Tony

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 141512Z DEC 20 MID600050082821U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 321/20 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//DNS// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//DNS// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/DNS/DEC// SUBJ/NAVY LEGAL SERVICES SUPPORT TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS// REF/A/DOC/FY2020 NDAA SECTION 548/20DEC19// REF/B/DOC/OJAG/2JUL20// REF/C/DOC/OSD/7APR20// REF/D/10 U.S.C. Section 1044// REF/E/10 U.S.C. Section 1044e// AMPN/REF A IS SECTION 548 OF NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020. REF B IS INFO MEMO FROM JAG TO DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE GENERAL COUNSEL. REF C IS ACTION MEMO FROM UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR PERSONNEL AND READINESS TO THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE// REF D IS 10 UNITED STATES CODE SECTION 1044// REF E IS 10 UNITED STATES CODE SECTION 1044E// POCS/SOMERVILLE/KATHLENE/OJAG 16 LEGAL ASSISTANCE/OJAG/TEL: (202) 685- 4639/DSN: 325/KATHLENE.SOMERVILLE(AT)NAVY.MIL//CLUVERIUS/CHARLOTTE/VICTIMS? LEGAL COUNSEL PROGRAM/NLSC/TEL: (202)868-0587/CHARLOTTE.CLUVERIUS(AT)NAVY.MIL RMKS/1. Reference (a) directed the Secretary of Defense, no later than 1 December 2020, to provide legal counsel to victims of alleged domestic violence offenses. Per references (b) and (c), the Navy is enhancing its legal services accordingly. 2. The Navy is committed to delivering comprehensive legal support to spouses, intimate partners, and immediate family members who experience domestic violence committed by or against a member of the Armed Forces. These victims may greatly benefit from legal expertise, in addition to other family support programs. Two types of Judge Advocate General's Corps attorneys are available to help victims: Legal Assistance Attorneys and Victims? Legal Counsel. 3. Legal Assistance (LA): Victims of domestic violence may need advice on personal safety and family law issues. LA Attorneys can support in the following ways: a. Assistance with getting Military Protective Orders or civilian protective orders; b. Assistance with lease terminations; c. Assistance with seeking interim financial support; and d. Assistance with divorce and custody issues, including identification of local legal resources, as needed. 4. Victims? Legal Counsel (VLC): In addition to LA services, the Navy will provide VLC services to victims of domestic violence. Effective 1 December 2020, victims of domestic violence may consult a legal expert for information about the military criminal justice process and their rights within that system. VLC can represent victims of domestic violence in the following situations: a. Throughout NCIS investigations, including attending interviews; b. Throughout courts-martial; and c. During any resulting or other related administrative processes. 5. Eligibility for LA services is based upon reference (d) and includes but is not limited to active-duty service members and their dependents; retirees and their dependents; Reservists on active-duty orders; and certain Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees. Eligibility for VLC services is based on references (d) and (e) and includes but is not limited to active- duty service members and their dependents; retirees; Reservists; and DoD civilian employees. 6. To find contact information and schedule a consultation with the nearest office, visit https://www.jag.navy.mil/legal_services.htm. 7. Released by Mr. Andrew Haeuptle, Director, Navy Staff.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

APPLICABLE TO: SAILORS PCSING TO HAWAII

Navy Announces Upcoming Advancement Cycle Dates for Selected Reserve 09 December 2020 NAVADMIN 314/20 announced the Navy-wide advancement exam (NWAE) administration dates for Selected Reserve (SELRES) E-4 through E-7 candidates for the upcoming February 2021 advancement cycle (Cycle 108). PENSACOLA, Fla.—NAVADMIN 314/20 announced the Navy-wide advancement exam (NWAE) administration dates for Selected Reserve (SELRES) E-4 through E-7 candidates for the upcoming February 2021 advancement cycle (Cycle 108). All candidates serving on voluntary recall, mobilization or as canvasser recruiters will also compete for advancement as a SELRES. Sailors eligible for advancement will see similar processes used during the fall cycle as the Navy continues to ensure the safety of all Sailors during the COVID-19 pandemic. E-4 candidates, with the exception of E-4 Prior Service Reenlisted Eligibility Reserve (PRISE-R) candidates, will not participate in the advancement exam administrations as a safety precaution. Instead, the opportunity for advancement will be based on an alternative Final Multiple Score (FMS) rank-order method without inclusion of the advancement exam score. “The primary factor for E-4 advancement selections will be the candidate’s performance evaluation,” said Thomas Updike, deputy director of the Navy Advancement Center. “That it is why it is of the utmost importance for commands to accurately validate, complete, and finalize all Enlisted Advancement Worksheets (EAWs) in NSIPS (Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System) by the deadline.” For E-5 and E-6 candidates, as well as the PRISE-R candidates, exams will be administered during a testing window from Feb. 1 to March 14, 2021. This will allow commands to minimize the number of exam-takers at any one administration site and allow for maximum social distancing. “The health and safety of our Sailors is paramount. Commands should continue to ensure COVID-19 mitigations are in place for each exam administration during the testing window,” said Updike. For E-7 candidates, all exams must be taken in February to meet selection board deadlines. Other important dates for Cycle 108 SELRES candidates include the Professional Military Knowledge-Eligibility Exam successful completion prior to Jan. 1, 2020, and EAW completion date of Feb. 28, 2021. Once exams are given, education services officers are encouraged to expeditiously mail in answer sheet packages to Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center (NETPDC) and not hold exam answer sheets until the end of the testing window. This will ensure exams are processed and results are released in a timely manner. All questions concerning exam ordering and discrepancy corrections should be directed to the points of contact listed in NAVADMIN 314/20. As part of the MyNavy HR Force Development team, NETPDC provides products and services that enable and enhance education, training, career development, and personnel advancement throughout the Navy. Primary elements of the command include the Voluntary Education Department, the Navy Advancement Center and the Resources Management Department.

