Women in the Navy

Every job, space and rank in the Navy is open to women. In our fleet, we have women serving as mechanics, aviators, engineers, scientists, nuclear technicians and more. Whether your dream is to become a submariner, a SEAL operative or our next fleet Admiral, the Navy will do everything in its power to help you achieve your personal and professional goals.

To join the Navy, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be between the ages of 17 and 41 for Enlisted programs. Age requirements for Officer programs vary.*
• Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent (Enlisted) or have a four-year degree from an accredited university (Officer)
• Have a qualifying score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test (Enlisted) or the Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) and Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB) (Officer)
• Pass the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) medical exam
• Meet the physical, mental and moral standards of the Navy

*If you are not yet 18, you need parental consent to join. Other restrictions or exceptions may apply depending on your job or program in the Navy.

To learn more information about basic requirements for joining the Navy, check out our Requirements to Join page.

At Boot Camp, women will be required to meet the following standards in an initial “baseline” physical fitness assessment:

17-19 Age Group

• Push-ups (in 2 minutes) – 20
• Planks – 2 x 30 sec.
• 1.5 Mile Run – 18:37

20-24 Age Group

• Push-ups (in 2 minutes) – 17
• Planks – 2 x 30 sec.
• 1.5 Mile Run – 18:37

After Boot Camp, women will be required to maintain fitness standards to pass a regular Physical Readiness Test. For more information, head here to learn about life as a Sailor.

Do I have to get a haircut at Boot Camp or Officer Training?

Women reporting to Recruit Training Command (RTC) or Officer Training Command (OTC) are no longer required to cut their hair, as long as they comply with the Navy grooming regulations. Once at RTC or OTC, you will be taught how to maintain your preferred hairstyle in a manner that meets grooming standards for daily wear in the Navy. Women who have specific questions about grooming and hair styles should consult their recruiter.

What kind of haircut can I have? Can I wear my hair in a ponytail or have braids?

You will be obligated to keep your hair neat, clean and well-groomed. Your haircut and style should present a balanced appearance. Ponytails and braids are allowed as long as the ends do not fall more than 3 inches below the edge of your uniform collar. Locks are allowed as long as they fall above your collar. Wearing your hair down is permitted as long as the hair does not fall below the lower edge of the back of the collar, this requirement is relaxed when wearing Dinner Dress Uniforms. Pigtails and braids that are widely spaced or protrude from the head are not permitted.

Can I have my hair colored?

Yes, you can color your hair, but it must look natural and complementary.

Can I have beads or other materials in my hair? What about clips and bobby pins?

You are not permitted to have beads or any other decorative items braided in your hair. You can wear a maximum of two small barrettes, combs and/or clips as long as they are similar to your hair color. Additional matching bobby pins or rubber bands may also be used to hold your hair in place, if necessary. Fabric elastic bands are not authorized.

Can I wear a wig or hairpiece?

You can wear a wig or hairpiece while in uniform or duty status as long as it’s a natural hair color and appearance. For specific questions, please reach out to your local Recruiter.

Can I wear makeup or other cosmetics?

Cosmetics may be applied in good taste so that colors blend with your natural skin tone and enhance your natural features. You may wear lipstick and nail polish as long as the colors are complimentary and conservatively worn. You are not permitted to wear long false eyelashes while in uniform.

For more information, head here to learn about life as a Sailor.

Can I take birth control with me?

Yes, you are encouraged to bring your doctor prescribed birth control pills with you.  

If I get my period, will I be allowed to use the bathroom immediately?

Yes, the Navy takes personal hygiene seriously.

Can I bring my own feminine hygiene products or will they be provided for me?

Hygiene products will be provided to you upon arrival. Once you join the Navy’s Delayed Entry Program, you will be given a START Guide, which prepares you entirely for your training experience at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL.

Do I have to shower in the same space as other women?

Yes, daily showers are a part of every Recruit’s scheduled day.  

How often can I wash my hair?

Daily, if needed during shower time.

Can I bring and wear makeup?

Makeup is only permitted for photographs and graduation liberty.

Will I have to dye my hair if my hair color appears unnatural or inconsistent?

No. Your hair should be of its natural color upon arrival to Recruit Training.

When will I learn how to style my hair to meet regulations?

The START Guide issued upon entering the Navy’s Delayed Entry Program provides grooming standards authorized for women at Recruit Training.

Is it common to lose or gain weight?

Every Recruit body make-up is different. All Recruits meals are prepared to meet recommended medical calorie intake to ensure Recruits remain healthy throughout training.

Will I be able to eat regularly?

Yes, throughout Recruit Training, Recruits follow a prescribed schedule which consists of physical training, classroom lectures and demonstrations, meals and group or self-study times.

How often will I be in the same environment as recruits of the opposite gender?

Both male and female Recruits train as a unit during special drills, physical training, while eating meals and in some classroom settings. Sleeping spaces are gender specific.