Navy Extends Early Transition Program for FY-05

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Navy Extends Early Transition Program for FY-05

By Lt. Kyle Raines, Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy has extended the opportunity for eligible Sailors interested in leaving the Navy before the end of their active obligated service (EAOS) this fiscal year under another installment of the Early Transition Program.

This voluntary program applies to Sailors in the active, reserve, full-time support and canvasser recruiter communities.

?Because of our continued high reenlistment rates and low attrition rates, the Navy can continue to extend this early transition option to our Sailors,? explained Vice Adm. Gerry Hoewing, Chief of Naval Personnel. ?As we fully develop and implement our Human Capital Strategy, we will continue to look for options that will best benefit our Sailors and the fleet.?

Those Sailors wishing to take advantage of this program must have their request received by Aug. 1. Commanding officers may grant separation leave, but permissive temporary duty and involuntary separation pay are not authorized.

The requested separation date under this program must be no later than Aug. 15; a waiver of this requirement will not be considered.

Sailors who are enrolled in the Montgomery GI Bill program will receive one month of benefits for each full month served on active duty up to a maximum of 36 months. Those discharged under this program who have served 20 months of a two-year enlistment or 30 months of a three-year enlistment will receive 36 months of benefits.

For Sailors who received an enlistment bonus, they will be required to repay the portion of bonus received for active-duty time not served. Those Sailors under a selective reenlistment bonus contract are not eligible for transition under this program.

All Sailors are encouraged to consider service in the Navy Reserves once their active duty time is complete. The Blue to Green program also provides transitioning Sailors the opportunity to make a seamless switch to the active-duty Army without a break in service. Both of these options are available for Sailors taking advantage of the Early Transition Program.