basis with other students applying for NROTC scholarships or admission to the Naval Academy. The BOOST Program gives these young people every opportunity to succeed. This program is a major part of the Navy’s affirmative action plan. Interested minority personnel are strongly encouraged to apply. The BOOST Program provides successful students with a 4-year undergraduate educa- tion. It opens a direct pathway for enlisted personnel to attain professional status as Navy officers after graduation from college. The program helps these people acquire the scholastic skills and academic credentials that place the BOOST graduates on a par with their college-bound peers. Before helping per- sonnel apply for the BOOST Program, you should ensure applicants are genuinely inter- ested in pursuing a Navy career. Those per- sons selected are expected to enter college well prepared to meet the academic challenges and demands of a commissioning education program. BOOST training is conducted at Service School Command, NTC, San Diego, California. The curriculum concentrates on mathematics; physical and social sciences; and the communica- tion skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Educational and personal counseling, development of study skills, and time manage- ment are also included in the program. The length of  BOOST  school  instruction  is  normally 12 months, The basic eligibility y requirements are as follows: Have U.S. citizenship Be at least 17 years of age (Maximum age requirements for BOOST students are contingent upon eligibility for at least one of  the  related  officer  procurement programs.) Be serving on active duty in the Navy or Naval Reserve and have 36 months of obligated service as of 1 June of the year in which BOOST training commences (If selected for NROTC or nominated for appointment to the Naval Academy, the member must agree to incur 4 years of obligated  service  on  completion  of BOOST.) Meet physical standards as prescribed in the Manual of the Medical Department, U.S. Navy Have no record of conviction by court- martial or by civil court for other than minor traffic violations Have no record of violations of article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) for 2 years preceding entry into BOOST school Be a high school graduate or possess a GED equivalency certificate (Selected applicants not meeting this requirement will satisfy the requirement during BOOST school based upon their military educa- tional experience and GED test results.) Have achieved minimum test scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT) within 12 months preceding application deadline date (Article 1020360 of the Naval Military Personnel Manual (MILPERSMAN) con- tains minimum test scores.) Be recommended by the commanding officer The MILPERSMAN contains additional in- formation on the BOOST Program. OPNAV Notice 1500 announces eligibility requirements and application procedures yearly, normally around June or July. Direct Commission Enlisted personnel who have a baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited institution are eligible to apply for a direct commission through the U.S. Naval Reserve Officer Program. Generally the age limit is 30 years; however, some programs allow a maximum age of 36. Refer to OPNAVINST 1120.2A and MILPERSMAN, article 1020100, for more details; or contact an officer  recruiter. DEPENDENT CARE POLICY Dependents of active-duty, retired, or deceased military personnel are eligible for care under the Uniformed Services Health Benefits Program 5-11