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USNA Class of 2031 Applications Open for Active and Reserve Marines

MARADMIN 343/26·July 30, 2026·2 min read·Official source
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The Naval Academy is taking applications from enlisted Marines, active and reserve, for the Class of 2031. Up to 170 active and reserve personnel can be appointed each year. If you're a strong performer with solid academics and you meet the age and eligibility criteria, this is worth looking at seriously.

Bottom line: Applications are due 31 December 2026, and packages must be complete by 31 January 2027. Apply early. Rolling admissions means earlier packages get reviewed sooner.

Who it affects

Any enlisted Marine, SMCR or active, who meets all of the following:

  • Not yet 23 years old as of 1 July 2027 (no age waivers)
  • U.S. citizen by Induction Day
  • Not married, pregnant, or a legal parent
  • No NJP or civil convictions (except minor traffic) in the last three years
  • Strong high school academics, typically top 40 percent of class
  • SAT above 1050 combined (500 verbal / 550 math), or ACT scores of 22 English / 24 Math, or CLT equivalents, all within the last two years
  • Able to pass the USNA physical fitness test (see standards below)

USNA physical fitness minimums:

EventMaleFemale
Push-ups (2 min)7139
Front plank2:402:30
1.5-mile run10:3013:15

Strong leaders are the target. Marine of the Quarter/Year, top 20 percent in training schools, Color Guard, class leaders, and community volunteers all stand out.

What you need to do

If you want to apply:

  1. Start your preliminary application at https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Apply/index.php
  2. You'll receive a candidate number and instructions to complete the full application.
  3. Build your package: essay, transcripts, SAT/ACT/CLT scores, personal background, and extracurricular activities validated by your chain of command.
  4. Secure three recommendations: your senior enlisted advisor (platoon sergeant, company gunny, or first sergeant/sergeant major), your first officer in the chain of command, and your commanding officer.
  5. Get your CO's endorsement. Packages will not be reviewed without it.
  6. Submit everything by 31 January 2027.

Top academic performers who need to strengthen their record may be selected for the Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) in Newport, RI instead, with a USNA appointment the following year.

All selected candidates must pass a medical exam through the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB). Once you submit application documents, USNA will initiate that process for you.

Key dates

  • 31 December 2026: Application deadline
  • 31 January 2027: All supporting documents must be complete
  • 1 July 2027: Age cutoff (must not have turned 23 by this date)

The official version

This is MARADMIN 343/26.

Referenced orders: MCO 1040.43B (Enlisted to Officer Commissioning Programs), OPNAVINST 1420.1B (Naval Academy application admin manual, Chapter 3), MCRCO 1100.2B (Officer Commissioning Manual), and NAVMED P-117 (medical standards).

For questions, contact the USNA Fleet Liaison:

  • Phone: (410) 293-1839 / DSN 281-1839
  • Email: fleet@usna.edu
  • MCRC POC: GySgt or Maj Harrison at jordan.harrison@marines.usmc.mil / 667-893-0880

More info at: https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Apply/Active-Duty-Service-Applicants.php

This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.

Resources & references

The documents this bulletin points to, with a plain-English note on why each matters. Links marked CAC required need a government login.

  • ALNAV 044/26 (All Navy Message on USNA Enlisted Applications)

    This message from the Secretary of the Navy announces that active and reserve enlisted Sailors and Marines can apply to attend the United States Naval Academy as part of the Class of 2031, with an application deadline of 31 December 2026. If you are an enlisted Reserve Marine under age 23 with strong academics, fitness, and a clean disciplinary record, this document outlines the eligibility requirements and steps to apply.

  • USNA Online Preliminary Application

    This document walks through the U.S. Naval Academy's preliminary application process, covering eligibility requirements, nomination sources, required test scores, and the steps to becoming an official candidate. Navy and Marine Corps reservists are listed as a nomination source, so reserve Marines who have dependents interested in attending USNA may want to review this.

  • Enlisted to Officer Commissioning Programs order (MCO 1040.43B)Reference

    This Marine Corps Order governs enlisted-to-officer commissioning programs and is cited as a guidance document for the USNA application process.

  • Marine Corps Lifelong Learning Program order (MCO 1560.25)Reference

    This Marine Corps Order covers the Marine Corps Lifelong Learning Program and is referenced as background authority for this MARADMIN.

  • Manual of the Medical Department (NAVMED P-117)Reference

    This is the Navy medical reference standard cited in this MARADMIN, relevant to the medical qualification requirements candidates must meet through DoWMERB.

  • Enlisted to Officer Commissioning Programs Application Administrative Manual, Naval Academy Chapter (OPNAVINST 1420.1B)Reference

    This Navy instruction provides detailed administrative guidance for the USNA application process and is specifically cited alongside the MCO as a key guidance document for applicants and commands.

  • Officer Commissioning Manual (MCRCO 1100.2B)Reference

    This MCRC order governs officer commissioning processes and is cited as authoritative background for this enlisted-to-USNA application cycle.

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USNA Class of 2031 Applications Open for Active and Reserve Marines — Reservable