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CHAPTER 3
THE NAVAL OFFICER’S CAREER
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this chapter, you should be able to do the following:
1. Identify the procurement sources for commis- 6. Describe the typical development paths for
sioned officers. surface warfare officers, surface warfare
nuclear officers, submarine officers, aviation
2. Describe the sources for commissioning officers, supply officers, and general un-
opportunities of enlisted personnel. restricted line officers.
7. Describe the selection board process for
3. Explain the purpose, use, and content of the promoting officers.
microfiche record.
8. Explain the difference between pay and
allowances.
4. Identify the purpose, use, and content of the
officer’s service record. 9. Explain the various benefits and services
available to military personnel and their
dependents.
5. Explain the purpose, use, and content of the
officer's fitness-report. 10. Identify the three types of retirement,
What motivates a person to become a naval office. That oath leaves little doubt as to what
officer? Different motives make people decide the Navy expects of its people.
they want to become a naval officer, including
That a naval officer must have dedication is
patriotism, dedication, and a desire to serve.
obvious. That a naval officer is a professional in
Rarely is anyone impelled to any action by a single
the truest sense of the word is equally clear.
force. Just as people are complicated, so are the
Dedication will smooth the rough spots that
things that influence them.
invariably lie in the path of any endeavor.
The responsibility accorded a naval officer
Professional knowledge and competence will help
motivates many people to choose a naval career.
resolve the complex problems that a naval officer
Their dedication to that responsibility corresponds
faces.
to their understanding of the authority vested in
them. The President has “special trust and con-
Many newly commissioned officers are not fidence” in the abilities of officers and has granted
certain of the total implications of their new them extensive authority. When officers are
responsibilities. However, career officers are commissioned, they reaffirm the basic oath; but
of necessity aware of their tremendous respon- their commission places an even greater respon-
sibilities. sibility on them. Their commission is a contract
Each person entering the Navy takes an oath with the nation to do all in their power to render
to uphold and defend the Constitution against all themselves fully capable of leading men and
enemies, to bear true faith and allegiance, and to women in war. The terms in the commissioning
faithfully discharge the duties of his or her oath have been previously spelled out. The nation
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will keep its bond to the oath; it expects no less from welfare is ensured. By virtue of their status as
its officers. officers, they are held in respect by their fellow
Our nation never seeks war; but by staying citizens and have an inherent prestige that few other
prepared and vigilant, our enemies know we will professions can equal.
retaliate to any act of aggression. As a result, naval Second, officers will find in their tours of duty a
officers’ responsibilities in the uneasy times in which varied and challenging way of life. Their active duty
we live are impressive. Naval officers are charged often takes them to many parts of the world.
with doing everything in their power to maintain and Regardless of their position as a line or staff officer,
increase national strength. They accomplish that by they will be called upon to perform a great number of
being proficient in professional skills, properly different tasks. Their educational opportunities
training and guiding their subordinates, and enhance their naval career as well as any future
developing improved devices and methods. Our career they might have upon their return to civilian
nation relies on its naval officers to exercise the most life. They serve and become comrades of an almost
exacting and diligent care of the men, women, and infinite variety of men and women. They encounter a
materials placed in their trust. minimum of personal favoritism. That provides a
In considering the demands of the nation, continuing opportunity for them to advance based on
military officers are entitled to ask what benefits they their own merits and abilities. In short, their lives are
will reap from a naval career. First, career officers seldom routine and never dull. They do not live a
may expect the gratitude of their nation. That haphazard existence, despite its intriguing variety.
gratitude is expressed in tangible ways. Their pay Their lifestyle is balanced by their membership in a
and allowances are established and maintained by competently administered, well-organized
law. In the event of sickness or disablement, their professional Navy.
Figure 3-1.-A number of programs serve as the Navy's source for procuring trained officers.
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OFFICER PROCUREMENT NAVAL AVIATION CADET
SIGNIFICANT DATES The Naval Aviation Cadet (NAVCAD)
Program provides naval aviation training to
qualified men and women with 2 or more years
22 Dec. 1775 Commissions are approved for
of approved college courses.
first Regular officers of the
When NAVCADs successfully complete
Navy.
aviation training, they are appointed as officers
in the Naval Reserve and designated as Navy
25 Jul. 1777 Subsistence of naval officers pilots.
while in foreign ports is autho- The NAVCAD Program is open to qualified
rized by Congress. civilians and enlisted personnel who have not
previously been disenrolled from any flight
17 Dec. 1810 Future Admiral David G. Far- program.
ragut is appointed to the rank of Eligibility Requirements:
midshipman.
1. Age—At least 19, but not have reached
11 Jul. 1846 First Naval Academy graduate, 25th birthday before reporting to AOCS.
Richmond Aulicks, commis- 2. Citizenship—United States citizen only.
sioned a passed midshipman. 3. Marital Status—Single with no dependents;
must remain single until commissioning.
There are no exceptions to this rule.
26 Jun. 1884 Commissioning of Naval
4. Additionally, they must meet all physical
Academy graduates as ensigns
requirements, including 20/20 uncorrected
authorized by Congress.
vision and height limitations.
2 May 1955 Navy announces the Aviation NAVCAD applicants must complete AOCS
Officer Candidate Program. and attend basic and advanced flight training. The
NAVCAD is obligated for 6 years of active
The current requirement for naval officers on commissioned service after becoming a naval
active duty is about 71,000. Approximately 6,200 aviator.
persons are commissioned as Regular or Reserve
officers and ordered to active duty each year. The CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER
Navy’s active-duty officer programs are aimed at (CWO) PROGRAM
the fulfillment of established goals based on
projected requirements. The Regular officer The mounting sophistication of ships, aircraft,
procurement programs do not provide sufficient and weapons systems requires commissioned
officers to maintain the USN structure. Therefore, officer specialists. These officers must be able to
qualified Reserve officers who apply are selected closely supervise complicated machinery and
for USN status as needed to maintain the career weapons as well as the enlisted technicians who
officer cadre of the Navy. maintain and operate them.
A chief warrant officer, although commis-
Our naval officers are procured from several sioned from the enlisted ranks, bridges the gap
different sources (fig. 3-1). A career as a naval between the enlisted and commissioned structures.
officer is open to civilians through the Naval The CWO structure provides flexibility in two
Academy or a college NROTC program (NROTC separate areas. A chief warrant officer grows in
programs are the largest source). Selected civilian competence during his or her progression through
college graduates who are qualified in appropriate the enlisted and warrant fields, while remaining
specialties may receive a direct appointment. within a specific technical field or job skill. The
Officer Candidate School (OCS) and Aviation CWO can also be assigned repeatedly to similar
Officer Candidate School (AOCS) are open to billets largely irrespective of grade within the
civilians and military personnel who have earned structure.
