How can I play football for the navy?
The desire to play football for the navy is a noble ambition, combining athleticism, military service, and a chance to represent one’s country. If you’re willing to put in the effort and dedication, it is possible to play football for the navy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve your goal.
Eligibility Criteria
Before we dive into the process, let’s cover the basic eligibility criteria:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen to join the naval football team.
- Age: The minimum age requirement is 17, but you must be eligible for active duty.
- Physical fitness: Meet the Navy’s physical fitness standards, which include minimum scores in push-ups, sit-ups, and 1.5-mile run.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
To play football for the navy, you’ll need to meet the basic requirements:
- Education: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and some colleges may also require a degree.
- Physical aptitude test: You’ll need to pass the Navy’s physical aptitude test, known as the Physical Fitness Test (PFT).
- Medical eligibility: You must be declared medically fit by a Naval Medical Officer.
Step 2: Join the Navy
Once you meet the basic requirements, the next step is to join the Navy:
- Enlist in the Navy: You can enlist for 4-6 years, depending on your agreement.
- Choose the right rating: Select a rating (job) that aligns with your football skills and interests. Options include Naval Aerospace and Operational Medicine, Naval Aircrew or Marine Detachment.
Step 3: Attend Naval Training
After enlisting, you’ll attend boot camp and specialized training for your chosen rating:
- Basic Training: Finish 8-week boot camp at the Navy’s Great Lakes Training Facility.
- Rating-specific training: Complete 8-26 weeks of rating-specific training, depending on your position.
Step 4: Join the Navy’s Football Team
Once you’ve completed training, it’s time to join the Navy’s football team:
- Contact the Naval Football Team: Reach out to the Navy’s sports department or contact the naval football team’s coach.
- Tryouts: Attend tryouts, usually held during the summer and fall.
- Competition: Demonstrate your skills and compete against other team members.
Requirements for Navy Football Players
To be considered for the Navy’s football team, you’ll need to:
- Maintain the Navy’s physical fitness standards: Pass the PFT and maintain a high level of physical fitness.
- Meet the Navy’s academic standards: Maintain good grades and pass the National Security Agency (NSA) test.
- Adhere to Navy protocol: Follow the Navy’s rules and regulations, as well as team rules.
- Commit to being a team player: Understand the importance of teamwork, discipline, and camaraderie.
Benefits of Playing Football for the Navy
Playing football for the Navy offers many benefits, including:
- Job security: A guaranteed career in the Navy, with opportunities for advancement.
- Education and training: Access to the Navy’s education and training programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees.
- Travel opportunities: Represent the Navy at international sporting events and travel to distant locations.
- Health and wellness: Enjoy free medical care and access to top-notch health and fitness facilities.
- Job satisfaction: Contribute to the Navy’s mission while pursuing your passion for football.
Conclusion
To play football for the Navy, you’ll need to meet the eligibility criteria, join the Navy, and attend training. Once you’ve completed these steps, you can try out for the Navy’s football team. Remember to maintain high physical fitness standards, maintain good grades, and demonstrate commitment to teamwork and protocol. With hard work, dedication, and a love for the sport, you can achieve your goal and play football for the navy.
Additional Resources:
- Navy’s Official Website
- [Navy’s Football Team Website](https://navy.navy.mil/ navy-football/)
- [How to Join the Navy (PDF)](https://www.navy.com/becoming-a-navy-officer/join– navy/join-the-navy.pdf)
Table: Navy Football Team Requirements
