ODS Program Requirements

Physical Training Overview

The Navy places equal importance on physical fitness and mental readiness. The physical training at Officer Training Command is designed to build stamina, endurance, and overall fitness, ensuring you meet the physical standards required for military service.

Being in good shape reduces the risk of injury. It’s recommended that you prepare in advance. The Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling System (NOFFS) virtual trainer is a helpful tool that provides a series of Navy-approved exercises for when gym facilities are unavailable.

Fitness Guide and Virtual Trainer

Navy Fitness NOFFS virtual trainer
Select your preferred session duration (30, 45, or 60 minutes), and work through stages A to C at your current fitness level. Use exercise bands for maximum benefit.

Aim to perform 60 minutes of physical training 3–4 days a week, which mirrors the expectations at ODS.
Note: Consult your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise regimen.

Physical Fitness Standards

Naval officers are expected to exemplify physical fitness, serving as role models to their sailors and the public. On the Sunday of your check-in, your height and weight will be measured to ensure compliance with Navy Body Fat Standards.

Failure to meet these standards may result in ineligibility for graduation from Officer Development School (ODS).

For detailed information on the Navy Body Composition Assessment (BCA), refer to the official Navy BCA guidelines. This document outlines the Navy’s approved method for calculating body fat percentage and includes height/weight tables to help you assess your current standing.

During the first week of training, students will complete a mock Navy Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) to evaluate their physical readiness. This assessment includes:

Maximum push-ups in 2 minutes
Maximum time holding a plank
A 1.5-mile run

For more details on how to perform and score the Physical Readiness Test (PRT), refer to the official Navy PRT guidance.

It is crucial to arrive in peak physical condition, ready to fully participate in the rigorous physical fitness program. The Navy's official physical readiness guidance is available here: Navy Physical Readiness Test.

Note for Postpartum Sailors: You must be at least six months postpartum and cleared by a military Health Care Provider before attending ODS. All postpartum screenings must be completed prior to arrival.

Academic Overview

Military Indoctrination: Learn basic military customs, courtesies, naval terminology, uniform requirements, inspection procedures, and training expectations.
Naval Leadership: Study leadership principles, motivational theories, team building, management skills, decision-making, goal setting, communication, and public speaking. Practical applications allow you to demonstrate leadership.
Division Officer: Topics include military rank structure, performance evaluations, educational programs, classified material handling, correspondence, officer designations, promotions, pay and allowances, and administrative duties.
Military Law: Covers the Military Code of Conduct, Geneva Conventions, Uniform Code of Military Justice, non-judicial punishment, court-martial procedures, pretrial restraints, administrative discharges, and claims.

Military Training

Physical Training: Regular physical training sessions including warm-ups, running, strength and conditioning, and cool-downs. Refer to the above physical standards and training sections.
Room Inspections: Rooms are subject to inspection at any time and must meet cleanliness and standard requirements provided during training.
Personnel Inspection (PI): Officers will be inspected on uniform wear, grooming, knowledge, hygiene, and military appearance.
Drill: Approximately 20-25 hours are dedicated to practicing drill in preparation for graduation. Officers are expected to march throughout ODS.
Navy Third Class Swimmer Qualification: Students must pass this qualification, which includes jumping from a 10-foot platform, floating for five minutes, swimming 50 yards, and performing uniform inflation for drown-proofing.
Shipboard Damage Control: This curriculum introduces students to naval damage control, including accident response, warfare scenarios, and disaster management. You will also learn firefighting techniques, chemical, biological, and radiological defense, and flooding control through hands-on demonstrations in a mock ship environment. Both Damage Control and Basic Firefighting must be completed to graduate.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from ODS, you must:

Complete the five-week Officer Development School.
Demonstrate physical fitness by meeting Navy standards on the PFA.
Pass the Navy Third Class Swimmer Qualification.
Complete damage control training, including the "Wet Trainer" and Basic Firefighting.
Pass a comprehensive exam demonstrating your knowledge of Navy officership fundamentals.