Requirements

Military service is a physically demanding profession and requires a high degree of physical preparedness and a healthy constitution. Physical and scholarship qualification processes are independent of each other, but students must receive favorable endorsement in both to receive NROTC scholarship.

All Navy and Nurse Applicants must conduct an NROTC Applicant Fitness Assessment (AFA) and provide their scores to their recruiter in order for their application to be considered complete and forwarded for consideration by the selection board. The test consists of abdominal crunches, push-ups, and a one-mile run. The purpose of the test is to evaluate your level of physical fitness. The test can be administered by any physical education instructor, athletics coach, an active duty officer, active duty E-7 or NJROTC instructor.

Applicants accustomed to regular physical activity should have no difficulty with the AFA. Being properly conditioned prior to reporting to your NROTC Unit cannot be overemphasized. You will be far better prepared to meet the stringent physical demands of the NROTC Program if you maintain a high level of physical fitness during high school.

See the following links for details of how to conduct the AFA.

Medical Requirements

Partial list of disqualifying medical diagnoses:

  • Vision not correctable to 20/20
  • Substandard color vision (Does not apply for Marine Corps or Nurse Option)
  • History of asthma
  • Acute or chronic cardiac/pulmonary conditions
  • Chronic skin disorders such as:
    • Psoriasis
    • Atopic dermatitis
    • Eczema
  • Ununited fractures or major joint surgery
  • Seizure disorders
  • Severe motion sickness susceptibility
  • Alcohol or drug abuse

Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DODMERB) schedules and reviews all physical examinations for service academies and NROTC candidates; candidates applying for more than one military academy or NROTC scholarship program require only one physical examination.

If DODMERB determines a disqualifying condition exists, some medical conditions may be waived after further review. Applicants will be notified by DODMERB of any additional requirements for medical history consultations or diagnostic tests. Surgical, laser, or mechanical procedures to correct defective visual acuity may be cause for disqualification; no waivers will be recommended. Keratoconus or a history of treatment for this condition is absolutely disqualifying.