MARCH 9, 2017, PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) – Active duty Navy chiefs (E7 – E9) interested in shaping the future of their ratings are needed to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for upcoming Advancement Examination Readiness Reviews (AERRs).
Naval Administrative Message (NAVADMIN) 058/17, released on March 8, announced the AERR schedule for April to Sept. 2017. Based on this schedule, AERR panel members working as fleet SMEs for their respective ratings develop E4 – E7 rating advancement exams for future cycles. Navy chiefs (E7 to E9) on active duty, Full Time Support (FTS) and reservists on Active Duty for Special Work (ADSW) are encouraged to apply and take part in the process.
“The knowledge that our fleet experts bring to the reviews is invaluable, as that’s what makes the exams relevant and identifies a Sailor with the right skills to select for advancement,” said Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center (NETPDC) Command Master Chief, Master Chief Electronics Technician, Nuclear Power (SS) James Berhalter. “AERRs give chiefs direct input toward shaping their community – participants have a say in what their reliefs need to know.”
AERRs vary in length between one-to-two weeks and exam readiness reviews are held throughout the year with each specific rating being reviewed on an annual basis. The reviews are held at NETPDC at Saufley Field in Pensacola, Fla. AERR Participants receive temporary additional duty (TAD) orders from their parent command, paid for by NETPDC.
Master Chief Culinary Specialist (SW/SS) Stephen Boos, lead instructor for the Navy Field Management Team at the Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk is currently participating in his second Culinary Specialist AERR.
“There is no more rewarding thing you can do than write the Navy exam,” said Boos. “To be able to give back to the junior Sailors and basically hand-select the next generation of your reliefs – writing exams is the way to do that.”
To take part in the AERR process, log into NKO then use the following link: https://www.nko.navy.mil/group/navy-advancement-center/mycpo.
This link provides the scheduled dates for each rating, including eligibility and nomination package requirements, and other pertinent information regarding AERR events. Nominations to participate in AERRs must be endorsed by the command master chief, senior chief or chief of the boat as well as the commanding officer or officer in charge for submission to NETPDC.
NAVADMIN 058/17 provides additional information and a listing of ratings scheduled for the next six months.
Normally, four-to-eight nominees will be selected for each AERR conference. NETPDC coordinates with respective rating learning centers and community sponsors to select the best nominees. Selections of fleet SMEs for the AERRs will be made 45 days prior to each review and selectees will be notified by NETPDC via e-mail.
NETPDC’s mission is to provide products and services that enable and enhance education, training, career development, and personnel advancement throughout the Navy. Primary elements of the command include the Voluntary Education (VOLED) Department, the Navy Advancement Center (NAC) and the Resources Management Department.
For more information about the Navy Advancement Center and the Navy Enlisted Advancement System, visit https://www.facebook.com/Navy-Advancement-Center/
By Ed Barker, Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center Public Affairs