September 1, 2010
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Adjustments to the Submarine Support Incentive Pay (SSIP) program were announced Aug. 31 in NAVADMIN 293/10.
The changes described in the new policy will improve the effectiveness of the program by retaining Submarine Support officers at key career milestones.
After a careful review of the SSIP program, retention trends, and Submarine Force manpower requirements, the Navy determined that an adjustment to the program was required to target a different officer demographic. The goal now is to improve retention of Commanding Officer Submarine Support (COSS) personnel between 20 years of service and 25 years of commissioned service, which ultimately improves the overall health of the submarine force.
"These officers are in extremely high demand in the private sector and we must be able to compete to retain them -- not just for their knowledge, but the leadership they bring to the submarine community," said Vice Adm. Mark Ferguson, chief of naval personnel.
Although COSS personnel are no longer qualified for nuclear duty, they possess extensive experience in submarine operations and can continue to provide valuable submarine support functions both at sea and ashore.
New SSIP contract rates have been targeted with contract awards at $15,000 for one year, $20,000 annually for two years and $25,000 annually for three years.
To be eligible for the SSIP, applicants must possess the 1120 designator, must currently serve in pay grades O-5/6, be worldwide assignable, and must be previously nuclear trained and screened for COSS, among other qualifications.
Those officers currently under an SSIP contract, who do not meet the new eligibility requirements, will have their contracts honored but will be ineligible for new contracts.
For more details regarding eligibility, administrative procedures and a sample application, visit http://www.npc.navy.mil/officer/submarinenuclear/incentive+programs.htm.
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