a degree. For enlisted personnel already serving The CWO Program is open to both men and
in the Navy, other routes are discussed in the women. It provides a path of advancement to
following paragraphs. warrant status for chief petty officers of the
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Regular Navy and Naval Reserve. To qualify for 4. Be at least 22 years of age but not have
the program, they must have demonstrated passed the 31st birthday
outstanding performance in the technical fields 5. Be physically qualified for appointment to
indicated by their enlisted ratings. They must be the unrestricted line
on active duty to be considered by the selection 6. Have no record of conviction by court-
board and, if selected, remain on active duty martial or civil court, other than minor
until their appointments are tendered. Selectees traffic violations
normally receive 6 or 8 weeks of training at 7. Meet high standards of personal conduct,
an officer indoctrination school, followed by character, patriotism, sense of duty, and
technical training as appropriate. (Supply Corps financial responsibility
personnel, however, receive 6 months of training.) 8. Have a cumulative grade-point average
The appointment of each chief and senior (CPA) of not less than 2.3 on the 4.0 scale
chief petty officer will be to the grade of chief for all college-level courses completed
warrant officer, CWO-2. Master chief petty 9. Be recommended by the commanding
officers could also be appointed to CWO-2 but officer
may be recommended for appointment for
CWO-3 if they fulfill the following requirements: While undergoing training at the participating
college/university under the ECP, the ECP officer
1. Must have performed duties equating to candidate will receive full pay and allowances.
those of a chief warrant officer, CWO-2, However, the ECP officer candidate will be
for a minimum of 2 years during their 20th responsible for paying all educational expenses.
to 24th years of service. Service obligation:
2. Must have performed such duties in the
warrant technical specialty for which 1. Six years of active enlisted service will be
application is made. incurred from the date of enrollment in the
ECP.
LIMITED DUTY OFFICER 2. Four years of active commissioned service
(LDO) PROGRAM will be incurred upon commissioning.
The LDO Program is somewhat like the CWO
Program in that it permits officers to continue OFFICER’S RECORD
working in the broad technical fields associated
with their rating. Inputs are limited to selected An officer’s record is maintained for Regular
chief warrant officers and senior enlisted person- Navy and Naval Reserve officers at the Bureau
nel. Each selected commissioned warrant appli- of Naval Personnel (BUPERS). The record
cant will be appointed to the temporary grade is intended to reflect the official history
of lieutenant (junior grade). Selected enlisted of the officer’s career in the Navy. It is the
applicants will be appointed to the temporary property of the government and not of the officer
grade of ensign. concerned. This official record contains any
document that bears or reflects on the character,
ENLISTED COMMISSIONING performance, professional qualifications, and
PROGRAM (ECP) fitness of the officer. This record shall not be used
as a depository for documents of a personal
The Enlisted Commissioning Program (ECP) nature that have no bearing on personnel
provides enlisted personnel with an associate functions. The record is reviewed when any
degree the opportunity to earn a baccalaureate change in status is contemplated, such as assign-
degree and a commission as an unrestricted line ment to duty, promotion, court-martial, or
officer. Candidates are enrolled full time at an disciplinary action by the Chief of Naval Person-
NROTC host university. Upon completion of nel. The record is of particular importance in
ECP, the candidate attends OCS. selection for promotion.
Eligibility requirements:
MICROFICHE
1. Be a U.S. citizen
2. Be serving on active duty All officer personnel records held in BUPERS
3. Have time in service of between 4 and 11 have been converted from paper to microfiche
years files. As shown in figures 3-2 and 3-3, the officer’s
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Figure 3-2.-Officer fiche formats.
Figure 3-3.-Officer fiche formats.
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record may contain up to six categories of concerning the officer (These include
microfiche information and documents. Some of statements of disciplinary action and
the information and documents that may be filed court-martial orders or promulgating
under the six categories are as follows: letters of general court-martial when a
finding of guilty has been found. A trial
1. Fiche No. 1—Fitness and Awards
may result in an acquittal of all charges
• Current photograph
and specifications, or the final review
• Fitness reports of a conviction may result in action
equivalent to an acquittal of all charges
• Medals/awards/citations and specifications. In such cases court-
2. Fiche No. 2—Professional History martial orders or the promulgating
letters of court-martial shall not be
• Education included in the officer’s record. No
• Qualifications entry whatever regarding the acquittal
shall appear in the officer’s official
• Appointments/promotions record, neither the fact that the person
• Reserve status has been tried nor any mention of
the offense. Complete records of pro-
• Service determination, separation, and
ceedings of court-martial inquiries,
retirement
investigations, and so forth, are filed
3. Fiche No. 3—Personal Data in the Office of the Judge Advocate
General.)
Security data
Record of emergency data 6. Fiche No. 6—Enlisted Record
Record changes • The information included in this fiche
shows schools attended, qualifications
Personal background data (citizenship, achieved, awards received, and other
casualty, death, biography) information pertinent to a naval
Miscellaneous information—For ex- officer’s career. This record is prepared
ample, physical examination report for officers who have served as enlisted
members for 2 or more years and
4. Fiche No. 4—Orders whose officer microform record was
• First duty established during the initial conversion
process from paper to microfiche.
• Training duty Enlisted documents for officers who
• Separation completed less than 2 years of enlisted
service are distributed in the ap-
5. Fiche No. 5—Privileged Information propriate subject matter field on fiche
(Prepared only as correspondence 1 through 5.
warrants)
The official officer record presented to selec-
Adverse information (Based on Navy
tion boards contains fiche numbers 1; 2; and, if
Regulations, adverse matter shall not
it exists, 5 for active-duty officers. It contains
be placed in an officer’s record without
fiche numbers 1; 2; 4; and, if it exists, 5 for Naval
the knowledge of the officer. In all
Reserve (inactive and TAR) officers. Fiche
cases, it shall be referred to the officer
numbers 3 and 6 are normally maintained for
on which the matter is being reported
administrative purposes only. However, upon
for such official statement as may be
request, boards may be provided with fiche
desired. If the officer who is being
number 3 to determine an officer’s medical status.
reported chooses to make no statement,
Commendatory correspondence may not be
that intention must be so indicated in
filed in the officer’s official record. The report-
writing. The Chief of Naval Personnel
ing senior should consider any commendatory
interprets what constitutes adverse
correspondence or recognition for performance
matter.)
beyond that normally expected when evaluating
Extracts from the findings and rec- overall performance in preparing the officer’s
ommendations of courts and boards fitness report. If considered appropriate, an entry
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should be made in the remarks section of the Any matter rightfully placed in the official
fitness report reflecting the commendatory record of an officer may not be removed except
material received and any other pertinent related by special authorization of the Secretary of the
facts. Navy (SECNAV). The record is permanent. Once
Access to the record of an officer is normally submitted to BUPERS, a fitness report becomes
limited to the following persons: the property of the Navy Department and is not
subject to change. A report may be amended or
• The officer concerned
supplemented by correspondence forwarded
• An agent or representative of the officer through official channels. In such cases the for-
specifically authorized in writing warding correspondence will be microfilmed and
made a part of the fitness report being amended
• The Chief of Naval Personnel and
or supplemented.
authorized assistants in the conduct of
their official duties
Anonymous communications are not made
• Members of boards convened by the part of an officer’s official record.
Navy
OFFICER SERVICE RECORD
• Members of a courts-martial board
• The clerk of the court of competent An officer service record (fig. 3-4) is main-
jurisdiction in response to a valid order tained for every officer in addition to the officer’s
from that court record in BUPERS. The officer service record is a
Figure 3-4.-Cover for officer service record.
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brown manila file folder containing information degree. Each report should be a frank, accurate,
in a format similar to that in the enlisted service and comprehensive evaluation of the officer’s
record. characteristics and performance.
For the active-duty officer, the service record Because of the importance of these reports,
is maintained by the activity to which the person all officers should become familiar with both the
is attached. form and the instructions concerning its use.
For inactive-duty officers and retired officers, NAVPERS 1611/1 (fig. 3-5) is the optical
the responsibility for maintenance of service character recognition (OCR) form on which
records depends on whether the officers are partic- fitness reports are submitted. Specific instructions
ipating in inactive-duty training. For those not par- for completing the form are issued by BUPERS.
ticipating (that is, not having orders for any type We mentioned earlier that access to an
of inactive-duty training), the records are main- officer’s record in BUPERS may be granted to the
tained by the Commanding Officer, Naval Re- officer concerned or to a representative designated
serve Personnel Center, New Orleans, Louisiana. by the officer. When in Washington, D.C., all
The officer service record is designed to pro- officers should take advantage of the opportunity
vide a ready file of documents that may be used to visit the Records Review Room in BUPERS.
for billet assignment and other administrative pur- They can then review their record to ensure no
poses. It may also be used to establish facts, when fitness reports are missing. If reports are missing,
necessary, regarding an officer’s naval service. officers can request that those fitness reports be
The right side of the record is reserved for submitted before the next selection board. By
documents affecting utilization and assignment reviewing their record, officers can also determine
of the officer concerned. The left side is used for whether, in the opinion of successive reporting
information primarily related to the officer’s seniors, some aspect of their professional ability
present tour of active duty. Accordingly, some or qualifications has declined. Officers may then
items filed on the left side are removed from have the opportunity to take remedial action
the folder when the officer is transferred. (engage in self-improvement).
Miscellaneous documents not pertaining to All superiors exercising command functions
either of the above categories, but establishing are responsible for completing fitness reports on
significant facts relating to the officer’s service, all officers who have reported to them for duty.
are also filed on the left side. This must be done based on orders issued by the
The Naval Military Personnel Command Secretary of the Navy, the Chief of Naval
Manual (MILPERSMAN) gives a list of the Personnel, or others authorized to issue such
documents to be filed on each side and the order orders.
of filing. Reports of fitness on Regular and Reserve
officers on active duty are submitted at least
OFFICER FITNESS REPORTS
annually based on a schedule published by the
Fitness reports form one of the most impor- Chief of Naval Personnel. Reserve officers
tant documents of an officer’s record. They involved in training and administration of
provide a record of the duty performed and the Reserves (TARs) on extended duty, who compete
manner of performance as well as the officer’s among themselves for promotion, have a different
professional qualifications and commendations. submission schedule.
These reports provide a record of censorious Reports of fitness on Reserve officers who
matter, disciplinary action, and any special perform active-duty for training are submitted on
qualifications and personal characteristics of the NAVPERS 1611/1 directly to the Chief of Naval
officer. The fitness report also records an officer’s Personnel. The commanding officer of the ship
general state of health and endurance as it affects or station where the officer performs the active
the officer’s value to the naval service. duty is responsible for submitting the report. The
Fitness reports are the primary instrument by occasion for such reports is “detachment of
which the best qualified officers are promoted. officer.”
They are also the primary instrument by which Most scheduled submission dates are approx-
officers with the particular qualifications required imately 3 months before the usual convening dates
are chosen to fill responsible positions in the of applicable selection boards. This schedule
military establishment. In addition, they are provides each board with the latest performance
used as evidence before courts-martial and in evaluations. The more frequent submission of
connection with disciplinary action of a lesser reports for junior officers is required to speed up
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Figure 3-5.-Report on the Fitness of Officers(NAVPERS 1611/1) (front).
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the collection of information in their records. It Preparation of Fitness Reports
is also needed to help supervise those officers more
closely and to establish a basis on which they may The importance of keeping the records of
be considered for postgraduate schooling and officers continuously complete in all respects
other training. requires prompt submission of the report.
In addition to the foregoing, regular detach- Officers’ fitness report files should contain a
ment reports on all officers are submitted complete and continuous record of all the time
upon their permanent detachment or upon the spent in an active-duty status. The period of the
permanent detachment of their regular reporting report should begin with the day after the terminal
seniors. date of the last report or the date officers were
Submission of fitness reports for brief periods detached from their last duty station. Time
isn’t needed. The intent is for fitness reports to between stations spent in transit, on leave, in the
cover all time in a duty status. Therefore, to help hospital, or on inactive duty should be shown in
administer the reports and avoid their needless the report. The reporting senior’s marks and
submission, the person filing the report may remarks are limited to the period during which
modify the prescribed reporting periods as officers were under the senior’s command.
follows :
Commanding officers frequently require their
A reporting senior may extend a executive officers and department heads to report
periodic report for a maximum of 60 days to them on the performance of officers serving
on either end of the period involved when under their supervision. Commanding officers use
either the officer on which the report is these reports in making reports on the fitness of
being filed or the reporting senior reports officers under their command. They do not for-
for duty before or is detached after the ward these reports to the Chief of Naval
period to be extended. For example, a Personnel.
commander who reports for duty on 12 After a naval action or campaign and after
May 1990 and whose regular reporting service on shore with an expeditionary force or
senior is detached on 21 June 1990 could force of occupation, an entry is made on each
properly receive only one report of fitness participating officer’s next fitness report. The
for the entire period beginning 12 May entry states the kinds of services performed and
1990. A reporting senior who is being gives the dates and names of any engagements in
detached, however, must submit a fitness which the officer took part.
report on every officer who is aboard as Officers in the grades of chief warrant officer
of the day of the reporting senior’s detach- (CWO-2) and ensign through lieutenant must,
ment, regardless of how brief a period may except in unusual circumstances, sign the record
be involved. copy regardless of the report content. The report
When an officer reports on board for must be signed in ink by both the officer being
temporary duty for purposes of brief- evaluated and the reporting senior.
ings, training, indoctrination, or awaiting
further transportation for a period not to Officers in the grades of CWO-3 and CWO-4
exceed 30 days, the period involved and and lieutenant commander through captain may
nature of assigned duties often prevent a be given counseling about the report upon request.
meaningful evaluation. In such instances, However, reports shall not be shown to them as
the temporary duty reporting senior need a matter of routine. When the report has been
not submit a fitness report. However, the discussed but not shown to the officer, the words
temporary duty reporting senior must REPORT DISCUSSED are typed in section 82
ensure that both the officer concerned and of both the OCR form and record copies of the
the ultimate command are advised that no report.
report has been or will be submitted for Reporting seniors will show fitness reports to
such period. Additionally, the ultimate officers in the grades of CWO-2 and ensign
command must be provided all training through lieutenant. This action will be accom-
information to record in the next regular panied by personal counseling. A frank and
report. The ultimate command must cover meaningful discussion and explanation of the
the temporary duty, as well as other report must be conducted so that the officers may
transient time, in the next regular report. fully understand their performance.
