All of the following criteria are required to participate in the Navy-wide advancement examination (NWAE), except which one?

To understand why meeting a minimum performance mark average of 3.4 is not a requirement to participate in the Navy-wide advancement examination (NWAE), it's important to note that the eligibility criteria primarily focus on basic performance standards and administrative qualifications rather than specific numeric scores.

The Navy does have performance evaluation guidelines, but these guidelines vary by paygrade and the context of the advancement. As such, while a positive evaluation is certainly beneficial and can impact advancement opportunities, a specific minimum average like 3.4 is not universally required for all sailors to participate in the NWAE.

In contrast, having a passing PFA score is crucial as it assesses a sailor's physical readiness, which is a foundational requirement for advancement. Additionally, possessing an active security clearance ensures that a sailor is eligible for responsibilities that may involve access to classified information. Finally, being recommended by the Chain of Command is a key endorsement that validates a sailor's qualifications and readiness for advancement, reflecting the importance of leadership support in a sailor's career progression.

Thus, while performance marks are important in evaluating suitability for promotion, they do not serve as an exclusive barrier to participating in the NWAE like the other criteria do.