The U.S. Navy offers various career programs designed to retain skilled personnel and maintain optimal manning levels. Among these, the Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB) program stands out as a significant incentive for eligible sailors to extend their service. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the SRB program, drawing from official U.S. Navy resources, to help you understand how it works and whether you might be eligible for a bonus as part of your Navy career status.
The original document you provided is a valuable resource for understanding recent updates and key aspects of the SRB and related programs. Let’s delve into the details.
Selective Reenlistment Bonuses (SRB) Explained
The SRB program is a crucial tool for the Navy to strategically manage its workforce. It offers financial bonuses to sailors in specific ratings and skillsets (NECs) who choose to reenlist. The primary goal of SRBs is to encourage experienced and highly trained individuals to remain in service, ensuring the Navy maintains the necessary expertise in critical areas.
Key Updates and Information from the Original Source
The provided document highlights several important updates and guidelines regarding the SRB program, particularly concerning the transition to the Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS).
NSIPS Migration and SRB Status
One significant update is the migration of SRB data to NSIPS. Previously, the SRB application in BOL (Bureau of Naval Personnel On-Line) was used to check SRB status. However, BOL is no longer the authoritative source for SRB information. All official SRB data is now within NSIPS.
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NSIPS as the Primary Source: Career Counselors (CCCs) and Personnel Support Detachments (PSDs) must now use NSIPS to access and manage SRB information.
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SRB Status in NSIPS: CCCs can directly view SRB status for requests submitted after July 30th within NSIPS (web version). The “Migration to NSIPS Training” linked in the original document provides detailed instructions, starting from slide 26, on how to use this tool.
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Obtaining SRB Approval Screenshots: CCCs can obtain screenshots of SRB approvals directly from NSIPS to provide Key Supporting Documents (KSD) to PSDs for contract generation and bonus payments.
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Legacy SRB Requests (Pre-July 3rd): For SRB requests initially submitted before July 3rd, assistance from BUPERS-328 is still required to validate status and obtain approval screenshots. This applies even if the request was cancelled and resubmitted after the migration.
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Information for BUPERS-328 Inquiries: When contacting BUPERS-328 for assistance, include the Sailor’s rate, approximate submission date, requested reenlistment date, and full name.
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Discontinue BOL Use: Do not use the SRB application in BOL for status checks as it is outdated and will not be updated.
SRB Paygrades and MAP Season
Another crucial point is how paygrade advancements, especially during the Meritorious Advancement Program (MAP) season, affect SRBs.
- Manual Paygrade Updates: SRB paygrades do not automatically update in the system. SRBs are processed based on the paygrade indicated by the CCC during submission.
- CCC Responsibility: Any paygrade changes require manual intervention by the CCC. This is particularly important during MAP season.
- Action Required for Paygrade Changes: If a MAP advancement impacts a Sailor’s paygrade for a pending or approved SRB, the CCC must request cancellation of the initial SRB from the SRB Desk and resubmit a new request with the correct paygrade. A note explaining the resubmission is for a paygrade change should be included.
- Consequences of Inaction: Failure to update the paygrade can lead to SRB approval at the wrong paygrade, potentially delaying or preventing payment and requiring a Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR) submission.
SRB Submission and 35-Day Waiver Guidance
The document reiterates the standard SRB submission window and provides guidance on 35-day waivers.
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Submission Window: SRB requests must be submitted via CIMS (NSIPS) between 35 and 120 days prior to the reenlistment date.
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Processing Time: Approved requests are typically processed about two weeks before reenlistment.
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NSIPS Status Checks: CCCs should check NSIPS 2-3 workdays after submission to ensure the pre-certification is approved and the status is “working.”
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Fiscal Year Exceptions: SRB approvals may be delayed at the beginning of a new fiscal year (October 1st) until funds are received.
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35-Day Waiver Requirements: Waivers for submitting requests less than 35 days prior to reenlistment are considered exceptional and require specific justification, such as command-attributable delays in counseling or routing. SRB reductions or closures alone are not sufficient grounds for a waiver.
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Waiver Request Components: A complete 35-day waiver request must include:
- A CO-endorsed request on command letterhead.
- Copies of reenlistment request chits and supporting documentation explaining the delay.
- An ISIC endorsement to the CO’s request.
- Note: “By direction” signatures are not authorized on waiver requests.
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Waiver Submission: Forward waiver requests to the Incentive Pay email address: [email protected] with the subject line “35 Day Waiver Request ICO (MEMBER) For Reenlistment on (DATE)”.
