US Navy Convenes Second Phase of Enlisted Retention Board at NPC

The second phase of the Navy’s Enlisted Retention Board convened at Navy Personnel Command (NPC) Sept. 26.

ERB Phase II will review the records of 7, 792 Sailors in pay grades E-6 thru E-8 who meet eligibility requirements outlined in NAVADMIN 129/11. The quota and performance based board is charged with identifying the most fully qualified Sailors for retention. Combined, the first and second phase ERB will review approximately 16,000 records for about 13,000 available retention quotas. The primary criterion for retention is sustained superior performance.

ERB was announced earlier this year as the Navy faces record-high retention and low attrition among active-duty Sailors. The purpose of the board is to reduce over manning in 31 ratings and to help the Navy meet congressionally mandated end-strength.

The ERB was divided into two four-week phases in order to reduce the amount of time selection board members would be required to be away from their commands.
The first phase of the ERB convened Aug. 22 to review the records of ERB-eligible Sailors in pay grades E-4 and E-5. That board adjourned Sept. 16 and forwarded its recommendations to NPC.

Community managers from the Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS) are currently reviewing the Phase I board’s recommendations for conversion opportunities outlined in NAVADMIN 180/11 before forwarding the board’s recommendations to the Chief of Naval Personnel for approval.

Phase II results will also be reviewed by BUPERS for conversion opportunities after the board adjourns.
Navy expects to release Phase I results in October and Phase II results in November.

Sailors not selected for retention on active-duty are encouraged to consider Reserve affiliation and will have access to the Navy’s transition assistance management program and other benefits for members who are involuntary separated.

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Source: navy, September 27, 2011