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Special Fitness Reports of the Navy Information and Personnel Security
Program Regulation apply.
Special reports of fitness maybe submitted on Officers may, upon request, obtain copies of
officers whenever they conduct themselves in any the five most recent reports in their record. A
of the following manners: written request may be submitted directly to
BUPERS.
1. Distinguish themselves in battle
2. Perform an outstanding act of valor or
devotion to duty PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
3. Display extraordinary courage, ability, or PATH
resource in time of peril or great respon-
sibility In the assignment of officer personnel, the
4. Are guilty of serious misconduct or marked Navy is influenced by the needs of the service, the
inefficiency current composition of the officer corps, and the
professional development of each officer. Every
effort is made to place officers in billets of their
Adverse Reports
choice, while the service needs and the person’s
qualifications are also considered.
Adverse matter is not placed in the records of
A service need is simply the day-to-day re-
officers without their knowledge. A fitness report
quirement of Navy activities for specific grades
containing adverse matter is referred officially in
with certain talents. Professional development has
writing to the officer on which the report is
a dual nature. First, in ordering officers to varied
being submitted. If desired, the officer may then
types of duties and schools, the Navy furthers its
make an official statement in reply. If the officer
own mission of preparing these officers for future
desires to make no statement, that choice must
command responsibilities. Second, the Navy
be stated officially in writing. The statement (or
performs a genuine service for these officers by
nonstatement) is endorsed by the reporting senior
filling out their experience and thus increasing
and forwarded to the Chief of Naval Personnel
their promotional prospects. The desires of the
together with the fitness report. When the adverse
officers are also considered because they have an
report is not returned within a reasonable time,
obvious bearing on morale. Marital and depen-
the reporting senior must prepare an explanation
dent status, geographical and fleet preference,
of the circumstances. A signed duplicate report
school requests, and other personal considerations
is then sent with the explanation to the Chief of
play an important part in the final determination
Naval Personnel. The officer being reported is
of duty assignment.
informed when that is done.
We will limit this discussion of assignments
to rotational patterns of the unrestricted line
Submission of Report (surface, submarine, aviation) and supply. These
patterns, as well as those not mentioned, contain
When the report of fitness is completed, the a common element. They should provide officers
regular reporting senior forwards it directly to the the opportunity to gain the proficiency to handle
Chief of Naval Personnel. the responsibilities and challenges of command.
Any reports concerning the actions or per- Officers can only gain that proficiency through
formance of the officer during a transit period a concentrated and continuing effort to develop
between stations are addressed to the superior to their knowledge and experience. Both the officers
whom the officer is reporting for duty. The and their succession of detailing officers must be
superior normally attaches these reports to the aware of that element. With few exceptions,
next regular report of fitness. When the nature orders involving a permanent change of station
of such reports requires early action by the Chief for officers are originated by the Chief of Naval
of Naval Personnel, they are forwarded to him Personnel. The Naval Military Personnel Manual
immediately. (MILPERSMAN) contains basic policy pertain-
The reports of fitness of officers are con- ing to officer rotation. This policy concerns the
sidered and treated as private and official. The varied types of duty assignments required for
reports are forwarded in double envelopes. If officers to develop their capabilities and to achieve
classified information is mentioned in a fitness a fulfilling career. Deviations from basic policy
report, the instructions issued in the Department are provided as needed to meet problems that
3-11
arise. At the present time, these deviations are a career as a surface warfare officer, you may stay
required because of the increasing size of the shore at sea the first 5 years because of operational re-
establishment and the shortage of career officers. quirements or personal choice or both. During this
In addition to the requirements for rotation, time you will strive to attain qualifications as
assignment patterns reflect the need for the division officer, officer of the deck, department
following considerations: head, and surface warfare officer. Then you may
rotate ashore to staff duty or to attend the Naval
1. Educational opportunities for overall Postgraduate School. Although you did not
career value or for a particular billet follow the development plan exactly, you will have
2. A progression of responsibility obtained the experience and qualifications
3. Assignment to duty with Reserve necessary to make you competitive with your year-
components group peers.
4. Assignment of duty with joint or allied Figure 3-6, C and D, show an example of the
staffs or with the Office of the Secretary professional development patterns for a sub-
of Defense (SECDEF) marine officer and an aviation officer. The typical
5. Use of specialized training professional development paths for supply corps
officers and general unrestricted line (URL)
Officers should realize they are primarily officers are depicted in figure 3-6, E and F.
responsible for planning their own career and The career path for female officers in the
should therefore indicate their assignment restricted line and staff corps parallels that of the
preferences to the Bureau of Naval Personnel. male officers except as constrained by law. The
All commissioned officers complete an Officer career progression for female aviators and
Preference and Personal Information Card surface warfare officers parallels that for their
(NAVPERS 1301/1) on initial appointment and male counterparts but is restricted to the force
upon recall to active duty. Additionally, they support subcommunity.
should submit a new card 12 months before their A relatively new and important role for naval
projected rotation date (PRD) and whenever officers is a joint-duty tour. A joint-duty tour is
significant changes occur. a tour served with other branches of the armed
This card contains a wealth of information forces. It provides the officer with a first-hand
that is very useful to the detailing officer. It is perspective of how the Navy interacts with other
construed as a current reflection of the officer’s branches of the service.
preferences, and its timely and accurate submis- Many billets are available for joint-duty tours
sion is extremely important. in places such as the Office of the Secretary of
Personal letters may be submitted if special Defense, the White House, the U.S. Space
circumstances not appropriate for inclusion on the Command, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Every
preference card arise. The information is made effort possible is made by detailers to send our
a part of the detailing record and is acted upon best performers to a joint-duty tour.
if practicable. These letters to the detailer Increased emphasis is being placed on the
do not become a part of the officers’s permanent importance of such tours. All officers aspiring to
record. flag rank should seek a joint-duty tour. Tours are
Officers desiring special courses of instruction, usually assigned at the lieutenant commander level
changes of duty, clarification of orders, date of or above for a length of 3 years.
release from active duty, extensions, retention in
the Navy, and so forth, should indicate this by
a letter forwarded through the chain of command.
Such letters become a permanent part of an OFFICER PROMOTIONS
officer’s record.
Figure 3-6, A, shows a typical professional The Navy’s officer corps is structured like a
development pattern for a surface warfare officer, pyramid. Starting with a wide base of junior
and figure 3-6, B, shows the pattern for a surface officers at the bottom, it rises to a relatively few
nuclear officer. Officers do not normally perform flag officers near the pinnacle and ends with one
the types of duties in the exact sequence shown; officer, the Chief of Naval Operations, at the
rather, they should gain experience in the type of top. The officer corps structure consists of 21
tour related to the phase of development through competitive categories, or groups, of officers
which they are passing. For instance, if you select possessing similar skills, education, and training.
