MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) — The Navy announced changes to their enlisted distribution system in Career Management System Interactive Detailing (CMS/ID) in a message released July 26.
CMS/ID is the interactive system that Sailors use to apply and negotiate for orders.
These changes to CMS/ID are part of the Navy’s coordinated effort to aggressively address gaps at sea and place Sailors with the right experience levels and skill sets into high-priority Fleet billets.
According to NAVADMIN 226/12, the way in which billets are advertised in CMS/ID is changing. Beginning with the August 2012 CMS/ID cycle, a single set of sea and shore billets, prioritized by U.S. Fleet Forces Command, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Navy Personnel Command to reflect the highest-priority Fleet billets, will be advertised. Detailers will fill all advertised billets each cycle.
“Navy is implementing changes to distribution policies, procedures and systems to increase sea duty manning and assignment predictability to provide the right Sailor, with the right mix of skills and experience, at the right time for operational readiness,” said Rear Adm. Tony Kurta, director of Military Plans and Policy. “Fleet readiness will be the ultimate factor in filling assignments and this change ensures the highest-priority requirements are filled.”
Sailors who are in their CMS/ID negotiation window will still be able to apply for five jobs from the advertised list in their rating and paygrade. Since detailers will fill all billets advertised every month, it is important for Sailors to use all five of their application opportunities in CMS/ID.
“History shows that Sailors rarely apply for more than two advertised jobs,” Kurta explained. “Those who make all five choices will have a better chance of being detailed to one of their desired assignments.”
Sailors entering into their CMS/ID negotiation window should apply early and often to ensure their preferences are relayed to the detailers. Sailors should provide their input each month during the negotiation process on CMS/ID or via direct contact with their detailer. According to the message, since all billets will be filled, detailers may have to select a Sailor for a job they did not volunteer for. Sailors nearing the end of their negotiation window are more likely to be assigned to jobs for which they have not applied.
Sailors are encouraged to speak with command career counselors to understand changes to CMS/ID, and to consider applying for the Voluntary Sea Duty Program before they enter the normal order negotiation window if they have specific desires for geographic location.
“Leadership involvement and aggressive and thorough Career Development Boards (CDBs) will be key to the success of these changes,” Kurta emphasized. “Sailors should be made aware of how these changes and the needs of the Navy will affect them when looking at future assignments.”
For more information, contact the Navy Personnel Command Customer Service Center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC (827-5672) or via e-mail at CSCMailbox@navy.mil.