Sailors Offered Early Out; Reserve Affiliation

From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Active duty and Full Time Support (FTS) Sailors who want to pursue Reserve options have a new opportunity to do so with the Early Career Transition Program (ECTP) announced March 17.

According to NAVADMIN 088/11, Sailors with at least two, but less than 16 years of service are now eligible to transfer into the Selected Reserves (SELRES) through the new program.

"ECTP was created to provide Sailors an early transition opportunity to continue their Naval service and pursue educational or personal goals," said Senior Chief Personnel Specialist (AW) Robert Ferrari, SELRES Enlisted Community Management technical advisor. "The program further allows us to match active component (AC) ratings with reserve component (RC) needs."

ECTP-eligible Sailors can transition into the SELRES on a date prior to their End of Active Obligated Service (EAOS) by submitting their requested date three to 15 months in advance. This differs from the Early Transition Program which allows Sailors to request an early separation up to 12 months prior to their scheduled EAOS. If approved, a Sailor's career counselor should contact the Career Transition Office (CTO) for transition assistance guidance.

"The CTO will assist Sailors throughout the transition process," said Cmdr. Dan Harris, CTO director, Navy Personnel Command. "We help them select a Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC), educate them on RC programs and benefits, complete any required RC documents and bonus paperwork, and more."

Upon transition, Sailors could be eligible for a host of benefits.

"ECTP Sailors will be eligible for all Reserve benefits and enlistment/affiliation bonuses," said Harris.

Benefits of Reserve affiliation can include:

• Mobilization deferment. Sailors who transition immediately into the SELRES qualify for a two-year deferment from individual mobilization.

• Affiliation bonus. Sailors could be eligible for an affiliation bonus, however, they will be required to repay any unearned portion of any current active component bonus or incentive.

• Continued exchange and commissary privileges.

• GI Bill benefits.

For more information, read the naval message at the NPC website www.npc.navy.mil. Eligible Reserve bonus ratings are listed in NAVADMIN 294/10.