Navy Announces Aerial Vehicle Operator Warrant Officer Specialty The Navy announced a new warrant officer specialty designator whose job will be to operate carrier-based MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial vehicles, which are expected to start appearing in fleet carrier air wings sometime in 2024. The establishment of the Aerial Vehicle Operator (AVO) warrant officer specialty became a reality Oct. X with Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite’s approval of the new designator, which was announced in NAVADMIN 315/20. Over the next 6-10 years, the Navy will recruit, train and send to the fleet, a community of roughly 450 warrants in grades W-1 through W-5. Those selected for the program will first complete Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I. Upon graduation, they will be designated as Warrant Officer One and must complete basic flight training as well as advanced training on the MQ-25 aerial vehicle. Once complete with basic flight training, these officers will earn their own distinctive Navy "wings of gold" warfare device and be assigned the 737X designator. "AVO's will start out operating the MQ-25 Stingray, the Navy's first carrier based unmanned aerial vehicle, which is expected to join the fleet with an initial operating capability in 2024," said Capt. Christopher Wood, aviation officer community manager at the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Millington, Tenn. The use of warrant officers as the primary operators of unmanned aerial vehicles came about because the expected career path they'll have as they move up the ranks will be as technical specialists who complete repetitive tours, which fits the Navy's model on how warrant grades are utilized. "Unlike traditional Navy Chief Warrant Officer’s, the majority of these officers will be accessed much younger and trained along the lines of current Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers in the unrestricted designators," Wood said. "However, Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers require assignments that progress in tactical and leadership scope to be competitive for promotion, while warrant officer AVO's will be technical specialists and spend their careers as operators." Navy Recruiting Command will begin accepting applications for initial AVO accessions in fiscal year 2022. In addition to street-to-fleet warrants, enlisted Sailors will also be able to apply for the program, and potentially earn the 737X warrant officer designator. "Currently, the plan is to grow the community from the ground up with Warrant Officer AVOs," Wood said. "However, Naval Aviation will continue to evaluate the requirements of the program as it matures." Commanding and executive officers, as well as department heads of MQ-25 squadrons, will be filled by aviators and flight officers administratively screened for those commands. "During the first 4-5 years of the program, some MQ-25 AVOs will come from other Type/Model/Series as we build up the knowledge base, with the first 3-4 deployments having a mix of existing unrestricted line and new warrants making up the ready room." And though right now the community will be focused on the MQ-25, in the future, warrant officer AVOs may also operate the MQ-4C Triton while on shore duty following their initial MQ-25 sea tour. As the Navy's footprint in unmanned aerial vehicles increases, so could the scope of the AVO community.

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 091350Z DEC 20 MID600050062177U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 315/20 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/OCT// SUBJ/ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AERIAL VEHICLE OPERATOR (AVO) WARRANT OFFICER (WO) COMMUNITY// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces the establishment of the Aerial Vehicle Operator Warrant Officer (737X) community. 2. In order to operate the MQ-25 Stingray, the first carrier-based, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in the Navy, the Secretary of the Navy has approved the establishment of the AVO WO designator. Unlike traditional Navy Chief Warrant Officers, 737X WO-1 will be accessed through Navy recruiting. 737X Warrant Officers will be trained as technical specialists in the operation of the MQ-25 platform. In the future, 737X warrant officers may also be qualified to operate additional UAVs to support Navy requirements. 3. Navy Recruiting Command will begin accepting applications for initial 737X accessions beginning in FY22 in accordance with Program Authorization 106A. Selected candidates will attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, Rhode Island. Upon completion of OCS, candidates will complete initial flight training with follow-on specialized training on the MQ-25 platform. Interested fleet applicants should contact their career counselors for additional information regarding the OCS application process. 4. The procurement of the MQ-25 Stingray and the creation of the 737X AVO WO designator represent an exciting new chapter in the storied history of naval aviation. 5. Points of contact are CAPT Christopher Wood, Aviation Officer Community Manager, (901) 874-3353/DSN 882 or email christopher.j.wood1(at)navy.mil and CWO5 Hector Sandoval, LDO/CWO Community Manager, (901) 874-2464/DSN 882 or email hector.sandoval(at)navy.mil. 6. This NAVADMIN will remain in effect until superseded or canceled, whichever occurs first. 7. Released by Vice Admiral John B. Nowell, Jr, N1.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED// PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION 106A Program Authorization: Officer candidate indoctrination and training for active duty appointment in the U.S. Navy as a Warrant Officer (WO1), designator 7371 Aerial Vehicle Operator (AVO). Aviation Officer Community Manager (BUPERS-313) and Chief Warrant Officer Community Manager (BUPERS-319) are the officer community managers.

