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Associate Degree Requirement Rescinded for Advancement to E-8
Story Number: NNS070608-15
6/8/2007

From Naval Education and Training Command and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Recognizing that current operational tempo and support for the global war on terrorism have made it challenging for some Sailors to complete their rating-related associate degree, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Mullen has rescinded the requirement for chief petty officers to have their associates degree to be eligible for advancement to senior chief.

“Times have changed since we developed the requirement two years ago,” said Mullen. “We still view education as exceptionally valuable for our senior enlisted force. But we realize that in light of the challenges Sailors face in today’s dynamic security environment, not everyone has the same opportunity to pursue an associate degree.”

Nearly nine months of analysis resulted in a set of statistics CNO and the master chief petty officer of the Navy determined too detrimental to the career opportunities of a significant number of chief petty officers. If the policy were to remain in effect, fully 35 percent of the chiefs eligible for advancement in fiscal year 2011 would be at extreme risk of not meeting the requirement.

“That 35 percent represented our most sea-intensive and GWOT ratings,” said Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (SW/FMF) Joe R. Campa Jr. “This places them at an unacceptable disadvantage in competing for advancement. Now, more than ever, it is important that we advance our people based on leadership and their commitment to the success of the men and women they lead.”

This policy revision shifts the focus from education as a requirement for advancement to E8, to education as an important consideration in selection for advancement. According to Campa the revision is also tied to the CNO’s endorsement of chiefs as deckplate leaders.

“I strongly believe this policy revision is an indicator of where the CNO wants us focused as a chief's mess -- leading and developing Sailors," he said.

Campa emphasized that revising this policy should not be viewed as the Navy backing away from its commitment to education and added, “The right emphasis on education will be placed in selection board precepts and will remain a contributing factor in selection for advancement. Our commitment to education must be measured by the access and opportunity we provide to our Sailors to pursue off duty education. We must work to create those opportunities.”

The Navy has a robust system of educational initiatives designed to support Sailors as they pursue their careers, including distance learning available in multiple formats almost anywhere around the globe.

Some of the programs include:

The Advanced Education Voucher (AEV) program is designed to provide educational assistance to senior enlisted personnel as the pursue Navy-relevant baccalaureate and graduate degrees.

The Navy College Program supports Sailors through Navy College Offices, Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) Examination Program, the College Level Examination Program, the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests program, Tuition Assistance, Navy College Program Afloat College Education and the Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnerships.

For additional information on advanced education programs, the best place to start is the local Navy College Office or online at https://navycollege.navy.mil.

For more information on the Naval Education and Training Command, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil.

For more news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil.