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14 November 2011
Enlisted Retention Board (ERB)
Over the past few years our Navy has experienced unprecedented reenlistment and retention rates. As a result, we have had to take specific actions to reduce and rebalance the number and types of Sailors we currently have serving on active duty to stay within our congressionally authorized end-strength limits. One of the methods used for this process was conducting an Enlisted Retention Board (ERB). The ERB convened in September to conduct an exhaustive review of the performance of roughly 16,000 Sailors across 31 overmanned ratings, and, from this number, select approximately 3,000 to be separated from the Navy. The ERB has since concluded, and those Sailors who were reviewed as part of Phase 1 (E4-E5) will be notified of their status starting today. Phase II (E6-E8) notifications will be made later this month.
My primary concern right now is making sure we do everything in our power to stay true to our responsibilities to these Sailors and their families and make their transition to civilian life as smooth as possible. To that end, our Navy will be offering additional services beyond the transition assistance programs typically available to all departing Sailors. Some of these benefits include pre-separation transition coaching, resume writing, job interview preparation and job search assistance. Furthermore, over the coming weeks at Fleet Forces we will be conducting a 2-day ERB workshop that will cover many of the important topics such as career planning, medical and financial information, and the GI Bill. It's absolutely critical that we make sure our Sailors are aware of (and attend!) these workshops and all the other events and services our Navy has put together to assist with their transition.
The Navy Personnel Command (NPC) has created a web page with a wealth of information along with a very comprehensive (and very well done) Transition Handbook. I highly recommend our departing Sailors take the time to read through this handbook to ensure they are aware of the various benefits available to them (involuntary separation pay, medical benefits, relocation assistance, etc.) leading up to and upon separation from the Navy. Our staff CO, CMC and career counselor will also make sure this information is covered in great detail for each of our Sailors during the workshop and throughout their period of transition.
On a final note, I want to say that it's never easy to see our Shipmates leave. I take great pride in having served with so many talented men and women who all volunteered to serve their nation. Although we cannot change the results of the ERB, we can very much control how we support our Sailors who will be separating. I ask that all of you who know someone being affected by this ERB reach out and offer your assistance. We all have knowledge, experience or even some contacts in the civilian world that can help our Shipmates make this transition. I can assure you my entire leadership team at Fleet Forces, starting with me, will remain engaged and fully supportive of these Sailors and their family members who will be leaving our Navy.
I continue to be honored and privileged beyond measure to lead this great team, and I thank you all for your service.
All the best, JCHjr
159 comments:
- Anonymous said...
I respectfully ask for advice on specific ways that family members and friends can help or assist those who are being separated from the Navy. I noticed today that there is a social networking site (armedzilla) that offers support to military servicemen and women who are transitioning back into civilian life. I am concerned about all our military servicemen and women who may need help after having served, and I feel their continued success beyond their dedicated service is absolutely vital...so any advice you can give would be much appreciated. Thank You.
- 14 November, 2011 16:47
- Anonymous said...
I would like to have the reason they were being chosen for being separated released to the sailors. I know of several who were not chosen for retention and they don't have anything on their record, in fact they have every reason for keeping them in. It's unfathomable that they can do this and not give a reason. Then you have the sailors that don't do any work, written up several times and can't stay on a deployment and pull themselves and they somehow survived ERB. I just don't get it.
- 15 November, 2011 09:35
- Anonymous said...
Yes I feel all this pain as I am one of the people not selected for retention. I have done nothing wrong and served for 8 going on 9 years. I would appreciate a reasoning on why. When you have lazy good for nothing sailors that have been to captains mast and drb! This is the biggest piece of BS I have ever dealt with in my 9 year career! I just want to know why I was not selected, but Joe Smuck over there with not even close to the amount of quals I have in my record and stuff that he has done in the past that should have affected this. I even know he had gotten a "P" on an eval just less than a year ago.... I have never received a "P" EVER. Always top performer. Asked to leave my BUTT!!
- 15 November, 2011 11:30
- Anonymous said...
One could assume they are cutting in rates that are overstaffed, and leaving the critical rates alone. If so, it would seem to make more sense to cut the dead weight regardless of rate, and then retrain the higher rated sailors in overstaffed ratings to critical ratings. Just a thought from an old sailor.
- 15 November, 2011 11:49
- Anonymous said...
I feel like I should say something about the ERB. The ERB precept clearly states what the NAVY was going to do, who they were targeting, and the process in which how they were going to do it. If you don't think they did, just read the precept which was put out on August 4. There it states the standards which the ERB bases it's selection of personnel. If you were selected, that is unfortunate, however the Navy shouldn't be bashed because people are ignorant to the process. The good news is that the NAVY is providing MULTIPLE resources for those who have been selected for seperation. They are NOT leaving Sailors out in the cold. Their Command has the resources and they can also can be found online:
Precept can be found here:
- 15 November, 2011 12:58
- Anonymous said...
I completely agree that these sailors should be given a reason why they were chosen to be separated. Also, if the reasoning behind these separations is due to over manned rates, then I would like to know who dropped the ball and allowed for these rates to become over manned. I think this is a bunch of BS and the authorities that allowed for this to happen should be ashamed of themselves for turning their back on these men and women who have sacraficed numerous things to protect and serve our country. I don't care how many resources they give these sailors to help them re-enter the civilian world, it will not replace knowing the Navy turned their backs on their fellow shipmates!
- 15 November, 2011 13:13
- Anonymous said...
So how do you fire a person in a combat zone? How do you expect them to go out there and fight the good fight when you've just fired them after 9 years of giving their all, putting their lives on the line, abandoning their wives and children to be at the beck and call of the navy? I'm a retired navy wife and I see that the military's treatment of their personnel has not improved.
We (my husband and I) have been through the wonderful outprocessing the navy has and its not worth a bucket of warm spit. The whole system of ERB, RIF( reduction in force) in my day, was put together by people who couldn't pour spit out of a boot if the instructions were printed on the heel.
- 15 November, 2011 16:28
- Anonymous said...
All these Sailors our getting separated to meet end strength (because of money) but we still have 350 Admirals on the books!!!
- 15 November, 2011 17:02
- Anonymous said...
I agree things had to be done. But to have to wait this long to find out if I have to go get in line at the unemployment office because retention hasn't been taken care of correctly for decades, is ridiculous. It's not my fault that the Navy is overmanned, so why do I have to be the one biting my nails wondering if I am still going to have my job at the end of the month? And why such a long wait? They know the results already, just LET US KNOW!
- 15 November, 2011 19:00
- Anonymous said...
It's a military layoff, that's all it adds up to be. Nothing more, nothing less... and the "resources" stated above are just that, and not ASSITANCE that should be required, but is not. Thanks, but you're in the wrong mindset, and apparently are NOT selected for this ERB. And if you're not, why even bother to try to "lighten" the burden that you're not even potentially facing? Hmmmm... sounds like a "nice to their face, stab them in the back" deal to me. And yes, I have been selected. It's still all politics that DIDN'T need to happen.
- 15 November, 2011 19:04
- Anonymous said...
"Although we cannot change the results of the ERB, we can very much control how we support our Sailors who will be separating."
Seriously? Then honestly do more than just workshops and having them read a book. Their CAREERS ARE ENDING! It's been taken too lightly and there is no assistance, just "support". They need more than to sit with a counselor. But they'll never get it.
- 15 November, 2011 19:15
- Anonymous said...
If everything is going to be "Ok" for the enlisted. When and how come we haven't had, an Officer Review Board...? That might get some better words out of this blog than "take a class, read a book and get out!" Might even get some real non-political honesty!
- 15 November, 2011 20:37
- Anonymous said...
It is so unfortunate that my husband (dual military) & I are separating The Navy at the same time. I must admit to have a specific "reason" can help ease the situation a lil. I have worn many hats in my 8 years of service. I was a college student, currently a Navy Recruiter, hell! at one point in my career I even had the opportunity to work for an Admiral! Regardless of the circumstance my husband and I ARE outstanding Sailors and If force reduction means donating my natural talents and acquired skills elsewhere so be it. Never a "P" on an eval, no NJPS, no PRT failures ...don't get it. Consequently, one of the many lessons I have learned in The Navy is to adapt & overcome!! And now is definately the time!
- 15 November, 2011 22:25
- Anonymous said...
I was not selected for ERB but I THINK ALL OF THIS IS A HOLD LOT OF BS how do you look someone in the face and say by the way regardless of all the sacrifices you have made BIG NAVY IS KICKING YOU OUT. these ppl thats making these decisions are SELFISH but URSELF in these sailors places and have a heart. this is just so messed you and all this programs and things to make ur transition easier is just so the navy dont look so bad in the media's eyes. and yes they did state their guidelines for the ERB which was a BUNCH OF BS because i know ppl for a FACT who went to mass in the last year and were straight slackers and got selected for retention.they need to start looking these officers that dont know nothing at all and all they do all day is sit on their butts and when BIG NAVY comes to ur command put a good show for them making it seem like you care about your sailors which you dont. it makes me so upset how they treat you in the military period you volunteer to fight for your country to get treated like garbage. and on top that that its kills me to know someone that serve 20 yrs in the military only gets 50% of their pay bit a congress serves 1 TERM WHICH CONSIST OF 4YRS AND GET 100% THAT SAYS ALOT. TO ALL MY FELLOW SHIPMATES THAT WERE NOT SELECTED FOR RETENTION GOD HAS A BETTER PLAN FOR YOU. THIS IS SO REASON AND THEY CANT EVEN TELL YOU WHY YOU WEREN'T SELECTED I UNDERSTAND WHERE YOUR COMING FROM A 100%
- 15 November, 2011 22:30
- ADM J. C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
Anonymous #1, I'll do my best to give you specific and helpful guidance, but first I want to say that I am very encouraged that you asked the question about how you and others can help. Thank you.
The first step you can take is to make yourself aware of all the resources available to Sailors who leave the Navy. For example, there are many programs and civilian job sites that exist to help our veterans. Start with the Veterans Benefits website and look under "veteran services." http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/
Check out VetSuccess and search the jobs to get an idea of what's out there and see if any of the openings are a good match for someone you know. Also, be sure to look at the right side of the page under the "External Links" where you'll find another 10-15 job sites that can help. http://vetsuccess.gov/jobs
Another option is the Veterans Job Bank which provides a repository of job openings specifically for Veterans. https://www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov/jobSearch
Second, become familiar with the specific benefits being offered to the Sailors who were selected by the ERB. In my post you'll find the link to the Transition Assistance Handbook on the NPC site which contains important information about the process and those benefits.
Third, after doing the homework above, take note of what you learned, create a short list of how you think you can help and reach out to the Sailor to offer your assistance.
I want to emphasize that this ERB process is not a one-person show at any command; there is simply too much information out there for any one person to have all the answers. But I am confident that collectively, as a team, we can help our Sailors and their families make a positive transition to civilian life. Thanks again for your comment and your desire to help your shipmates.
All the best, JCHjr
- 16 November, 2011 09:23
- Anonymous said...
ADM Harvey, first and foremost, I'd like to personally thank you for providing a discussion forum and feedback venue to the officers, Sailors and civilian professionals/contractors here at the headquarters and throughout the Fleet! This post is actually in response to several posters on this "emotional" topic. Yes, it's personal and difficult and in many cases unexplainable, but at the end of the day none of us are guaranteed or entitled to a "full career" and retirement from the military - a reality that appears to have quickly been forgotten?!
I'd like to start by saying, I disagree with the ERB process and believe that there were and are several other cost-cutting, force reduction options/measures (many of which were presented to Navy leadership by ADM Harvey) that were and are still available to Big Navy (first stop PRIMS). However, that wasn't the path Big Navy chose to follow during this round of cost cutting.
For those that think only junior Sailors are, or have been affected by this type of selection process, I invite your attention to every post-officer promotion board (O-4 through O-6). There is this little thing called a continuation board, which is very much like the ERB, in that every officer (in or above zone) who is not selected for promotion has their performance record reviewed to determine whether or not they will be selected for continued service in our Navy. It doesn't get the publicity that the ERB has gotten, but it happens every year. Unlike the Sailor who made E6 at 6 years and has been able to continue serving until reaching HYT at 20 years, officers who FOS (Failure of Selection) 2 times are required to separate on the first day of the 7th month following the release of the board results (how many Sailors would be sent home if we used that same process for advancement exams or E7-9 selection boards?). And let's not forget the O-5/O-6 Selective Early Retirement Boards this year or the Senior Enlisted Continuation Boards that have been held the last couple of years.
For those that feel that the transition tools and programs that are being provided are worthless or we should be doing more, why don't you ask your elected officials what they think is important or required for your transition from military service? The only thing mandated by law is the CARIT brief (which is slated for 4 hours out of a week-long schedule of TAP that the Navy provides). ADM Harvey has directed that the USFF HQ staff provide above and beyond the Navy's typical transition program (and well beyond what our elected officials deem necessary)! What else do you believe you're entitled to? Do you think your shift manager at the plant/store would give a second thought about your transition or future after he's told to let you go? How many out there have earned a college degree, or are well on their way to a degree - bought and paid for in part or in full by the U.S. Navy? How many of you have done your part to increase the nation's population during your time in the service - paid in part or in full by the U.S. Navy? Do you think most of you could afford to produce or care for a family of 5 had you "grown up" in the civilian sector?
I'd also like to point out that those of us who are fortunate enough to serve under ADM Harvey's command should thank our "lucky stars" that we have such a Flag Officer in our corner who spends every waking hour (yes, and weekends), thinking about, engaging Navy leadership, and fighting to make the Navy a better service for those of us who are fortunate enough to serve (not everyone in our country has been or will be as fortunate)!
Lastly, I'd like to point out that this blog is not your personal Twitter account or your Facebook wall, it's still a line of communication with a 4-star ADM and your Commander, so let's start using the proper tone and showing the respect that he deserves!
- 16 November, 2011 10:24
- s said...
@ Anon at 11/16/11 10:24: You wrote: "Do you think your shift manager at the plant/store would give a second thought about your transition or future after he's told to let you go?"
Sailors should expect more from our Navy than what they would get at the hands of some grocery clerk.
I'll join the remainder of your opinion with this note on the tone of some of the comments: I don't think ADM Harvey would write on this blog unless he fully understood that some of his posts would incite some passionate responses.
- 16 November, 2011 13:51
- NVYGUNZ said...
With the rest of the leadership triad, I had to inform four personnel of their 'not-selected' status on Monday. It was tough. And it was very emotional. All four took it very hard. To the point all they heard was 'white-noise' after, "You were NOT selected..." All broke out in tears and steeped emotion. However, since then, all four personnel have come to the grips of their fate and are taking action toward transition. One even came back to me today excited about a possible job opportunity, which made me feel a little better about breaking the news earlier in the week.
Collectively as a command, we have and will continue to provide above-par counsel and assistance. Expect that from your commands!
It (ERB) is unfortunate, but that day was Monday (in our past). Time to move forward and prepare for the future. Take this from a person who once got out at their 4-yr mark, if you were 'not-selected', use each and every available option, program and counsel to your advantage. Read the transition manual. Visit the website. Do not discount any of it. Prepare today for the months ahead, especially if you have a family. It's not about you right now, its about your family and their livelihood. You all have great amount of time to prepare. Don't do like I did and walk out mad and with shunned assistance. Keep your heads up, ears open and hand out for help. God speed!
- 16 November, 2011 21:44
- Anonymous said...
I just wanted to state the obvious: those of us in Phase II do not wish to wait for our results. The sooner we could be informed, the better. The suspense and uncertainty over the last 6 months has been nerve racking, to say the least. Thank you.
- 17 November, 2011 05:22
- Anonymous said...
Maybe they should have made insubordination one of the "key" precepts for "selection".
- 17 November, 2011 11:31
- ADM J. C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
Team, I've read through all the comments so far and I fully understand the emotions being expressed. What I would like to do is to try to help you understand why and how these decisions were made.
The ERB is one of several tools used to reduce and reshape our Navy's manpower. As I mentioned in my blog post, we've experienced unprecedented reenlistment and retention rates in the Navy over the past few years. There are many reasons for this high retention, not the least of which is fewer opportunities in the private sector (due to the recession and high unemployment rates). When fewer Sailors voluntarily leave the Navy, we have to use certain methods (such as the ERB) to reduce the number of officers and enlisted on active duty to stay within our congressionally authorized limits. In addition, the situation for each rating is different (some overmanned, some not) and that is why this ERB looked at 31 specific ratings, vice every career field in the Navy.
