The U.S. Navy has initiated a series of policy changes aimed at improving manning levels and talent retention among its sailors, indicating a strategic shift towards a billet-based advancement system. The recently unveiled Command Advance to Position (CA2P) policy and the expansion of the Detailing Marketplace Assignment Policy (DMAP) showcase the Navy’s commitment to aligning sailor talent with unit job requirements, as well as incentivizing service members to remain Navy.
The CA2P initiative, which took effect this past Saturday, is a new pathway for sailors to advance to the pay grades of E-5 or E-6 by filling critical vacant billets or those anticipated to open within 18 months. To qualify, sailors must agree to reenlist and fulfill the tour requirements for the billet. The policy is set to replace the Navy’s existing Meritorious Advancement Program (MAP), which does not require additional time in service for promotion.
Under the new policy, commanders can recommend sailors for CA2P by submitting a personnel adjustment request in MyNavy Assignment for sailors who are more than 12 months away from their expected rotation date.
To be eligible for promotion to E-5 under CA2P, sailors must have two years of cumulative sea duty and have passed the most recent Navy-wide Advancement Exam. An additional two years of service commitment is required for those advancing to E-6. “Sailors who are assigned to overseas tours will need to meet Defense Department requirements to be eligible for either the overseas tour extension incentives program or the consecutive overseas tour program,” as stated in the NAVADMIN.
The Navy is extending the DMAP, an enlisted career management tool, to include sailors in the damage controlman and aviation boatswain’s mate ratings. DMAP encourages sailors E-6 and below to reenlist for an additional sea tour by offering promotion incentives and benefits. Sailors must complete a Rating Knowledge Exam and can then compete for higher billets within MyNavy Assignment or be recommended by their commanding officer.
“Once matched to a billet at the next higher rank, the Sailor must obligate service to complete the full tour at the new rank in the new billet via extension or reenlistment, as necessary, and may be frocked 30 days prior to transfer,” the NAVADMIN said. “Sailors will be advanced by the gaining command upon arrival in the new billet and after completion of any required training.”
Incentive bonuses ranging from $200 to $800 a month, averaging approximately $500, are part of the DMAP program, further encouraging sea duty commitments.
The Senior Enlisted Marketplace (SEM), another component of the Navy’s comprehensive approach to manning and advancement, will expand to include Chief Petty Officers eligible for promotion via the selection board process in Spring 2024.
Relevant articles:
– Navy announces new billet-based advancement policy, Navy Times
– Senior Enlisted Marketplace, MyNavyHR (.mil)
– New Navy policy allows commanders to recommend promotions, but sailors must reenlist, Stars and Stripes
– Navy expands enlisted billet-based advancement policy to new ratings, Navy Times