Publication:Sea Talk Spring 2003/Retention benefit

MSBS Retention Benefit – the 2003 declaration of 'specified categories'

By Pam Black

For the purpose of eligibility for the MSBS Retention Benefit, certain ADF employment categories are declared annually by the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence to be 'specified categories'. These categories are selected on the basis of the category structure being such that there is a lower probability of its members reaching the minimum requisite rank of LCDR or PO by the 15 years service point.

Other members with reduced promotion prospects, as a result of transferring employment category to meet a Service requirement, may also be declared eligible as 'interemployment category members'. These members are identified individually in the Minister's declaration and are notified personally by staff of the Directorate of Entitlements.

This year, four new specified categories were declared by the Minister and four previously declared categories were revoked. These changes took effect on 23 June 2003. The table below shows all currently declared specified categories for Navy as at 23 June 2003.

A message was released to all Defence ships and establishments on 23 June 2003 explaining the foregoing arrangements. Members should be aware that the legislation mandates a fixed period within which elections may be made to receive payment of the benefit.

This period can vary according to whether the member becomes eligible at the time of, or on a date after, the effective date of the Minister's declaration.

Contact for further information is Defence Personnel Executive, Pam Black at the Directorate of Entitlements on 02 6266 3213 or pam.black@defence.gov.au or Jenny Flynn on 02 6266 3227 or jenny.flynn@defence.gov.au

Rank	Category	Date of Effect
Leading Seaman	Cook	22 July 2002
Leading Seaman	Naval Police Coxswain	22 July 2002
Leading Seaman	Photographer	22 July 2002