Over the last few years we've convened similar boards for chiefs and we did the same in the last few months for senior officers. These boards were convened for the same purpose as the ERB – to reduce and rebalance the force. I do not expect that to make you feel better – in fact, it shouldn't – but I do believe it is important that you at least know and understand these measures have been applied across the entire force.
I also want those of you reviewed by the board to understand that you were not assessed against all Sailors in the Navy; you were only compared to your peers in the same rate and year group. I know that's a frustrating point because you might know someone who has failed the PRT, been to mast, or failed to perform to standards, yet that person gets to continue serving because their rating is not overmanned and was not considered by this board. The important thing is to know you were given a fair and unbiased assessment against your peer group. Let me explain a little of the mechanics of the process. Senior officers and enlisted from across our Navy representing multiple communities are selected to be board members. Specific guidance is given to board members (precepts) which clearly states the criteria by which all records (Sailors) shall be judged (selection standard), the items that cannot be considered, and the processes by which all board members will adhere to ensure the process is fair and equitable (e.g. communicating negative personal bias). Furthermore, the specific discussions and proceedings that take place during these boards are strictly confidential and may not be disclosed at any time.
That being said, I strongly believe we must now move beyond that decision and start preparing you for life after the Navy.
All the best, JCHjr
- 17 November, 2011 19:22
- RADM Guadagnini said...
As I said to our Sailors today during the Transition Workshop, the entire USFF team is committed to helping those Sailors not selected for retention during the ERB process, and those officers not selected for retention during the SERB process, transition as smoothly as possible to life in the civilian sector. We will conduct mock interviews to help our teammates refine their interview skills, we will help them write resumes, we will assist in the education process on all benefits available during the transition, and anything else that helps.
If the team can's solve a problem, the Chief of Staff can. email@example.com - all of our Sailors not selected for retention know that i will personally assist in solving problems.
With Great Respect, M. Guadagnini
- 17 November, 2011 19:57
- Anonymous said...
ADM Harvey,
Why can't the Navy put PTS on hold for one year and conduct ERB again next year. This time have ERB look at every rate and say goodbye to the bottom 5-10% of all bottomfeeders. This will allow PTS to be reengaged the following year and be the original product it was supposed to be; putting hardcharging Sailors from the overmanned rates into other rates that are less manned. This will ensure we are keeping the kowledge and experience that the Navy needs.
It is unfortunate to see some outstanding Sailors that have great qualities including leadership, which the Navy needs, getting kicked out because thier rate is overmanned and watch the dirt bags of other rates that aren't even looked at staying in just collecting a check.
- 18 November, 2011 10:24
- Anonymous said...
I am simply heart broken and over whelmed by my husband being forced out by ERB after almost 10 years of service in the US.Navy. He is currently overseas on deployment and has to deal with this let alone the fact that the holidays are approaching. I think it is crazy because just two years ago he was advised to cross rate from HT which was overmanned at the time to AT which was not, and now HT is no longer overmanned but AT is. He did so and made rank the second time he took the AT2 test once converting. He has worked endlessly to accomplish everything possible as a second-class AT. He went through a year of A and C school,has both surface and Air pins,and has every qualification that an 2nd class AT doing his job can have making him one of the most qualified in his command. Not to mention he has never been in trouble and is in school and will graduate with a bachelors next year and was already preparing his package to apply for officer school. We have been married for 9 years which is as long has he has been in the NAVY and have three kids. All we know is the military life and now this. I can't understand how something like this happens in America and believe that my husband is a prime example that the ERB is getting rid of outstanding sailors. I know that my family and I will overcome this situation as the Navy has taught us how to adjust in the seemingly worst situations. The worst part for me is knowing the devastation of my husband who has proudly and selflessly served this country and will no longer be able to do so because somewhere along the way someone dropped the ball. My heart goes out to all families experiencing this tragedy and wish you and your sailor the best in all future endeavors. No need to throw ourselves a pity party because we simply don't have time being that the mandatory deadline for separation is not too far away. My advice is make sure you spend the time needed to research and take advantage of everything we are being offered even though it can't replace the lose of a unique career for our sailors. As our time to be apart of the United States military draws near I can't help but to thank the NAVY for the experiences that it has afforded my family and I as it will definitely be a time period in our lives that we will never forget. # Still a Proud NAVY wife!
- 18 November, 2011 13:52
- Anonymous said...
What was the process in which these selections were made? Was it a points based evaluation like CPO and LDO selection boards? Why didn't Commanding Officers have an input on their Sailors up for ERB (or PTS for that matter)? Department Heads are responsible for rating E-4 and below without a CO ever seeing it, so why doesn't the CO get to provide a statement on the performance on his Sailors up for those programs? Add another element allowing a CO to hand out the "pink slip" for under performing Sailors.
- 18 November, 2011 16:06
- ADM J. C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
Still A Proud Navy Wife, thanks so much for your post and for all you and your husband have done for our Navy and our nation during your service.
I hope the other families affected by the ERB results are able to face the future with the strength and determination you have shown us.
With great regret at this unfortunate outcome to your husband's career and with my best wishes to you and your family for the future, JCHjr
- 19 November, 2011 12:52
- Anonymous said...
In my personal experience, a paper trail doesn't really tell the whole story. So I thought it was brilliant that in addition to records, that the board asked commands to submit a list of at least a few people that they'd like to see retained and a few that should get the boot. My only question is, did these lists even get looked at? In my husbands command every single person on the retain list, my husband included, was given the boot. And every name on the get rid of list, was kept. My husband always got good evaluations and is an integral part of his shop. He's always the stand in LPO when one is needed, he gets calls at all hours of the day and night to explain how to do something that the guys can't figure out. It's frustrating that the people in charge and in contact with the enlisted on a daily basis didn't have anymore say in this.
- 19 November, 2011 14:04
- Anonymous said...
To whom this may concern,
On September 1 2012 I will be separated from the navy I am a Seabee I have given the navy eight years of my life I have given America eight years of my life. I served in Iraq I served in afghanastan, north Africa the philipens I pulled dead bodies out of holes after Katrina and out of the water after the tsunami you tell me how one nip from over seven years ago makes me unfit for navel service if this erb was legit it wouldn't have been held in secrecy
- 21 November, 2011 00:10
- Anonymous said...
This is all about money and numbers. Here are some numbers to think about.
ET's, FC's and STG's recieve up to 75,000 dollars a piece to re-enlist as critical rates who are expensive to train. Now they are taking the brunt of the cuts. I have recieved close to 100k in bonuses as a tech.(Half of what it costs to train us) These are the highly skilled technicians who are the backbone of the Navy.
Unskilled, unschooled rates are completely safe. Box movers, cooks, soda machine fillers, line pullers are all riding it out until retirement. Soon we will have Admirals, Senior Chiefs and deck seamen trying to run the DDX. I am not trying to be negative, but this process has targeted the sailors who maintain, repair and operate the most complex and critical systems in the fleet.
- 21 November, 2011 18:41
- Anonymous said...
To the person who posted "unsubordination should have been a precept"
Sir, I assume you are an Officer. No one here means any disrespect. What you are reading here is an honest conversation posted by people who are deeply affected by these cuts. Nearly 14 years in the Navy and an axe has been suspended over my head for 7 months. Your enlisted ranks are scared by a process conducted behind closed doors, everyone is scouring thier service records praying they are not next to be cut by an unknown entity. Seaman to Senior Chief's main source of information is the Navy Times who colorfully illustrate this process on the front page with a picture of a chainsaw about to demolish our crows and careers.
I would rather face a terrorist with an AK-47 than this board. Properly armed, I could have a say in the ultimate outcome. I am apologizing for whoever disrespected you and an respectfully requesting someone goes to bat for us.
- 21 November, 2011 20:08
- ADM J. C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
Team, a recurring theme in some of the comments posted so far is the understandable desire to know exactly why one Sailor was selected for separation over another in the same ERB category.
For the ERB we used the same fundamental process we use to select who is advanced to CPO/SCPO/MCPO, who is selected for promotion to O-4 and above, who was selected not to continue in the CPO ranks or who was selected for early retirement as an O-5 or O-6 earlier this year - this process is the standard Navy Selection Board, a process we have used to make these very difficult promotion/retention decisions for many years.
A precept to guide the ERB's deliberations was drafted by our CNP and approved by our Secretary of the Navy. This precept established the boundaries for the ERB's actions and promulgated the criteria upon which the ERB's decisions must, rpt must, be based. The ERB membership, carefully balanced by seniority, rate/rating and sea/shore commands and led by a board President - a Fleet Flag officer -then conducted its deliberations based solely on the contents of the Sailor's official record. The board members deliberated and voted on each of the records, guided by the approved board precept.
Board members, while free to discuss the records among themselves under the supervision of members of NPC's Selection Board division, are sworn to secrecy regarding the specifics of the board's deliberations; by law, except for the results of the votes, no transcripts are made of the Board's proceedings. These strict measures ensure the board members can be fully focused on making the best choices AS A BOARD and not have their individual judgments called into question after the fact. Only in this way can we ensure the full and free deliberation of each record and maintain the integrity of the overall process.
I have served as a selection board member many times over my career as well as having responsibility for the entire selection board process when I served as the Chief of Naval Personnel - I know every aspect of this process very well and have great confidence in it. And while we certainly can't call any process perfect, I will say without hesitation to anyone that our selection board process is fundamentally fair, time-tested and gets it right far more often than not. The decisions are certainly tough, but I cannot envision a more equitable method of making these decisions that could be applied across our Navy. All the best, JCHjr
- 21 November, 2011 23:05
- Anonymous said...
Can a link to the precept be posted here?
Why were the members not allowed to finish their contracted enlistment?
There is a certain mindset you have when you sign up for the service; you endure the hardships in return for job security. With this process, there is no job security. Everyone should understand that the job you do today is at will, needs of the
Not to throw stones or seem disrespectful, how many admirals are there? More than we have ships?
- 30 November, 2011 07:53
- Anonymous said...
I agree with the previous "..but this process has targeted the sailors who maintain, repair and operate the most complex and critical systems in the fleet" As a product of the mid 90's Navy and being an AE money and advancement was high. High enlistment bonus just to join as an AE just to follow high re-enlistment bonuses. Big Navy wanted us to stay, so we did. It just stinks and is hard to reach the dagger in the back. After 14 1/2 years of service, 6 deployments, 4 PCS's, and and IA tour. Anyone know how to saddle the big blue weanie?
- 30 November, 2011 09:20
- Anonymous said...
When the list of the people that were going t be considered for the ERB came out I was not on the list and also told by my NC that since i was capped in Dec 2010 i would be exempt. So,I was not given the opportunity to choose another rate and I thought everything was fine. Well i read the instruction and also saw that people that were not progressing would be considered. My evals have gone from MP's to EP, for the last 4 eval cycles. So i ask why am I being separated when I clearly have met the requirements to be retained? Evals have gone up, passed my last 5 consecutive PRT,s with higher scores, I know that being capped is not exempt, but why? If anythign i would like some reason why i was not kept. I reenlised in may 2012 and am/was supposed to transfer in jan. Where is the Naval " intelligence" and the organization? I couldnt transfer from my previous squadron because I needed to make 1st and would not have 12 months in the new command. but now i am a 1st went through all of this crap busting my ass to stay in and am still getting the shaft.
- 30 November, 2011 10:47
- Anonymous said...
NOW WHAT???? I get the news on Tuesday that I am being kicked out and already I am getting attitude from the LPO and my Chief about me taking time off to go to TAP class and the other classes available to me. If I am so needed and the Navy is so overmanned,why is there a problem giving me the time off I deserve? Please do not say the Navy is doing everything possible to help us when they are making it impossible for us to get the help available to us!
- 02 December, 2011 14:53
- Anonymous said...
My husband was on the ERB list and not retained. He is coming up on 15 years of service, has no disciplinary marks in his service record and has received 4 Navy achievement medals. In my opinion he was unfairly unretained, but obviously the Navy felt otherwise. However, his Commanding Officer has submitted an Operational Waiver requiring him to still deploy for 5 mos on 12 December 2011. How is it that the Navy can say that he didn't meet the required performance standards and is no longer a necessity but his CO can not only retain him for this deployment as an operational necessity, but also make him LPO of the airframes shop over other sailors with the same rank and whom have been in the Navy longer than he has? How can the Navy have their cake and eat it too? They want to rebalance itself and provide career advancement for high performing sailors... Well here's your opportunity. Let the sailors who have no incentive to deploy stay home with their families and move on with their lives and force the one's who get to stay man up and figure it out. Why prolong the inevitable? Eventually this command is going to have to figure out how to run itself without the men who were selected to not be retained through ERB, so why not start now? Why should my husband risk his life, and why should my family have to sacrifice time and the ability to plan our future, which is obviously not with the Navy. After 14 and 1/2 years of loyal service what does my husband still owe the Navy that he has to continue to put himself on the line against his will and against the best interest of his family? I hope the Navy understands that while my husband is gone and I am left to fester on this injustice that I will research every avenue I can to bring as much negative publicity and possibly even legal action against them. I shouldn't have to spend the next 5 months without him, worrying about his safety as he launches jets off a flight deck, risking his life, when every benefit he WOULD have had in doing so has been taken from him involuntarily. This is NOT OK.
- 02 December, 2011 15:33
- Anonymous said...
This is my take on the entire ERB process, ( I myself was not selected for retention or conversion.) I look back on my 14 years in the Navy now that I am getting the axe and I am trying to understand how this whole board was conducted. it was done by Master Chiefs and Officers who's goal was to cut people to save the Navy money. I will say for clarity's sake that I have gotten into trouble once in career a minor incident in which I did not get busted, I didn't drive drunk, or go UA, assault anyone I simply tried to stand up for a shipmate while in Japan and was penalized for it. However moving forward I maintained superior performance and even became my commands Sailor of the year, competing up 3 levels becoming one of the NETC sailor of the year runners up at that point I had competed against roughly 5000 PO1's over 300 of which where their commands Sailor of the Year' all brought down to the 6 sailors competing for my level so worst case I was the number 6 sailor in all of the NETC domain. I have repeatedly been ranked in the top 5 of my competitive group throughout my career. So how does the ERB give the axe to someone like me, a Sailor of the Year, soon to have been a two command SOY, it's simple they did not target those who where the top performers. it seems they targeted those with greatest potential to make it through to retirement and thus saving the defense budget a lifetime of pay and benifits. But it will never be known why these specific sailors where not retained because the Navy Brass has no oversight they are untouchable, just look at the fact that although the mandate was clearly stated to be E-4 to E-8 not a single Kaki was targeted and the 16000 sailors reviewed drops significantly. This board was targeted E-4 to E-6 and nothing else meanwhile they keep creating new commands for more top brass jobs and continue to go on deployments that accomplish nothing but the consumption of budget money. I propose congress set up a independand review to assess every single officer job and cut and if your already over 20 too bad you cant get your retirement, don't lose faith though you can always affiliate with the Navy Reserve and be rest assures that you'll have a program in place to help you transition. Oh wait you've probably already used your Navy position to create a job for yourself when you do eventually get out.
- 02 December, 2011 20:03
- Anonymous said...
A link to the precept and listing of board members can be found here: http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/boards/ERB/Pages/default2.aspx
- 04 December, 2011 15:07
- jsbandb said...
First of all, Admiral Harvey, addressing everyone as TEAM is a blatant slap in the face, much like this ERB crap that has crushed families and will debilitate the Navy in the long run. My husband has been in for 14 1/2 years and not selected for retention thru ERB. I see a "reoccurring theme" here. Please answer some of the questions asked here, with a human touch and not a computer generated, human resources answer. You offer nothing but the same dribble about how the Navy is going to help w/transition. This training will, most likely, consist of how to look up jobs on Craigslist and Monster.com. Answer the question asked about how a Sailor is expected to remain dedicated to his job while working towards finding another one. How dare his Command expect ANYTHING from him!! He said everything: if he's so NOT NEEDED then why is he expected to be there? Don't even think for one minute that my husband will be deploying, doing a workup or going above anything other than showing up and being a warm body. This is sickening and the entire body that encompasses' the Navy makes me ill. Your answers offer nothing, as does the Navy now.
