what is fill date on my navy assignment

Frequently Asked Questions About Navy Assignments

Frequently Asked Questions About Naval Service

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Shore Duty Questions

Questions about navy orders, different types of duty, other duty questions.

Rod Powers was a retired Air Force First Sergeant with 22 years of active duty service.

• Air Force NCO Academy

If you are considering joining the military (any branch) start your research and education long before you step foot into the recruiter's office. Your education into the Navy should not begin with the recruiter telling you what you should do in the Navy.  You should have a good understanding of what job (rating) you want to apply for - perhaps your top three to be honest. Too many people make a major recruiting mistake by not doing their due diligence into the opportunities available with military service. Do yourself a favor and start now. Start with this article followed by the official websites and forum groups of the service and the job you are seeking. Your experience will be much better if you know where you want to be placed versus getting placed where the Navy needs you the most. 

There are many rules and regulations surrounding job assignments in the Navy . In general, sailors are assigned to ships or submarines (sea duty) for three years, and shore duty for three years. That doesn't mean that sailors will spend their entire three-year deployment at sea, since ships and submarines spend a large amount of time docked in their home ports. Though expect about half your time deployed or out to sea training to deploy. See the world - join the Navy!

Here are some of the most frequently-asked questions about Navy assignments. 

Q: How likely is it that I will be able to get an extension while on shore duty? 

A: These decisions are made by detailers, who are in charge of all assignments for a given job community and rate range. Although the detailer makes every effort to approve personal requests, requests to extend beyond the normal shore duty length are not usually approved, since it would potentially require adjusting another sailor's sea tour due to fleet requirements. 

Q: Can I go to a specific location for my shore duty if I want to be near home?

A: Very limited opportunity exists for shore duty outside of the normal fleet-concentrated areas. The availability of billets, the priority of those billets and a sailor's career path will be the primary deciding factors of their next assignment. However, there are recruiting duty opportunities in every state. If you want to get home or near home, it may require a recruiting duty shore tour unless you are from a place that has a major military base. 

Q: Can I go to C school en route to my next command?

A: All Navy enlisted jobs (ratings) have an A school, where sailors learn fundamental skills, and a C school, which involves advanced training for that job.

Most C school quotas are utilized to fill Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) requirements of a command's billet file. If there is a valid requirement for a new NEC and if a school quota is open in the proper transfer window then a C school may be considered en route to the next command.

Q: When should I expect to get my orders?

A: Each detailer writes orders as soon as possible near the six-month window, so only a sailor's specific detailer can answer this. Most orders are in the sailor's hand within three weeks of being released by the detailer.

Q: When is the best time to call for orders?

A: Call on the first requisition cycle after you come into the nine-month detailing window. When you call early you have the maximum chance of getting your choice of assignment. 

Q: Why are there six type duty codes but only five actual types of duty?

A: The former Type 5 was neutral duty, which did not count toward sea or shore duty. Neutral duty was eliminated by the Navy in 2000. 

Q: What are the different types of duty?

A: Here's a list of the different duty types,  from the Navy website :

• Type 1: Contiguous United States (CONUS) shore duty
• Type 2 CONUS sea duty
• Type 3 Overseas shore (sea duty for rotational purposes)
• Type 4 Overseas sea duty
• Type 5: Overseas shore duty

Q: How do I get considered for a Special Duty Program assignment?

A: Each rating detailer provides personnel to the special duty programs. There are parameters that must be followed by each rate/rating for each assignment. Discuss the special programs options with your detailer when you are negotiating your next assignment.

Spouse Co-Location Questions

Q: I just married or am going to marry a military spouse. Will we be able to be stationed together?

A: The Enlisted Transfer Manual (Art. 3.21) states that every effort will be made to allow military couples to move together whenever possible in the same manner as non-military couples. Both military members must submit an official co-location assignment request.

Q: When should a sailor submit spouse co-location requests?

A: Submit these requests 12 months prior to your PRDs. This allows detailers the maximum amount of time to work on your request. Attaching a copy of your spouse's approved request to yours  can help speed the process along. But remember, spouse co-location is not guaranteed. 

Q: I was just advanced in rate. Does my tour length change to match my new pay grade?

A: Projected rotation dates (PRDs) are set for the pay grade you were when the orders were issued. They are not adjusted due to advancements or reductions in rate. 

Q: My detailer told me I was posted, what does that mean?

A: This means you have been placed on a requisition to hold that billet for you. It does not mean that orders have been issued. Once a billet has a posting next to it, others who may also want that billet are turned away. 

Q: What is a MAT?

A: MAT stands for minimum activity tour. This is the minimum tour length you have to complete before you can be transferred. Most commands have a 24-month minimum activity tour. This assures each command gets stability from your assignment.  Most sailors considering a lateral transfer into another rating are required to stay at their current command for the MAT time. 

Typically, most jobs in the Navy have a general pipeline of training and the type of commands that are available to any one's career. However, deviating from the general pipeline is possible and must fill a need or requirement for special programs, advanced education, or other special circumstances. If you can learn how the system works, you can make it work for you. 

