Navy Canceling Early Discharges and Offering Extensions to Keep More Sailors in Uniform

[Tony]

Just months after the Navy announced a record recruitment bonus, the sea service has made a series of policy changes that are aimed at decreasing the speed at which sailors leave the Navy in a further sign that the branch is struggling with recruitment and retention of service members.

The changes, announced in an administrative message released Tuesday, include moves to let sailors keep serving longer – the ability of sailors to apply for a delay in separation or retirement, and an offer to waive “high-year tenure” requirements – as well as a measure to prevent sailors from leaving the fleet early. The message explained that the goal behind the changes is “to ensure the Navy remains fully manned and operationally ready.”