- 06 December, 2011 17:22
- Anonymous said...
This whole process has been crazy. I'm an ET1 with just over 12 years. I found out about the ERB program while I was on deployment. It felt like to rug was pulled out from under me. Suddenly I was having conversations with my wife regarding the potential for being discharged. (This was an especially big deal as our daughter is Autistic and enrolled in EFM). It definitely added a lot of stress to the everyday load. This has hung over my head for months. Luckily, I was selected for retention. However, still no security, why? because I'm still in the PTS process. I have to say, this process has defintely made me realize that the Navy is no longer a guaranteed retirement and anyone who believes so is fooling themselves. While on deployment I started and will continue to look for the next opportunity. Planning ahead is the only thing that a Sailor can do now. All of us are affected by PTS, plan ahead, make inquiries now, find out what's available, know what's needed. Do not be caught unawares (the Navy has not been secretive about this process) To those who were not selected for retention, my heart goes out to you and your families. If you are bitter do not forget that your shipmates feel the same way, I personally know a few people whom were told to go home and I will do anything I can to help them as I'm sure your shipmates will. Good luck!
- 09 December, 2011 05:48
- Anonymous said...
To all the ERB identified persons, I am sorry to hear that the changes in the Navy (and federal funding/manning) are making such big changes to your lives and career plans. As a retiree I've seen these processes happen many times in the past with boards, PTS, and other programs that came out from the head offices. they were given orders and are trying their best with the options given to them- when you know how the processes are put into place. I wish you luck and highly recommend that you start planning your resumes and job searches as soon as possible. Contact your base civilian HR Offices, bring them your resumes for review or visit them on tips to start the process. FFSC efforts are good but you also want the federal hiring experts to assist you since they are the ones actually working within the USAJOBS/USA Satffing processes that do the actual hirings. Some bases have their base HR Office attend TAP classes, many don't. Find your HR Office and ask.... I say start looking early because things are not always easier in the civilian federal system when funding is the issue, see the following link about Army base civilian jobs going away as well: Army Moves Forward with Civilian Reductions http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14958 nearly 9,000 DOD Army civilian jobs are being hit as well. It is essential that you start working on resumes and get the assistance of your local HRO. Know what your resume has to have in order for you to be properly considered for your next job if it is in the federal civilian workforce. Opportunities are there when you are adequately prepared.
- 09 December, 2011 12:05
- Anonymous said...
Here's one that sais it all....this is a conversation that took place today between my husband and his CHIEF!
Chief: "Hey, do you want to go to this school over in Whidbey Island. It's only a week long"
Husband: "No"
Chief: "Why, just go, get away and stay in a hotel for the week....we have extra money" Are you kidding me? CONTACT ME, I WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO GIVE YOU THE CHIEF'S NAME SO YOU CAN TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION.....WHAT WOULD BE THE ACTION TAKEN AGAINST A CHIEF WHO IS WILLING TO JUST BLATANTLY GIVE HIS SAILOR A WEEK PAID STAY IN A HOTEL ON THE NAVY'S DIME??? BET IT WOULD BE THAT HE GOT TO KEEP HIS JOB!!!
- 12 December, 2011 19:43
- SRT said...
It just baffles me that this is also being done to those who are currently deployed and thousand of miles away from their loved one with no support. I honestly think, those who were deployed or about to be deployed when the board conversed should have been exempt from the board. Do you have any idea what that does to a person? You can say all you want about there being support but my husband has not seen any of it! He is an ET1, 14 years in the service and went into the military to make it as a career. He has an outstanding record, no NJPs, no failed PRTs, no nothing. He´s been 70% of his career on sea duty or IAs. He was down in MS for school when Katrina hit and served there helping people proudly. He has been the LPO on his boat since they deployed in August and now, right before Christmas as he is as I said thousand of miles away from his family you throw this on him! I will never buy the things you guys are saying that this was a carefully selective process, that each and everyones record was looked over and those with not so good performance record were the ones selected because that is not the case! The more and more I meet people who were selected they all have few things in common, outstanding record, career oriented, people who meant to stay in for at least the 20 years! To me, this all sounds a little too fishy and sounds like a way to get from paying them retirement and nothing else. It looks like those were the people who were targeted and I can´t see how it can be legal to do so.
Also, when the talks about the ERB started earlier this year everywhere it stated that this board was meant to get rid of the under-performers, the ones that were deadweight on the navy, those who had a bad record etc. Even my husband CO told him to the day he found out he was not selected for retention that he had nothing to worry about, they didn´t even want to take his conversion package paper seriously since they were convinced he would NOT be one of those let go.
It´s a sad fact what is happening to this country and it´s military and God forbid a war breaks out in the nearest future as all the good people of the military are being let go!
Also, these so called "support for transitioning out" opportunities, well maybe they are available on land for those who are on shore duty but those who are deployed seem to be SOL!
I am not saying life is over for us, far from it! I´m extremely happy that from now on my husband will be home every night to say good night to our kids. Yet, this is a slap in the face for all the sacrifices we have had to endure. This is a slap in the face for a person that gives their 110% to the job and LOVES what he does. My husband actually loves the Navy, he always had but not so sure he always will from now on.
wife of a non-retained ET1
- 12 December, 2011 21:51
- Anonymous said...
This to shall pass. One day someone is going to wake up and ask....what have we done. The quality of sailors that have come in these last 5 years don't come close to the quality of sailors ERB is putting out. Thanks for the training, schools, free travel and experience. I now get to spend time with my family and friends. Sincerely ERB SAILOR DEPARTING
- 12 December, 2011 22:49
- Anonymous said...
To the person who so callously stated that we should read the ERB selection criteria. We did. Of course we did. We were not "ignorant" of the process. But hey, thanks for supporting your transitioning sailors with kindess and empathy. My husband was picked after almost 15 years of stellar service. He never had performance issues, never broke any laws, or any of the other items listed for criteria. In fact, the actual command was stunned that he and some other sailors were picked over others. He's a recognized hard worker and a proud sailor. Sure, from a business perspective, we can see that the dollars don't add up and cuts need to be made. And I won't even begin to discuss the many other cuts and changes that could have happened before taking away people's livelihood and careers. But to state that the selection was based on a list of performance issues and specific laws broken and the sailor chosen doesn't meet any of those criteria just kicks a person when they are down. Where is the honor in that? Did it help the board sleep at night? My husband was broken up wondering what he did wrong. In reality, he didn't do anything wrong. Recruiting should have been adjusted to not hire in overmanned areas. Obviously. If the Navy was simply overmanned and the process was fairly random, then say that. Be honest. Don't imply there were performance issues when there were none. Why hurt a person more? How does that help anyone's state of mind?
And to all of the people saying to just "move on". We are. But seriously, after almost 15 years it's going to take us longer than a few days, or even a few weeks. Be sensitive. Clearly you weren't picked. You didn't lose your income, your retirement, benefits, career, and a piece of who you are. If you can't offer anything positive to these sailors and their families during this difficult time, then mind your own business.
- 14 December, 2011 09:13
- Anonymous said...
There was no HONOR when you lie and ignore the questions being asked by each and every person who has posted. There is no HONOR when you lie and say that the selection criteria was based on poor performance or disciplinary actions. It has become clear through communication w/many people not retained that this is about cutting back those who are seeking to make the Navy a career and thus receiving full retirement benefits. It has become painfully clear that this is the case compounded by the fact that NOBODY will answer any questions.
There was no COURAGE when these "top secret" boards convened to "review" service members records when in fact it seems that all they did was place 16,000 names in a bowl and plucked away while drinking beer and eating Hooters wings while watching the game on a 60" TV provided by the Navy. There is no COURAGE when no one will address us like human beings who have sacrificed and given just about everything to the Navy.
There is no COMMITMENT to each and every enlisted member of the Navy who was not retained. No fulfillment of an enlistment contract, no fulfillment of benefits like retirement and health care that were guaranteed to us when we enlisted and kept re-enlisting. What we have now is LIES, DISHONOR, and WEAKNESS!!!
- 14 December, 2011 10:32
- ERB'd AT1 said...
I won't waste time with details of how stellar my career has been. I will say that I'm in the same boat as most of the posters here.
I love the Navy! I am heart-broken and I feel betrayed! With that being said I understand that the Navy doesn't care so the best thing to do is move on with as much dignity as possible.
So for a lot of us, the next step is to find employment in a job market that is already strained, to say the least. Add on top of that; almost 3000 Sailor's are entering the job market at the same time, many of whom have very similar resumes. If a sailor is looking to use the skills the Navy gave us, then I would imagine a lot of us are hoping for a contractor job. These contractors work hand in hand with the Navy every day. They may even be made up almost entirely of prior military employees and almost certainly have heard about the ERB. Now the icing on the cake, the Navy set us up for failure. They billed the ERB as a way to "trim the fat" or "cut dead-weight". Some of the examples given were things like alcohol related incidents and domestic violence. So with the negative connotation that has been put on the ERB, how competitive do you think we'll be in the search for employment?
An official statement needs to be issued that lets the public know that being cut by ERB does not necessarily indicate that a Sailor was a substandard performer. I should not have to be embarrassed and ashamed. I AM heart-broken! But I am proud of my 14 years and should be proud to submit my resume.
- 14 December, 2011 16:17
- AE1(AW)Morgan said...
ADM Harvey,
Thank you for taking the time to read and respond to comments that other Sailors have made. As an ERB affected Sailor, I myself can understand the frustration that many of my fellow First Classes feel about the results. I received the life changing news while I was in Whidbey Island, WA competing for Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group Sea Sailor of the year. I commend my leadership for how they broke the news to me and I applaud ADM Hewitt for talking to me personally at the SOY awards banquet and taking an honest interest in my well being. With that being said, I have a few questions about ERB and the decisions that were made.
1. When the ERB message came out in May 2011, it stated that any E4 or E5 who make rank are exempt from ERB even if they were not selected for retention by ERB. This opportunity was not given to E6 sailors. Per NAVADMIN 349/11, ERB selected Sailors are ineligible to take the 2012 E7 advancement exam. We all can agree that some highly competitive and great Sailors were asked to separate. Why not give those Sailors a last chance to compete for Chief? The final separation date was moved to 1 September 2012. Results for those who are selected for Chief will be out before the mandatory separation date, so this will not affect the timeline. The opportunity to advance should have been given to all ranks, not just E4 and E5's.
2. Another disadvantage that all ERB E6 Sailors had was that the selection board was unable to look at their most recent evaluation year and include that in the board ranking structure. This could have played a vital role in some Sailors to be able to stay in the Navy instead of not being selected for retention. If this board was to happen again some thought needs to be given on when the board convenes so a fair evaluation can be given to all.
3. A huge push has been made for Sailors not selected for retention to affiliate to the SELRES. I filled out my PTS SELRES application and chose the option to stay in-rate but willing to convert. This month there was only 4 rates available to convert in to(BM,GM,LS,YN) and each only had 1 quota including my rate AE. Is there any chance of more SELRES jobs opening up and is the Reserve force ready for the huge influx of Sailors heading their way?
Again Admiral, thank you for taking the time to answer the hard questions that many of us have. Regardless of the decision the Navy made about my career, I will leave with my head held high and continue on. The Navy has been a stepping stone in my life and I have been proud to serve.
AE1(AW)Morgan, Kathryn
- 15 December, 2011 19:25
- MM2 Jackson, Richard C. USN said...
Admiral Harvey,
With all due respect sir, I must state that I am disgusted and feel betrayed, by the navy I thought of as "family" for the last 10 years of my life. Understanding the reasoning for ERB, I am hard pressed to agree with it's implementation. Sir, I re-enlisted FEB. 2011 only to be told in NOV. to get out. Why was I on the list if I just survived PTS? Not to mention in order to re-enlist, I had to file an Article 1150 complaint against command "leadership" for false statements to NPC, resulting in revocation of that same PTS quota. Yet these sailors get to keep their rank and paychecks? Some will even get to retire with full benefits. Additionally, being awarded a sub-par evaluation in March, by the same "leaders", which sparked a reprisal investigation. I'm also wondering why the navy is 85 days past the 180 day statute of issuing the report to me. Is this how the navy takes care of it's own? Sir, with these recent events, I find it difficult not to hold resentment after having gone through so much. However, I am a warrior. The navy has been great to me 9 of the 10 years I've worn this uniform and I am forever grateful. I will hold true to our core values until my last day of service, even if the navy has decided to abandon them....and me.
"Wounded Warrior"
- 15 December, 2011 22:49
- Anonymous said...
Admiral Harvey,
With all due respect please allow me to speak freely...Not only has this process been the biggest slap to not only my face but to all the other good sailors that are being sent home. I have been in for 12 years and I am proud to be wearing gold chevrons, dual warfare qualifications and a sense of pride that there are no negative marks in my service record. I for one am keeping my head held high knowing that I have done everything that the Navy has asked me to do and then some. I understand that I was caught up in a numbers game and that I am just a pawn and just expendable in the grand scheme of things but that will not phase me one bit. I hope the Navy knows that there will be a huge hole to fill here very soon, not only in manpower but in skillsets, knowledge and LEADERSHIP!!! More with less is the new battle cry for the fleet and I feel that my Shipmates are being left to hold the bag for others mistakes. On Sept 2nd the Fleet will not be the same, by that I meen alot of DECK PLATE LEADERS will not be there to mold our replacements, to make them better techs, Sailors, or even just plain better people. Am I still furious, yes, is this going to beat me...NO! I will leave you with this last thought Sir,in fact I will leave this last thought to my fellow Shipmates that are being sent home...Hold you heads high and stand proud, know this that you have done nothing wrong and with this continue to be that EP sailor continue to be that DECK PLATE LEADER!
- 16 December, 2011 07:16
- ADM J. C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
First, thank you for continuing to share your thoughts. My intent on this blog has been to explain the process to you the best I can, provide as much detail about the available transition benefits, and do what I can to ensure you're given every opportunity to pursue every avenue available to you over the next six months. I truly understand there is nothing I can say that will ease the stress and burden placed upon you and your families, but I will continue to do my best to address your overarching concerns.
First, not being selected for retention is not necessarily an indication of poor performance or discipline problems. As some of you have noted, you've performed well throughout your career without a blemish on your record, yet you're still being separated. The reality is that certain ratings had become so overmanned (for particular groups) that in order to meet the quotas (determined by the needs of the Navy) and bring manning back into balance, the board was required to weigh the records and make tough choices concerning who could be retained in the overmanned ratings. The excess manning in these ratings resulted from the unprecedented retention and reduced attrition of Sailors who joined our Navy 7 to 15 years ago when our recruiting models could not have predicted the current economic environment. The overmanning in these ratings has adversely affected advancement rates and opportunities for our junior Sailors to receive in-rate re-enlistment quotas. Unfortunately, there was just no better option to rebalance the force, but I can assure you the process was controlled (not arbitrary) and the board members took each decision very seriously.
The second concern I want to address is to our Sailors who question how they can (or should) remain dedicated to their job knowing they will be leaving soon. As much as it hurts to be told you're going home, I do not believe any of you would (or should) choose to simply stop doing your very best every day just because you know the end is near. I am doing everything possible to ensure our Sailors in my AOR who were not selected for retention are given the time they need to transition (which includes the FULL transition package) and will be personally reviewing every waiver submitted within my chain-of-command.
The final point I want to make is that I have not seen any reports by Navy that refer to the ERB as a way to "trim the fat" or "cut dead-weight" (as previous posters have commented) and I certainly do not agree with or condone that point of view. That characterization of this effort is fundamentally wrong and I will do everything I can to get the message out that our Sailors separated by the ERB served honorably and should be given the same opportunities in the private sector as their peers who have voluntarily separated. All the best, JCHjr
- 16 December, 2011 08:55
- Anonymous said...
Respectfully, I would like to ask a few questions:
1. Aren't Operational Waivers in place to keep a Sailor in his job while deploying or as "needed" to fulfill a Commands need, yet, they aren't need as per ERB?
2. The ERB criteria CLEARLY stated that it a performance or disciplinary based selection yet now you are stating that that was not, in fact, the truth. Many did not put in a conversion package because they did not meet the clearly published criteria and did not need to worry about not being retained. Now that the damage is done are those who did not meet the previous selection criteria (i.e- DUI, spousal/child abuse, poor performance,etc.)why can you go back and say it wasn't really about that?