3-12
By law, the Navy’s promotion system is not promoted, by the President of the United
vacancy-driven. Annually, promotion planners on States to the grade of admiral and vice admiral.
the CNO’s staff develop plans to determine the Selection boards are composed of officers
projected need (or vacancies) for officers in each characterized by their high quality of perform-
grade within each of the competitive categories. ance, maturity, judgment, naval background, and
The development of these plans starts the promo- experience. SECNAV normally assigns the senior
tion system cycle, within which are three major member as president of the board. Each member
elements: promotion opportunity, selection for subscribes to an oath to consider all eligible
promotion, and promotion. officers without partiality and to recommend for
promotion only those officers who are best
PROMOTION OPPORTUNITY qualified.
The board cannot exceed the number of selec-
Obviously, all officers can’t reach the tions provided for in SECNAV’s precept. For
top of the pyramid. However, they all have example, if 100 officers are in zone and SECNAV
the same promotion opportunity as their requires a 70 percent promotion percentage, the
contemporaries in their competitive category. board cannot select more than 70 officers for
Promotion opportunity is the product of three promotion. It may reach “below zone” and
factors: authorized officer strength, promotion choose for early promotion up to 10 percent (or
flow point, and promotion percentage. 15 percent with SECDEF approval) of the total
The Navy’s authorized officer strength is the number of officers selected. If, in the above
total number of officers authorized to be in the example, the board selects 10 officers from below
Navy at the end of each fiscal year. Since the zone, it can select only 60 officers from in zone.
authorized officer strength sets a limit on how (Each officer normally gets two “looks” from
many officers the Navy may have each year, it below zone before entering in zone.) The board
affects the number of promotions that can be also may select “above zone” officers; that is,
made. those who were considered by a promotion board
Promotion flow point is a predetermined in a previous year but weren’t selected.
number of years of commissioned service at
which most officers would be promoted to the
next higher grade. The first step in promotion PROMOTION
opportunity is based on how many vacancies are
expected in each grade in each competitive Once the board concludes its deliberations and
category. This step determines the size of the selec- assembles its promotion list, several events must
tion zone, commonly referred to as “in zone.” occur in the following order before an officer
If the CNO’s promotion planners foresee a need actually gets promoted to the next higher grade:
to fill 300 captain vacancies in the unrestricted line
(URL) and a promotion opportunity of 50 per- • Chief of Naval Personnel, Judge Advocate
cent is desired, then the zone must include 600 General, and Chief of Naval Operations
URL commanders. review the list.
SELECTION FOR PROMOTION • SECNAV reviews the list.
Annually, SECNAV convenes promotion • SECNAV publishes the list for chief
boards for each competitive category to select warrant officer, lieutenant, lieutenant
active-duty officers and inactive-duty Reserve commander, commander, and captain in
officers for promotion. They are selected for an ALNAV (all Navy) message. The
promotions to the grades of chief warrant ALNAV message lists the names of
officer (CWO-3), chief warrant officer (CWO-4), selectees in alphabetical order and shows
lieutenant, lieutenant commander, commander, an officer’s relative seniority among
captain, rear admiral (lower), and rear admiral selectees within each competitive category.
(upper). Chief warrant officer (CWO-2) and Officers in the same competitive category
ensign are commissioning grades; commanding maintain relative seniority throughout their
officers determine the promotion of officers careers. Changes occur only if an officer
under their command to lieutenant junior grade. is selected for early promotion or fails to
Officers above the grade of captain are appointed, be selected for promotion.
3-13
Figure 3-6.
3-14
3-15
Secretary of Defense signs the list. BASIC, SPECIAL, AND
INCENTIVE PAY
President of the United States signs the list.
Basic pay, which accrues for all personnel on
SECNAV publishes the list for rear the basis of paygrade and cumulative years of
admiral (lower) and rear admiral (upper) service, is the major portion of a person’s total
in an ALNAV message. pay. The cumulative years of service may have
been in any branch of the armed services or a
U.S. Senate confirms the list. Lieutenant Reserve component.
(active Reserve), lieutenant commander Special pay is added compensation received
(Reserve), and chief warrant officer for performing special duties. For officers,
selectees do not require Senate confirma- “special duty” is limited to medical and dental
tion. billets and duties involving diving and coming
under hostile fire. Special pay for doctors and
SECNAV authorizes promotions through dentists is prorated on the number of years they
ALNAV messages as vacancies occur. This have been on active duty (although certain medical
event normally occurs at monthly intervals officers serving in critical specialties also receive
in the fiscal year following the fiscal year a special continuation pay). Special pay for hostile
of selection. Assuming officers maintain fire and diving involves flat monthly sums
all qualifications, they will receive the first regardless of grade or years of service. As a matter
paycheck for the next higher grade soon of interest, special pay for hostile fire is not
after their name appears on this ALNAV payable in time of war declared by Congress.
message. Incentive pay, prorated according to grade and
years of service, is additional pay received for
performing hazardous duty. Included in this
category are flight pay for both crew and non-
PAY AND ALLOWANCES crew members; submarine pay; and extra pay
received for parachute, aircraft carrier flight deck,
Two general statements can safely be made explosive demolition, experimental stress, or
about military pay. Few, if any, people become leprosarium duty.
wealthy on the basis of their military pay alone.
On the other hand, if budgeted wisely, military ALLOWANCES
pay provides a comfortable standard of living.
From a career standpoint, you should keep An allowance is a contribution of money, or
certain factors in mind when making dollar-for- its equivalent “in kind,” to help meet expenses
dollar comparisons of military and civilian pay. incurred as the result of membership in the naval
Military pay is guaranteed and predictable. The service. Allowances are not taxable.
current trend in military pay is upward. Periods
of business recession do not adversely affect Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ)
military pay. A portion of the total military pay
is not taxable, and provisions are made for The purpose of basic allowance for quarters
additional pay for various forms of special or (BAQ) is to help members pay the cost of obtain-
hazardous duty. ing suitable living quarters when government
Many publications contain descriptions of the quarters are unavailable or not assigned.
entire matter of military pay. Our purpose here BAQ is divided into two categories: BAQ for
is to give an overview and to define and briefly members without dependents and BAQ for
discuss elements that compose the total pay members with dependents. The rates payable vary
structure. according to your grade.
Commissioned officers and warrant officers If you live in government quarters, you forfeit
are assigned by law to paygrades on the basis of your BAQ in lieu of rent.
the grades in which they are serving, whether
under temporary or permanent appointment. Variable Housing Allowance (VHA)
Enlisted personnel, on the other hand, are
assigned to paygrades by the Secretary of the Variable housing allowance (VHA) is paid in
Navy. addition to BAQ to help members defray the cost
3-16
of living in a particular area. VHA is based on MEDICAL AND DENTAL CARE
your grade and geographic location. Surveys are
conducted periodically to determine the amount Medical and dental care are available to all
of VHA for each geographic region of the United members of the armed services on active duty.
States. You forfeit VHA, as well as BAQ, if you Regardless of where members are stationed, they
reside in government quarters. have immediate access to full and complete care
through the facilities of all the armed forces and
the Public Health Service.
Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)
The Navy naturally is vitally concerned with
the health of its members. It establishes physical
Since all officers must pay their own mess bills,
they are entitled to a monthly allowance for qualifications for procurement and ensures the
subsistence without regard to grade or dependency maintenance of these standards throughout
the member’s entire period of active service.
status. All officers, whether on board ship or
Additional physical qualifications are required for
ashore, whether married or single, receive a basic
aviation, submarine duty, and other special
allowance for subsistence (BAS).
programs. The rigors of a career in the Navy can-
not be withstood by a person who is not in good
Family Separation Allowance (FSA) physical condition. Should a person become
injured or ill while on active duty, however,
Members assigned to a deployable unit are restoring the person to health as soon as possible
paid a family separation allowance (FSA) of $2 is obviously in the person’s best interest as well
per day when they have been away from their as the Navy’s.
home port in excess of 30 days. That allowance Regulations governing medical care for retirees
continues until the member’s unit returns to the and dependents are contained in SECNAV
home port. Instruction 6320.8D, which represents a joint
statement by the armed forces, Coast Guard, and
Dislocation Allowance (DLA) Public Health Service. The regulations prescribe
policies and procedures for administering the
Personnel with dependents are entitled to a Uniformed Services Health Benefits Program
dislocation allowance (DLA) upon a permanent (previously known as Medicare) as authorized by
change of station. It is paid to help defray the Title 10, U.S. Code, for all the uniformed services.
abnormal expenses incurred in such a move. The The law provides a uniform level of care,
amount is equal to one month’s basic allowance through either military or civilian facilities, for
for quarters to which the person is entitled. (1) retired personnel, (2) dependents of both
active-duty and retired members, and (3)
dependents of deceased members who died while
Miscellaneous on active duty or retired. Retired persons are
entitled to the same health benefits in uniformed
Additional allowances are paid for things such services facilities as active-duty members, except
as initial uniform allowance, mileage expenses for retirees are subject to space availability and staff
travel under orders, and per diem payments for capabilities. (The Veterans Administration,
temporary additional duty. Their specifications however, is responsible for the hospitalization of
differ, but the basic idea is the same: a temporary persons retired because of a physical disability
payment to help defray expenses of an unusual or of a service-connected disease or injury.)
nature arising from official duty. Exceptions to entitlement of medical care for
dependents, which are few, include dental care,
domiciliary or custodial care, prosthetic devices,
BENEFITS hearing aids, spectacles, and orthopedic footwear.
Medical services at uniformed services facilities
From the time naval officers begin active duty, may be provided to dependents subject to space
they are entitled to many valuable benefits. availability and the capabilities of the professional
Those benefits considered traditional include staff.
commissary privileges, various assistance pro- In general, retirees and all dependents should
grams, and retirement. Benefits are estimated to use uniformed services medical facilities if they
add about 15 percent to a an officer’s pay. are adequate and available. An integral part of
3-17
the Health Benefits Program, however, is the be purchased by military personnel for their
Civilian Health and Medical Program of the dependents through a group policy called Delta
Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS). This aspect of Dental Plan (DDP). DDP is a voluntary program
medical care is of particular benefit to eligible of preventive services and basic dental care. The
beneficiaries residing in areas where service cost of that insurance is presently under $10 per
medical facilities are unavailable or unable to month and provides coverage for all your
accommodate them. CHAMPUS authorizes a dependents.
wide range of civilian health care services, with
a significant share of the cost being paid by the COMMISSARY AND EXCHANGE
government. PRIVILEGES
Participation in CHAMPUS by sources of
care is entirely voluntary. Beneficiaries desiring One feature of Navy life a service dependent
treatment or hospitalization under CHAMPUS will especially appreciate is the privilege of
must locate a “participating” physician or purchasing food, household goods, and personal
another source of health care willing to provide items at a reasonable cost through commissaries
authorized care to the beneficiary. The source and service exchanges. These government facilities
must be willing, after payment of a stipulated permit service personnel and their dependents to
amount by the beneficiary, to submit a claim to purchase basic commodities at fair prices.
the proper government fiscal agent for payment In overseas branches of those activities,
of the remainder of the fee. The source must also personnel and their families may buy foodstuffs
be willing to accept the amount the government and exchange items that otherwise might not
determines to be allowable for the services. be available. Many commodities ordinarily
Inherent in CHAMPUS is a “reasonable fee” obtainable overseas through other means carry a
concept, meaning the government will pay only much higher price tag. In addition, particularly
those charges it determines to be reasonable. If for foreign goods or unfamiliar brands, exchanges
a fee charged is considered unreasonable, the and commissaries ensure good quality. Their
difference between the fee for treatment and the buyers are experts; most of us are not. Exchanges
amount paid under CHAMPUS will have to be and commissaries base their prices on the same
paid by the beneficiary. The reasonable fee price scale used by their stateside counterparts.
concept can be costly if not understood. Some
beneficiaries erroneously think the government DEPENDENT SCHOOLING
will pay the full charge made by any civilian
source for authorized health care. If treated by Elementary and secondary schooling are
a nonparticipating medical caretaker, the patient available overseas at government expense for
must pay the bill for any extra money charged. eligible minor dependents of Department of
The patient should always ask at the time of the Defense (military and civilian) personnel. To be
initial visit whether the physician or hospital eligible, a dependent must be between the ages of
participates in CHAMPUS and will accept (after 5 and 20; must be authorized by competent
the patient’s contribution) the government fee as authority to be in the overseas area; and must be
payment in full. Claims submitted to the govern- the unmarried child, stepchild, legally adopted
ment by participating parties include an agreement child, or legal ward of the Department of Defense
to accept as full payment the amount authorized (DOD) member stationed overseas.
as payable under the program. Schooling may be provided by DOD schools;
Except for emergency care, hospitals that tuition-fee schools (schools under local govern-
practice discrimination in the admission or ment, private, church, or cooperative administra-
treatment of patients on the basis of race, tion); and correspondence courses. The type of
color, or national origin may not participate in schooling provided depends on the number of
CHAMPUS. In other words, the government eligible dependents in an area and the availability
won’t pay for their services, and beneficiaries of private schools that use English as the language
receiving treatment at those institutions will foot of instruction.
the entire bill. Schools operated by DOD are designed to
Dental care is provided to all military person- meet the special problems created by a change of
nel and in some cases to their dependents as duty station in midyear. Teachers for these schools
well. Most dental care for dependents is not must meet U.S. qualifications, must be U.S.
provided by the military. Dental insurance may citizens, and usually are recruited from the United
3-18
States. Spouses who meet necessary qualifications counseling, base and off-base housing, and finan-
may be hired locally for employment in service- cial assistance. They may provide hospitality kits
operated schools. containing necessary items of household items
Above the high school level, children of naval new arrivals can borrow until their household
personnel are eligible for scholarship assistance goods are delivered.
at a number of colleges and universities in the For the benefit of attached personnel receiving
United States. orders, centers maintain an inventory of brochures
containing information on many overseas and
OFFICERS’ MESS continental United States Navy installations.