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 091704Z DEC 20 MID600050062672U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 316/20 MSGID/NAVADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N4/DEC// SUBJ/THIRD EXCEPTION TO POLICY FOR SMALL ARMS TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION CRITERIA AND NAVY SECURITY FORCES ANNUAL SUSTAINMENT TRAINING REQUIREMENTS// REF/A/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/071853ZAPR20// REF/B/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/311443ZAUG20// REF/C/DOC/OPNAV/12AUG2009// REF/D/DOC/SECNAV/31JAN2013// REF/E/DOC/OPNAV/28JAN2009// REF/F/DOC/SECNAV/20MAY2019// REF/G/DOC/OPNAV/14JUN2019 (NOTAL)// REF/H/DOC/DOD/18NOV2016// NARR/REF A IS NAVADMIN 101/20 (EXCEPTION TO POLICY FOR SMALL ARMS TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION CRITERIA AND NAVY SECURITY FORCES ANNUAL SUSTAINMENT TRAINING REQUIREMENTS). REF B IS NAVADMIN 239/20 (SECOND EXCEPTION TO POLICY FOR SMALL ARMS TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION CRITERIA AND NAVY SECURITY FORCES ANNUAL SUSTAINMENT TRAINING REQUIREMENTS). REF C IS OPNAVINST 3591.1F (SMALL ARMS TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION). REF D IS SECNAVINST S8126.1 (NAVY NUCLEAR WEAPONS SECURITY POLICY). REF E IS OPNAVINST 5530.14E (NAVY PHYSICAL SECURITY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM). REF F IS SECNAVINST 5500.37 (ARMING AND THE USE OF FORCE). REF G IS OPNAV N4 LETTER 5530 SER N46/19U133246 (NAVY SECURITY FORCE ANNUAL SUSTAINMENT TRAINING REQUIREMENTS). REF H IS DODD 5210.56 (ARMING AND THE USE OF FORCE).// POC/OPNAV N462/CWO5 LUIS MARTINEZ/TEL: 703-695-5526 EMAIL: LUIS.A.MARTINEZ6(AT)NAVY.MIL.// RMKS/1. References (a) and (b) provide guidance regarding an exception to policy on small arms training, qualification, and sustainment criteria and Navy Security Force annual sustainment training requirements, as described in references (c) through (h). Due to the continued impacts from COVID-19, this NAVADMIN provides an extension to references (a) and (b) through 28 February 2021. The expiration time period for the required small arms annual qualification and semi-annual sustainment criteria in reference (c) and the Navy Security Forces annual sustainment training in references (e) and (g) are extended through 28 February 2021. Commanders shall continue small arms live-fire qualification and sustainment criteria, and Navy Security Force sustainment training, as applicable, to the extent possible within COVID-19 restrictions and guidance. Personnel returning to live-fire training shall be prioritized based on their expiration of qualifications, to minimize or eliminate the need for further extensions. 2. Applicability. In accordance with reference (a), paragraph 2. 3. Exception to Policy. a. Small Arms Training and Qualification. Per reference (c), all personnel must requalify with live-fire annually. The expiration time period for small arms live-fire requalification/semi-annual sustainment may be extended through 28 February 2021; however, qualifications will not exceed a period of 24-months since the last live-fire qualification. Commands are directed to continue providing firearms safety and weapons familiarization, to include use of simulators for sustainment if available, within COVID-19 restrictions and guidance. b. In accordance with reference (c), for deployed afloat commands, qualification/sustainment may be extended until two months after return to homeport. c. Per reference (h), extensions for live-fire small arms qualifications will not exceed a period of 24-months since the last live-fire qualification. Personnel who do not complete live-fire small arms qualifications within a period of 24-months will not be authorized to be armed. d. Navy Physical Security and Law Enforcement Program. Per reference (e), table 6-1, Navy Security Force personnel are required to complete annual sustainment training requirements. Reference (g) provides annual sustainment training requirements for Navy Civilian Guard Force and Auxiliary Security Forces. The expiration time period for all Navy Security Force and armed sentry watch-stander annual sustainment training requirements may be extended through 28 February 2021, with the exception of training in paragraph 4 of this message. 4. Required Continued Training: Commanders will ensure all personnel who are armed will continue to complete Use of Force training, awareness, and acknowledgement, in accordance with references (e), (f) and (h). 5. Exception to this NAVADMIN will be submitted to OPNAV N4 via the appropriate chain of command. Exceptions for reference (h), regarding the period of 24-months since the last live-fire qualification will not be accepted. Updates to this NAVADMIN will be provided as applicable. 6. Released by VADM R. L. Williamson, N4// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 071719Z DEC 20 MID200000431865U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 314/20 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/DEC// SUBJ/SPRING 2021 (CYCLE 108) NAVY-WIDE ADVANCEMENT EXAMINATION FOR SELECTED RESERVE E-4 THROUGH E-7 CANDIDATES// REF/A/DOC/BUPERS/19SEP18// REF/B/MSG/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/052044ZMAR13// REF/C/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/201449ZDEC18// REF/D/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/272057ZDEC18// REF/E/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/161157ZJUL20// NARR/REF A IS BUPERSINST 1430.16G, ADVANCEMENT MANUAL FOR ENLISTED PERSONNEL OF THE U.S. NAVY AND U.S. NAVY RESERVE. REF B IS ALNAV 015/13, PERSONNEL SECURITY INVESTIGATION SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS. REF C IS NAVADMIN 312/18, ADVANCEMENT POLICY UPDATE. REF D IS NAVADMIN 316/18, ENLISTED ADVANCEMENT WORKSHEET. REF E IS NAVADMIN 201/20, PROFESSIONAL MILITARY KNOWLEDGE ELIGIBILITY EXAM REVISED BUSINESS RULES.