As the Navy evolves, it continues to look for ways to recognize and reward exceptional Sailors. One of these ways is through the Meritorious Advancement Program (MAP), which provides commanding officers greater authority in promoting highly motivated Sailors with superior performance.

MAP provides Sailors another avenue to advancement, one that is not limited by exams. HM3 Brandon Day received the news of his meritorious promotion last July aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).

"It was great to be recognized in that way," said Day.

Recent changes to the 2017 MAP have created even more opportunity for Sailors like Day.

Based on fleet-wide recommendations from senior-enlisted leaders, more than 1,000 quotas have been added since 2016; time-in-rate requirements have been eliminated for E4 and E5; and Sailors can be eligible regardless if they are attached to a sea or shore command.

"The great part about MAP is that it puts you right at the eligibility to take the test," said Day. "The program allowed me to test for second class during this last cycle. If I get promoted, I would have only been a third class for 10 months."

Day advises Sailors who want to advance through the program to work hard and get involved in their command.

"Evaluations definitely help, but it's more than that," said Day. "Become stellar at your own job, go the extra mile, get your warfare pins and get the other qualifications that are not required but that help your department and command. People are watching and noticing what you do, so do the best you can."

CVN 77 MAP packages are due to the Admin. Departments departmental leading Chief Petty Officer0 by May 7th.

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For more news from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), visit http://www.navy.mil/.