Navy Offering Advancement Points for College

In a carrot-and-stick approach, the Navy has nixed the requirement for chiefs to have an associate degree for advancement to E-8. For the carrot, officials are working on a plan to give sailors advancement points for college credits by the fall of 2008. The method for awarding points has not been decided, although the new system might set milestones similar to the way points are given for awards. The Navy is increasing its tuition assistance (TA) funding in order to accommodate an influx of sailors expected to take advantage of the plan. Such TA will not be available to sailors who fail their fitness tests or body composition assessment, nor will it be allowed for petty officers who have not attained their warfare qualification. In addition, sailors within six months of their end-of-active-obligated service dates who are not planning to re-enlist will not be eligible for TA. For more information, see NavAdmin 150/07 of June 8.