What are the physical requirements for the US Naval Academy?

I’m interested in applying to the US Naval Academy, but I'm not sure if I meet the physical requirements. What fitness standards should candidates be prepared for? Are there any specific guidelines I should be aware of?

The US Naval Academy has a physical fitness assessment that you will be required to pass. This assessment is called the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) and it includes six different events:

1. Basketball throw: This is done from a kneeling position and you get three attempts. The longest throw is what counts towards your score.

2. Pull-ups for males/flexed-arm hang for females: Men complete pull-ups with their chin above the bar and the body must remain motionless. Women must hold their chin above the bar for as long as possible. Each candidate gets two attempts, and the best one counts.

3. Shuttle run: This is a 40-yard shuttle run that is done as fast as possible. Candidates get two attempts and the faster time is recorded.

4. Crunches: As many crunches as possible are done in two minutes.

5. Push-ups: Candidates do as many push-ups as possible in two minutes.

6. One-mile run: This is done as quickly as possible.

Keep in mind that these tests assess a variety of different physical abilities, including upper body strength, abdominal strength, and aerobic capacity. Each academy and ROTC program has its own desired scores for the CFA, but a pass/fail score for each event is not advertised. In essence, the goal is to do your best in all the events.

It is also important to point out that besides the CFA, candidates are also required to pass a medical exam administered by the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB). Candidates are evaluated against the medical standards necessary for commissioning in the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps. Areas of concern include but are not limited to, a history of concussions, ADHD and treatment, asthma after age 13, colorblindness, hearing standards, and poor visual acuity.

Lastly, the US Naval Academy values physical activities and sports. Candidates with a background in competitive sports often do well in the physical aspect of academic life. Therefore, involvement in high school sports or an equivalent level of achievement can be beneficial.

I recommend starting to prepare as early as possible. The Naval Academy recommends a regular program of physical fitness that includes running for endurance, swimming for skill and endurance, strength training, and flexibility training.

Best of luck! You're considering a noble path of service.