APPLY

Applying to the STA-21 program is done in two parts.

The checklist for the entire selection package can be downloaded here. 

1. Part I (Completed by Applicant):

• Reference the appropriate Program Authorization for the option in which you are applying -                                    Make A Selection!                   CEC                   CORE                   EOD                   IP                   Pilot and NFO                   NUCLEAR                   NURSE                   SPECWAR                   SWO                   SWO(ED)                
• Application cover letter.  (Download here ). 
• STA-21 Data Form.  (Submit via STA-21 Online Application Page or Download ).  Download form only if online application is not possible.
• Applicant’s personal statement. (Signed and dated). The applicant's personal statement should address why the Sailor wants to become an officer, how the Sailor's selection would improve the Navy, and why the Sailor is applying for a specific option. Sailors must also address any hardships or unique experiences that shaped their character. Junior Sailors should provide information on high school experiences, as high school transcripts rarely provide in-depth information on involvement in sports, clubs, volunteer hours, work, etc. Additionally, applicants should address any anomalies in the package (e.g., poor high school grades, college grades, service school grades, or poor evaluation performance). The explanation should include details of the situation, how the applicant has overcome these issues, and why the applicant will be successful in the future.
• Last (5) observed evals, if applicable.  (No missing time).  Some applicants will not have five evals due to length of time in the Navy.  That is fine.  Submit NOB evals as well for continuity.  Ensure back of eval is provided.
• Qualifying SAT/ACT for non-nuclear option candidates scores from within 5 years prior to application deadline (July 1st).  Minimum scores 500/500 (Critical Reading/Math). Applicants stationed outside the United States at any time between 1 February 2025 and 30 June 2026 or those who were deployed at any time between 1 February 2025 and 30 June 2026 may apply without a valid SAT or ACT, if they their high school cumulative grade point average (GPA) at least 2.5 and dated within the last five years, or they have a minimum 2.5 cumulative college GPA on a 4.0 scale with 12 or more semester hours. Qualifying SAT or ACT scores are not required for all nuclear officer candidates; however, the SAT or ACT is strongly encouraged for STA-21(N) applicants who wish to strengthen their academic record and may be required for admission into some colleges and universities. Applications can still be submitted pending receipt of SAT or ACT scores or with a command statement indicating non-availability for overseas locations and deployed units. The SAT or ACT scores submitted can be from exams taken between 1 July 2021 and 1 July 2026. 
• ASTB scores (Pilot/NFO option only).  ASTB Information can be found here.
• Official High School Transcripts from every high school and technical school.
• Official College transcripts from every college ever attended (if in an envelope- open them and include in the application).  For those who possess a 2yr AA/AS degree, it is strongly recommended to verify your degree is documented on your college transcript.  Otherwise, points will not be awarded.
• Additional Documents (Certificates, awards).
• Last three PFA cycles printed from PRIMS. If PRIMS access is unavailable, have your CFL use this form.  (Download here: PFA for STA-21 )  Unless waived, the two most recent PFAs must be GOOD LOW overall or better. Non-nuclear applicants should make every effort to complete a PFA in the year prior to application. If a PFA was not performed within the last year due to operational commitments or medical condition, COs will provide an affirmative statement in their endorsement, certifying the applicant is within Navy PFA height and weight requirements.
• Pg 13 "Statement of Understanding" for each option that you are applying for:                                   Make A Selection!                   CEC                   CORE                   EOD                                    IP                                                                        NFO                   NUCLEAR                   NURSE                   PILOT                   SPECWAR                                    SWO                   SWO(ED)                                                                     
• Both nuclear-trained personnel assigned to a Nuclear Training command or holding a Nuclear NEC (N1XO, N1XS, N2XO, N2XS) and Sailors who are in the nuclear training pipeline with the N91T NEC whom are applying to a Non-Nuclear Officer commissioning program must obtain a conditional release from Nuclear Field Duty by submitting a NAVPERS 1306/7 to the Nuclear Propulsion Program Management Branch, OPNAV (N133), and their detailer (PERS-403).  NAVADMIN 177/17 applies. 
• The JST, in line with OPNAVINST 1420.1B does not need to be submitted with this application.  A future revision of OPNAVINST 1420.1B will remove this requirement.
• The applicant's photograph, in line OPNAVINST 1420.1B, is no longer required for this application.  A future revision of OPNAVINST 1420.1B will remove this requirement.

Applicant submits selection package to the command after all items above are received/completed.

