Publication:Sea Talk Autumn 2005/New promotions arrangements

Sea Change in sailors' promotions . . .

Promotion on merit and recognition of the potential of high performers are two features of a new sailors' promotions system to be phased in from September.

The development of the system follows the Chief of Navy's launch of the Sea Change program last year.

Changes to the sailors' promotions system announced by the Director of Sailors' Career Management (DSCM), CAPT Peter Laver, include:

• Annual performance reporting;
• Enhanced initial processing of promotions;
• More relevant promotion feedback;
• A revised promotion promulgation process;
• A reduction in provisional promotions; and
• Recognition of performance and potential(with accelerated promotion where warranted).

"The aim of the new system is to advise sailors of their promotion prospects in a more meaningful way," CAPT Laver said, " - to ensure promotion on merit and recognise the potential of high performers."

CAPT Laver said DSCM staff are presenting briefs about the new promotion system around the country.

"Signals will continue to inform and update as policy is refined," he said, "and we're seeking, receiving and considering feedback and constructive comments in developing the promotion system policy."

In fact, those who wish to contribute are also welcome to do so via either the Sea Change focus groups or the points of contact on signals and in this article."

Annual Performance Reporting

The transition to annual reporting will take place through 2005.

"In the process, many sailors will have a 'one off' interim reporting period this year to align them with the annual cycle for their rank," CAPT Laver said.

"The next routine sailors performance appraisal report (SPAR) for AB and LS will be due on August 31 and for POs the next routine SPAR is due on April 30.

"From these dates these ranks will begin their new annual cycles beginning on September 1 and May 1 respectively."CAPT Laver said all CPOs and WOs had already moved to their new annual cycle with the annual start date of February 1.

Further details are available in DSCM WCA/WHC 0622072Z DEC 04.

Initial Promotion Process

CAPT Laver said Able Seamen will be ranked in an order of merit based on a moving average total (MAT) score of the last three annual reporting periods.

"The score for ABs of less than three years seniority will include their SPAR score as a SMN to widen the reporting base of the MAT score," he said.

"Leading Seamen and Petty Officers will have their MAT score based on the last four annual reporting cycles and promotions, within the categories, to LS and PO will be based on an order of merit."

CAPT Laver said the inaugural CPO selection panel (CPOSP) will sit in August-September to assess all POs eligible for promotion.

"The outcome will be similar to the Warrant Officer promotion board (WOPB). They will still consider CPOs for promotion as they do now," he said.

Further details are in DSCM WCA/WHC 180340Z FEB 05.

Promotion Feedback

CAPT Laver said all sailors who have or attain minimum time in rank during the promotion cycle will be awarded a new format status advice notice (SAN) similar to those provided to CPOs by the WOPB.

"These will be issued whether sailors have completed their discretionary qualifications and before promotions are announced," he said.

The new SANs will allocate all eligible sailors one of four promotion categories:

• Category A - promotion will happen during the subsequent promotion cycle if the sailor accepts a promotion position; or
• Category B or Category C - promotion possible, but far more likely in B than in C; or
• Category D - promotion will definitely not happen (and will include those not recommended for promotion or likely to become suitable for promotion on their last SPAR).

Those who received inferior annual reports will still be able to demonstrate improved performance and have this recorded in an interim report. Interim reports can be raised within four months of an annual report.

Further detail is in DSCM WCA/WHC 180311Z FEB 05.

Promulgating Promotions

The transition to annual promotion cycles will take place over 2005-06.

"Promotions to WO will be offered to fill vacancies arising over the subsequent promotion cycle beginning each August 1," the Director said.

"Promotions to CPO will be offered to fill vacancies arising over the subsequent promotion cycle beginning on March 1 each year from 2006."

CAPT Laver added that the last promotions to CPO under the old system will take effect on September 1 after promulgation as this edition of SeaTalk goes to press.

"ABs being promoted to LS and LS to PO will have one last round of promotions under the old system," he said. "These will be announced on July 1 to take effect on January 1."

The new process will start with the next round of promotions to be staffed in November this year with the promotions to take effect over the next promotion cycle to begin on June 1 each year.

"The aim of the new system is to offer sailors the maximum opportunity to obtain a posting in a location they prefer while also providing flexibility to meet the needs of the Service," CAPT Laver said.

"As positions at the next rank become vacant, the next most eligible sailor will be contacted with an offer of promotion," he said.

"Sailors may then choose to accept the promotion or remain at current rank, without prejudice to their standing, in anticipation of a vacancy that may arise in their preferred location later."

Rank seniority, CAPT Laver said, will have effect from the start of the cycle to all sailors who have accepted promotion positions during the cycle.

"It is possible that highly performing sailors who do not complete minimum service in rank until several months into the cycle, could be promoted and immediately pick up several months seniority under the new system," he said. "In effect they would be gaining advanced standing in the next rank."

Full details are in DSCM WCA/WHC 092255Z DEC 04 and WCA/WHC 092326Z DEC 04.

Fewer Provisional Promotions

There will be renewed emphasis under the new system on gaining the necessary qualifications before promotion."There will be increased emphasis on career managers, units and sailors to ensure that all Band A or B members gain their promotion qualifications," the Director said.

"Unless there are compelling circumstances, sailors will not be promoted until they have achieved all promotion pre-requisites and are individually ready."

Accelerated Promotion

CAPT Laver expects to release a signal soon on recognition of performance through early promotion based on merit and recognition of potential through the award of advanced standing in the new rank.

Sailors can find more detailed information at intranet.defence.gov.au.navyweb/Sites/DSCM/ or from DSCM policy officer on 02 6265 5880 or CPO Mark Ferrell on 6265 1575.