Fleet Rating Experts Critical to Advancement Exams

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PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Navy chiefs (E-7 to E-9) interested in shaping the future of their ratings are needed to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for upcoming Fiscal Year 2019 Advancement Examination Readiness Reviews (AERRs).

Released Sept. 7, Naval Administrative Message (NAVADMIN) 221/18 announced the AERR schedule for October through December 2018.  Based on this schedule, AERR panel members work as Fleet SMEs for their respective ratings to develop E-4 to E-7 advancement exams for future cycles.  Navy chiefs (E-7 to E-9) on active duty, Full Time Support (FTS), and reservists on Active Duty for Special Work (ADSW) are encouraged to take part in the process by reaching out to their respective Type Commander (TYCOMs) for application information.  Each TYCOM has their own application procedure.

"The knowledge that our fleet experts bring to the reviews is irreplaceable, it enables the exams to remain relevant and identifies Sailors, with the right skills to select for advancement," said Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center (NETPDC) Command Master Chief, Master Chief Electronics Technician, Nuclear Power (SS) Gregory Prichard.  “AERRs give chiefs a tangible, direct input toward shaping their community - participants have a say in what their reliefs need to know.  AERR participation is also a significant experience and resume builder that has the potential to benefit every chief throughout the Navy."

AERRs vary in length between one-to-two weeks and are held throughout the year, with most ratings being reviewed on an annual basis.  The reviews are held at NETPDC at Saufley Field in Pensacola, Fla. AERR Participants receive temporary duty (TDY) orders from their parent command, paid for by NETPDC. Travel is processed through parent command travel section and the Defense Travel System. 

Chief Machinist Mate, Nuclear (SS/SW/AW) Jim Clark, with the Nuclear Power Training Unit, Ballston Spa, New York, recently participated in his first Machinist Mate AERR.

“As a chief in the Navy, my role is to teach and give our Sailors the tools they need to succeed,” said Clark.  “Reviewing and building advancement exams is the epitome of this role.  There is a sense of pride in affecting the hundreds of advancements in our rating, and shaping the knowledge base of the Fleet.”

To view the annual AERR schedule, locate a specific rating recruitment and selection point of contact or view AERR eligibility requirements, log into My Navy Portal http://www.mnp.navy.mil and search under Professional  Resources/Navy Advancement Center/AERR.  TYCOM POCs are listed, and once selected, chiefs will receive an introductory e-mail from the Navy Advancement Center.  It is suggested that SME selectees make early contact, asking any questions they have concerning the AERR process.  NAVADMIN 221/18 also provides additional information and a listing of upcoming rating conferences scheduled for the next six months.

Normally, four-to-eight nominees will be selected for each AERR conference. TYCOM selections of Fleet SME nominations for the AERRs will be made 45 days prior to each review.  SMEs should contact their command’s travel personnel as soon as they are selected, to get an early start on the process.  SMEs attending classified AERRs should make sure their SIPR Token, if they have one, is active and they have recent access (within the last 30 days) to important reference sites.

NETPDC’s mission is to provide 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 (VOLED) Department, the Navy Advancement Center (NAC), and the Resources Management Department.