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Advancement and Incentive Programs

Advancement

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01 Apr 2024

Cycle 115, (SELRES) Navy Advancement BIBs Are Now Available

12 Mar 2024

2024 MERITORIOUS ADVANCEMENT SEASON ONE

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Current Enlisted Programs

The Navy has modified the way enlisted Sailors advance in rate. Part of the goal is to replenish hard to fill billets, especially at-sea billets. The other goal is to advance Sailors who are committed to the Navy.

Billet based advancements will place the qualified Sailors in billets that have critical gaps at sea. This is a competition based selection whereas the Sailor is competing for a particular job that allows for advancement once the requirements have been met and the Sailor has reached his new destination.

Meritorious Type advancements allow the commanding officer to advance the most talented Sailors in pay-grades E5 and below to the next higher pay-grade. Quotas are allocated to commands based on authorized billets E3 through E5.

Incentive programs inlude priority shore duty placement and monetary compensation while still being eligible for career sea pay (CSP) and sea pay premium (SPP) if eligible.

Meritorious Advancement Program (MAP)

The purpose of MAP is to advance the most qualified Sailors to the next pay-grade outside of the advancement cycle. Through MAP, deckplate leaders have a voice in helping select the most qualified Sailors in their command. MAP currently comprises of 20% of total advancements.

Paygrades: E5 and below

• Meritorious Advancement Program - Official Website
• Question of the Day: How does MAP work?

Senior Enlisted Marketplace (SEM)

SEM is a program that will ultimately include all Chief Petty Officers. Currently only E-8 are being screen in this phase. To advance to the next higher pay-grade, successfully screened Chiefs must be matched to a position via MyNavy Assignment (MNA). The goal is to better align qualified Chiefs with command requirements and to advance those Sailors committed to staying in the Navy.

• Senior Enlisted Marketplace - Official Webpage
• SEM Flowchart
• Senior Enlisted Marketplace Fact Sheet - May 2023
• MyNavy Assignment (MNA) - Official Webpage
• NAVADMIN 261/22 - Senior Enlisted Marketplace - E-9 Billet Based Advancement
• Secure MNA website - view your MNA

Detailing Marketplace Assignment Policy (DMAP)

DMAP is a set of personnel policies designed to improve fleet manning in sea-intensive ratings. Its goal, through various programs, is to reward Sailors in sea-intensive ratings to stay in the Navy and stay on sea duty.

DMAP 4+3 benefits apply to Sailors who complete a 4-year Apprentice (E4 and below) Sea Tour followed immediately by a 3-year Journeyman (E5) Sea Tour.

Incentives Include:

Additional Money Through Detailing Marketplace Incentive Pay ( DMIP )

Paid monthly throughout entire 3 year Journeyman tour. $200 to $800 per month depending on location and sea duty type.

Early Advancement Through Advance to Position ( A2P )

A2P: E4 eligible (PNAed on E5 exam) applies for 3 year Journeyman assignment and advances upon arrival.

Early Advancement Through Command Advance to Position ( CA2P )

CA2P: An E4 eligible (PNAed on E5 exam) Sailor is nominated by their CO to fill a vacant or soon to be vacant PO2 billet onboard the current sea duty activity. All CA2P requests will be submitted in MNA via a Member Realignment Request (MRR).

Priority Follow-on Shore Duty Assignment Through Continuous Sea Duty Credit ( CSDC )

CSDC: Adds 1 credit per month of sea duty. Resets to 0 upon transfer to shore duty. Provides priority in the detailing marketplace.

All incentives can be combined with Career Sea Pay, Sea Pay Premium and SRB.

• Detailing Marketplace Assignment Policy - Official Website
• NAVADMIN 280/21 - Detailing Marketplace Assignment Policy (DMAP)
• DMAP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) MAY 2023
• My Navy Assignment (MNA) User's Guide (14 FEB 2022) Version 3.0i

Detailing Marketplace Incentive Pay (DMIP)

DMIP is a monetary incentive payable to Sailors that execute the DMAP 4+3 sea duty option. Sailors eligible for DMIP will earn additional monthly pay for the entire 3-year Journeyman (E5) Sea Tour. DMIP payments will begin on the 49th month of sea duty and continue each month through the 84th month. Initial DMIP rates will range between 200 dollars and 800 dollars per month. A Sailor who is earning the average DMIP rate of 500 dollars per month would receive $18,000 in additional incentive pay over the 3-year journeyman (E-5) sea tour.

That is on top of the $21,300 in career sea pay (CSP) and sea pay premium (SPP) for Sailors assigned to ships company for their 3-year journeyman (E-5) sea tour. In total, a Sailor who executes the DMAP 4+3 sea tour option could earn an extra $39,300 or more in DMIP, career sea pay (CSP) and sea pay premium (SPP).

Advance to Position (A2P)

A2P Program allows for Active Component E-4 and E-5 Sailors to apply for select E-5 and E-6 jobs when in their detailing window. This program does not allow for rates listed in DMAP. Sailors selected for A2P will be permanently advanced and paid upon reporting to an A2P job at their ultimate duty station, following successful completion of any required en-route training.

