JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C –
A Naval Support Activity Charleston Sailor was selected for promotion through the Meritorious Advancement Program at Naval Activity Charleston June 27.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Roberts 628th Security Forces Squadron Flight Chief was selected for advancement through the Navy’s MAP. MAP is one way the Navy advances exceptional Sailors; by allowing commanding officers to identify Sailors worthy of promotion based on performance.
“Being the first sailor here to be meritoriously advanced to E-6 is an amazing feeling, but I definitely wouldn't have made it if it wasn't for all the hard working and amazing shipmates and wingmen I have here,” said Roberts. “I wouldn’t have received this promotion without the command, our amazing shipmates and my motivation; my wife and daughter, who keep me driving and pushing to be someone they can look up to and be proud of each and every day.”
MAP accounts for approximately 10 percent of all E4-E6 advancements this year. The 4,199 MAP selections made across the fleet is an increase of more than 1,100 from 2016. The 2017 fall advancement cycle planning will incorporate the number of Sailors advanced through MAP to arrive at quotas for advancement based on Navy Wide Advancement Exam results.
“It is great opportunity to have this capability reinstated to commanding officers,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Robert Hudson, Naval Support Activity Charleston commander. “It allows us the opportunity to recognize Sailors who meet the requirements and are excelling in their jobs, already performing at a higher paygrade. It gives the commanding officers the opportunity to match pay with performance. It provides another opportunity to our Sailors. It tells our Sailors that the Navy recognizes outstanding performance and provides an additional path toward advancement.”
Based on fleet-wide recommendations from senior-enlisted leaders, more than 1,000 selections have been added since 2016. Time-in-rate requirements have been eliminated for E-4’s and E-5’s and Sailors are eligible regardless being attached to a sea or shore command.
“MAP gives the Navy Command Triad the flexibility to reward high-performing E-3, E-4 and E-5 Sailors by meritorious advancement to next higher paygrade,” said Chief Petty Officer Jeffrey Harris 628th Security Forces Squadron Leading Chief Petty Officer. ”This means exceptional Sailors can be promoted when they are ready to assume higher responsibility - outside of the normal advancement time frame.”