Publication:Sea Talk Autumn 2007/Amended policy for promotion to lieutenant
by LCDR Jodie Dezentj*
A recent policy change means that some junior officers will become eligible for promotion to lieutenant earlier than they previously would have been.
From January 1 last, promotion to lieutenant will be considered when an officer has achieved all primary qualification (PQ) specific qualifications, has consolidated these skills for at least 12 months and has completed the Junior Officers Leadership Course (JOLC).
Officers still working toward PQ attainment after six years of service may be eligible for provisional promotion to lieutenant in certain circumstances.
Until the policy change, promotion to lieutenant was based on the period of time required for an officer to complete tertiary studies and professional training. This concept did not recognise the earlier attainment of professional competencies by direct entry officers.
The amended policy recognises officers who gain their PQs as a sub-lieutenant, or earlier, and serve a 12 month consolidation period before reaching six years of service. These officers could be promoted to lieutenant early if they satisfy all of the criteria for promotion, including completion of JOLC, individual readiness requirements and a commanding officer's recommendation.
It's estimated that more than 40 sub-lieutenants became eligible for promotion on January 1 under the revised policy, and that about 20 more sub-lieutenants will be promoted annually as a result of the policy change. When members become eligible for promotion to lieutenant, DNOP will advise COs and seek a recommendation.
The revised policy does not apply retrospectively for officers promoted to lieutenant before January 1, 2007.
Neither does the policy alter the prerequisites for selective promotion to lieutenant commander. Officers will still need to have a minimum of 5½ years seniority as a lieutenant and meet all other promotion requirements before being eligible for selective promotion to lieutenant commander.
In announcing the amended promotion policy, Chief of Navy said that this change '...is one of several initiatives Navy is taking to better recognise the qualifications of junior officers and improve their conditions of service.'
It will allow greater flexibility in the management of Navy's workforce and provide junior officers with a wider choice of career-enhancing appointments early in their careers.
Detailed information on officer promotion policy can be found in ABR 6289 RAN Officers' Career Management Manual, Chapter 13.
- Staff Officer Policy, DNOP
Apology
On page 5 of the last edition of SeaTalk a story was bylined to a 'LEUT Emma Conway'. In fact, it should have been credited to 'LSMT Emma Conway', a specialist instructor at RAN Recruit School, HMAS Cerberus. SeaTalk apologises for any embarrassment the premature promotion may have caused LS Conway.