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces the guidance for the administration of the spring 2021 (cycle 108) Navy-wide Advancement Exam (NWAE) for Selected Reserve (SELRES) Sailors in paygrades E-5 through E-7 and E-4 Prior Service Reenlisted Eligibility Reserve (PRISE-R) candidates and the use of an alternative final multiple score (FMS) rank-order method without an exam for all other E-4 advancement candidates. As a continued safety measure during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, E-4 exams (with the exception of PRISE-R) have been cancelled and an expanded testing window has been established for E-4 PRISE-R, E-5 and E-6 candidates. E-7 candidates will complete their exams from 1-28 February in order to meet deadlines for the Chief selection boards. These expanded testing windows will allow for smaller groups of test takers to ensure adequate social distancing can be maintained between testers at testing facilities, while maintaining the high standards and continued culture of learning that drive our enlisted advancement system. Information pertaining to selection board criteria will be promulgated via a future NAVADMIN. All candidates serving on voluntary recall, mobilization or as Canvasser Recruiters (CANREC) will compete for advancement as a SELRES. This is a change from previous policy, which stipulated that CANREC Sailors take the Active Duty/Full Time Support exam. 2. Timeline a. 1 January 2021: PMK-EE completion deadline b. 1-28 February 2021: E-7 exam administration c. 1 February-14 March 2021: E-4 PRISE-R, E-5 and E-6 exam administration d. 28 February 2021: Enlisted advancement worksheet (EAW) completion due date. E-4 (with the exception of PRISE-R) exams are cancelled, but EAWs must still be completed by this date. 3. Eligibility Requirements. For all E-4 through E-7 candidates, eligibility requirements are found in chapter 2 of reference (a), with the following information specific only to cycle 108: a. The terminal eligibility date used to compute time-in-rate (TIR) for E-4 through E-6 is 1 July 2021 and for E-7 is 1 January 2022. b. The minimum TIR date must be on or before: (1) E-7 1 January 2019 (2) E-6 - 1 July 2018 (3) E-5 - 1 July 2020 (4) E-4 - 1 January 2021 c. E-6 and E-7 candidates TIR requirements for early promote Sailors can be waived by 1 year with commanding officer (CO)/officer-in-charge(OIC) approval, in line with paragraph 214 of reference (a). d. High-year tenure (HYT) date for E-4 through E-6 must be effective 1 July 2021 or later. HYT date for E-7 must be effective 1 September 2021 or later. Any HYT waiver must be approved prior to 1 February 2021. e. Candidates who have submitted a formal written request for voluntary transfer to the retired reserve (with or without pay) or Fleet Reserve on a date prior to their mandated HYT are ineligible for advancement. f. Candidates in a rating requiring a security clearance must have a favorable investigation adjudication by the Department of Defense Central Adjudication Facility reflected properly in the Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) prior to 1 February 2021. If the CO of the candidate grants an interim clearance, it must be entered in JPAS prior to 1 February 2021. Candidates must maintain security clearance eligibility throughout the advancement cycle to be eligible for advancement. If, for any reason, a clearance is denied, revoked or not reflected in JPAS, an exam is not authorized and commands will not allow candidates to take the exam until the discrepancy is corrected or a new clearance is granted and is properly reflected in candidates EAW. Ratings requiring a security clearance are AC, AE, AG, AO, AT, AWF, AWO, AWR, AWS, AZ, CTI, CTN, CTR, CTT, EOD, ET, ETR, ETV, FC, FCA, GM, HT, IS, IT, ITS, LN, MA, MC, MMA, TM, MN, ND, OS, QM, SB, SO, STG, STS and YN. Refer to references (a) and (b) for additional guidance. g. Branch class and special program indicator (SPI) code. All SELRES and CANREC are required to take the cycle 108 SELRES NWAE. Full-Time Support Personnel with a SPI code of V will take cycle 250 (E-7) or cycle 251 (E-4 through E-6) Active-Duty NWAEs. h. PRISE-R Sailors required to participate in the NWAE to complete their rate conversion are only required to complete the professional military knowledge - eligibility exam (PMK-EE) if they are an E-3 and are eligible for advancement in conjunction with testing to complete rate conversion. i. For candidates for advancement to E-4 and E-5, compute performance mark average (PMA) using all applicable evaluations in the current pay grade of the candidate with an ending date that falls within the following periods: (1) E-4 - 1 June 2020 to 31 January 2021 (2) E-5 - 1 February 2020 to 31 January 2021 j. For candidates for advancement to E-6 and E-7, calculate the eporting seniors cumulative average (RSCA) PMA, as outlined in reference (c), using evaluations in the current paygrade of the candidate with the ending date that falls within the time periods: (1) E-6 - 1 February 2018 to 31 January 2021 (2) E-7 - 1 February 2018 to 31 December 2020 k. Refer to reference (c) and paragraph 308 of reference (a) for additional guidance on RSCA PMA and PMA including guidance on establishing PMA for new accessions that have graduated from A-school and do not have a current evaluation. l. For guidance on establishing EAW user roles and completing worksheets, refer to reference (d). EAW is mandatory for cycle 108 and will be the authority for PMA, RSCA PMA and awards. m. PMK-EE is mandatory for cycle 108 candidates, even if no NWAE is being administered, and must be completed prior to 1 January 2021 in accordance with reference (e). No Sailor should be permitted to participate in the advancement cycle without having a completed PMK-EE captured in EAW. n. Commands must accurately validate, complete and finalize all E-4 EAWs in the Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS). EAW accuracy is critical since NEAS will be reprogrammed to use finalized EAWs rather than the candidate exam answer sheets to create E-4 candidate records. The success of this process will be dependent upon the accurate completion of E-4 EAWs to establish advancement cycle participation. Cycle 108 E-4 EAWs must be completed by 28 February 2021. 4. Exam ordering. Order exams in line with chapter 4 of reference (a). a. Deploying commands and candidates departing to Congressionally- Designated Combat Zones and Approved Contingency Operations Areas (CDCZ/ACOA) can order exams up to 6 months prior to the scheduled exam date. For additional guidance, refer to chapter 4 and paragraph 614 of reference (a). b. Sensitive compartmented information (SCI) exams. Cryptologic Technician Interpretive (CTI), Cryptologic Technician Networks (CTN) and Cryptologic Technician Collection (CTR) SCI exam ordering dates can be found on the NEAS website via MyNavy Portal at https://www.mnp.navy.mil/group/navy-advancement-center/my-eso. ESOs must verify initial TIR eligibility lists on the NEAS website for exam ordering. Supplemental SCI exams are ordered via preferred message formatted e-mail to sfly_cryptologic.products(at)navy.mil or naval message following the guidelines in line with chapter 4 of reference (a). The deadline for additional orders is 30 January 2021. c. Non-SCI Exams. (1) Initial exam ordering for non-SCI exams will be available through 13 December 2020. ESOs must verify TIR eligibility lists on the NEAS website. (2) Eligible candidates who were not added to the initial TIR list can be added to a supplemental