Active-component and full-time support sailors with 39 skills in 12 different ratings now will qualify for the Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB), under a change the Navy unveiled May 14. Sailors with 135 skills in 48 ratings will realize an increase in award levels as well. The change involves “no decreases, additions or deletions of skills,” the service announced.
Eligible sailors can reenlist and accept the SRB within 180 days of the end of their active obligated service. For some sailors, the window can be a bit longer.
The increase is available for sailors who:
* Have reached Early Promote (EP) in block 45 of their most recent evaluation, and are within one year of the end of their active service obligation.
* Are reenlisting in a combat zone tax exclusion.
* Are within one year of their detachment month for obligated service.
The Navy modifies its SRB plan annually after a review of mid-year requirements in each community, to encourage sailors with the most critical skills and experience to remain in uniform. Career counselors, command master chiefs, and commanders each have a role in trying to retain these key sailors through use of SRB. These leaders meet with worthy candidates, to discuss their future military careers and make sure they are on track to accept SRBs before their separation dates loom. Sailors must submit SRB requests at least 35 days before their requested enlistment dates.
