CMS/ID CAC Login Makes Life Easier for Sailors

From Navy Personnel Command/Sea Warrior Program Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- An upgrade to Career Management System/Interactive Detailing (CMS/ID), the web-based program enlisted Sailors use to negotiate permanent change of station orders (PCS) has improved new Sailor access by simplifying log-in procedures, officials said Jan. 18.

"Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest impacts," said Donald Pellinen, CMS/ID project director. "That's what happened when the CMS/ID technical team enabled users to access the CMS/ID application using their command access card (CAC)."

Before this seemingly simple enhancement, Sailors, detailers, and other new users of CMS/ID had to login to the system using a password and their social security number. CMS/ID was yet another system that required Sailors to create and save login credentials, like a user name and password, which they had to remember for the rest of their naval career; an unrealistic expectation given the system is used on an "as needed" basis, which sometimes could be only during the orders negotiation process every three to four years.

"Sailors usually call the CMS/ID help desk an average of 500 calls per month with 50 percent of the calls for password reset," said Pellinen. "Leadership asked us to see if there was anything we could do to reduce the help desk calls related to password resets."

Improving and streamlining information technology to generate business efficiency is a critical goal. Opportunities to maximize technology in order to make business tasks faster and easier frees up Sailors' time to focus on their mission at hand, according to Pellinen.

"One month after implementing the CAC login we received only 17 help desk calls requiring assistance in accessing CMS/ID," said Pellinen.

CMS/ID has evolved over the years from a basic job advertising website to a core career management tool. Sailors can view aspects of their personnel information, search for job opportunities, update duty assignment desires and submit applications for their next duty assignment.

"Much of the functionality found in CMS/ID is a direct result of input and request from Sailors and career counselors," said Pellinen.

Sailors can learn more about using CMS/ID and access the web site by clicking the "Career Management System" link on the Navy Personnel Command web site at www.npc.navy.mil.>