TIR list. Supplemental TIR lists will be available from 14 December 2020 to 20 January 2021. The deadline to order supplemental SELRES exams is 28 February 2021. d. Exams ordered after the TIR lists have closed and exams for PRISE-R Sailors shall be ordered using preferred message formatted e-mail or naval message following the guidelines in chapter 4 of reference (a). Ensure a point of contact is included in the submitted e-mail or message. e. Exams for CDCZ/ACOA Sailors or recalled reservists will be ordered by the command holding the service record of the Service Member. Authority is granted for these candidates to be administered exams with the Active-Duty exam administration. However, all SELRES and CANREC candidates are still required to take the cycle 108 SELRES exam and not the cycle 250 (E-7) or cycle 251 (E-4 through E-6) Active-Duty exam. f. When an exam is not used during the normally scheduled event, do not destroy the exam prior to 1 April 2021. g. Cycle 108 exams should only be administered from 1 February through 14 March. A request for late administration must be submitted with justification via e-mail to sfly_N321_exam_order(at)navy.mil for permission to retain exams for administration on the next drill weekend. Ensure the reason for a requested delay is included. Approved late administrations must be administered prior to 14 April 2021. (1) Since SELRES may take the NWAE anytime from 1 February to 14 March, except for E-7 candidates who must take it in February, Annual Training (AT) and additional Duty for Training (ADT) orders are not valid reasons for any Sailors to take the late exam. ESOs shall ensure that Sailors take the NWAE prior to going on AT/ADT orders or when Sailors return from their AT/ADT. If a Sailor will be on AT/ADT during the entire month of the scheduled advancement exam, then the ESO shall coordinate with the gaining command to forward the Sailors exam and EAW. (2) Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center (NETPDC) (N321) has the final approval for all late exam requests, but all SELRES late exam requests must come through the Navy Reserve Force ESOs prior to contacting NETPDC. The Command ESO may e-mail the Navy Reserve Force ESOs at CNRFC_Reserve_Forces_ESO(at)navy.mil and carbon copy their Immediate Superior in Command ESOs for validation of their late exam request. Once the Reserve Force ESOs validate the reason of the request, the Command ESO will request approval from NETPDC to allow the Sailor to take the late exam. A request for approval from NETPDC must be submitted with justification via e-mail to sfly_N321_exam_order(at)navy.mil for permission to retain exams for late administration on the next drill weekend in March 2021. Ensure the reason for a requested delay is included. h. ESOs must verify the exam orders at the *View Previous Exam Orders* link via the NEAS website within 7 to 10 days of placing the order. If exam order discrepancies are noted, contact NETPDC (N321) as listed on the NEAS website at NETPDC (N321) Point of Contact Table. 5. Exam administration and answer sheet returns a. SELRES E-5 through E-6 and E-4 PRISE-R exam administrations will occur from 1 February through 14 March 2021. SELRES E-7 exam administrations will occur from 1 February through 28 February. Administration for all late exams will follow guidelines in references (a) and (b). b. Every effort should be made to spread the administration of the exams evenly throughout the exam administration period, in order to minimize the number of exam-takers at any one administration to ensure maximum social distancing. c. All commands should develop a plan to meet COVID-19 mitigations. Every effort should be made to ensure appropriate COVID-19 mitigation measures are in place, to include, but not limited to, face coverings, adequate social distancing, available hand sanitizer, medical (questionnaire) screenings and temperature checks. d. Following the administration of exams, it is critical that ESOs expeditiously mail in answer sheet packages to NETPDC (N321). Do not hold exams until the end of the testing window. Prompt return of answer sheets will help ensure results are released in a timely manner. For answer sheet return instructions, refer to chapter 6 of reference (a). e. ESOs must check the exam tote board on the NEAS website often to ensure answer sheets have been received and processed. Answer sheets that are in error will not be counted until they are processed successfully. f. All candidates serving on voluntary recall, mobilization or as CANREC will now compete for advancement as a SELRES and participate in this advancement cycle. 6. Discrepancy Correction a. A detailed discrepancy list can be found at the NEAS website via MyNavy Portal. For guidance on discrepancy correction requirements, refer to reference (a), chapters 3 and 7. b. Post-exam administration discrepancy correction correspondence with NETPDC (N321) is to be submitted using the EAW post-exam administration comments (PAC) function, refer to reference (e). All corrections must have CO/OIC letter and supporting documentation included as attachments. Education point corrections require a submission of the Joint Service Transcript indicating the degree type and date of completion. c. For guidance on E-4 through E-6 candidates with missed exams due to assignment in CDCZ/ACOA, and E-7 candidates assigned to CDCZ/ACOA refer to chapter 6 of reference (a). 7. Examination results. Selection board eligibility results will be provided via Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS) On-line to authorized command representatives prior to release of profile sheets. See chapter 7 of reference (a) for additional information on selection board eligibility and advancement results. 8. Any additional information regarding this cycle will be posted on the NEAS website. 9. Points of contact a. MyNavy Career Center (MNCC) is available 24/7, by phone at (833) 330-MNCC (833) 330-6622) or via e-mail at askmncc(at)navy.mil. b. SCI exam questions and orders via phone at (850) 473- 5867/DSN 753 or via e-mail at sfly_cryptologic.products(at)navy.mil. c. Non-SCI exam orders by phone at (850) 473-6148/DSN 753 or via e-mail at sfly_n321_exam_order(at)navy.mil. d. NWAE exam records, and discrepancies by phone at (850) 473- 6148/DSN 753 or via EAW PAC function. 10. Any additional information regarding this cycle, to include the exam verbatim and other related documents, will be posted on MyNavy Portal at https://www.mnp.navy.mil/group/navy-advancement-center/my- eso. 11. This NAVADMIN will remain in effect until superseded or canceled, whichever occurs first. 12. Released by Vice Admiral John B. Nowell, Jr, N1.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