A commissioned officers’ mess provides social Legal Assistance
a n d r e c r e a t i o n a l f a c i l i t i e s , meals, and
refreshments to commissioned and chief warrant Personnel may obtain confidential guidance,
officers. Where facilities permit, privileges of the without cost, from legal assistance officers at most
mess frequently are extended to officers of the duty stations. Advice rendered generally is on
other armed services and Reserve officers, as well legal, personal, and property problems, or the
as to officers’ dependents. At large activities a drafting of legal documents. Assistance does not
mess may consist of dining rooms; snack bars; include representation in civil court.
cocktail lounges; lounge areas; rooms for private
parties; and in some cases swimming pools, golf Casualty Assistance Calls Program
courses, and tennis courts.
If a Navy person dies on active duty, the
ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS family is visited promptly by a casualty assistance
calls officer (CACO). The CACO offers the
To promote and preserve peace of mind for dependents help in obtaining rights, benefits, and
its officers and their dependents, the Navy offers privileges to which they are entitled and advises
a number of special assistance programs, some on funeral arrangements and financial assistance,
of which have substantial cash value. if needed. The visit by the CACO is automatic;
the deceased’s family need not initiate the action.
Family Services Centers
Navy Relief Society
At many Navy shore installations in the United
States, particularly in areas of fleet concentration, Known as the “Navy’s own organization to
Family Services Centers are established to assist take care of its own,” the Navy Relief Society
new arrivals in obtaining personal services they is privately supported, primarily by means
may need. of annual requests for contributions. At the
The centers ensure newcomers to the area service of Navy and Marine personnel and
receive a personal welcome, either by a home call dependents who need emergency help, it limits
or at the center. The new arrival is usually issued itself, generally, to nonrecurring situations of
a brochure that includes information such as the distress involving clothing, medical care, burial,
following: and the like. It cannot underwrite permanent
need. The society may make interest-free loans,
1. A map of the area outright grants, or a combination of the two.
2. A letter of welcome
3. An area directory Navy Mutual Aid Association
4. A base information guide
5. Data on available medical care, Navy The aim of the nonprofit Mutual Aid Associa-
Relief, Red Cross, churches, commissaries tion is to provide life insurance at cost and
and exchanges, educational facilities, base immediate aid to dependents of deceased officers.
facilities, and so on Upon notice of a member’s death, this associa-
tion wires or cables a $2,000 cash payment to the
In addition, centers will refer members and dependents of the deceased member anywhere in
their dependents to the proper facility to obtain the world. The total life insurance coverage is
needed information on, among other things, $400,000 available in $20,000 increments to
passport applications, voting, insurance, career association members. Membership is available to
3-19
active-duty and Reserve officer and enlisted American, Olympic, and other international
personnel under 62 years of age of the Navy, sports competitions.
Marine Corps, Public Health Service, and
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- RETIREMENT
tion. Other services include quick loans, central
depository for documents, and assistance to the Retirement benefits available at the conclusion
family in obtaining all rights and benefits to which of a Navy career are, in many respects, superior
entitled. For further information about the to similar plans in civilian life. On a day-to-
association benefits, you may call 1-800-628-6011 day basis, the most important factor is that
or write to the following address: the persons to whom the benefits accrue pay
nothing toward their accumulation. Personnel are
Navy Mutual Aid Association encouraged to accumulate personal savings or
Arlington Annex, Room G070 investments to supplement their retirement in-
Washington, DC 20370 come. However, if they fail to do so, they may
still look forward to having enough income during
Navy Chaplains their remaining years from retirement pay and
subsidiary benefits for the necessities of life.
In addition to religious duties, the chaplain is The Navy offers three types of retirement:
available for personal, spiritual, and moral voluntary, statutory, and retirement for physical
guidance, and for performance of marriages and disability.
funeral ceremonies.
Voluntary Retirement
RECREATION AND
SPORTS PROGRAMS Regular officers are eligible for voluntary
retirement after completing 20 years of active
Commanding officers make every attempt to service. Reserve officers (inactive duty) are entitled
provide recreation and sports programs designed to retired pay benefits after reaching age 60
to meet varied interests and desires and adapted provided they have completed 20 years of satisfac-
to the needs of personnel and the facilities tory federal service (of which the last 8 years were
available. in a Reserve component).
Application for retirement is normally in-
Recreation stituted by the officer desiring retirement, but
acceptance rests with the Secretary of the Navy.
Most naval stations provide motion picture The full administrative process involved in retire-
entertainment, well-stocked libraries, hobby craft ment is too lengthy for the purposes of this discus-
shops, station newspapers, dances, parties, and sion, but one aspect should be emphasized. A
shows. In larger metropolitan areas, theater, physical examination is a very important part of
concert, and sporting event tickets may be offered the retirement procedure. Discovery of any defects
to service personnel at reduced prices and in many that will alter the retirement status will be acted
cases free of charge. upon. However, once the processing is completed,
that retired status cannot be altered except by
Sports reason of disability incurred as a result of being
called back to active duty.
Sports programs include organized competi-
tions at intramural, intradistrict, intra-area, and Statutory (Involuntary) Retirement
intratype (or intertype) levels. Games and matches
between fleet and shore activities are stressed, and To ensure youth and vigor in responsible
interservice championships are held in many positions and to prevent stagnation in grade, the
instances. All-Navy sports championships are a Navy has laws that require the retirement of
natural outgrowth of the extensive intra- permanent officers and warrant officers at
intermural programs. certain times. They are required to retire after
Outstanding Navy athletes who believe they reaching a certain age, after failing selection for
possess the necessary capability and potential may promotion or continuation, after completion of
apply to the Chief of Naval Personnel for a certain number of years of service, or a
permission to train for and participate in Pan combination of these elements. A compilation of
3-20
statutory requirements for permanent Regular Under the Survivor Benefit Plan, members are
officers may be found in the Naval Military automatically enrolled in the plan with maximum
Personnel Manual, NAVPERS 15560A. Statutory coverage when they retire if they have spouses or
requirements require no application from the dependent children, unless they elect a lesser
officer concerned. coverage or decline participation before becoming
entitled to retired pay. The retiree must elect the
Disability Retirement lesser coverage at least 30 days before the first day
for which he or she can receive retired pay.
Members of the armed services who retire Since the federal government pays a substan-
because of physical disability may receive certain tial part of the SBP cost, retirees give up only a
tax benefits. If an officer retires for other than small part of their retired pay to provide
physical reasons, the entire amount of retired pay maximum coverage for their dependents.
is taxable. If an officer is retired for physical
reasons, however, and elects retired pay on the Miscellaneous Benefits of Retirement
basis of percentage of disability, such pay is tax
exempt. In time of peace retired officers may not be
ordered to active duty without their consent.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS Although they may be ordered to active duty in
time of war or national emergency, they are not
In addition to retirement pay, many other required to hold themselves in readiness for
benefits are offered upon retirement. The follow- active service.
ing section describes some of these added bonuses. Officers may use their military title in
commercial enterprises provided the use of that
Social Security Benefits title does not bring discredit to the Navy Depart-
ment or the Department of Defense. Retirees are
Active-duty military personnel are placed entitled to wear the uniform of the grade held on
under full Social Security coverage immediately the retired list when the wearing of the uniform
upon entering service. Credits based on military is appropriate.
