Podcast: From Fleet to Naval Special Warfare
STEP 1: GET SMART
- Read the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) application process update on the Naval Special Warfare Enlisted Community Manager (NSWECM) web page
- Download the required "template" document linked to at the top of the NSWECM web page
- Make sure you are in the desired year group for eligibility
STEP 2: NOTIFY YOUR COMMAND AND RATING ECM
- You may apply up to but no later than nine months prior to Projected Rotation Dates (PRD) and six months prior to End of Active Obligated Service (EAOS)
- Prior to submitting an application, consult your command career counselor to notify your rating Enlisted Community Manager (ECM) of your intention to apply for a rating conversion
- Submit a NAVPERS 1306/7 to your chain of command
STEP 3: APPLY FOR RATING CONVERSION TO SO OR SB
- Follow the directions on the NSWECM web page carefully
- Contact the Naval Special Warfare Assessment Command (NSWAC) to schedule a Physical Screening Test (PST) and Exhibit 1 interview
- Applications must be sent during quarterly submission periods listed on the NSWECM’s web page
- You'll be notified when your application is received
- The ultimate status of your conversion opportunity will come four to six weeks after the application deadline
- You may submit your application again if it's not accepted the first time
- If your application is approved, the NSWECM will contact your rating ECM to decide if you are released to Naval Special Warfare (NSW)
- If you're approved for conversion, your orders will be issued based on available class dates and your PRD
- Learn more about the conversion process by reading the NSWECM FAQ found on the NSWECM Resources web page
SCHEDULE YOUR PST AND EXHIBIT 1 INTERVIEW
Naval Special Warfare Assessment Command
info@sealswcc.com
QUESTIONS
West Coast Sailors
Naval Special Warfare Assessment Command West
619-537-5902
East Coast Sailors
Naval Special Warfare Assessment Command East
757-763-3042
General Questions
info@sealswcc.com
or
Contact the SEAL/SWCC technical advisors listed at the bottom of the NSWECM Resources web page.
AGE
SEAL
All SEAL candidates must be 28 or less prior to arriving at the Naval Special Warfare Preparatory School (NSWPREP). Candidates aged 29 or 30 will be considered for a waiver if they meet the needs of the community.
SWCC
All SWCC candidates must be 30 or less prior to arriving at NSWPREP. Candidates aged 31 or 32 will be considered for a waiver if they meet the needs of the community.
GENDER
All SEAL or SWCC training is open to anyone who can meet the standards.
CITIZENSHIP
Candidates must be U.S. citizens.
BRAINS
The military has an admissions test, just like colleges have the SAT or ACT. We call ours the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB. It has several sections, each focusing on a different aspect, such as math, reading, and mechanical comprehension. This is how the Navy classifies you as competent for various jobs. A Navy recruiter will explain the details, but the standard is different for SEAL and SWCC applicants.
To qualify for SEAL, you must score at least one of the following on the ASVAB:
- GS + MC + EI = a minimum score of 170 (GS and EI are waiverable up to three points each, MC is not waiverable)
- VE + MK + MC + CS = a minimum score of 220 (VE, MK and CS are waiverable up to three points each, MC is not waiverable)
- VE + AR = a minimum score of 110 (VE and AR are waiverable up to three points each) + MC = a minimum score of 50 (not waiverable)
To qualify for SWCC, you must score at least one of the following on the ASVAB:
- VE + AR = a minimum score of 103 (VE and AR are waiverable up to three points each) + MC = a minimum score of 51 (not waiverable)
What if my ASVAB score isn't high enough?
Navy College offers ASVAB preparation courses you can take while you arrange a re-test with your career counselor. Your Physical Screening Test (PST) scores and the strength of your overall application will be used to make a determination of eligibility.
Your PST scores and the strength of your overall application will be used to make a determination of eligibility. If you're already in the Navy, submit your conversion package. It will be evaluated by the NSWECM who will make the final determination.
HEALTH
Vision
Color blindness or color deficiency is disqualifying. Eyesight must be correctable to 20/25 with lenses. If your vision is worse than 20/25 but at least 20/40 in your best eye, and 20/70 in your worst eye, and you can correct it to 20/25 with lenses, then you qualify. If not, you may require eye surgery. Lasik, Lasek, or PRK are acceptable.
Past injuries/surgeries
You may be required to provide medical documentation or submit to an examination to determine if they are waiverable.
Allergies
Most are disqualifying, including food allergies.
HAIR
In accordance with NSW policy, all candidates, regardless of gender, will maintain a 1/8" length hair cut throughout NSW training.
MORAL CHARACTER
All NSW operators must be of the highest moral character in order to be the Special Operations Force that America expects. As a Navy Sailor you will be required to memorize the Sailor's Creed. As a SEAL you will learn the SEAL Ethos. A SWCC will learn the SWCC Creed.
