Seaman to Admiral-21 Program - STA-21-Program Overview

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Current Commissioning Programs

In the past, Sailors had over a dozen pathways to become commissioned officers, including Seaman to Admiral. However, these programs lacked consistency in benefits, selection criteria, educational opportunities, and requirements. This created a confusing array of applications, deadlines, and options for Sailors, making the process challenging for both applicants and Navy administrators. As a result, many qualified Sailors did not apply, often due to educational restrictions or financial concerns. To simplify and streamline this process, the Navy consolidated most of these pathways into one comprehensive program, retaining the well-known Seaman to Admiral name, now called Seaman to Admiral-21 (STA-21). This program is designed to meet the Navy’s needs in the 21st century while providing a fair and equitable system for outstanding active-duty Sailors to obtain a quality education and commission as officers.

STA-21 Overview

The following commissioning programs were integrated into STA-21:

Seaman to Admiral
Enlisted Commissioning Program (ECP)
Aviation Enlisted Commissioning Program (AECP)
Nuclear Enlisted Commissioning Program (NECP)
Civil Engineer Corps Enlisted Commissioning Program (CECECP)
Fleet Accession to Naval ROTC (Includes Nurse Option)

What sets STA-21 apart from previous commissioning paths is its commitment to fairness. Unlike other programs where Sailors had to self-fund their education or leave active duty, STA-21 ensures participants remain on active duty, retaining their pay, allowances, benefits, and advancement eligibility. While time in the program does not count towards retirement, it does count for pay purposes. Participants will receive up to $10,000 per year to cover tuition, books, and fees, though they are responsible for any costs exceeding that amount. The selection process considers fleet performance but places a strong emphasis on identifying applicants with the academic and leadership potential necessary to become exceptional Naval officers.

Program Options / Authorizations

The STA-21 Commissioning Program allows Sailors to apply to the Core Program or a Target Group option:

Core Program: Offers flexibility in selecting a major and school. Upon commissioning, participants will receive an Unrestricted Line (URL) Navy officer designator. Final officer community assignment is determined by NSTC based on BUPERS community goals.
Target Group Options: Participants are assigned to the specific officer community associated with their option upon commissioning. Each Target Group has specific requirements, as detailed below.

Note: Changes have been made to the options. Applicants must carefully review the requirements for their desired option. Full details can be found in the official Program Authorization (PA) at the bottom of this page.

Target Group Options

Pilot Option

Designation: Student Naval Aviator (SNA) – Designator 1390. Age: 19-32 years old at commissioning.
Eligibility: Open to men and women of all ratings.
Testing: Minimum ASTB scores: AQR 4, PFAR 5.
Physical: Must pass an aviation medical exam by a flight surgeon.
Service Obligation: 8 years of active duty after designation as a Naval Aviator.

Naval Flight Officer (NFO) Option

Designation: Student Naval Flight Officer (SNFO) – Designator 1370.
Age: 19-32 years old at commissioning.
Eligibility: Open to men and women of all ratings.
Testing: Minimum ASTB scores: AQR 4, FOFAR 5.
Physical: Must pass an aviation medical exam by a flight surgeon.
Service Obligation: 6 years of active duty after designation as a Naval Flight Officer.

Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) Option

Age: Must commission before age 35 (no waivers beyond 35).
Eligibility: Open to men and women of all ratings.
Education: Strongly encouraged to pursue technical degrees (e.g., Engineering, Physics, Math).
Medical: Must meet Navy medical standards.
Service Obligation: 5 years of active duty after commissioning.

Special Duty Officer (Information Professional - IP) Option

Age: Must commission before age 35.
Eligibility: Open to men and women of all ratings.
Education: Must pursue a STEM-related degree (e.g., IT, Cybersecurity, Computer Science).
Security Clearance: Must have or apply for TS/SCI clearance.
Service Obligation: 5 years of active duty.

Nuclear (Submarine & Surface) Option

Age: Must commission before age 31 (waivers may be approved).
Service: Open to those in or who have completed the Naval Nuclear Training Pipeline.
Education: Must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in an approved major at a designated university.
Service Obligation: 5 years of active duty after commissioning.

Special Warfare (SEAL) Option

Age: Must commission by age 29 (waivers available up to 42 based on service).
Eligibility: Must have SEAL or SWCC NEC.
Education: Encouraged to pursue technical degrees or those relevant to NSW (e.g., Special Operations).
Medical: Must pass a diving and combat swimmer qualification.
Service Obligation: 5 years of active duty, plus additional service for special training.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Option

Age: Must commission by age 30 (waivers up to 35 available based on service).
Eligibility: Must have an EOD or diving NEC.
Education: Encouraged to pursue technical degrees (e.g., Engineering, Physics).
Medical: Must pass qualification for diving and combat swimmer duties.
Service Obligation: 5 years of active duty.

Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) Option

Age: Must commission by age 42 (no waivers).
Eligibility: Open to all ratings with at least 4 years of active duty.
Education: Must major in an ABET-accredited engineering program or NAAB-accredited architecture program and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Service Obligation: 5 years of active duty after commissioning.

Nurse Corps Option

Age: Must commission by age 42.
Eligibility: Open to men and women of all ratings.
Education: Must pursue a Nursing degree accredited by NLNAC or CCNE. Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and complete specific science and prerequisite courses.
Licensure: Must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to practice as a Registered Nurse.
Service Obligation: 5 years of active duty after commissioning.

Note: Detailed requirements for each option are available in the Program Authorization (PA) document. Applicants must be familiar with the PA for their selected option.