3. No, don't count on many of these Sailors "wanting" to work their hardest and do their best. Most have lost all faith in their military and many were told by their commands not to bother.
4. As you stated, this was done in overmanned rates so that lower ranking Sailors have the opportunity to advance. So, essentially, those who already worked hard and made rate and were continuing to put everything into making Chief are being cast aside so that an Airman or PO3 could do the very same thing...maybe? A fact brought up by an Airman...."why should I put everything into advancing in the Navy when you, PO1- somebody that I look up to, are getting screwed. What is stopping them from doing the same thing to me?"
This ERB process is affecting the moral of EVERYONE in the Navy and ALL are questioning their role in the military. It has become painfully clear that this is only about saving on retirement by cutting out those who are intending to continue to make the Navy a career and retire with full benefits. If you read about this process done back in 1993 you will see that other measures were taken to "balance the forces" including early retirement incentives and voluntary financial separation incentives. Had this been offered, Admiral Harvey, you would have had more than enough Sailors opting for this and the balancing of the forces would have been complete. There is no way to sugar coat the obvious- the Navy wanted to get rid of those opting to make the Navy a career and reap the benefits befitted to them. Point blank- everyone knows this was a dirty move and that nobody is being honest about it. Everybody also knows that there is the power to change what has been done and reverse these decisions and balance the forces in a fair way.
- 16 December, 2011 11:53
- Anonymous said...
- 16 December, 2011 11:58
- Anonymous said...
I don't think the other branches of service are throwing out their members mid-career. Especially those with good records. This shows how much the Navy cares about it's sailors. Perhaps I should have joined the Army.
- 16 December, 2011 13:37
- ADM J. C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
AE1 Morgan, MM2 Jackson, "Airframer",
Thanks very much for the significant time and effort you put into sharing your thoughts with me and for maintaining your professionalism throughout this process. I can assure you I take your thoughts very seriously and, where appropriate, feed them back into the "system." And while I do understand how you feel disappointed in your Navy, I'm certain there is a very bright future for all of you. I truly believe your skills, professionalism and the honorable service you have given to your nation will position you very well as a civilian. Thanks again for your comments; you've given me a great deal to think about.
All the best, JCHjr
- 19 December, 2011 08:34
- Anonymous said...
If we have given you a great deal to think about then I ask that you please think about reconsidering this decision! If this is simply about balancing the forces then what is the problem with asking those who would like to voluntarily separate to do so? If this is about saving the Navy on retirement benefits befitted to those who have selflessly served, as it appears to be, then say it. It seems that you think we are not educated enough to put two and two together to come to this conclusion. Please reconsider the devastation you have bestowed upon us. This was not deserved and is blatantly disrespectful to those who gave so much so that you and others can achieve your dreams and goals. Let us continue to achieve ours!!!!
- 19 December, 2011 14:42
- Anonymous said...
Respectful ADM J.C. Harvey, Jr
Per NAVADMINS/NAV2011/NAV11129 it specifically says....
How can you say that the message did not specifically say that performance was the main criteria for the selection when the message specifically tells its sailors that. Those sailors that do NOT meet that criteria then automatically think of course that they have not been performing according to Navy standards even though they HAVE!
Respectfully, I do believe that this should be reviewed again and the criteria more specifically cleared up and then those sailors that did not meet that following criteria should be offered to stay in!
ET1's wife
- 20 December, 2011 08:33
- Anonymous said...
Not gonna happen unfortunately. The fact the navy's leaders would even do this to their sailors should let you all know how you are viewed.
- 20 December, 2011 14:16
- Anonymous said...
All of you high ranking officers wouldn't be making any of these POLITICAL responses if you were facing an Officer Review Board that will NEVER happen. So stop trying to give the pretty responses and man-up. This was a FAILURE to your people, and you're making comments like this? Pathetic.
- 20 December, 2011 15:29
- Anonymous said...
"Thanks again for your comments; you've given me a great deal to think about."
What, exactly, does this mean? Is it yet another blanket statement that you think is going to appease all of us? What have we given you to think about? Did you think that this was all going to go away quietly? I have said it before- if NOTHING comes of any of this then at least EVERYONE will know the truth about how sick and shady the military is. You should be ashamed- all of you!!
- 20 December, 2011 19:31
- Bobbi Taylor said...
My husband has been selected for ERB II, but has a unique situation. My questions/concerns are the following:
1. Background: He was flown to Germany to receive a heart cath following chest palpitations mid-deployment Aug. 2010. After being released to the command with "mild non-obstructive cardiovascular disease", the command told the hospital to fly him stateside instead. In Oct. 2010, his cardiologist placed him on LIMDU at his CO's request. (Have email to prove it was not a medical reason.) Jan2011, my husband was released to FFD. He was told he had to re-enlist to receive orders. He re-enlisted February 25, 2011, for six years. He received two sets of orders, both denied by the medical dept. on board the FFGs stating that there was not adequate medical facilities on board. He is in no danger of having a heart attack or going into cardiac arrest. The problem is the code used for cardiovascular disease is not specific. He received orders for discharge, effective within 30 days. Legal contacted him two weeks after reception of orders, he requested an appeal. He was told the appeal was an ADSEP Board. On Aug. 22, 2011, his adsep board voted unanimously to retain him. As of Nov. 30, 2011, he had not heard from PERS8 for the final answer. Instead, he was told he was selected for ERB. These are only the facts as the politics would take much longer to list.
2. Concerns: He was not told he was being reviewed for the ERB process. His LPO stated that because my husband had the ADSEP board in August when notifications went out, the NCC at that time (retired since), did not feel the need to inform him. As you can imagine, it was quite a shock for my husband and I to find out, suddenly, that he had been selected for ERB. Not only was he approved for PTS, but he had also been voted by a board to be retained just three months prior. It wasn't until he requested TAPS that he found out that there was supposed to be a minimum of a three hour counseling session by his NCC.
3. Questions: A. How can a sailor be approved for PTS and by a board of officers and high ranking enlisted, but not for ERB retention? B. Are there any reprimands for NCCs who are not doing their jobs? And if so, how does a sailor go about getting the correct, official, pertinent information if the sailor has a laxidasical NCC? C. Why did the CNO state that this is "uncharted waters" when this same situation occurred in 1997. Furthermore, D. Why didn't the Navy implement the same plan in this overmanning circumstance that they did in 1997? (Retiring E7-E9 with 20+ years of service and offering 15 year retirements to open up the ranks for advancements?) Finally, E. On the NPC, Bupers, FY12 ERB page there's link to "Pay and Personnel Information Bulletin 11-21" where it states, "SAILORS NOT SELECTED FOR RETENTION BY THE FY-12 QUOTA-BASEDENLISTED RETENTION BOARD (QBERB) MUST SEPARATE NO LATER THAN JUNE 2012." Does this mean the 60 days of "free" leave is mandatory? The reason I ask is the school year here ends 6/15/12 for our three school aged children. The district we will be moving to ends in May. I need to plan to make the transition for my children as smooth and painfree as possible.
In closing, it seems to me, and a whole lot of other folks, that this isn't about sailor's records, their performance, or even overmanning, but dollars and cents. There is little information being put out about the specifics these sailors need to know. I don't know if it's a breakdown in communication, the NCCs not doing their jobs, or that the specifics are simply not known yet. At any rate, this plan is a poor one and you are losing many good sailors. Sailors whose peers and superiors value. Please stop patronizing us with blanket statements and start putting out some facts, please?
Thank you for your time,
Bobbi L Taylor
Norfolk, VA
- 21 December, 2011 03:23
- Anonymous said...
I ran into a file that states Rights to Military Members and in there is the law of due process, which states:
Due Process of Law
A. Due process describes the steps the government must go through before they take action concerning an individual citizen. Examples of due process precautions for servicemembers are:
1. Advance notification of adverse government action so that the member may make a reply;
2. Opportunity to inspect government documents and files, or interview witnesses;
3. Opportunity for service members to have input into government decisions affecting them;
4. Assistance from a legal professional.
It also states that a service member how is being separated due to misconduct has the right of detailed description on WHY he is being separated and he has a right to fight it with legal help. Does that mean that a sailor who breaks military law and is being separated due to that has more rights to try to keep his job than a sailor who has invested his whole life to the Navy and is being kicked to the curb without any good reason? I actually have an appointment with Navy legal about this matter tomorrow because we are NOT ready to just give up!
- 21 December, 2011 11:20
- Anonymous said...
To the above comment: Please let us know how you make out at legal. You can update us via Sailors Against ERB over on FB.
- 21 December, 2011 15:02
- RADM Mark Guadagnini said...
For the USFF Sailors not selected for retention by the ERB: In our ongoing efforts to assist our Sailors, for whom we feel responsible for helping as much as possible, we will conduct training on how to successfully navigate the interview process. We will have some lecture-style training on 17 and 18 January 2012, then will conduct a series of training, mock interviews over the following couple of weeks. Already over 20 members of the USFF staff, military and civilian, have offered their services to act as coaches to help our Sailors stand above any other people who may be applying for jobs.
This training is open to any Sailor who falls under the USFF claimancy and would like to join us for the training. Point of contact is Mr. Dave Crowder (firstname.lastname@example.com).
With Respect, RADM Mark Guadagnini
- 21 December, 2011 15:51
- Anonymous said...
I am a sailor with 15 yrs of service who was also affected by ERB with a pretty good record no DUI or NJP. 2011 started off good for me then ERB has made it the worst year I every had. I had 14 year 8 months when I closed on my new home. I ...made it through PTS, had over 14 and thought I was safe to retire, that's why I bought my new home. A week after I closed on my house the ERB came out. Now I was back on the chopping block. Since ERB came out I was on a emotional roller coaster and stressed out. How was I going to pay for this home and where would happen to me and my family if I loss my home cause of ERB and the economy doing bad so no good jobs to equal to my pay now to paid my mortgage. The ERB was very unorganized. They say sailors 7-15 yrs at their mid career, 14 or 15 year is not mid career that a sailor about to retire 6 or 5 year who probable re enlisted close to retirement.The ERB came almost mid year and no one saw it coming. The result did not come out on time, leaving sailor stressed on the job. We the sailors are not the one who caused this high retention especial the ones 13 to 15 years service who came in the navy when SRB was offered more to re-enlist and at that time we did not re-enlist cause the the economy was bad, it was good at that time, we did it cause we want to make it a career and we loved our job. So why punish use. It's start to become more and more clear that the target was the people close to retirement, cause the one with 12 and under you can always get them with PTS. This is not fair to sailor in the 31 rates.Should a have been all rates. Please reconsider this ERB it was very unfair. Use it as a lesson learn.
- 21 December, 2011 16:28
- Anonymous said...
Just like the last post, my husband is one of the candidate that will be out because of ERB. Just like everybody else I was so frustrated and getting stress. I am a stay home mom and enrolled in EFM. My husband has been in the service for 14 years. He has no NJP, DUI or any bad record on him. He also just got approved on the PTS a year ago. Re-enlisted because he loves his job and he wants to make the navy as his career. We also just recently closed on our home. Things like "we will help you get the job you needed" really don't ease the pain. There are so many people that are affected by these decision. 3,000 sailors who will need to look for job in addition to the civilian that are currently unemployed. I know someone will say that it does not matter, what matter is how you sell your self and how you write your resume. Each individual will have the same qualities when they look for job. They are all good sailors, good leader, and they gave all their best to serve the navy. And they will all have a good resume because they all went to the same place. But how many job openings is there right now? They had a job. It was taken away from them. Six years away from their retirement.
- 22 December, 2011 00:52
- RADM Guadagnini said...
The Navy will provide personalized career coaching and job search assistance to support Sailors selected for separation by the Enlisted Retention Board (ERB) beginning Jan. 3, 2012 as previously announced in NAVADMIN 332/11.
The ERB outplacement services provided by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. (CGC) will start on Jan. 3, 2012. ERB separating Sailors will be contacted via an introductory email starting Dec. 23, 2011, regarding the many services available to them.
"In order to ensure these talented Sailors succeed in the civilian job market, we are providing transition services to help build on their skills, success, and training acquired during their Navy careers," said Chief of Naval Operations Jonathan Greenert.
ERB separating Sailors will be eligible for outplacement services which will provide coaching, resume writing and job interview preparation as an enhancement and building upon existing transition assistance programs offered by Department of Defense, Department of Labor, Veterans' Affairs and Commander, Navy Installations Command.
Transition coaching will include an initial interview with member, skills inventory analysis, development of a personal business/marketing plan, a dedicated career coach tailored to desired work city, peer networking support, and support in starting a business.
Job search assistance is also available including daily refreshed job leads, tailored market research tools, access to industry unique job boards, connections to temporary staffing, technical and professional services companies, and access to career information, webinars, and e-learning courses. Job placement assistance includes online profile management, resume and cover letter preparation, interview preparation, salary negotiation counseling, role-playing with a coach, and "on-call" consulting with one-on-one live counseling.
The Navy is providing additional transition services no cost for Sailors identified for separation by the ERB to continue to build on their job skills, experience and training acquired during their Navy careers and succeed in the civilian job market.
Sailors separated by the ERB can contact CGC starting Jan. 3, 2012 via toll free number (800-971-4288) or email (firstname.lastname@example.com).
For more information about the ERB transition support, check out the NPC ERB transition support page at www.npc.navy.mil/boards/ERB/, contact the NPC customer service center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC (1-866-827-5672), or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
- 22 December, 2011 09:40
- Anonymous said...
With on do respect sir,
Your singing the same old song about all the help to transition to the civilian sector. Why do people have to pay back the severance pay if they go reserves? Answer that.Why did congress approve 15 year retirement and ERB affected sailor did get this offer first. That's the answers we won't sir. Not all of the same thing we read in the instruction. Please be up front with the sailor who have serve honorable for this country..we at least deserve that much
- 22 December, 2011 20:15
- Anonymous said...
You people can write a thousand messages on this forum. You're gonna get the same response until the day you get out. Write your elected officials, which is your right to do so. Writing the same entity that has thrown you away is futile. The navy will not reverse this injustice unless congress tells them to do so. WAKE UP!!!
- 22 December, 2011 23:29
- ADM J. C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
I originally posted this entry on the ERB as a method of opening the communication lines with you to receive feedback and learn about any unique challenges you were encountering that we did not anticipate. Since I posted, there have understandably been many questions on the ERB process. I've tried to address those questions in a manner that helps everyone to understand why and how the board was conducted and what to expect as you make the transition to civilian life. There have also been many questions concerning your (or your spouse's) specific situation. It is not appropriate to discuss those details in the public domain (on this blog) and so I ask that you work those types of questions through your chain-of-command where your leadership knows and understands the facts unique to your individual situations. Additionally, as the proceedings of our boards are strictly confidential, I simply cannot tell you the exact reason you (or your spouse) were not retained (I do not have that information). I understand this is a strong point of contention for many of you, but as I've said before this confidentiality is necessary to maintain the integrity of the board process. Right now I'm focused on giving my Sailors the maximum time and resources they need to make a successful transition to civilian life. I strongly urge you to start moving forward to ensure you have adequate time to take advantage of the resources available to you and your families.
I'll continue reading every comment on this post with a focus on how do we best help all those who will be navigating the transition to civilian life sooner than they had hoped or anticipated. All the best, JCHjr
- 23 December, 2011 10:10
- OS2 Miranda Queen said...
I have read some of the blogs and my heart go out to my shipmates. With that said I have started a NAVY'S ERB GROUP on Facebook. First, its not a hate group. I am a ERB sailor myself of 12 years. Just like many of you myself and my chain of command had questions about my selection in particular. Then I quickly let it go. I cant tell many of you how to feel because i have my feelings to but what i want to do is instead ask that we come together, just like for working parties, to get those ship certifications done, those fresh water wash downs, those command programs, and anything else we have come together to do successfully as a team and lets transition out of the Navy together, successfully like we know how to do. Lets go out with a bang (in a good way). I came in the navy at 17. The navy groomed me and made me the sailor, woman, mother, friend, and shipmate I am today. I am grateful. I have traveled the world, learned many great things and worked with many great people. I have cried, lost friends and shipmates and there were some rough times and good times. I realized.... that's life. A chief told me once that the chain of command is going to give you the tools you need to be successful. The navy has done that for me and I am grateful. It has done that for all of us. I am going to take those tools and leave with a honorable discharge and my head held high and you should do the same. I encourage each and every one of you and pray God's blessing on you all and those sailors who are still in to succeed and continue to protect us and patrol the seas we leave behind. Join the group NAVY ERB SAILORS on Facebook for help as we transition out. Anyone that can help to make this a smooth transition can join.
