Effective Jan. 1, the responsibility for recruitment and selection of fleet subject matter experts (FSMEs) for advancement exam readiness review (AERR) panels will transfer from U.S. Fleet Forces Command to type commands and rating sponsors as announced Sept. 15 in NAVADMIN 229/17.

Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education Fleet Master Chief Russell Smith said that the AERR selection realignment will ensure a common approach to community leadership involvement in FSME selection and nomination.

"The new process allows type commanders (TYCOMs) and rating sponsors to become more engaged with the recruitment and selection of the AERR panels because they are closer to the deckplate level where the expertise resides," said Smith. "This will also ensure that each rating's priorities are addressed, establishing a clear way forward."

Rating AERRs provide fleet input to exam planning and content development. Panel members from fleet and shore-based commands work as FSMEs for their respective ratings to develop E-4 to E-7 rating advancement exams for future cycles, impacting full sailorization by affecting the careers of every test-taker in the Navy. Selected chief, senior chief, and master chief petty officers on active duty, full-time support, and reservists currently on active-duty for special work may participate in the AERR process.

TYCOMs will be responsible for nominating AERR FSMEs for the ratings under their purview. For example, commander, Naval Air Forces is responsible for aviation ratings, including aviation boatswain's mate and aviation machinist's mate. Specific rating responsibility breakdown is detailed in the NAVADMIN.

"The knowledge that the 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) James Berhalter. "TYCOMs and rating sponsors should nominate panel members that are exceptionally qualified and cover a wide diversity of rating experience and expertise. Only the best qualified candidates should be selected."

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, Florida. AERR participants receive temporary additional duty orders from their parent command, paid for by NETPDC.

NETPDC maintains the current AERR schedule on My Navy Portal at http://www.mnp.navy.mil/group/navy-advancement-center/mycpo. Quarterly NAVADMINs announce upcoming AERRs at least six months in advance of AERR convening dates.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/.