DECEMBER 19, 2014, WASHINGTON (NNS) – During the past 12 months, there have been a number of noteworthy policy changes and updates to improve quality of life and service. Many of the ideas came directly from Sailor feedback or suggestions. Please keep the ideas coming, as we seek to make 2015 as busy and productive.
Below is our People Top Five for 2014:
1. Navy increases Career Sea Pay (CSP) and Career Sea Pay Premium (CSP-P) (March)
The increase to CSP and CSP-P both helped improves critical sea-duty manning and rewards those who take challenging sea-going assignments. This was one of the many policies that helped drive our gaps at sea number to below 5000–the lowest it’s been in more than 3 years.
All pay grades with at least three years of cumulative sea duty received a 25 percent increase in regular CSP, while service members who exceed 36-months of consecutive sea duty received an increase in CSP-P from $100 to $200 per month.
The increase took effect May 1.
2. Revised Final Multiple Score (FMS) announced (May)
Responding to suggestions from the Fleet and MCPON’s Leadership Mess, Navy updated the Final Multiple Score (FMS), the weighted formula used to select Sailors for advancement.
The new formula rewards sustained superior performance and increases the role of the command triad in the advancement process.
Changes to the formulation were made to achieve the right balance between technical skill proficiency, as measured by the test, and on the job performance as gauged by chain of command input through the evaluation process. It also places less emphasis on longevity-based elements.
3. CAP policy updated (May)
The Command Advancement Program (CAP) and Navy Recruiter Meritorious Advancement Program (NRMAP) were updated in May after several months of coordination with the Fleet.
CAP and NRMAP are intended to reward sustained superior performance, providing command triads the opportunity to advance their top Sailors prior to taking the exam.
The new policy established a CAP season from July 1 to Sept. 30 to better track the CAP program and ensure overall rating health. Last year more than half of the CAP slots went unused. The goal for the new policy is to have each command utilize all of its allotted CAPs, ensuring that our most talented Sailors are advanced.
4. Optional wear of Command Ball Caps authorized (September)
Beginning Sept. 1, Optional wear of the Navy and command ball caps with Navy Working Uniforms (NSU) (Type I, II and III) as well as with flight suits, coveralls, Flame Resistant Variant (FRV) coveralls and the Navy physical training uniform is authorized.
Based on feedback from the Fleet, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert made the decision back in July to expand the ball cap wear policy.
5. Hair Policies for women revised (December)
After a yearlong review of hair style policy for women, Navy released an update providing clearer guidance on what is and isn’t allowed and authorizing a slightly broader range of acceptable hairstyles, while continuing to emphasize the need for a neat and professional appearance.
The Navy’s review and new standards take into account the wide range and textures of hair, including curled, wavy and straight hair. The new regulations provide guidance on hair styles, hair coloring, wigs, and hair accessories for women. To help communicate the new policy and answer questions a smart device compatible hair viewer was introduced as well.