- 23 December, 2011 17:01
- Anonymous said...
Why wasn't we offered the 15 year retirement first. All other branch coming home will be offer the 15 year retirement that congress has approve for military. I'm sure most of us would take this and walk away to the civilian world. Work with us. We didn't do anything wrong..all we did was defend our country. I heard that some type of ERB happen in the early 80 or 90s ,but we are suppose to be a stronger and smarter navy today, how could we let this happen again. Who drop the ball? And why should we have to pay for it. How can you take the people who has completed more that half the 20 year to retirement and kick them out. Just like the 80s and 90s troops that fought for their country was thrown out of the service and couldn't get a job and some committed suicide. I just don't understand money is worth more that me and my fellow service men and women live who said that we would give our live for our country....so don't for our live up for money. I all ways thought if you put you life on the line for someone you would be highly respected...guest not today just used,abused and thrown away.
- 23 December, 2011 22:40
- RIFFED off said...
If tightening the purse strings was the core reason behind the ERB, why were eligbles' tour/rotation status not considered?
In my case, my family and I executed an OCONUS PCS HHG and PCS move (from San Diego to Japan). I just reported to my OCONUS command in August 2011 and now me, my family, and all our household goods are going to be moved back to CONUS. And, oh, by the way, my billet will have to be filled (possibly by two personnel, because of the NECs that I hold); ergo some other Navy family is going to get short-fuse (C7F hi-priority) PCS orders to move over here to fill my billet. Surely, there are other non-retainees in the same situation.
BUPERS had *months* to get this right, and were so focused on saving from one pot of money (payroll) that they wasted and abused another (PCS funding).
- 25 December, 2011 20:40
- Anonymous said...
Admiral Harvey-
I would like to put a different spin on my comments here on this post. I would like for you to step into our shoes for just one minute and advise us with integrity, honesty and compassion....let alone REAL answers!The fact of the matter is is that I am scared to death about our future, our children's future, my marriage, my husband's state of mind.....I could go on and on. This has been a devastating blow to us, and all those in this situation. My husband and I are middle aged with a child we just put in college and another one who will be(or would be) going to college in a few years. Now we don't know how to tell them we probably won't have the money to continue paying for school. My son has kidney disease and I have MS....Now we don't know how to tell our son that he probably won't have health care so the assurance he has that his kidneys are being monitored and any problems he has are going to be taken care of by his specialist. I probably won't be able to continue the medication I take that allows me to be relatively pain free and slows the progression of my disease. After living in VA for 12 yrs. we thought living in a new part of the country would be a welcome change. We sold this idea on our son, who is 14. It was devastating for him to leave behind a lifetime of friendships, comforts and a stress free life. We sold him on the idea that we would never know if life was better somewhere else if we didn't try. We put in for orders to WA and got them 5 months ago. Now that he has gotten somewhat comfortable and is beginning to move on from VA we have to tell him that we will be moving again, but we have no idea where....we cannot afford to continue living in WA as civilians. How, exactly, do we tell him this. What do we say to ease the stress and worry that he will carry now and will, most likely, disrupt everything he has in his life right now like stability and comfort? My marriage? My husband feels like a failure and is battling his own sanity right now. One minute he is filled with rage, the next minute he is filled with hopelessness and depression. I have been waking up in the middle of the night with panic attacks, something I've never had, and when I do sleep it's for a few hours, at best. We fight constantly.
I want you to live a day in my shoes Admiral Harvey...in the shoes of every person who got raped by the Navy. Our lives are over. Anything that we've accomplished over the past 15 years has been stripped from us. The Navy, you and everyone who has sat back and let this happen, are the new Bernie Maddoff's....you stole from us our dignity, our sanity, our humility and our pride and left us with nothing but empty promises of how you are going to help ease this transition. BULL!!! Live a day in our shoes Admiral and tell me how some ridiculous class is going to ease our pain!!
- 27 December, 2011 13:45
- Anonymous said...
Sir where do we turn if we feel our chain of command is NOT supporting us in our transition out? As you stated this is not the forum for all the personal specifics. Could you please tell me what is?
- 27 December, 2011 21:06
- Anonymous said...
A couple weeks ago, someone lamented that the other services weren't doing this to their people.
Interesting to now see that Army will be holding their own series of boards shortly.
Like Navy, it appears that Army will first look for records that have blemishes for performance, conduct, or promotability, then will hold boards to address overmanned MOSs "where the 12-month operating strength projections exceed 100 percent and in jobs where the time it takes a soldier to get promoted exceeds the Army standard."
Hopefully, more at risk soldiers will heed the advice to consider a switch to an undermanned specialty than Sailors did. Also hope that Army learns the lesson and executes this much better than Navy did. But, figure the odds on either.
- 28 December, 2011 12:26
- Anonymous said...
To the comment above: Why do you say that you hope more people consider a switch to a undermanned rate than Sailors did? Are you aware that only 53 people, out of those that attempted to crossrate, were chosen to do so? The whole crossrating idea was a scam, much like TAP classes and this whole ERB....you need to open your eyes and see things for what they are.
- 28 December, 2011 14:54
- Anonymous said...
For the record, this is crap! I have busted my ass for 11 years, ALWAYS to top man and sailor of the year etc etc. Yet Im not good enough to stay in!
Here is my problem with the whole thing. All the NAVy has done is give us websites and check this link etc etc. If you really cared they would have assigned us like a case worker to handel on this stuff for us. Like a one on one rep per ERB sailor. But yet again, this is the NAVYs way of taking care of us. Garbage!
- 03 January, 2012 09:43
- ADM J. C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
If you have taken the necessary steps and exhausted all of your options in your chain-of-command (LPO, LCPO, DIVO, DH, CMC, XO, CO) then I want you to contact my Fleet Master Chief, Mike Stevens (757- 836-6740, firstname.lastname@example.com), so he can gather the facts and work with you to ensure you have the necessary support (time and resources) for your transition.
If you have some concerns about coming forward to talk with FLTCM Stevens, I understand; but, I'm going to need you to trust us so that we can help you, ok?
All the best, JCHjr
- 03 January, 2012 17:56
- Anonymous said...
To the sailor that said the E7-E8 were not even looked at? How dare you! As a 12 Year Chief Petty Officer (now with 14 years total) I am being told to go home along side of you shipmate! My rate is jam packed and I had a bit of a rough spot as an E5 (8 years ago) and really thought that I was safe...I was wrong. BUT...BUT I would rather it be ME that goes "to the house" than someone that has NEVER been in trouble! I have a job for the next nine months and the package that goes with this deal...yeah it isnt the best thing in the world to get "laid off" but when my brother got his pink slip in the civilian world, he went home the same day...UNEMPLOYED!
For those of you (us) that are taking the low road and saying that you were unfairly selected because you never got in trouble...shame on you! The first NAVADMIN clearly stated that this was a QUOTA based board. Yes, those of us that had issues were told to go home (myself included) but the very next paragraph said "
This says VERY clearly that some will go home just based on numbers. If you were in an overmanned rating and didnt apply for conversion because you were a "good boy" SHAME ON YOU! If you did and werent selected...I am truly sorry. The resources are here for us to use...use them to the fullest extent that they are available.
I will end by saying that I am not happy that I am being told that my career is over, a career that was spotless, save one incident, but I will tell you this: I do not envy the position that ADM Harvey and the rest of the leadership has been put in because of circumstances that are WAY beyond their control
Soon to be, former Chief
- 07 January, 2012 14:18
- AE1(AW/SW) Laney said...
Admiral Harvey,
Thank you again for giving us a forum in which ERB sailors/family members can ask you questions about transitioning and taking the time to read and respond to most of the questions posted here.
I'm a E6 with 11 years in and I too was not selected for retention. I have a completely clean service record and high performance evaluations throughout my career. Its been over a month since the Phase II results came out and even though I'm moving on by using the benefits that the Navy has provided me with, I still have some lingering questions. Of course there's the why me question but in order to keep the integrity of the board that information will never be released to me. So with that being said, my question to you Sir is this.
There is a particular school that would help me position my self over others when it comes to obtaining certain jobs in the civilian sector. Sir, I know that "usually" schools are only granted to those that have a certain amount of time left at their command or in the navy for that matter. So I'm wondering with my particular circumstance (ERB Non-Selectee) is it possible for me to still attend this school?
Notes about the school:
It can be completed before the mandatory separation date because its only 40 days long. Its not covered by TA or the GI Bill because it is a Navy taught school.
To me it seems like I should be able to attend. Especially after everything I was told during the briefing of the ERB results and the comments I've read about the Navy sincerely wanting to help ERB sailors transition, but I would like to get your thoughts on the matter.
Very Respectfully,
AE1 (AW/SW) Laney
- 13 January, 2012 09:40
- ADM J. C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
AE1 Laney, please contact my Fleet Master Chief, Mike Stevens (757- 836-6740, email@example.com), so he can gather some more information from you. He is waiting for your call or email. All the best, JCHjr
- 13 January, 2012 13:40
- Anonymous said...
ADM Harvey,
I have a problem that my CO and I have been working on since the results of the ERB were released. Together we have exhausted all the routes available to get this matter the attention it requires.
I am seeking your input on this matter. Without giving too much personal information on this blog here is a snapshot of the situation.
I work in a Joint Service Command that is run by the Army. I left Iraq in April and Transferred to where I am at now. I was never informed of anything ERB. It was October when I found out I was up for the board. I was on BOL and accidently opened up the selection board tab. It stated I was selected for a board. At that point I started to do some research. The window of opportunity to update my OMPF or cross rate had come and gone. The CO and I then started checking into the matter and we were told it would all be fine.
The results came out and a few days later the command found a way to get the results. During the initial counseling with the CO we called the NPC ERB helpdesk. A Navy LT contacted the CO and we were told that there was nothing that could be done.
In the meantime I got my OMPF updated and have started doing what I can to get ready to transition.
Last week my CO called the number we read on this blog for your FLTCM. We were then directed to call another Master Chief. The story has been the same from everyone. They all state that it is unfortunate that I was not informed and that steps will be put in place to ensure this does not happen again. That is not helping me at all. It is great that if there has to be a board like this again that sailors not working in traditional commands will be informed and have a fighting chance.
I ask that you look into this. If I had been afforded the opportunity to update my record and cross rate I would have been doing both.
I have a lot of fight in me and will continue to keep trying to get this situation the attention it requires until I feel I have done everything humanly possible to get it resolved.
The popular answer from the upper echelon in your command is that a sailor is responsible for there career. This is true, but if you don't know what your looking for why would you be looking for it? It is not like anything ERB was publicized at any time.
My CO and the people at our HQ are all raisings there hands and saying that the ball was dropped and they knew nothing about ERB. I have the names of the people that were contacted in your office but do not want to put them on here. If you could give me some input it would be appreciated.
I would also like to add that I cannot get into a TAP class until the last week of February. If big Navy knew that this would be happening did they take into account that there is a need for more classes? I am told by the FFSC that they take 60% of the class just for PTS / ERB sailors and I still can't get in. Maybe the quota can be raised to 80% or add more classes in the region for the time being if they are needed. Along side that I have no CCC and will have find one at another command.
After 15 years in the Navy I cannot think of anyone who sits around and just cruises the BOL and NPC site for no reason. If I had a reason to be on there than of course I would have been on them reading and researching to ensure my career was not affected by this.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and I look forward to hearing from you.
AT1(AW/SW) Loske
- 15 January, 2012 11:33
- RADM Mark Guadagnini said...
Team, I want to pass on important information for active duty personnel affected by the ERB or who are retiring and are considering Federal employment.
The USAJOBS website (https://my.usajobs.gov) is the primary source for Federal job listings. Many of the jobs advertised on this site are restricted to current federal employees and Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) eligible veterans. If you read the requirements for VEOA eligibility, you would assume that one cannot apply for these jobs until they are released from active duty and have a copy of their DD-214. This can be intimidating because the timeline from application to selection can take as long as six-months. There is good news though, active duty personnel with separation/retirement orders are VEOA eligible and can document their eligibility with a Statement of Service issued by PSD or your command's admin. It is unfortunate that this eligibility is not documented anywhere on the USAJOBS web site or other Federal/Veterans hiring assistance sites and we will strive to correct this oversight.
When you submit an application for Federal employment via USAJOBS, the final step in the process is the completion of an Application Manager Questionnaire. Question #2 deals with VEOA eligibility. If you have separation/retirement orders, it is important that you select "A. Yes" for this answer, even though you do not yet have a DD-214, as stated in the requirement. Submission of your Statement of Service serves as documentation of your eligibility.
- 20 January, 2012 20:28
- Anonymous said...
Sir - someone in a position of authority should follow-up on this. When applying for Federal jobs, it seems like the people who run the system intentionally try to make it hard and confusing. It really does appear that they are trying to protect their rice bowl from active duty folks who are leaving the service.
This post is helpful info - too bad it is not relected in the information available on USAJOBS!
- 23 January, 2012 08:08
- Anonymous said...
I would like to know how a person served for 17 years and is now being booted out is supposed to get medical help on the outsdie when two of his children have CF and no job prospects. I would venture to say that most of the people reading this message do not know what CF is. I am embarrased to know that I pushed my son to join the service for stability and told him he should be the best he can be because that retirement check will look really good after twenty years. well I am here to help him any way I can with both of my grand children with CF. I retired from the navy and I know the economy is truely bad right now and change has to be made to survive. I think Admiral Harvey and Fleet Master Chief Stevens are doing what they think is best for the Navy but I disagree with booting people out with no benfits for children with CF. Also, I want to say thank you to all of you who have served our country and I think you should be allowed to continue your retirement efforts.
- 23 January, 2012 14:37
- Anonymous said...
I would like to know what was the criteria that was used to select the sailors who were to be booted.
I am one of those sailors, and I think it really messed up that I was selected. I know of so many sailors who wanted to get out. I know of so many sailors that have 1 and 2 DUIs on thier record. I even know of a sailor that was convicted of sexual assault and is still in the navy to this day. I have no NJPs and the majority of my evals are EPs the rest are MPs. I really don't understand.
- 24 January, 2012 21:01
- HENDO said...
ADM Harvey,
Sir i am also a sailor who is being pushed out by ERB. I am currently stationed OCONUS and was wondering if you could provide guidance beyond "use your chain of command" on returning back to the states in order to fully take advantage of our separation "benefits". I am aware of the 60 days we are required to be in the states prior to separation, but surely the navy cannot expect us to transition to civilian life SUCCESSFULLY in a mere 60 days. I have tried to use my chain but it seems no one is "sure" how to do much when it comes to issues involving ERB. Would you please provide any information/guidance possible that would help me and other forward deployed sailors effected by ERB return stateside so that we may better attack this transition?
- 26 January, 2012 00:28
- Anonymous said...
I myself wasn't selected for retention. Served for 11 years with clean and not even a dust on my record. And told to EXIT my career which I 110% devoted myself to become successful but cut short. As an enlisted sailor, my only question is "WHERE IS MY MCPON". He is the man up there for all enlisted folks. I even know of a sailor, who is a sailor of the year, not just a command but region being sent home. Number 1 in the whole department. .??? Really???
I am very frustrated about this but I have no choice but to move on. To all my fellow shipmates, GOOD LUCK TO ALL AND GOD BLESS TO YOUR FAMILIES!
- 26 January, 2012 03:34
- FLTCM Mike Stevens said...
HENDO, please give me a call or send me an email (757-836-6740, email@example.com) so we can talk further about your situation.
Thanks, FLTCM Mike Stevens
- 27 January, 2012 10:15
- Mike said...