SRB Award Levels and Limitations
SRB award levels are dynamic and adjusted based on the Navy’s manning needs.
- Current Award Levels: Refer to the linked documents in the original text for the most up-to-date SRB award levels for both Regular Navy and TAR (Training and Administration of the Reserves) personnel.
- SRB Shutdowns and Reductions: SRB levels can be changed or eliminated (shutdown) via NAVADMIN, memos, or updates to the award level tables.
- SRB Caps: SRB amounts are capped at $100,000.00, with a further limit of $30,000.00 per year of additional obligated service (AOS) according to current federal policy. Manual intervention by BUPERS-328 is required to enforce this $30,000 annual cap.
Governing Directives
The SRB program is governed by official Navy instructions and NAVADMINs.
- Primary Directives:
- Avoid Unofficial Guides: The document explicitly warns against using unofficial “cheat sheets” or desk guides as they may not reflect current policy. Always rely on the official sources linked above and consult the SRB Desk at BUPERS 328 for clarification.
Other Relevant Career Programs
Beyond SRBs, the document touches upon other programs that contribute to a Sailor’s career status and may offer incentives.
Selective Training and Reenlistment (STAR) Program
The STAR program offers first-term enlisted sailors the opportunity for career designation and various incentives upon reenlistment.
- STAR Incentives:
- Guaranteed assignment to Class “A” or “C” School (not both).
- Potential advancement from PO3 to PO2 upon completion of specific Class “C” schools listed in the Career Schools Listing (CSL).
- Advancement to PO3 upon completing Phase I of AEF Class “A” School.
- Potential SRB eligibility (not guaranteed). STAR program opens the SRB window to one year prior to EAOS.
- STAR Eligibility: First-term enlistees with:
- 21 months to less than 6 years of active duty.
- No evaluation grade below 3.0 in the past 2 years.
- No Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) in the past 18 months.
- Not accepted for commissioning programs.
- STAR Submission: STAR requests are submitted directly in NSIPS. Do not submit 1306/7 requests via email or MNCC.
Special Duty Assignment Pay (SDAP)
SDAP is a monthly incentive pay for sailors in designated special duty assignments.
- SDAP Purpose: To encourage qualified personnel to accept specific assignments and maintain manning levels in those roles.
- SDAP Eligibility: Requires assignment to a valid billet via the Billet Based Distribution System, holding the required NEC, and authorization by the Commanding Officer.
- SDAP Levels: Refer to the “Current SDAP Levels” chart for authorized NECs/billets and pay amounts.
- SDAP Submission: PSDs can initiate SDAP up to eight months retroactively. Requests beyond eight months require submission to BUPERS-328. “By direction” signatures are not authorized on SDAP requests.
- SDAP Annual Recertification: Commands must annually recertify SDAP eligibility.
Enlistment Bonuses (EB)
Enlistment Bonuses (EB) are incentives offered to new recruits to encourage enlistment in the Navy.
- EB Program: Governed by OPNAVINST 1160.9. Program Messages with EB offers are released by CNRC (Commander, Navy Recruiting Command).
- EB Payment: EBs for successful completion of Basic Training are paid by FSC Great Lakes upon graduation. EBs for Source Ratings are paid by the servicing PSD associated with A School.
- Enlistment Bonus for Physical Fitness Assessment (EBPFA): Offered as an incentive for physical readiness upon arrival at RTC (Recruit Training Command). Payment is contingent on passing the baseline PFA during the first week of training.
NEC Information
Navy Enlisted Classifications (NECs) are crucial for identifying specific skills and qualifications.
- NEC Authority: BUPERS-328 is the Navy’s central NEC award authority (excluding CeTARS).
- NEC Management: BUPERS-328 processes NEC awards, removals, archival, and waiver requests using NAVPERS 1221/6 forms.
- NEC Manual: The NEC Manual (NAVPERS 18068F) is updated quarterly and available for download.
Conclusion
Understanding the U.S. Navy’s career programs, particularly the Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB) program, is vital for sailors seeking to maximize their career potential and financial incentives. The information provided, based on official Navy resources, should serve as a helpful guide. Always refer to the most current directives and NAVADMINs and consult with your Career Counselor or the SRB Desk at BUPERS 328 for personalized guidance. By proactively managing your career and understanding these programs, you can make informed decisions about your future in the U.S. Navy.