2. Part II (Completed by Command):

• CO endorsement.  (View sample ).
• CO Recommendation.  (Download here ).
• (3) Officer Interview appraisal sheets (Internal Board).  Designator/billet title is required.  (Download here ).  
• Nomination Review Board Chairperson Recommendation Form. (Download here )
• (3) Officer Interview appraisal sheets (External Board).  (Download here ). 
• Interview Guidance/Interview Verification Form (Signed and dated by both COs).  (Download here ).
• Refer to the latest STA-21 Program Announcement NAVADMIN for the most up to date information.”
• All waivers must be clearly identified and formally endorsed by the Sailor's CO as part of the CO’s endorsement.  Waiver requests for program-specific requirements should include:
  • All applicants for STA-21(N) must be able to begin their first day of class in the first semester of their coursework prior to reaching 8 years of service. 
  • See paragraph 9 of this NAVADMIN for additional requirements for non-nuclear trained Sailors applying for the Nuclear (Surface and Submarine) target options. 
• Program Authorization 150A provides specific information and all other requirements to apply for the STA-21(N) program.
• FY26 STA-21(N) applicants should be aware of the following application requirement modifications that are only relevant for Sailors applying to the nuclear option.  These modifications have been made in an effort to reduce administrative requirements for applicants and will be incorporated into a future revision of OPNAVINST 1420.1B.  All waivers will be adjudicated on a case-by-case basis.
  • Applicants are required to apply to three STA-21(N) program approved universities prior to the STA-21(N) application deadline.  A list of approved STA-21(N) universities can be found at the following link:  https://www.netc.navy.mil/Commands/Naval-Service-Training-Command/NROTC/Program-Information/Navy-ROTC-Schools/
  • Interviews (command and nominative boards) are not required for STA-21(N) applicants, nor are they required to submit officer interview sheets.
  • CO Letter of Recommendation.  It is encouraged that the CO's letters endorse a Sailor based upon their mental aptitude, leadership, and ability to manage adversity.  COs are encouraged to provide supplemental context into their ranking methodology and ranking philosophy.  Commands with "one of one" Sailors are reviewed with the same regard as commands with multiple Sailors applying.  COs should rank their STA-21(N) applicants in a separate group than non-nuclear STA-21 applicants within their command.
  • STA-21(N) applicants are not required to submit the personal statement outlined in the announcement NAVADMIN and instead must submit three personal statements, each not to exceed 300 words, in response to the following questions:
•                (1) What actions have you taken to prepare for the STA-21(N) program and how do these actions set you apart from other applicants?  (Provide specific endeavors/activities that make you competitive.)
                 (2) How do you assess your readiness to academically manage a technically rigorous and compressed college level course load?  (Highlight academic success but also explain any previous academic shortfalls and provide evidence that you've overcome them.)
                 (3) STA-21(N) is an education and commissioning opportunity that will challenge you morally, mentally, and physically.  How do you assess your resiliency in successfully navigating the adversity and mental stresses expected in this program?  (Explain your Warrior Ethos and provide any personal challenges or shortcomings that have made you more resilient.)       
• Non-nuclear trained Sailors are welcome to apply to STA- 21(N), but must submit an Electronic Personnel Action Request (NAVPERS 1306/7) to their community manager requesting conditional release from their community, in line with their community practices.  They must include in their application package the approved conditional release letter received from their community manager.  Application packages must be screened by the Nuclear Accessions Director of Navy Recruiting Command (NRC) and the finalized nuclear field eligibility worksheet must be included in the application package.  If applicants have any questions about this process, contact (OPNAV N133D) at bullnuke@navy.mil.  Non-nuclear trained Sailors must meet the requirements of nuclear field duty as specified in Chapter 5 of COMNAVCRUITCOMINST 1130.8M.  Those requirements not met for nuclear field duty require a waiver with NRC concurrence.  These requirements include, but are not limited to, Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, foreign citizenship, and security clearance.  

Once the command has completed Part II of the selection package it is highly recommended that the command make a copy of the entire selection package prior to mailing.  It does not go back to the member to be mailed.  The selection package is to remain in the custody of the command.  The command mails the selection package to:

Naval Service Training Command (N92/STA-21)
320A Dewey Avenue 
Bldg. 3, RM 106
Great Lakes, IL 60088-2845

STA-21 On-line Application Page To apply to the STA-21 program you must use your CAC from an NMCI computer or from a PC with a CAC Reader. Once you click on the 'LOGIN' button below, you will have to register at the NETFOCUS Login screen by clicking the (CAC User Registration) button. You will then receive an Account Activation email which will contain a link to verify your email address. Click this link, then login using the (CAC User Login) button. Upon successful CAC login, you will see the STA-21 Application link. If you are unable to login, please contact NOLA Help Desk: spawar.itchelpdesk@navy.mil  (spawar.itchelpdesk@navy.mil) Phone: 1-800-537-4617 Opt 8 This page allows you to: Electronically complete and submit Initial Application. Easily update your Initial Application data (change phone number, address, etc.). Quickly check the status and/or receipt of your application (ensure NSTC has received all parts). Download important forms needed for mail-in portion of application. Conveniently check selection board results and program start date. In order to run this Application, your browser must accept 128 bit encryption. Direct any questions to GRLK_STA21@us.navy.mil   Additional documents can be submitted up to 01 August of the application year, to GRLK_STA21@us.navy.mil  Changes to specific program option requirements will be announced in an upcoming NAVADMIN. The NAVADMIN will be posted to the website. These changes may or may not affect your eligibility for a specific option. It is Strongly Recommended that you check the website frequently for any new/updated program option changes and verify your package/application eligibility. PLEASE NOTE: The online application page where you can register, submit, change, or view your application is: https://netfocus.ncdc.navy.mil If you experience web browser problems accessing the application, it may be necessary to install the DOD root certificates. Please click here to fix.