How many days prior to reporting to Officer Candidate School (OCS) must an officer recruiter complete the Initial Fitness Assessment (IFA)?

The requirement for completing the Initial Fitness Assessment (IFA) indicates that recruiters must ensure candidates are physically prepared before they report to Officer Candidate School (OCS). The mandated timeframe for when the IFA must be completed is 45 days prior to the reporting date for OCS. This timeline serves to provide ample opportunity for any necessary adjustments to a candidate's physical fitness level, ensuring they meet the rigorous standards expected at OCS.

This interval allows the recruiting team to assess the candidate's fitness effectively, identify areas that may require improvement, and offer resources or guidance as needed. Completing the assessment well in advance helps prevent any last-minute issues that could hinder a candidate’s progress or lead to disqualification. The structured nature of the 45-day requirement supports both the candidates' readiness for the challenges of OCS and the overall standards of the Navy’s commissioning programs.