1. Frequently Asked Questions<br />Enlisted Retention Board NAVADMIN Update<br />Q. What is the new deadline for Sailors to have conversion request packages received by Navy Personnel Command (BUPERS-3)?<br />A. The ERB will accept all submissions received prior to the board’s convening date of August 15, 2011.<br />Q. Why did the Navy change the deadline for submitting conversion requests?<br />A. Based on the difficulties described by deployed Sailors in meeting previously announced conversion application deadlines, the chief of naval personnel has directed the ERB to accept all submissions received prior to the board’s convening date of August 15, 2011. This will allow Sailors to obtain the results of certain tests, such as the ASVAB, to be included in their applications for conversion.<br />Q. Is there any change to who is eligible for the Enlisted Retention Board (ERB)?<br />A. No. Initial ERB eligibility guidance excluded Sailors who were subject to PTS adjudication in FY12. This created some uncertainty in the Fleet regarding Sailors who are not subject to PTS, but who are in an ERB-eligible paygrade and rating. NAVADMIN XXX/11 clarifies ERB eligibility to include E-4 to E-8 Sailors who are not subject to PTS adjudication, regardless of their End of Active Obligated Service as extended (“soft” EAOS, or SEAOS) date.<br />Next, Sailors will no longer be exempt from board consideration due to a conversion application approval since conversion will not be approved until after the ERB.<br />Finally, an additional exemption has been authorized for those Sailors currently enrolled in or selected for an enlisted commissioning program.<br />Q. I’m not that happy in my rating and was hoping for the chance to convert. Why won’t I have the opportunity to convert if I’m selected for retention in rate? <br />A. In order to expand the timeline for conversion applications, the conversion process had to be revised. However, Sailors selected for retention in rate can always request conversion under the normal process via NAVPERS 1306 or through PTS when applicable.<br />Q. By conducting the conversion review process after the ERB, and only considering those Sailors not retained in rate, aren’t we forcing poor performers into undermanned ratings?<br />A. No, Sailors must meet all other standards and requirements for their intended conversion rates in order to be considered. A record of performance in demanding billets will be a prime consideration.<br />Q. How does the new process for reviewing conversion applications affect my ability to be retained in the Navy? <br />A. The new review process will ensure all Sailors have adequate opportunity to submit a conversion request. Since only those Sailors who are not selected for retention by the ERB will have their conversion applications processed, the opportunity to “Stay Navy” will be maximized. However, Sailors must meet all other standards and requirements for their intended conversion rates in order to be considered. A record of performance in demanding billets will be a prime consideration.<br />Q. Since Sailors approved for conversion will have their ERB results vacated, will the Navy be able to stay within congressionally mandated end strength limits? <br />A. In order to extend the application deadline for conversion packages, the conversion process was revised to take place subsequent to the ERB. This change may result in fewer total separations as a result of the ERB. The Navy will continue to utilize the full range of other force shaping measures to stay within targeted end strength controls.<br />