Shipmates,
Let me address some concerns I am hearing from Sailors and their families about the Enlisted Retention Board (ERB). The results came out last week and I realize we are losing some well-qualified Sailors who live their lives with integrity and serve honorably.
Unfortunately, we are in uncharted waters today in manning. We have record-high retention and historically low numbers of people leaving the service. As a result, we are overmanned in several ratings and skill sets. To manage the force levels we had to ask about 3,000 Sailors to leave the Navy. This is a difficult situation, but there is no way around it.
We have a process, the ERB, that is as fair as it can be, considering the numbers involved. ERB reduces overall manpower by reducing the number of Sailors in overmanned ratings through conversions and separations. The board looks at all the elements of a Sailors’ performance, from the time he or she stepped aboard their first ship. So, sustained superior performance from “day one” was considered. It is also important to understand the situation with your rating. If it is overmanned, you should make sure you have looked at all the options for conversion in addition to being good at your job.
The ERB and follow-on transition process have my full attention. We are putting great efforts to ensure the ERB process is being conducted professionally and fairly. More importantly, we look to ensure that the means for transition is clear, broadly applied, open and readily available.
I have pushed the ERB to be as transparent as possible, and required that we share as much information as possible with the Fleet – especially those Sailors and their families that are impacted. This is where I need leadership help; our Sailors are counting on us. Make sure your Shipmates understand how ERB works. Ensure all levels in the chain-of-command are involved. And make sure those who will separate get all the assistance they need. Together we can continue to improve this process to reduce anxiety and confusion.
Sailors and Families being separated as a result of ERB really need to use the chain-of-command as the first line of support, along with Fleet and Family Support Centers. In addition, there are resources such as the Shipmates to Workmates Program, ERB/ PTS Tool Kit, Transition Assistance Handbook and Turbotap.com, and NAVADMINs that highlight existing and new benefits to those separating. You can also consult Navy Reserve recruiters to explore options to continue serving. The place to visit for all ERB-related information is the Navy’s one-stop shop website:http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/boards/ERB/Pages/default2.aspx. Here you can find almost 200 frequently asked questions and a large amount of transition information. If you have questions about ERB or transition, please contact the NPC Customer Service Center at 1-866-U ASK NPC or email. Customer Service Agents are available 0700 to 1900 Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday.
I am fully committed to ensuring the chain of command is supporting Sailors and Families through this most difficult time. I will continue to monitor our efforts to manage our manning and adjust our policies as needed.
Darleen and I are extremely proud and appreciative of your service. Thank you.
JONATHAN W. GREENERT
Admiral, U.S. Navy