Sailors selected for A2P also maintain eligibility for all other advancement programs that they would be eligible for even after selection for A2P, and may advance sooner via any other advancement program for which they are selected. Sailors selected for an A2P assignment will receive permanent change of station (PCS) orders, if required, in line with current detailing business rules.

• NAVADMIN 172/22 - Active Duty Enlisted Advance-to-position Program Update
• Navy Updates Advancement-to-Position Program July 2022

Command Advance to Position (CA2P)

CA2P allows commanding officers to retain their top performing E-4 Sailors who are eligible for advancement to E-5 PNAed by permanently advancing them to E-5 to fill a vacant, or projected to become vacant, E-5 position within their command before entering MNA. Sailors must obligate to sufficient service, through extension or reenlistment, to complete a minimum of seven years at the command.

This consist of a 4-year apprentice (E-4 and below) sea tour plus a 3-year journeyman (E-5) sea tour (DMAP 4+3 sea duty option.) This is in addition to any associated training required to transition from apprentice to journeyman. CA2P replaces the Meritorious Advancement Program (MAP) for E-4 advancement to E-5 in the four DMAP Phase I ratings and will only be available to afloat commands. CA2P provides Sailors additional opportunity to remain in the same geographic location.

Continuous Sea Duty Credit (CSDC)

CSDC is a non-monetary incentive that will accrue as a Sailor remains on sea duty. All sailors on sea duty now earn CSDC and start accruing credits when reporting to sea duty. Initially, one (1) month on sea duty equates to one (1) CSDC. Sailors with the most CSDC will have priority over Sailors with less CSDC when applying for a shore duty assignment giving them an edge in shore duty assignment. CSDC is reset to zero once they have reported to their shore duty command. CSDC pauses if a Sailor goes on Limited Duty (LIMDU) or due to pregnancy.

• Question of the Day: What are Continuous Sea Duty Credits (CSDC)?

Senior Enlisted Advancement-to-Position Pilot Program (SEA2P)

SEA2P offers advancement incentive to active component E-7 and E-8 willing to take critical at-sea billets. The goal is to keep deploying units mission-ready by filling billets in Naval Air Forces and Surface Forces. Senior Fleet and type commander staff will convene a selection board to select those who are best and fully qualified Chiefs and Senior Chiefs for priority sea billets primarily within the Nimitz Strike Group, the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, and USS George Washington.

• NAVADMIN 178/22 - Senior Enlisted Advancement-to-position Pilot Program
• See Your Advancement Now - with SEA2P August 2022

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• New Cold-Assignment Incentive Pay Coming for Airmen and Guardians at 7 Bases

In a move aimed at incentivizing airmen and Guardians stationed in the remotest and coldest parts of the country, the Department of the Air Force has finally approved cold weather pay for troops at seven bases.

As of April 1, airmen and Guardians stationed at U.S. bases where temperatures sometimes drop 20 degrees below zero will earn the new lump-sum payment if they agree to serve at least a yearlong tour.

Locations that qualify for the incentive include North Dakota's Cavalier Space Force Station and Minot and Grand Forks Air Force Bases ; Alaska's Clear Space Force Station, Eielson Air Force Base and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson ; and Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana.

Read Next : Army Eyes Dramatic Cuts to Key Education Benefits for Soldiers

The announcement comes more than a year after passage of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, which included a provision for the services to provide an Arctic incentive pay.

A defense official told Military.com in January that the military's existing programs already compensate service members serving in those areas well enough, but the Department of the Air Force went ahead with its own program.

"Airmen and Guardians living in extremely cold conditions faced unique out-of-pocket costs," Alex Wagner, assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs, said in a statement to Military.com. "In addition to the assignment and retention benefits of the pay, it also comes down to making sure we do our best to take care of our service members and their families stationed at these critical installations."

Similar to the Army 's existing Remote and Austere Conditions Assignment Incentive Pay, the Air Force's new Cold Weather Incentive pay program "intends to ease the financial burden of purchasing certain cold weather essentials" like jackets and other Arctic-protective clothes, season-appropriate tires, engine block heaters and emergency roadside kits, the service told Military.com.

The pay ranges from $500 to $5,000 depending on location and how many dependents an airman or Guardian has. Though the program is effective as of April 1, the first pay date is July 1. If a service member moves to one of the seven locations between April 1 and June 30, they will receive the benefit retroactively, the Air Force said.

"We want to ensure airmen, Guardians and their families have the resources needed to safely live and work in an extreme cold-weather environment," Wagner said in the statement.

Notably, two of the nation's nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile bases are on the list: Malmstrom in Montana and Minot in North Dakota.

The announcement of the payment comes as the service's Cold War-era facilities at ICBM bases are being sanitized and investigated for toxins that could lead to cancer. Military.com has reported that both of those bases found levels of polychlorinated biphenyls -- a known carcinogen -- above the Environmental Protection Agency's threshold of 10 micrograms per 100 square centimeters.

Editor's note: This story was corrected to say Cavalier Space Force Station, Minot Air Force Base and Grand Forks Air Force Base are located in North Dakota.

Related : New Arctic Pay for Troops Was Passed by Congress a Year Ago. But the Pentagon Waved It Off.

Thomas Novelly

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