I am also forward deployed and I am also being separated from ERB. And it seems the navy did not really think about the sailors that are overseas. Some of these benefits that are being offered are not a possibility to us that are forward deployed for example navy cool. By the time our commands let us go back to the states where we will be able to take advantage it will be to late seeing how we have to have all things done with navy cool done prior to 60 days of separation. Also I do not get the same opportunity to go to job fairs without having to spend thousands of dollars and leave time to come back to the US. To me this really seems like people overseas are at a real disadvantage. I have tried to inquire about possibley being sent back to the US on TAD orders but all i get is a shrug of the shoulders from my chain of command. Some guidence would be really appreciated.
- 30 January, 2012 03:33
- Anonymous said...
ADM Harvey,
I am a Navy wife and I am proud of that. However, this status will soon come to an end because my husband was not selected for the ERB. Obviously, we are sad and angry and we have all the questions
so many people have in the same situation, but I particularly want to pick your brain on something I think some other people can benefit too.
I happened to hear that military just approved a law that will allow members that will have 15 yrs of service by Sept 1st to retire (they will be paid based on 15yrs length of service vs. 20 yrs)
My questions are the following:
1. Is this true?
2. What happens with those people that will have 15 years of service couple of DAYS after Sept 1st?
My husband will have 15 yrs of service on Sept 25th.
Thank you for taking the time to listen to us and thank you for going out of your way in trying to help!
- 30 January, 2012 18:48
- KattyO said...
ADM Harvey,
I am a Navy wife and my husband is affected by the whole ERB process.It is very sad and disturbing that his 14+ yrs career comes to an end so unexpectedly and with no reason at all (he has a clean record) but the reason I am writing you is to ask 'you' (the military) why it got to this point? The fact that Navy wants to retain the best of the best sailors is great news, I mean..it's about time!!! but why like that? This is a long process..this should have been implemented gradually..not in a matter of couple of months.
What triggered me to write you was the fact that my husband got affected by this ERB thing in a way that is hard to describe with words...Every so often I see him starring at the wall for minutes on end with an empty stare.. the other day he apologized to me for being a "failure"...for putting his family through this and for not having a job ..really? How can somebody with 14+ yrs of service, records all clean, and a bunch of qualifications can feel like a failure?? Thank you military...for a Job Well Done...NOT! I don't care so much about the money, because I knew better and I built a career already ..but to hear my husband saying that he feels like a failure after he sacrificed 14 yrs of his life, of our life, just makes me question the kind of leadership the Navy has..maybe that's where the ERB is needed after all...
With all the respect Sir, these comments were not directed to you personally. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to make my voice heard and thank you for trying to help these sailors in any way you can. I wish there were more people like you in the military.. people that CARE and that have a BRAIN on their shoulder not only a big belly to carry around.
- 30 January, 2012 19:04
- Anonymous said...
this does not pertain to the ERB or TPS but i do not know where else to post this. I was on a Med board and nd had just failed the 3rd PRT in the 4 year period. i was talking to legal and they said a Med board would trump and adsep for the three prt failures. A few days ago i was informed the the command sent an email to pers and pers then cancelled my med board. After finding this out i contacted legal again and they told me that it is illegal what pers has done since the navy cannot kick me out since i have a pending medical condition. I was close to completing the proccess, i had everything from the VA, i was accepted into the vocational rehabilitattion program. Since the navy cannot Kick a person out if they have a pending medical condition, how can pers cancel my med board?
- 31 January, 2012 13:52
- Anonymous said...
ADM Harvey,
My husband is in the same situation as the "Anonymous-Navy wife".
Can something be done so that people that are within days of 15 yr mark will be allowed to qualify for retirement? It will only seem fair...these people served for 14+ YEARS not days... what are couple of days compared to 14+ years? Is this another way military tries to make a quick buck without considerring the pain the sailors and their families are going through? And really, we are fighting for 37.5 % of salary as opposed to 50% of the base salary as a 20 yrs retirement would bring.. that is change compared to the 2 billion the department of defense can not justify where it disappeared when they were aimed for operations in Iraq.
I would really apperciate an answer on this. Thank you.
- 31 January, 2012 14:17
- RADM Mark Guadagnini said...
Dear Anonymous,
Please contact Master Chief Polli so that he can help you with this.
With Respect, M. Guadagnini
- 31 January, 2012 18:09
- Anonymous said...
On September 1st, 2012, my husband will have exactly 14 year, 344 days of honorable service. Just 21 days short of the 15 years of service required to qualify for the Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA). I will like to know why is the Navy not extending the date ERB sailors are set to separate? If the date previously established for separation of ERB sailors is extended more sailors will qualify for the Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA).
- 03 February, 2012 11:17
- Anonymous said...
I thought we are trying to cut costs...
Top officers benefit from revised pension rules
By Tom Vanden Brook - USA Today
Posted : Thursday Feb 2, 2012 19:50:12 EST
A change in federal law to keep experienced officers in uniform allows top generals and admirals to make more in retirement than they did on active duty, Pentagon and congressional records show.
- 05 February, 2012 01:01
- Anonymous said...
Why they don't allow the people that have present contracts that take them past the 15 yr mark to retire? Especially if they have clean records and they shouldn't have been cut in the first place? It is only fair...do you realize these people fight for 37.5% of base pay? Does that even add up to $1000? Is this what America has become?
- 06 February, 2012 18:31
- Anonymous said...
My husband was initially told that he would get the cooperation of his command when it came to not going out when the ship does so that he could attend necessary job fairs, classes and be available for interviews, etc. As was expected, now the command is reneging on their word and saying that he must go and that if he needed to he could use the POTS line to do what he needed to do. Generally, the attitude is one of not really caring if my husband finds a job or not. I have seen it said several times on this blog.....if my husband is not needed by the Navy and is being forced out then why is he needed to make these deployments? Even a 25 day workup is a month less he has to find a job. You understand that, right? It seems like they told him not to worry(common theme, as this was the message before the ERB), just to shut him up and make sure he worked and didn't go nuts on them all but now that it has gotten closer they are saying something different. Such fine leadership!! What can be done about this, we cannot afford for him to lose ANY time being away from finding a job- we are not young kids who can go live with their parents while they figure things out. We are middle aged with children in college and another one heading there soon. We need to start over at this age and we need all the time we can to make it happen. Please help advise us.
- 12 February, 2012 14:47
- Mike said...
Just like alot of people on this blog, it is a reaccuring theme on how commands are not supporting there sailors. I am forward deployed and because of the time difference and tempo of our SRA peroid i do not have time to look for a job. But from what i was told at the beginning when we first heard about this, that looking for a job was basically our job. I was told by my chief today that i need to keep working like nothing has happened. Well guess what something has happened and I wont have a job soon. So i am not longer going to look to my imediate chain of command for help or assistance because i am not recieving it, I am droppping my request mast chit today and i am bringing this all the way up the chain of command. I am a little sick and tired of the lack of support here. All I want is to go back to the US so i can attend job fairs and take advantage of the benefits we are suppose to be getting but us forward deployed cant because we were a little selfless and took orders in arduous duty.
- 14 February, 2012 07:06
- ADM J. C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
Anonymous (re 25 day workup), please have your husband contact my Fleet Master Chief, Mike Stevens (757- 836-6740, email@example.com), so he can gather some information from your husband and advise him on the best course of action going forward. All the best, JCHjr
- 14 February, 2012 09:37
- AG2 (AW) Hummel said...
Admiral Harvey,
Sir, I would like to know what steps to take for successful transition out due to the ERB. Are there websites on the exact procedures. I couldn't seem to get real solid advice on what the procedures are on a successful transition. I would greatly appreciate the extra information, Thank you again for providing a blog site for those affected,Sir.
- 21 February, 2012 23:31
- ADM J. C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
AG2 Hummel,
Thanks for taking the time to contact me regarding your situation. I'm sorry you were not selected for retention, but I'm very hopeful for your future.
Here's what you need to do, and while each command is handling the process a little differently, there are a few basic steps you need to take to enable a successful transition:
1) Meet with your CO and CMC to discuss the specifics of your situation – benefits available to you, transition timing, time-off to attend career transition events, workshops, etc.
2) Meet with your career counselor to discuss your civilian career interests and the various services available from the Navy to help you find and start a new career.
3) Additionally, you should have been contacted, via email, by Challenger, Gray and Christmas (CGC), a highly respected placement firm. Navy has contracted CGC to provide personalized career coaching and job search assistance for you, so make sure you reply and follow-up with your career coach.
4) Follow this link (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/boards/ERB/Pages/default2.aspx) and download a copy of the Transition Assistance Handbook. Read it thoroughly and make sure you understand ALL of the benefits available to you and your family (if applicable).
If you have any problems with any of these steps, please contact my Fleet Master Chief, FLTCM Mike Stevens at (757) 836-6740 to let us know the specifics.
Good luck and please make sure you're taking full advantage of the benefits available to you for this transition. All the best, JCHjr
- 22 February, 2012 14:17
- Anonymous said...
Sir, Im part of the ERB cut also. I am being told at my command that i need to get my EAWS by the time i get out in may or there going to be giving my a special eval and not recommend me for advancement. Then i wouldnt get my ISP in full. Can they do this to me? Or, can i request to get out of the program due to being discharge due to ERB?
- 07 March, 2012 18:19
- ADM J. C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
Anonymous (re EAWS), please contact my Fleet Master Chief, Mike Stevens (757- 836-6740, firstname.lastname@example.com), so he can gather some more information from you. He is waiting for your call or email. All the best, JCHjr
- 08 March, 2012 10:48
- TheNAVthuth said...
ADM Harvey, Will you confirm or deny that there were current Sailor's of the Year (SOY) that were told to separate via the ERB? I understand that they might have met the precepts of the board but are we now to change the message to the deckplates that if you get in trouble that there is not a guarantee that you will be retained in the future? Regardless of if there is an ERB in the future there are SOY's that were told to separate and that message needs to be sent to the Fleet. V/r, Fleet CPO's
- 13 March, 2012 21:17
- ADM J. C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
TheNAVthuth, there are indeed Sailors who had been selected as their unit's Sailor of the Year, but were not selected for retention by the Enlisted Retention Board. As I'm sure you know, the board was comprised primarily of Master Chief Petty Officers from the Fleet (85% board membership) and was guided by a board precept that was very clear and made available publicly. I cannot tell you the specific reasons these Sailors were not selected (because that information is not public), but I am very confident that we had the right people on the board, using the right process, to make these very difficult, but also very necessary, decisions. As painful as this process has been, I want to reiterate that I fully support the reasons behind the ERB, I believe in the process we used, and I stand behind the results of the board. Although these Sailors were not selected for retention, I'm confident the same characteristics that resulted in their selection as their unit's Sailor of the Year will serve them very well in the private sector. All the best, JCHjr
- 14 March, 2012 16:45
- Anonymous said...
Good Day to you. I am one of the ERB candidates. I have served for over 11 yrs. My question for you is this. Is there going to be any kind of survey to see how each ERB sailor was threated throughout this entire process? In my case, my chain of command has failed me at every turn during this process.
- 21 March, 2012 17:55
- Anonymous said...
ADM Harvey, Sailors stationed on the USS George Washington are being told that we do not get 60 days CONUS unless we have the leave days to cover it. Sailors overseas are already at a disadvantage because they can not take advantage of job fairs and certain "benfits" like navy cool are essectially being take away from us because of the fact we are overseas. Most of us want to get back to the states ASAP. Our chain of comand is not really giving us any guidence on this and no one in the chain of command has really any idea what to do. We are being told the ship does not have money to send us back to the states. I there anyways the big Navy can step in and provide us with some guidence because I would like to transition smoothly but the way things are going this is anything but smooth.
- 21 March, 2012 17:59
- Anonymous said...
Apparently most of the ERB personnel currently deployed are getting the "short end of the ERB stick" according to the comments preceeding mine. I am also Deployed and have NO IDEA when I will be coming home to start transitioning AKA finding another way to support my family... Not good enough to serve my country for the long haul but good enough for one more deployment huh? Did I mention my 15 year mark is 0600 on 02Sep2012? AND I have had TWO early separation requests DENIED due to "operational commitment"... Thanks for making the last months of my service as difficult as possible... This whole situation is unethical and disrespectful. I'm disheartened to personally witness how little HONOR, COURAGE and COMMITMENT filter back down the ranks after almost 15 years of service.
AM1(AW) Rickman
VFA-151 Airframes
Currently Deployed upon the USS Abraham Lincoln.
- 24 March, 2012 12:53
- ADM J.C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
Anonymous, Anonymous (on USS GEORGE WASHINGTON) and AM1 (AW) Rickman,
I'm in receipt of your comments and want to let you know that I've shared them with my Fleet counterpart ADM Cecil Haney, Commander, Pacific Fleet. In addition, my staff is reviewing your comments with their Pacific Fleet counterparts, including with Ms. Kathy Baran (CPF N1, Fleet Manpower) and FLTCM John Minyard (Fleet Master Chief, CPF). I've directed my Fleet Master Chief, Mike Stevens, to work very closely with FLTCM Minyard as we work through these issues.
We'll continue to stay on it but I also want to make sure you're properly engaging and working through your chain-of-command to make your issues known. I understand the need for anonymity in the public domain, but in order to help you resolve these types of issues, we need some basic information (name, contact info and summary of issue). I've posted FLTCM Stevens's contact information several times in this post. If you aren't receiving the transition support you need, you should contact FLTCM Stevens directly and he will work with FLTCM Minyard to ensure the right people are looking into your situation. All the best, JCHjr
- 26 March, 2012 11:59
- auntda06 said...
"Everything in our power..." This is the part that gets me. I find it interesting that it's within your scope of power to downsize the Navy by 3,000 honorable and experienced sailors, but not within your power to provide replacements for those unretained sailors that are deployed??? If the excuse is that the Navy is overmanned then logic would dictate that there are replacements out there. But I guess it's easier to hide behind your enlistment contracts and force unretained sailors to do a job even though they no longer have the incentive than it would be to actually adjust to the consequences of this decision...
My husband was deployed one week after he found out he was not retained. I personally sat down with his CO and asked him why my husband, who has honorably served the Navy for almost 15 years (one day short of early retirement mind you), and already served on several deployments previous to now... Why does he have to leave his family for 5 months and do a dangerous and taxing job when he has been told he is no longer necessary to the future of the Navy? And just to add insult to injury I suppose, his CO told me he still has to deploy because the squadron is UNDERmanned.... You mean to tell me that "Big Navy" can let-go of a sailor and quote over-manning issues and one week later a CO can deploy that same sailor using the opposite excuse??? Not to mention that same CO lied straight to my face and said he would do "everything in his power" to send my husband home EARLY before the original date the ship was due back which was early May... My husband is set to come home in early May. Sounds more like ON TIME not EARLY.
The ERB was a strategic decision. It was thought out and planned long before it was implemented and its results were announced. You KNEW this was coming, you KNEW some sailors would already or very soon after the results were announced be deployed and you KNEW their deployments would hinder their ability to transition out of the Navy and into their new careers and lives. So please don't insult mine or anyone else's intelligences by telling us you're doing "everything in [your] power to stay true to our responsibilities to these Sailors and their families and make their transition to civilian life as smooth as possible." You had the power... You had the ability to prevent these sailors from deploying and bring those already deployed home and you failed to do so. You neglected your responsibility, only you're not suffering the consequences... People like me are. The wives and husbands and children of these sailors. The families you claim to have a responsibility to. The people who TRULY do "everything in their power" to support these sailors.
- 27 March, 2012 09:09
- Anonymous said...
Can you please tell us what the holdup is with the TERA NAVADMN? I went to the ERB transition meeting w/the Commander and he told us that it would be released later that day or, at the latest, the next day. That was back in January. It cannot possible be that difficult to come up with the policies and procedures, can it? It took less time to actually go through 16,000 Sailor records and fire 2,947 of us. Are you aware to the fact that several of us who are eligible have had to turn down lucrative job offers due to the fact that we cannot give a prospective employer an availability date? What might your advise be on this issue?
- 31 March, 2012 22:45
- ADM J.C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
Anonymous (re TERA NAVADMIN), as you requested, I looked into the status of the TERA NAVADMIN; here's the latest – the message is currently in its final stages of coordination and should be released very soon. Unfortunately I do not know the exact date for the release, but I will monitor the status of the NAVADMIN very closely and post a link to it here for you as soon as it's on the street. All the best, JCHjr
- 02 April, 2012 16:13
- Anonymous said...
