Can’t deploy? May get heave-ho

Sailors that can’t deploy for 12 consecutive months will become subjects for processing out of the service, Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Bob Burke announced during an online all hands call Sept. 25. "If you go 12 consecutive months, not qualified for sea duty - which is our rough metric for deployability in the Navy because we’re a seagoing service - then you are subject to processing for administrative separation," CNP said. It doesn’t mean that sailor will be given the heave-ho, “but will be looked at for separation," he said. The new rules go into effect Oct. 1. The new Navy personnel message gets tougher with sailors for medical, legal and/or administrative issues if they exceed the 12-month deadline. There will be exceptions to the stricter policy for those who are unable to deploy due to pregnancy, combat-related injuries, and a few other reasons. "We’ll look at this on a case basis and extenuating circumstances will be considered," Burke said. The new rule isn’t a Navy-only effort. It comes down from Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis. The retired Marine four-star general wants to slash the number of troops who can’t be deployed –around 235,000 people (11 percent) of the 2.1M active-duty and reserve personnel. (Source: Navy Times 09/26/18)