current command and the SEAL OCM to make sure your application gets submitted. Dates to submit your Navy SEAL officer package are on the SEAL Officer Community Manager webpage.

QUESTIONS

SEAL Officer Community Manager

 seal_ocm@navy.mil