I am currently deployed and have been since the beginning of December 2011. I would really like to get back to the states so I can check out some of these amazing transition brochures or whatever the Navy is giving out for ERB transition help. I've asked my chain of command repeatedly when we ERB Sailors are transferring and it's always the same thing, "There's no funding, and we don't know, we're working on it, we'll let you know". I'm a SOY. Constant top performer. I had NJP 11 years ago. I guess that's why I'm getting booted. I was under the impression I had already paid for that with the restriction and forfeiture of pay but I guess not. I don't understand why no one is doing anything for deployed Sailors to get them home immediately. Every minute we're deployed we are missing opportunities back home to secure a good future for ourselves. I would also like to know where all these people are in the overmanned ratings. According to my squadron my rating is severely undermanned. According to Big Navy there are so many of us that I'm dead weight and no longer needed. Does anyone actually know what they're doing around here?
- 05 April, 2012 01:24
- Anonymous said...
My husband is not deployed, at the moment, however the ship is beginning workups. My husband was required to do the first workup which was 10 days. During that time he missed 2 phone calls with interest in an interview. This second workup is 3 weeks with another 8 days shortly after. My husband has received another 2 phone calls with interest in his resume. He has been told that he WILL be required to go on these workups which means that, most likely, he will miss out on ANOTHER job opportunity. Admiral Harvey, the mantra from Big Navy has repeatedly been that you are doing whatever is necessary to facilitate transitioning Sailors. As I'm sure you can deduce, this is not happening for most, if not all, Sailors. There is no TERA NAVADM message, there is no cooperation from commands, there is no effort to truly help transitioning Sailors. I know that you continue to refer everyone to Mike Stevens....but what is he going to do? Advise? That's not enough! My husband knows what he has to do....go thru his chain of command. Unfortunatly for him (yet, ironically, fortunatly for the Navy) after 15 years as an exemplary Sailor, he still is "conditioned" to think like a cooperative, brainwashed Sailor. He still believes that he is under the control of his command and must do as they dictate. He doesn't question- as he's been taught for 15 years. PLEASE advise us on where to proceed with this issue. Our lives have been turned upside down in ways that you could never imagine. This ERB was so ineffective, as I'm sure you must realize by now. People who hold our future in their hands are uneducated about how to help with transition. Nobody knows any answers, nobody knows what to do and nobody is helping those who have helped to make their commands and their leaders look good. Please help with a real answer Admiral.
- 05 April, 2012 13:27
- ADM J. C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
Anonyomous Spouse, to help you and your husband I have to have specific details of his situation. In similar cases over the past few months when Fleet Master Chief Stevens has been able to engage with specific commands based on facts he has been able to get good results for our Sailors. You can get him the facts in an e-mail or deliver an envelope to our HQ, but we need to get something from you to be able to help.
Fleet Master Chief Stevens is not just someone who gives advice - in my view, he is the singularly most effective individual in our Navy - HE GETS IT DONE AND DONE WELL. I ask you to trust him as I do. If you do, we can help. All the best, JCHjr
- 06 April, 2012 07:49
- Anonymous said...
Where is the TERA NAVADMN???? It cannot take this long to come up with the procedure!! It didn't take this long to agonize over 16,000 Sailor records. Is this just another scam Admiral?
- 19 April, 2012 13:20
- Anonymous said...
Admiral Harvey-
Due to the ERB, after serving 15 years in the Navy, as of September 1, 2012, my husband, myself and our two children will officially be homeless. We have no family that can help us. Thank you.
- 21 April, 2012 22:24
- ADM J.C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
Team, the TERA NAVADMIN was released today. As promised, you can download a copy at the following link: http://www.public.navy.mil/usff/Documents/navadmin_14012.pdf
All the best, JCHjr
- 24 April, 2012 13:39
- Anonymous said...
I want to thank the big Navy for kicking me out of the Navy after 14 and a half years of HONORABLE service as a straight MP & EP Sailor with my last two EVAL's (prior to ERB selection) being a #4 of 62 and #1 of 48 EP's. Three NAM's, Combat Action, and Humanitarian ServiceI. I would also like to thank the big shots that hired Challenger, Gray and Christmas for spending who knows how much money to have this company "help us" but I would like to say that this company is a joke and did nothing for me. They wasted my time, cell phone minutes and resume. After dealing with then for four weeks I received a resume from them (that I wrote by myself) that not only was pathetic but was incomplete.
The Government has been flying high ranking officials and civilians all over this country to tell us about this BS, so with the money spent on CG&C and all these "official" trips, how did they save money by kicking us out????
I love how they want to screw us even more when it comes to ISP, If you retire from the USNR or claim VA benefits you MUST payback (in full) the BEFORE TAXES amount. So you give me ISP then tax the hell out of it, then make me pay back the before tax amount yet you put me in a tax bracket of over $100,000 for FY12 which causes me to pay back even more taxes???!!!!??? I am so glad to be done with the Navy and all this constant BS.
I am happy for the people that qualify for TERA, good for you!!!!! I miss the TERA by 10 days and a good friend of mine missed it by 2 days.
- 24 April, 2012 17:29
- Anonymous said...
This is the first time since finding out about ERB that I have decided to write about my situation. I understand that there is a facebook page with people expressing their opinions, exchanging information, bashing the Navy, and many other things (good and bad). I also understand that employers look at facebook and that may or may not be a good idea. I would like to express my concerns, situation and ask a question.
I am missing TERA by 9 days. Joined the Navy 11 September 1997. No NJP, DUI, or PRT Failures. Just bought a house for $250,000 last year now worth 238,000. Just reenlisted PTS approved over a year ago for 6 years with no bonus which would have taken me to 19 years and 3 month. New EAOS was in 2016. Only an extension till retirement. Plans were set. Navy for life!
Now i am left with 14 years 11 months and 21 days. 9 days shy of reaching 15 year retirement, a house i can not sell but have to rent out and pay out of pocket to keep it from destroying my credit, no health care for my wife and three kids.
From the time I joined the Navy till now I have heard several sailors bash the Navy. I have preached about how the Navy has been good to me making sailors realize the Navy is a good thing causing them to perform and say Navy. I even went recruiting to preach the word about the Navy. I have a room in my house dedicated to the Navy. I love the Navy. ERB?
I used Challenger company and completed my resume. One thing I can say is that I am glad I used the company becaue my resume looks pretty good. No job yet but hopefully soon. When putting it together I had to go through all my awards and evals for inputs. While doing so I wondered why I am being told to leave the Navy. All the Evals and Awards gave me so much ammo for my resume it was 4 pages long and made everyone I have shown wonder why I am getting out. I have done nothing wrong. The Navy will never tell us why we were picked and some of us will never know because we can not find it in our records. This is going to be a big question that i will take to my grave and i am pretty sure the other 2700 sailors will also have the same issue for the rest of their lives.
I truely believe that it is impossible to look over 16,000 records in such a short time when deciding which sailors to let go. Well, that is in the past I understand but it is not too late to change the outcome.
TERA was given to the services as a tool to downsize. We all know that you have to have 15 years. ERB says 1 SEP 2012. I know that TERA came out after ERB results. We can not change the TERA laws. Does law say that ERB results can't change? I don't think so. TERA was give to the services to used as they wanted to use. Can we lift ERB result to sailors so close to 15 years? Yes we can. I understand that there has to be a cut off. Where did 1 Sep come from? I have a great idea. Why not give a thought to one of the following: 1. Anyone that will reach 15 years as of 1 Sept 2013 stay in till retirement. 2. Anyone that will reach 15 years as of 1 January 2013 stay till retirement. 3. Anyone that will reach 15 as of 1 Oct 2012 stay till retirement.
Any of the cases above would be better than what we have now. Also if you don't qualify for the new standards then you have to still leave by 1 Sep 2012. This would allow sailors that are so close to 15 get retirement. Actually, if we go for the first one then the sailors that do not qualify would be out of the service 1 year before the last sailors get their retirement creating a 1 year gap which may reduce the complaining about missing it by so much time. Hope that made sence as it does to me.
I guess the real question is this. Is the Navy working on extending the cut off date to allow more sailors to qualify or is this it?
Thank you for taking the time to listen and have this blog.
- 25 April, 2012 14:21
- ADM J. C. Harvey, Jr said...
Anonymous requesting TERA waiver, we'd like to get in contact with you to discuss these issues directly - could you send us your contact information so Fleet Master Chief Stevens can reach you? Thanks, JCHjr
- 26 April, 2012 10:09
- Anonymous said...
Admiral Harvey-
Challenger, Gray and Christmas have done NOTHING to help any one of us who have been ERB'd and I believe that you and everybody involved with this decision is aware of this. The only thing that they have done is rework resumes that many of us had already had done through FFSC or outside sources. We have all struggled endlessly with lack of communication and resources with this company. I would like to see factual, solid proof that this company is doing ANYTHING at all (other than write resumes and having a fancy web page.) There is not one single person that has come forward to say that Challenger, Gray and Christmas has done one positive thing to help them obtain employment. Now that we are coming down to the wire with only a little bit more than 4 months left before D day, I would like to know exactly what $5 million was spent on!!!
- 27 April, 2012 01:25
- Anonymous said...
Admiral- I find it quite interesting that you choose to ignore the fact that I wrote to you to tell you that after 15 years my family will be homeless thanks to you and Big Navy. Do you not have a conscience? How does this happen in today's military...this isn't the Vietnam era where Soldiers came home with mental illness and drug addiction and being cast aside with no resources. I thought we learned from how we treated our military then. Why aren't you helping? We are going to be homeless....on the street homeless. Why doesn't this bother you???????
- 27 April, 2012 01:28
- Anonymous said...
I am not sure if it was my comment about changing one of three things that would open the door for more sailors to qualify for TERA. If so, my number is 757 604 3889.
- 27 April, 2012 14:19
- Sarah Spriggle said...
I am an ERB spouse and during one of the debriefing that spouses are able to get a GRANT of 5,000 to get certified in anything they wanted and also there was a GRANT for 10,000 for a degree in the medical field. Where can I get more information on this?
- 29 April, 2012 20:11
- Anonymous said...
Sir, the status of alot of sailors overseas are pending IRR contracts. It has been weeks since they have been submitted. Our ship wont let us leave until we have our contract in hand. Which I understand this but I want to know what is taking them so long on our contracts. I know my PTDY will start soon. And it is looking like I will still be stuck overseas when it starts. I just want to get back into the US so I can move on.
- 29 April, 2012 20:27
- ADM J.C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
Anonymous (re CGC performance), I looked into your concerns about CGC and am providing you with the facts I learned:
• 3,600 jobs (representing at least 37 major hiring companies) are posted through CGC and have been passed to Sailors. Many of these companies have retired/former Navy Officers/Sailors in executive positions who are very interested in hiring our Sailors.
• CGC has hosted 34 live webinars throughout February and March.
• Additionally, CGC provides on-demand webinars through their website "Challenger-Essentials" which currently has 1,989 Sailors registered.
• 2,024 Sailors have expressed interest in receiving services; 156 Sailors have declined services; 140 sailors have been hired so far by the companies participating with CGC; and 50 sailors are going back to school.
• For those Sailors going back to school, CGC is facilitating engagement between these Sailors and the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) to be candidates for part-time (but with full benefits) Transportation Security Officer (TSO) positions at our nation's airports. This part-time arrangement gives these Sailors the potential to work 24-hour work weeks allowing them to attend courses around their work schedules. TSA has been supportive and remains very interested in hiring our Sailors.
• The following schedule identifies open houses throughout the summer for our Sailors to attend in person and work on resume-writing, interview and job search tips (with the CGC network of interested employers) and participate in hiring events (bringing employers to the sailors):
• San Diego – May 24, June 7 & 21, July 5 & 19, August 2 & 16
• Norfolk – May 17 & 24, June 14 & 28, July 12 & 26, August 9 & 23
• Pac NorWest – May 24, June 7 & 21, July 5 & 19, August 2 & 16
• Jacksonville – May 17 & 31, June 14 & 28, July 12 & 26, August 9 & 23
• Gulfport and Hawaii-TBD
• Regarding resumes, every Sailor has access to the CGC "resume-builder" tool on the Challenger-Essentials website, as well as direct feedback and support from the CGC counselors.
• Feedback from potential employers about the resumes they've received from our Sailors has been very positive.
• Finally, CGC attempts to communicate with unresponsive Sailors multiple times (at least five) to try and bring them into the program. Sailors are not contacted once and then simply forgotten.
All the best, JCHjr
- 01 May, 2012 16:26
- ADM J.C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
Anonymous (re homelessness), I absolutely care; that's why I started this dialogue on my blog and regularly update it with information that I believe will be helpful to all of you. In my initial ERB post and the 100+ comments that follow, there is a lot of information that discusses in great detail the transition assistance available to you and your family. Read through every post, follow the link to the transition assistance handbook and make good use of it all. In addition, there are organizations and programs that exist solely to help our service members and families who are facing financial difficulties. If you foresee a problem in the future, now is the time to act. Start working now to put those resources to work for you. I know this transition brings many challenges, but I'm confident that nearly 15 years as a Navy family has given you the ability to overcome these challenges and build a new future together.
All the best, JCHjr
- 01 May, 2012 16:27
- ADM J.C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
Ms. Spriggle, I believe you are referring to the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts program, which provides assistance to military spouses who wish to obtain the skills and credentials to begin or advance their career. The Career Advancement Accounts program covers the costs of training and education up to $3,000 for one year and can be renewed for one additional year for a total amount of up to $6,000.
The program is open to all eligible spouses of Active Duty Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps service members, or activated Reserve members in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2, or O1-O2. You can visit the website http://www.militaryspousescholarships.com/programs for additional information and references.
You should also feel free to contact the Navy College Office to learn about additional educational benefits for spouses. The Norfolk office (as a starting point) can be reached at (757) 444-7453.
All the best, JCHjr
- 01 May, 2012 16:27
- Anonymous said...
In response:
"In addition, there are organizations and programs that exist solely to help our service members and families who are facing financial difficulties." Perhaps you are unaware, but the organizations and programs that exist to help service members require that the service member have a specific amount of time left in the military in order to receive financial help i.e: NMCRS. There is a specific example of this stated on the Sailors Against ERB facebook page where an ERB'd Sailor requested help and was denied due to not having enough time left in the military due to ERB. So, that is not a true statement. We did plan for our future. Our future consisted of remaining in the military for the remainder of our contract and then retiring. Now, due to further constraints and to be able to attend the necessary hiring events my spouse will need to retire a full month early. That's a full month less pay. I'm sure that you believe that 15 years in the Navy has given us the ability to overcome these challenges. I wish to convey to you, Admiral, the reality of what I am saying to you. The "transition assistance" that you so callously throw around is not reality. The human cost in all of this is much more than a handbook- words put on paper. My spouse has been toyed with beyond belief. He is a broken man. Our sanity is broken. Our children are suffering. They are depressed. WE WILL BE HOMELESS. WE, as a family, have served for YOU, the US Navy, and now we are being thrown aside. I want you to hear me. I want you to sleep at night and know that if my spouse does not find a job in 3 very short months then one of YOUR Sailors WILL be HOMELESS!!!
- 01 May, 2012 17:56
- Anonymous said...
RE: Homeless Anonymous, I am one of those "long time readers, first time posters." Your situation sounds terrible and my heart truly goes out to you and your family. However, I also wanted to say that posting on the Admiral's blog about how badly he should feel for you, especially considering that it wasn't him that initiated the ERB (to my understanding of how the Navy works) and he still had the courage to post publically and provide an outlet for us to provide feedback to him, seems a bit unfair. Not that anyone impacted by ERB needs to receive a lesson on "fairness" as, from what I can tell, Navy broke faith with their Sailors (all of them under a contract that appears to be one way). But that being said, it appears to me that Admiral Harvey has done what is in his authority to do what he can, and berrating him for it isn't very productive for anyone involved. Again, my heart goes out to you, but I would also say that Admiral Harvey appears to be doing the best he can as well. -Roland
- 01 May, 2012 21:02
- Anonymous said...
Yes, I understand that I am "blasting" Admiral Harvey. However, he is a representative of the cooperation that calls itself the Navy. If you stand back and let the powers that be destroy a company that you are a part of then you are a part of the problem also. Giving blanket statements and dead end answers do nothing but appease your own conscience (if I doubt any members of Big Navy have one.) There are no real solutions being given. Words written on an ERB transition handbook are not solutions, as I pointed out. You cannot utilize ANY help from any organization in the military at this point.We don't have enough time left in the military to get any help. Anyone in the military knows that in order to get help you need to have a certain amount of time left to serve. We all know that, Admiral Harvey knows that. He just gave the answer to shut me up and make me go away. All I want is for somebody to be real. All of us who are literally being wrecked by this ERB are being forced to be real. The fat cats in Big Navy are parading around acting like moral is great, numbers are great, the Navy is great, life is great. It's sickening and surreal to have to sit back and watch. It's inhumane.
- 02 May, 2012 13:52
- Anonymous said...
ADM, has anyone gone to the VA to dispute the current regulations that is going to keep the approx. 300 ERB Sailors that retire under TERA ineligible for CRDP (Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay)? If those that we are letting go earlier than the 20 year retirement system aren't afforded the same retirement benefits voluntarily then someone needs to have the VA change policy. V/r, Fleet NC
- 03 May, 2012 09:36
- ADM J.C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
Anonymous (re IRR contract), your IRR contract is processed by PERS-93 based on your terminal leave and/or PTDY date. Barring any extenuating circumstances (such as filing on the day you are starting terminal leave), you should have your contract in hand before you start your PTDY. Your command should call PERS-93 (DSN: 882-3427 or COMM: 901-874-3427) on your behalf and request they expedite your IRR contract. Alternatively, if you contact my Fleet Master Chief Mike Stevens (757- 836-6740, firstname.lastname@example.com), he'll look into your situation and do everything in his power to get an answer. Let me know if I can be of further assistance and please report back if you learn anything new about this process that you can share with your Shipmates.
All the best, JCHjr
- 04 May, 2012 07:46
- ADM J.C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
Anonymous (re CRDP), thanks for bringing up this issue and giving me the opportunity to set the record straight. Sailors who retire under the TERA (just like those under the 20-year system) are in fact eligible for Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP), provided they meet the established criteria below (which can also be found here: http://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/disability/crdp.html).
From the DFAS website:
You must be eligible for retired pay to qualify for CRDP. If you were placed on a disability retirement, but would be eligible for military retired pay in the absence of the disability, you may be entitled to receive CRDP.
Under these rules, you may be entitled to CRDP if…
• you are a regular retiree with a VA disability rating of 50 percent or greater.
• you are a reserve retiree with 20 qualifying years of service, who has a VA disability rating of 50 percent or greater and who has reached retirement age. (In most cases the retirement age for reservists is 60, but certain reserve retirees may be eligible before they turn 60. If you are a member of the Ready Reserve, your retirement age can be reduced below age 60 by three months for each 90 days of active service you have performed during a fiscal year.)
• you are retired under Temporary Early Retirement Act (TERA) and have a VA disability rating of 50 percent or greater.
• you are a disability retiree who earned entitlement to retired pay under any provision of law other than solely by disability, and you have a VA disability rating of 50 percent or greater. You might become eligible for CRDP at the time you would have become eligible for retired pay."
Now that we have the facts, I need you to get the word out to your Sailors or anyone who may have been misinformed. Thanks again for bringing up this concern. All the best, JCHjr
- 04 May, 2012 15:48
- Anonymous said...
First I would like to say when we found out that my husband was selected for ERB we were extreamly angry since we had just executed part of our orders to san diego and I was pregnant. We have not had a whole lot of help in this process and have found that alot of the information that was originally put out has changed it is almost like some one is trying to cover their butt because they made a mistake.
Now that I have a new baby girl and two other children it is really time to put a plan in place move forward and let god handle it.
I would like to know where and how I can get a copy of all the regs on the ERB the originals and updated ones?
I would also like to know if it is true, if you recieve involuntary seperation pay and then find out you qualify for VA benifits or go to work for the government if you have to pay the involuntary seperation pay back, this is what one person told my husband. If this is the case that is a crock, with 10yrs in and 5 yrs left on his reeinlistment i feel it should not be taken from him regardless.
Word of wise: To those families selected on the ERB it is not time to feel sorry for your self or have self pitty, it is time to hold your head high take charge and move forward.
There probably is something bigger and better out there for us all.
Thank you,
- 10 May, 2012 11:50
- Anonymous said...
Anonymous above (PCS to SD), If you and your spouse have not already attended the ERB Seminar briefs I highly recommend that you do. The next scheduled is 21+22 May at the Anchors and Spurs Conference Center located by ADM Prout gate entrance. There is one also on 18 +19 June. You can register for the seminar through the FFSC. You are correct in that you need to take charge and move forward with the next chapters in your life and doing so by exhausting all the resources available to you and your spouse. We in San Diego are very proactive in providing information to our ERB Sailors and their commands through various seminars, classes and briefings. If you should have any questions I can be reached at email@example.com or 619-556-9206. The ERB messages, FAQ's and NAVAMIN's can be found on the NPC website at www.npc.navy.mil under the ERB link on the main page. Once again please let me know if you need any assistance. Respectfully, NCC(SW/AW) Romes
- 11 May, 2012 09:51
- Anonymous said...
I was just wondering why PSD Norfolk is requiring sailors who've been ERB'd to submit a chit requesting to separate due to ERB? Do they not understand the separation is involuntary? I do not feel I should need to "request" to get out seeing as how it is the Navy who made the choice for me. Respectfully, I request your take on this Admiral. Thanks in advance.
- 12 May, 2012 21:20
- ADM J.C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
NCC, thanks for following up with your post and making yourself available to our Sailors and their families.
Anonymous, the answers to your questions regarding Involuntary Separation Pay can be found in OPNAV Instruction 1900.4 (http://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/01000%20Military%20Personnel%20Support/01-900%20Military%20Separation%20Services/1900.4%20w%20CH-1.pdf) and NAVADMIN 093/12 (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/messages/Documents/NAVADMINS/NAV2012/NAV12093.txt).
Under current legislation, Involuntary Separation Pay must be repaid by the Service member upon receiving a military retirement (including a Reserve retirement) or department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation.
Regarding the disability compensation, the Service member must repay the separation pay if the disability compensation is based on the period of Active duty from which the separation pay was received.
So, for example, if your husband leaves Active duty and becomes eligible for VA compensation based on a disability that occurred during his time on Active duty, the separation pay he received would be deducted from his VA compensation. If, for example, your husband leaves Active duty, receives separation pay, joins the Navy Reserves or another Service and become eligible for disability compensation during that period of service, he would NOT be required to repay his separation pay.
There is nothing in the OPNAV Instruction regarding Service members being required to repay separation pay if they pursue employment with the Federal government and I do not believe that statement in your comment is accurate.
All the best, JCHjr
- 14 May, 2012 13:41
- ADM J.C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
Anonymous (re chit), the request chit is a formal request that provides the command information regarding your desired separation date. A request chit is only necessary from Sailors who are detaching prior to the required separation date of 1 September 2012 to ensure their command is aware and approves of the early separation. No chit is required from Sailors who are separating on or after 1 September.
Please let me know if your experience has been different. All the best, JCHjr
- 14 May, 2012 17:39
- Anonymous said...
Thank you for continuing to leave this forum open to comments. I'd just like to state I am disappointed with the complaint resolutions process within the Navy. After 228 days past the 180 day statute of resolution in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 1034, I finally receive the report of investigation regarding my complaint. As I read, I find the investigator omitted evidence and statements beneficial to me, and that command leadership lied. Admiral, it would appear that some have not read your memorandum on "Authority Responsibility and Accountability". Unfortunately I will be out of the Navy by the time the BCNR reviews my petition to reconsider, so I must appeal through other avenues afforded to me. As I leave the Navy I have served honorably, I would like to know it will not degenerate into an organization starved of integrity. Admiral, again, thank you for leaving this forum open to sailors.
- 15 May, 2012 17:46
- Anonymous said...
What a difference choice of Service makes. USMC is cutting Marines but doing right by them and leting them know what's goin on & offring early retiring. http://www.stripes.com/news/marine-corps/marines-to-offer-early-retirement-with-benefits-1.178392?localLinksEnabled=false
- 25 May, 2012 11:34
- Anonymous said...
ADM Harvey and Staff,
Sir, I still don't get it. There were 52 of us in our rate affected by ERB due to our rate is overmanned; however, when the quota came out last week, the Navy is advancing more than the 52 sailors in my rate. My question is, what is going on with the manning? We were told to go home because our rate is overmanned but then they turn around and advance more than the amount of sailors getting kicked out. Now I feel like a lab rat being tested for no reason. What was the ERB all about then if our rate is filled more than what we had.
- 30 May, 2012 18:30
- Anonymous said...
ADM Harvey Master Chief.
I have somewhat of a situation. I am one of the sailors effected by ERB. I am not staying in the area where I am stationed. I've been trying to find work outside of the area. My command is doing little to nothing at all to help. They disapprove ALL my chits and I am forced to use up my leave days leaving me with NO terminal days. I don't want leave until I have a firm grasp on another job. What should I do? I would ask my COC but they don't care.
- 30 May, 2012 23:32
- Anonymous said...
Admiral Harvey,
Good Afternoon sir. I was wondering what other options does a sailor who needs to check out of the command and PSD, have left when the command will not release the separation evals to it's ERB affected sailors? Do they not understand these sailors have to transition out of the Navy? These sailors need to sign the evals and take them to PSD so that they can leave the area while on Job/House Hunting leave. Are they supposed to waste their House Hunting and terminal leave waiting for command to issue the evals? Not all sailors will be staying in the area, and I would like the eval so that I can be processed out according to the ERB. Sir, any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.
- 13 June, 2012 12:58
- FLTCM Mike Stevens said...
Anonymous (re separation evals), please give me a call or send me an email (757-836-6740, email@example.com) so we can talk further about your situation.
Thanks, FLTCM Mike Stevens
- 18 June, 2012 08:54
- Anonymous said...
Admiral Harvey, FLTCM Stevens, Shipmates,
Good afternoon. I was wondering why the IRR desk at NPC is under the impression that ERB sailors do not need their contracts until they are close to separation date? They've been informed that PSD will not allow us to check out until we have the contracts. I've called that office twice asking for my contract to be expedited to my last command so that I may check out of PSD June 26th, however, I'm getting the same "ho-hum" explanation. I will be leaving the area June 29th and will not have an apartment here afterwards. It would be nice if I could check out of PSD and head back home with my final personal affairs taken care of before I'm homeless. Those folks are already adding to an EXTREMELY stressful circumstance. Any advice/assistance would be appreciated. Thanks again.
- 21 June, 2012 13:13
- SWPamplin-AM1,USNR said...
I would like to thank you for your service as well. Thank you for serving us and our United States Navy.
Let me start by saying yes, I am an ERB selected sailor that thought was safe from the ERB from his high performance record. I always have been a top performer throughout my Naval career always maintained every qualification that i could possibly have and even got capped to 1st class on recruiting duty the hardest duty i have done in the military bar none. Now let me cut to the chase the one thing that is very flawed in our Navy is the Performance Evaluations effected by the good ole boy clubs on the Chiefs levels and Sea/Shore rotations. For example: an AO is on sea duty 5 years and if the command gives him an EP on his first year which i have seen this happen he will continue in that category for the rest of the time. I am saying this because alot of sailors got selected for ERB only had one year in their current command and i personally got a P on my first eval in my last command and was told the reason why even though i was a fully qualified QAR is because i wasnt in the command long enough and a sailor that failed the PRT got a higher Eval than I did. WOW talk about a slap in the face right. Lastly I signed my hard earned EP eval (#2 E-6 of 29) and 12 days later was told that i was going home and the kicker is i didnt even get the opportunity like the other sailors have had and that is to take the next advancement exam for Chief. Sorry that i may seem negative about this but i just want to throw it out there that the Navy clearly sent home some of the wrong people----the Navy should research into how many EP sailors they sent home and when i comes to money i know that Navy saved billions of dollars worth of these Sailors retirements because by my calculations of my current pay as an E-6 with 20 years in would be a total of 2.2 million dollars.
I only wrote on this blog because i am a true patriot that believes nothing is given it is earned and i Live and will Die by these principles.
AM1(AW/SW)Pamplin, USN-R
- 22 June, 2012 13:08
- RADM Mark Guadagnini said...
To the Anonymous Blogger who said: "Good afternoon. I was wondering why the IRR desk at NPC is under the impression that ERB sailors do not need their contracts until they are close to separation date? They've been informed that PSD will not allow us to check out until we have the contracts."
I contacted Navy Personnel Command for you. The folks at NPC said to please contact Chief Adams at (800)535-2699 to get assistance with your transition.
With Respect, M. Guadagnini
- 22 June, 2012 17:46
- ADM J.C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
AM1 Pamplin, I appreciate your post and your comments. You have been certainly dealt a very tough hand to play, but with your strong spirit, no-nonsense attitude and your very justified confidence in yourself, I'm sure you will come through this disappointment and land on your feet.
I was proud to serve with you. My very best wishes to you in the future, JCHjr
- 25 June, 2012 07:47
- Steven W. Pamplin said...
Thank you for your support Admiral....Me and my family has moved forward and I will be starting school in the Fall. I am very appreciative of what the Navy has helped me accomplish in the last 10.5 years. To all other ERB Sailors out there hold your heads up and take charge of your future. I will always be proud that i have served in the United States Navy. May God keep blessing our Navy. Thank you
Steven W. Pamplin, AM1 USN-R
- 12 July, 2012 01:32
- SH2 Hopeful said...
As a SH or Ships Serviceman I find it extremely difficult to find a job similar to in which I was getting payed. All other ratings have better chances because they are technical ratings and have clearances. Most outplacement services want technical ratings. Not a rating that stocks soda machines or cuts hair or work as a store clerk. Why dont we have job preferences like at NAVSUP or NEXCOM, DLA? In the federal government they have the ICTAP program which is a process by which employees who have been involuntarily separated may receive selection priority for jobs in agencies other than the one in which they were previously employed. This would of been very helpful for all of us affected.
SH2 Hopeful
- 12 July, 2012 20:18
- Anonymous said...
Good afternoon Sir,
I agree with SH2. Why wasn't there something in place like ICTAP? We should have job priority with government jobs like the VA.
Future civilian
- 18 July, 2012 14:55
- ADM J.C. Harvey, Jr USN said...
SH2 Hopeful,
Your skills and experience as a Ships Serviceman are just as valuable as other ratings and are absolutely transferable to organizations such as NEXCOM. NEXCOM actively participates in the Shipmates to Workmates program and does in fact give preferential hiring to newly separated Sailors and veterans so I strongly recommend you look at the job opportunities on their website https://www.mynavyexchange.com/work4us/ and apply soon for any positions for which you believe you are qualified. You can contact NEXCOM's Command Master Chief Santiago at 757-631-3608 for questions or assistance in the job search process with NEXCOM.
Additionally, the following link has a wealth of information that I believe will help you with your job search and transition into a civilian career. http://www.fedshirevets.gov/.
Good luck and let me know if there's anything else I can do to help.
All the best, JCHjr
- 31 July, 2012 09:31
- Anonymous said...
As a selected ERB candidate I was fottunste enough to hit 15 and retire uner TERA. I can say that this process would have been less fustrating had it not been disguised to kick out unworthy sailors. The American people believe that trouble makers and misfits are the only ones going home from this. The pride factor has been lost. Almost every trade union has schools set up for Veterans with automatic placement with a step raise in the Apprenticeships. I joined the Pipefitters Union and currently attending Veterans In Pipefitting. The Electricians Union offers VICE and I know the Railroad has programs to. If the big Navy wants to liquidate seasoned mechanics the real world will be glad to take you on. I am tired of defending America. it is now time to build it. I think the Navy should help the unions set up tgese satellite crft training programs to help sailors make the transitions that are required. The Army does.
- 18 August, 2012 14:02
- Anonymous said...
I saw one major flaw in this process and it has come to pass----Health and ability to serve when it counts were not quantified. As a result, many able-bodies sailors were lost while sailors with physical, mental, legal, dependent-care issues, etc. were allowed to stay in the Fleet. These sailors are chronically undeployable. Now that the fleet has been trimmed, the Navy is finding that many of the sailors they kept can't actually serve on ships. OOPS! Now they are scrambling for incentives to get bodies on ships, including financial compensation.
- 03 September, 2012 08:00