The Secretary of the Navy may appoint how many enlisted members into the U.S. Naval Academy Program each year?

The Secretary of the Navy is authorized to appoint a limited number of enlisted members into the U.S. Naval Academy each year, specifically 170. This process is designed to provide opportunities for highly qualified enlisted personnel to pursue a commission as officers after completing their education at the academy.

This provision reflects the military's commitment to recognizing the potential of its enlisted members and investing in their future career development. The number of appointments is capped to ensure that the program remains selective and maintains a high standard among its candidates. The choice of 170 aligns with both the strategic needs of the Navy and the capacity of the Academy to properly educate and integrate these future officers into the naval service.