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Academic Courses

NSI is designed to provide the foundational knowledge required of all commissioned officers in the United States Navy. Over the six-week course, candidates will receive instruction in the following areas:

  • Division Officer Fundamentals: Covers key requirements and programs to execute duties as a division officer.
  • Naval History: Explores U.S. Naval history and advancements in weaponry, engineering, ships, and tactics since 1775.
  • Engineering & Weapons: Introduces shipboard naval engineering fundamentals and Navy arsenal weaponry.
  • Damage Control: Hands-on training in shipboard fire-fighting and flooding control techniques.
  • Leadership and Ethics: Case studies of recent naval events to apply leadership principles.
  • Navigation: Naval terminology, equipment, operations, marine navigation, and ship handling simulators.
  • Cyber: Prepares candidates for future warfare by introducing naval network infrastructure basics.

Memorization Items

Officer Candidates may be required to recite the following:

  • Sailor’s Creed
  • Chain of Command
  • Code of Conduct
  • General Orders of a Sentry
  • Phonetic Alphabet
  • Oath of Office

(See the Memorization "tabbed" section on this page for more details.)

Physical Fitness Standards

The Navy prioritizes physical fitness as much as mental acuity. Physical training at OTCN aims to develop stamina, endurance, and overall conditioning. Training begins immediately upon arrival, and candidates must meet Navy Body Composition Standards as follows:

Age Group Male Standard Female Standard
18-21 22% 33%
22-29 23% 34%
30-39 24% 35%
40+ 26% 36%

Officer Candidates must maintain these standards per OPNAVINST 6110.1(series). The Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) includes:

  • Body Composition Assessment (BCA)
  • Plank
  • Push-ups
  • 1.5-mile run

PFA Information

For detailed information, please refer to the following:

Student Regulations

All NSI candidates are encouraged to review the student regulations and program information included in OTCNINST 1530.7C.

 
 
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