No worries, it's always great to see you all swing back by if you're busy to drop a post or too, thanks!

So far the rumor is that the results for cycle 248 will be released on the 18th. Only scuttlebutt though.

Not sure why things were released in bits and pieces but as I get updates I'll post. It would be helpful if you post any updates here as well.

The Navy released E4, E5 and E6 petty officer advancement quotas for Active Duty (AD) and Full Time Support (FTS) Sailors, December 4. Cycle 248 AD quotas Cycle 248 FTS quotas

Cycle 248 Active Duty Quotas are expected around 16 EST

They are supposed to be posted at 1600 EST

Cycle 248 E4 Quotas

Cycle 248 E5 Quotas

Cycle 248 E6 Quotas

FY21 (PRD Oct 2020 thru Sept 2021) packages for all C Schools are being accepted as of now. HM “C” school packages are to be submitted no less than 13 months prior to PRD! Once Sailors are in 12 month PRD window they are assets of the rating detailer and will be distributed as needed per NAVADMIN 231/17. Once Sailors are selected via CMS for fleet orders, they are not eligible to submit for C School.

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 251700Z NOV 20 MID200000415039U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS UNCLAS NAVADMIN 311/20 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/NOV// SUBJ/TIMELY SUBMISSION OF E-6 EVALUATIONS IN ADVANCE OF THE CYCLE 250 NAVY-WIDE ADVANCEMENT EXAM// REF/A/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/071831ZAUG20// REF/B/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/261748ZOCT20// NARR/REF A IS NAVADMIN 223/20 GUIDANCE FOR 2020 PERIODIC FIRST CLASS PETTY OFFICER, CHIEF, AND SENIOR CHIEF EVALUATION. REF B IS NAVADMIN 290/20 GUIDANCE FOR JANUARY 2021 CYCLE 250 E-7 ACTIVE DUTY AND FULL-TIME SUPPORT NAVY-WIDE ADVANCEMENT EXAMINATION// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces procedures for the completion of E-6 evaluations in advance of the Cycle 250 Navy-Wide Advancement Exam. Due to the extension of the E-6 evaluation deadline, outlined in reference (a), it is important that commands meet the established deadline and do not delay in entering the relevant reporting seniors cumulative average (RSCA) performance mark average (PMA) evaluation data into the enlisted advancement worksheet (EAW). Commands must complete all E-6 evaluations with required signatures and process them no later than 15 December 2020. 2. Upon receipt of the completed evaluation, it is imperative that the command educational services officer (ESO) upload the evaluations with the RSCA value in block 43 and enter applicable RSCA PMA data into the EAW as soon as possible. 3. An EAW system update in November 2020 now mandates the ESO at the command to validate and finalize Sailor worksheets before forwarding to the servicing ESO. 4. As a reminder Professional Military Knowledge-Eligibility Exam (PMK-EE) remains a requirement for advancement and all Sailors must have their PMK-EE completed by 1 December 2020 in order to be eligible for advancement in Cycle 250, in line with reference (b). 5. This NAVADMIN will remain in effect until superseded or canceled, whichever occurs first. 6. Released by Vice Admiral John B. Nowell, Jr, N1.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

I made this thread in case anyone has questions or information about the FY-22 Seaman to Admiral-21 Commissioning Program. STA-21 Official Website

