MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) — Navy Personnel Command (NPC) published final quotas and guidance for Phase I of the Enlisted Retention Board (ERB) to the NPC website Monday.
According to documents posted on the ERB Web page, the board will review the records of 6,243 active duty E-4 and E-5 sailors from 31 overmanned ratings for 4,403 available retention quotas during the first phase.
Approved quotas broken down by rating were posted to the ERB Web page along with the ERB precept. The precept is a written order signed by the chief of naval personnel, providing general and specific guidance to the selection board.
According to the precept, the primary factor for retention is sustained superior performance. Other factors include:
– Deck-plate leadership
– Competency/skill requirements
– Navy Enlisted Classifications
– Education/personal and professional development
– Navy Special Warfare enablers
– Anti-terrorism and force protection
– Special duty assignments
– Overseas and arduous duty
– Collateral duties
The board is charged with reviewing each candidate’s official military personnel file and any correspondence submitted by the member to identify the best qualified sailors to receive retention quotas. After the selection board reviews the records of all eligible candidates and selects the best and fully qualified sailors based on the precept, their results are forwarded to the chief of naval personnel for final approval.
Navy announced the ERB earlier this year as a result of record-high retention and low attrition among active duty Sailors. The ERB is designed to ensure the Navy meets its congressionally mandated end-strength while rebalancing the force.
“We value every sailor and family, so the decision to establish this board was made after careful consideration,” said Rear Adm. Don Quinn, acting chief of naval personnel. “We simply had to face the reality of the situation. Unlike the drawdown nearly ten years ago, we are providing the opportunity this time, on a level-playing field, for all to compete to stay.”
A second phase will convene in September to review active duty E-6, E-7 and E-8 sailors.
Sailors not selected for retention, but qualified by their Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery scores to convert, may compete for a selected Reserve Perform to Serve quota. Sailors not selected for retention will have access to the Navy’s Transition Assistance Management Program and post-separation benefits allowed by law.
