Targeted Clothing Allowance Closes Compensation Gap

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy is making good on its commitment to fully and equally compensate Sailors for the purchase of a full complement of Navy Working Uniforms (NWU).

The one-time targeted NWU Clothing Replacement Allowance (CRA), expected to begin Nov. 15, applies to Sailors who entered Recruit Training Center (RTC) Great Lakes, Ill., between Oct. 1, 2007 and April 26, 2009.

This allowance is distinctly different from the annual CRA Sailors receive. The targeted CRA is a one-time cash payment to correct a shortfall among Sailors who did not receive the total allowance for a full complement of NWU items between the specified dates while attending Great Lakes. The annual CRA is a cash allowance paid to Sailors on their anniversary month for the replacement of uniform items based on a normal wear rate.

The amount of targeted CRA will vary based on when a recruit entered RTC. Active component (AC), Full Time Support (FTS) and National Call to Service (NCS) Sailors who entered training between Oct. 1, 2007 and Sept. 30, 2008 will receive $368.19. Those Sailors who attended training between Oct. 1, 2008 and April 26, 2009 will receive $524.35.

Once this payment is received, these Sailors will have been given all of their required allowances for initial purchase of the NWU.

"Sailors receiving the targeted CRA are expected to purchase and maintain a full complement of NWU components," said Capt. William Park, branch head, officer personnel plans and policy. "For those who previously purchased NWU items, the targeted allowance covers the out-of-pocket expenses."

Affected Sailors' leave and earning statement (LES) will have a note in the remarks section to notify them when they receive the one-time CRA payment.

This note and payment will be in addition to any eligible anniversary CRA payments. NAVADMIN 358/10 has additional information on how Sailors can determine if they are eligible for the one-time targeted clothing replacement allowance.

Sailors who entered RTC prior to Oct. 1, 2007 were provided an enhanced CRA in fiscal years (FY) 2008 and 2009, and CRA sustainment payments in FY10, providing sufficient compensation for the entire NWU ensemble.

All AC, FTS and NCS Sailors who entered Great Lakes after April 26, 2009 received the entire NWU ensemble in their initial uniform issue at RTC and a sustainment CRA payment in FY10.

Because of the late payments, the dates Sailors are required to have the full complement of NWUs items has shifted.

For Sailors who are not affected by the CRA shortage, they must have a full complement by the fleet-wide mandatory wear date of Dec. 31, 2010. While this wear date also applies to Sailors who will receive the one-time NWU CRA, they now have until Sept. 30, 2011 to possess a full complement of NWUs.

To read the full NWU targeted clothing allowance NAVADMIN, visit http://www.npc.navy.mil/NR/rdonlyres/EBF1785B-6065-42AA-A32D-E5E452737C7D/0/NAV10358.txt.

For more news from the chief of naval personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.