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 201954Z NOV 20 MID200000403862U FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC TO ALNAV INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC CNO WASHINGTON DC CMC WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS ALNAV 099/20 MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/NOV// SUBJ/MESSAGE FOR CHIEF SELECTS FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY// RMKS/1. Shipmates, a reporter once joined Fleet Admiral William "Bull" Halsey at an event in Los Angeles, honoring his service in World War II. The event featured active and retired Chief Petty Officers who had served alongside the Admiral in Peace and in War. As they were passing through the lines, the reporter noticed a wink and a warm smile pass between Halsey and one of the oldest retirees. The reporter later asked about the exchange, and Halsey replied, "That man was my Chief when I was an Ensign, and no one before or after taught me as much about ships or men as he did. You civilians don't understand. You go down to Long Beach, and you see those battleships sitting there, and you think that they float on the water, don't you?" When the reporter replied that he supposed they did, Admiral Halsey said, "You are wrong. They're carried to sea on the backs of those Chief Petty Officers!" Like Admiral Halsey, I have benefitted from the service and guidance of Chiefs throughout my career, starting with the first Chief Petty Officer I ever met, Chief Archie Wilfong who was one of my high school instructors. He helped me understand the critical importance of hands on, deckplate leadership, setting the tone and example for all who serve. Those lessons persisted throughout my own career as a Naval officer and continue every day I serve as your Secretary. I have consistently continued to progress in life because of the Chiefs, Senior Chiefs, and Master Chiefs who have provided me counsel and guidance along the course of my career. These included Chief Jay Davidson, a combat decorated photo journalist, who was "My Chief" aboard USS AMERICA, to Senior Chief Heidi Wasson, who served alongside me first with Combat Camera in Iraq and then in Pakistan in 2005-2006. Today, retired Master Chief John Williams, who I was fortunate to serve with at several stages of my career, from Lieutenant to Rear Admiral, has joined me as my Deputy Chief of Staff, ensuring that there is always a strong enlisted voice and advocate at the table in all of my meetings and decisions. Last month we commissioned USS DELBERT BLACK, honoring the Navy's first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, and by extension, honoring every member of the Goat Locker who has ever served. It was a virtual ceremony not because of the pandemic, but because there's not a pier in this world large enough to accommodate all of the Chief Petty Officers who wanted to attend. They are a special part of our Navy's Legacy, justifiably proud of their history and their service to our Fleet. This week we are honored to add the names of our newest Chief Selects to their hallowed ranks. On behalf of all your Shipmates, I offer to all Chief Selectees, Active and Reserve, a sincere Bravo Zulu on this important milestone in your career. It is one that you will undoubtedly remember forever. But it also means that you must uphold the sacred charge of leading the Sailors entrusted to your care while mentoring Junior Officers and advising Senior Officers alike. I am confident you are up for the challenge Full Speed Ahead! I also offer a heartfelt "BZ" to every Chief, Senior Chief, and Master Chief and the families that serve at their side. On behalf of our entire Navy Family thank you for powering our Navy, from the deckplate to the great Chiefs who serve alongside me in the E-Ring. You are a breed apart, the keel of our force and an ongoing inspiration to us all. Semper Fortis! 2. Released by the Honorable Kenneth J. Braithwaite, Secretary of the Navy.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 231429Z NOV 20 MID200000408834U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 308/20 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/NOV// SUBJ/SELECTION OF APPLICANTS FOR THE FY-21 SEAMAN TO ADMIRAL-21 COMMISSIONING PROGRAM// REF/A/DOC/OPNAV/14DEC09// REF/B/DOC/BUMED/11JUN15// NARR/REF A IS OPNAVINST 1420.1B, ENLISTED TO OFFICER COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS APPLICATION ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL. REF B IS THE MANMED, NAVMED P-117, CHAPTER 15, PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR ENLISTMENT, COMMISSION, AND SPECIAL DUTY.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces selections for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Seaman to Admiral-21 (STA-21) program. STA-21 is the premier commissioning source providing the highest levels of education and leadership training for our Sailors. These highly motivated men and women will be among the leaders of our Navy well into the 21st Century. 339 highly competitive selection packages were received from well-qualified Sailors and 55 Sailors were selected, making the selection this year a difficult task. All who applied should be very proud of their accomplishments and continue their outstanding performance to ensure professional growth and increase their chance of selection in a future board. Congratulations to all who were selected. 2. Selectees are (read name, rate, and option assigned): ALLEN, MATTHEW J EOD1 EOD BAILEY, TREVOR E MMN3 NUCLEAR BALLARD, BRONSON V ETN2 NUCLEAR BATES, AMY E CTI1 NURSE BROOKS, ALEXIS J MMN3 NUCLEAR BROU, PHILLIP L ETN1 NUCLEAR CARBAJAL, AUSTIN T ETN2 NUCLEAR CASTELDEORO, MARCELINA M AE2 PILOT CASUPANG, AMANDAMARIE C YN2 SWO CORTEZ, JUAN R EN1 SWO/ED CRESSMAN, CALVIN L MMN2 NUCLEAR CROWE, LINDSEY R ET3 SWO CURRY, CONNOR R IT2 NFO DENNEY, COREY A ETN2 NUCLEAR DOUGLAS, PHILIP D CM1 CEC EBAT, JESSICA A MMN3 NUCLEAR ELLEDGE, ZACHERY R IT1 IP GIBSON, DEMIAN C EMN3 NUCLEAR GOODRIDGE, SHAMAR Z ETN3 NUCLEAR GUTIERREZ, VIVIAN R ETN3 NUCLEAR HARGIS, GARRETT L EMN1 NUCLEAR HENLEY, MICHAEL M MMN3 NUCLEAR HO, TRAN H ABE1 NFO HUGHES, BRYAN P SO1 SPECWAR JANOWICH, KELLY L AD2 SWO KINARD, NATHAN T ETN2 NUCLEAR KINNE, ANTHONY R AE2 PILOT KLOSS, KELLEN J EMN2 NUCLEAR KRUG, DYLAN J ETN1 NUCLEAR LASH, AUSTIN Z MMN2 NUCLEAR LEE, MARK A AO1 SWO LIM, JEROMEALEX P EMN2 NUCLEAR MALDONADOTRINIDAD, ISAI MMN3 NUCLEAR MALONE, TEAGHEN H MMN3 NUCLEAR MASSIMINI, SEBASTIAN T ETN2 NUCLEAR MCCORMICK, MANDY A MA1 CORE MCDERMOTT, JAMES M SOC SPECWAR MIZELL, BRENTON M EMN2 NUCLEAR MYERS, MATTHEW W AWO1 CORE NERI, SAMANTHA A EMN3 NUCLEAR NGUYEN, SON T AM2 PILOT POFFENBERGER, ERIC S ND2 PILOT REDMON, VALERIE K EMN3 NUCLEAR ROBINSON, BRENT D EMN2 NUCLEAR ROBINSON, SHANE K MM3 NUCLEAR STETLER, BRANDEN T ETN2 NUCLEAR SUGDEN, CARTER H MMN3 NUCLEAR TAYLOR, RYAN T STS1 SWO WARNER, BENJAMIN W EMN2 NUCLEAR WATSON, ETHAN K FN NUCLEAR WELTON, RANDALL J MMN1 NUCLEAR WHITE, NHEVYL S EMN3 NUCLEAR WRIGHT, JAMES M MMN2 NUCLEAR WRIGHT, ROBERT J MMN2 NUCLEAR ZILIANI, PATRICIO F ETN3 NUCLEAR 3. The following personnel were designated as alternates (read name, rate, and option assigned): AYALA, JAIRO EODC EOD BATEMAN, TIMOTHY M ETVSN NUCLEAR BULLOCH, NOAH K EMN3 NUCLEAR CASTRO, ALVINO R AM2 PILOT CHEBAHTAH, ANITA Y MC2 NURSE FUCITO, JESSE R MMN3 NUCLEAR GREEN, TAYLOR A EMN3 NUCLEAR HOBSON, JESSE J ETN3 NUCLEAR JAMES, MASON K MA2 CEC KAUTZMAN, JOSHUA P AWR3 NFO KNAPPCALKINS, TAYLOR A AM1 SWO/ED LESLIE, MARIOUS D MMN2 NUCLEAR MOONEY, DEVIN M EMN2 NUCLEAR NAVARRO, SERGIO A EMN2 NUCLEAR ORGAS, DALE T MMN3 NUCLEAR QUEEN, TRAVIS J MMN1 NUCLEAR RIVERA, ANDREW M QM3 IP SANDOVAL, ANGEL J MMN3 NUCLEAR SCHACHER, SAMANTHA J GM2 CORE SCHWARZ, SEAN C ETN2 NUCLEAR TEE, IGNATIUS M AM2 CORE THOMAS, KAYLIN L ETN3 NUCLEAR WEST, SHANE K MMN1 NUCLEAR WIDBY, BRADLEY J MR2 SWO WRIGHT, CHRISTOPHER W MMN2 NUCLEAR 4. Selections are conditional upon the selectee remaining fully eligible in all respects, meeting physical qualifications for commissioning as determined by the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED), and assignment by Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) to an approved Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) affiliated university based upon an official degree plan and acceptance letter from the university. Upon completion of an NSTC approved baccalaureate degree program, selectees will receive appointments as ensigns, USN. 5. Commanding officers should take the following actions: a. Notify selectees and alternates of their selection and ensure they receive a copy of this message. b. Notify NSTC N92 Selection and Placement (N92/STA-21) via message no later than 11 December 2020 of any selectee or alternate who does not desire to participate in the program. c. Immediately report to NSTC (N92/STA-21) all conditions/circumstances that may disqualify a selectee or alternate from participating in the STA-21 program via e-mail at pnsc_sta21(at)navy.mil. 6. Selectees and alternates should take the following actions: a. Complete a physical examination for a training program leading to a commission in the unrestricted line, nurse corps, or civil engineering corps, as applicable, in accordance with references (a) and (b) at a military treatment facility. Note that many commissioning standards exceed the enlisted standards required to remain on active duty. b. Ensure copies of completed physicals, Report of Medical History (DD2807-1), and Report of Medical Examination (DD2808), including Human Immunodeficiency Virus results from a test taken after 1 January 2020, are submitted no later than 15 January 2021 to: Naval Service Training Command Attn: N92/STA-21 250 Dallas Street Suite A Pensacola Florida 32508-5268 Aviation option selectees/alternates must have flight physicals uploaded directly into Aeromedical Electronic Resource Office by a flight surgeon, and submitted to Naval Aerospace Medical Institute. The selectees/alternates must be certified as qualified or have a waiver recommended by Naval Medicine Operation Training Center. All required physical forms can be downloaded from the STA-21 homepage at https://www.sta- 21.navy.mil. Commands should not forward physical forms directly to BUMED. c. Send acceptance letters from no more than three NROTC host or NROTC cross-town affiliated universities to the NSTC address listed above. Application to more than one university is advisable. Selectees will begin the STA-21 program with attendance at the Naval Science Institute (NSI) no later than 16 February 2021. d. Send an official degree plan from an NROTC host or NROTC cross-town affiliated university where they have been accepted. Degree plans must cover the time actually attending college. Degree plans of selectees should begin with the summer term 2021. All STA- 21 selectees will be required to attend the NSI enroute to their assigned university. 7. Alternates: Each alternate must complete the same actions outlined in paragraph 6 of this message. If a primary selectee declines participation in the program, is determined to be not physically qualified, or otherwise becomes ineligible for continuation in the program prior to executing orders, a qualified alternate will be selected. This notification often comes at the last minute, therefore, alternates who desire participation in the STA-21 program need to be completed with the actions listed above when notified. 8. The deadline for required degree plans and college admission documentation is 15 January 2021. It is in the best interest of each selectee and alternate to submit verification of eligibility criteria as soon as possible to expedite university assignment and release of permanent change of station orders. Selectees will not be ordered to NSI enroute to their assigned NROTC University until all conditions outlined in paragraph 6 have been met. 9. Points of contact are Mrs. Anna Duvall at (850) 452-9433/DSN 922 or via e-mail at anna.duvall(at)navy.mil or Mr. Eric Hodge at (850) 452-9563/DSN 922 or via e-mail at eric.hodge(at)navy.mil. 10. Released by Vice Admiral John B. Nowell, Jr, N1.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

