Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Navy Weeds Out Slackers,Extra Personnel

We have a retention problem,says Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West,the service's senior non-commissioned officer:a lot of people want to stay,and that's good.In response,however,the U.S. Navy has instituted a program called Perform to Serve,or PTS.It's a way for the service to scrutinize its junior personnel at reenlistment time,weeding out the underperformers and reassigning others in overstaffed fields.With so many sailors seeking to reenlist,as MCPON West points out,the Navy can not only afford to be choosy;it has to be.
Indeed,MCPON West observes,sailors have to fight to stay in the service their whole careers.Frankly,Perform to Serve really begins the moment you set foot in that command.At 15 months from separation,sailors should already have a package to submit.Beyond 15 months,opportunities could be lost.It's that sailor's responsibility to see that the package is ready.And PTS applications have to be submitted every month until a decision is rendered.
Nonetheless,it appears that most of those who make a good effort have a more than decent chance of staying in the service and their chosen specialty.They just can't take it for granted anymore.In 2008,about 90% of those wishing to reenlist got to stay in their rating,or Navy job.

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