The process:
Get offered an appointment to USNA. Learn about all the warfare communities at USNA (Navy typically doesn’t use the term “branch” as a noun or verb for officer warfare communities) through briefings, talking to staff officers and senior enlisted, watching upperclass go through the process, participating in summer training blocks designed to increase your knowledge and aid you in your decision. The group who wants to go SEAL/EOD self-screens early on. There are rigorous physical screeners. Don’t overlook Marine Corps officer specialties
Numbers of applicants:
Always well more than those selected.
You were given the answers to actual selectees out of a class. That is typical of the range.
As noted above, not everyone can head right off to pipeline training. That gluts the system. They go in waves throughout the summer and fall, and are assigned temporary duties in the interim.
In general, all the SEAL officers I have known have been wicked smart, not just book-smart, but MacGyver-smart creative problem-solvers who thrive in operational chaos, both as leaders and team members. And they are all-around physically fit, not hugely bulked up, but with stamina and grit in abundance, and strong swimmers.
You can have some fun now by planning to blow away the CFA in a few years by searching for Stew Smith’s links and YouTube videos. He is a USNA grad, former SEAL officer and USNA staff officer, now a fitness professional.
And here is a copy of my standard advice for those just starting to think about the SA application process:
You are at the right time to begin serious research.
The service academy application process itself tests for qualities and attributes desirable in future junior officers: attention to detail, executive planning and organizing, time management, task prioritization, humility, perseverance, patience. Take ownership of the process.
If you haven’t read every page, link and menu item on your sa.edu of choice sites, taking notes and starting to build out an extended timeline of action items and long-term due dates, now is a great time. That is your primary source, and most answers are there.
Do the same kind of research into alternative paths to commissioning, such as ROTC and related scholarships. That is a prudent thing to do, and shows no lack of commitment to an SA. Additionally, a college ROTC unit is another nomination source, if you find yourself re-applying after a SA turndown. There will be thousands of candidates building HS resumes with similar stats, plus college re-applicants; leave no opportunity unexplored.
Take this time to research all five of the Federal service academies, and subsequent career paths, so you can make an informed decision about ruling them in or out. It’s very important to look past the interim waystation of 4 SA or college ROTC years to see if there are at least a good handful of career paths you could see yourself doing for a minimum of 5-6 years or whatever the applicable minimum active duty service obligation is.
Go to your elected officials’ websites (2 Sen, 1 Rep), read and take notes on their service academy nomination process. They can choose submission deadlines, interviews or not, panel interviews, any method they want. If they are having a F2F or virtual info session, sign up and soak it in, so you are well-prepared for your cycle, even a few years out. Stay current with that site, in case the elected official changes.
Go to the DoDMERB site, the entity which does the physical qualification of candidates. Explore each menu item on the left. This often turns into one of the most frustrating and time-using aspects of the process. Get smart on it now so you won’t be surprised. There are some medications that must be discontinued for a certain period of time. IEPs and accommodations also are off the table at a certain point.
Research the CFA or applicable fitness test for the SA or program of interest. Assess yourself and develop a training plan. Women, learn to do pull-ups. It’s worth more points, and you will value that strength and confidence. Do not procrastinate when it’s your cycle. Leaving it too late invites illness, injury, bad weather, family emergency or sudden non-availability of your test administrator or video person, if that is required.
Here on SAF, read the Stickies at the top of the Nominations and DoDMERB forums. There is also The Acronym List on the Home page if you haven’t found it yet.
There is a Search function tool inside SAF, and google works well when you include “site:serviceacademyforums.com” in the string. The same questions come up every year.
Create your organization system - binders, folders, spreadsheets, calendars, wall boards, whatever works for you to plan, track and execute. Many apply to multiple SAs, nom sources, ROTC scholarships, ROTC schools, etc.
Finally, stay flexible and open to the paths that open before you. The key is to show sustained performance, personal growth and achievement in a well-rounded person.
Yes sniper and breacher school would be the cool stuff