Yeah, I do! <raises his hand>

As promised, FY-21 selection board membership

Those who served on the board... FY-21 Active Duty E7 Selection board Membership

The Navy will offer limited, voluntary early separations with an eye to allowing Sailors in certain specialties the ability to transition to civilian life before completing their service obligations. Announced in NAVADMIN 307/20 on Nov. 19, the message says the early separations will be on a case-by-case basis, targeted to selected overmanned ratings and year groups as a way to help restore rating health and open up promotion opportunity for sailors seeking to stay Navy. Other types of early outs will also be offered and will be considered on a case-by case basis. Which program applies to a Sailor depends on where they are in their careers as well as the reason for separation. “As the Navy has grown over recent years, some enlisted ratings at specific paygrades have become overmanned due to high retention in these ratings,” said John B. Nowell, Jr., the Navy’s Chief of Personnel. “Fleet readiness is our number one priority while also allowing for a flexible marketplace of talent management.” The largest source of early outs will likely come from the newly restored Early Enlisted Transition Program (EETP). EETP opportunity will come in published quotas, identified by rating, paygrade, year group and navy enlisted classification. These quotas are published on the Navy Personnel Command website and updated in real time as they are used. As a result, quotas will be granted on a first come first serve basis until all are exhausted. To find which skillsets may transition early, go to MyNavy Portal at https://my.navy.mil, then click *Quick Links* and then the *NPC* tab. Once on the NPC website, navigate to the *Enlisted* dropdown, then select *Community Managers* and navigate down to the *EETP* link. Those nearing the end of their careers should check out the Military Personnel Manual (MILPERSMAN) Article 1830-040, which lays out the rules for active duty service members desiring early transfer to the Fleet Reserve at 20 years of service. The article was recently updated to authorize retirement-eligible Sailors with obligated service remaining on their enlisted contracts to transition out early. There are no blanket policies, so each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the Navy’s manning requirements and individual rating health. Each request is reviewed to make sure that sea and critical shore billets are not gapped. Any such negative impacts will result in the request being disapproved. Early separation is also available for Sailors facing forced rating conversion, provided they have less than a year left before their soft expiration of active obligated service (SEAOS). Consideration for this type of early separation request must contain a statement of understanding from the Sailor that the Navy will recoup any unearned bonuses given for the service that won’t be completed. Educational early outs will also be considered for Sailors hoping to get an early start at college. These requests are submitted to the Enlisted Separation and Performance Division at Navy Personnel Command if the early transition is greater than 90-days before their SEAOS. As always, Commanding Officers can approve education separation requests inside of 90 days of a service member’s SEAOS. Those applying for a commissioning program or inter-Service transfer require what’s called a conditional release which can only be approved by Navy Personnel Command. Sailors should send those requests to NPC via their commanding officer. Regardless of which early out authority Sailors are requesting, commands need to carefully follow all guidance in the appropriate MILPERSMAN article. In the message, Nowell reminded Sailors and commands that Fleet readiness is paramount. Retaining Sailors with the right skills and experience is instrumental to retaining the Navy’s warfighting competitive edge. “The Navy remains committed to ensuring Fleet readiness by providing well-trained Sailors in the right paygrade with the right skills and experience at the right time,” said VADM Nowell in the message. “Ensuring proper rating health, by rebalancing rating paygrades, while retaining the necessary knowledge, skills and experience in the Fleet is instrumental to maintaining our warfighting advantage.” Questions and concerns regarding these policy changes may be referred to MyNavy Career Center at askmncc(at)navy.mil or 1-833- 330-MNCC(6622).