service are not lost regardless of retirement or Retired officers and their dependents are
release from the service. A service person may entitled for life to the same medical and dental
receive retirement pay or any form of compensa- services provided their active-duty counterparts,
tion or pension from the Veterans Administration provided funding, staffing, and facilities are
plus Social Security insurance payments at the age available. They are also entitled for life to the
of 65 (or optionally at age 62), If totally disabled privilege of making purchases in commissaries,
a person may apply for Social Security benefits exchanges, and ship’s service stores.
immediately. Retired, as well as active-duty, personnel
should remember they may have acquired veteran
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) status and are thus entitled to many benefits
available from the Veterans Administration (VA)
This program assures financial protection for and from the state in which they reside. These may
survivors of retired uniformed service members. include employment counseling, home and farm
The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) provides an loans, unemployment compensation, burial rights,
income of up to 55 percent of a retiree’s pay to and VA benefits for veterans with disabilities.
the retiree’s widow or widower and dependent
children. SURVIVOR’S BENEFITS
In the past, surviving members of a retiree’s
family often found themselves with little or no Younger people usually are so busy living and
income following the retiree’s death. SBP fills that making a living that they put off systematic
gap in the area of service benefits. Until passage planning for their families until they approach
of the SBP law, the retired pay of retired members middle age and maximum earnings. Before that
oft he uniformed services ended with their death, time, in most cases, they cannot afford adequate
unless they had elected voluntarily to participate protection anyhow. If they choose a Navy career,
in the Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection that is one worry they can forget. Provision for
Plan (RSFPP)—known originally as the Con- their dependents begins the moment they enter the
tingency Option Act. naval service and continues into retirement.
3-21
Financial security for dependents of deceased will find this coverage is extremely inexpensive,
naval officers is guaranteed under the Service- they may reduce or terminate it if requested in
man’s and Veteran’s Survivor Benefits Act, which writing. A life insurance program is an important
places all members of the armed forces under factor for any officer to consider, especially if one
Social Security. has family responsibilities.
The Survivor Benefits Act is a package deal
for long-range security of service families. It SUMMARY
combines full and permanent Social Security
eligibility with increased death and indemnity Navy life is a demanding life. It calls for
benefits paid by the VA to dependents of persons complete loyalty and dedication and for a great
who die as a result of military service. The latter measure of selflessness. It involves pleasant
benefits are separate from Social Security and assignments and those that are not so pleasant;
accrue whether death occurs during peace or war, but every billet you fill can be an opportunity for
as long as it results from a service-connected gain for the Navy, your shipmates, and yourself.
cause. When sums paid by both sources are A person must be mature and observant to always
added, they amount to a monthly income for your see these opportunities, but they are there. At
family that only those in the most fortunate times it can be a dangerous life. Danger is inherent
financial circumstances could provide in civilian in an armed service and particularly a service with
life. That income can be augmented by a retire- worldwide commitments. But for the person with
ment annuity made possible through the Survivor a desire to serve country and oneself in a variety
Benefit Plan. of interesting and challenging ways, it is a
stimulating, satisfying way of life.
In addition to a liberal schedule of death The family of the naval officer is a vital part
gratuities and monthly compensation payments, of the Navy team. Far more so than in civilian
the act provides for a considerable number life, a Navy spouse has the opportunity to
of miscellaneous benefits. These include, for further the officer’s career. The spouse’s patience,
example, shipment of household effects, depen- understanding, and acceptance of additional
dents’ transportation, homestead privileges for family responsibility contribute immeasurably to
establishing a home on government land, federal the officer’s peace of mind. Because of the respon-
employment privileges, commissary and exchange sibilities of officers in the world’s foremost Navy,
privileges, and Medicare. their peace of mind is essential to their best
performance of duty. Therefore, the welfare of
If a naval officer dies while in active service their families, leading to happy home lives, plays
or of service-connected causes within 120 days a major role toward the success of the Navy.
after release, the designated survivor also is The Navy recognizes the importance of the
entitled to the following benefits: role played by the officer’s family. It also realizes
service families can best do their part only when
1. Navy death gratuity equal to one-half of they are taken care of and kept informed of the
a year’s pay. The amount may not be less than Navy’s functions and missions to the fullest
$800. It is paid as promptly as possible and is not possible extent. Families should be encouraged,
taxable. therefore, to learn about the great responsibility
that falls upon naval officers and realize how
2. Payment up to $2,140 toward private much they can contribute toward achieving the
funeral and burial expenses for services not Navy’s goals.
provided by the government or for interment at The very nature of naval officers’ occupations
no expense in any open national cemetery. A gives their family a range of experience un-
headstone for the deceased is furnished in either paralleled by their civilian counterparts in the
case. world today. Inherently this range gives rise
to equally unparalleled social and cultural
In addition to other survivor benefits, all opportunities for entire families. How people
persons on active duty in excess of 30 days are profit from these opportunities is up to them; the
covered by a $50,000 Servicemen’s Group Life doorway is there and it is invitingly open.
Insurance policy at a cost to the service member Because of their mutual importance to the
of only $4 per month. Although service members Navy, officers and their families have every right
3-22
to expect the Navy to work for their benefit SUGGESTED READING
and interest—and the Navy will always do
that. In return the Navy counts on every service Mack, W. P., and T. D. Paulsen, The Naval
family to do its part. A family does its part by Officer’s Guide, 9th ed., Naval Institute Press,
taking advantage of the benefits offered and Annapolis, 1983.
cooperating to contribute toward the betterment
of the naval organization and the fulfillment of Naval Military Personnel Manual (MILPERS-
MAN), NAVPERS 15560A, Naval Military
its mission.
Personnel Command, Washington, D.C.,
1987.
Navy Pay and Personnel Procedures Manual
REFERENCES (PAYPERSMAN), NAVSO P-3050, Navy
Department, Office of the Comptroller, Naval
“Officer Promotions,” All Hands Number 864 Military Personnel Command, Washington,
(March 1989): 43-47. D.C., 1973.
Useful Information for Newly Commissioned U.S. Department of Defense, The Armed Forces
Officers, NAVEDTRA 10802-AL, Naval Officer, DOD Gen-36A, American Forces
Education and Training Program Manage- Information Services, Washington, D.C.,
ment Support Activity, Pensacola, Fla., 1989. 1988.
WARDROOM
ABOARD THE 18TH CENTURY BRITISH SHIPS THERE WAS A COMPARTMENT
CALLED THE WARDROBE, USED FOR STORING BOOTY TAKEN AT SEA. THE
OFFICERS’ MESS AND STATEROOMS WERE SITUATED NEARBY, SO WHEN THE
WARDROBE WAS EMPTY THEY CONGREGATED THERE TO TAKE THEIR MEALS
AND PASS THE TIME .
WHEN THE DAYS OF SWASHBUCKLING AND PIRATING HAD ENDED, THE
WARDROBE WAS USED EXCLUSIVELY AS AN OFFICERS’ MESS AND LOUNGE.
HAVING BEEN ELEVATED FROM A CLOSET TO A ROOM, IT WAS CALLED THE
WARDROOM.
3-23
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