Points for In-Theater Deployments Increased

The Navy will increase the maximum number of points used in advancement exams for sailors deployed in theaters with high operations tempos. The change, announced June 3 in NAVADMIN 167/09, affects sailors who have served at least 90 days in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, Kuwait, Guantanamo Bay Naval Station, Cuba, Joint Task Force 515, or Joint Special Task Force-Philippines. Eligible sailors can receive a two-point increase, to the maximum awards points allowed. Third- and second-class petty officers would receive up to 12 points; first-class petty officers would receive up to 14 points. Vice Adm. Mark Ferguson, the Navy’s personnel chief, says the change would help ensure that sailors up for advancement would not be placed at a disadvantage because they are serving in combat zones or areas of busy activity. The change takes effect in August for reservists and September for active-duty sailors.