Show Me the Money
Navy Adjusts SRB Levels
12 April 2013
Missing Summary
Chief Logistics Specialist Abraham Guiterrez, from El Paso, Texas, reenlists with Lt. Jared Sweetser, from Sarasota, Fla., during a replenishment-at-sea on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). On March 26, the Navy released NAVADMIN 077/13, modifying the list of jobs that are eligible for an SRB. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)
Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance) 2nd Class John Lee just got some good news - $10,000 of good news. He just found out that his Navy Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB) level had been increased by approximately $10,000.
"When I joined the Navy I decided I was going to do a career," said Lee. "The SRB is just an added incentive. It definitely made the decision easier, but I was going to reenlist anyway."
SRBs are pay incentives that encourage Sailors with critical or specialized skills to stay in the Navy. This helps the Navy meet reenlistment quotas and helps stabilize manning throughout the fleet.
On March 26, the Navy released NAVADMIN 077/13, modifying the list of jobs that are eligible for an SRB. The NAVADMIN removes seven skills sets, reduces awards for eight, increases awards for 42, and adds 18 new skill sets to the list.
Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 2nd Class Jared Pletcher, who just got Perform To Serve approved at the end of his first enlistment, just found out his Naval Enlisted Classification (NEC) is off the SRB list.
"I can understand the reason behind it, but it's discouraging, and it sort of makes you feel like the Navy doesn't really value the first-term people," said Pletcher. "I was going to reenlist for six years just to get the maximum SRB."
"It would be great if more people could get it," said Lee, "But the Navy uses it as an incentive and a force-shaping tool. People are needed in those communities and those areas where SRBs are offered. I think it's fair the way it's been dealt with."
If Sailors have already reenlisted, their SRB is locked in at the old rate. However, new or increased SRBs are available right away for eligible Sailors seeking to reenlist, and if paperwork is already in the system, re-approval for the higher rate may be necessary. Eliminated or reduced SRBs take effect April 24, so there is still time for Sailors to reenlist at the old SRB rate.
Pletcher only has a few months left on his enlistment, and is weighing all his options for his future.
"I'm looking at everything that's available," said Pletcher. "I took the transition assistance class, and I'm getting my resume out there to see what's available on the civilian side. I'm applying for orders this month, and also looking at an obligated service if I can get a billet for 9138, the only [Cryptologic Technician (Collection)] NEC that has an SRB."
The Changes:
Eliminated skill sets include Navy Diver 5342 (B) & 5343 (A), Special Warfare Operator 5392 (C), Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance) 9225 (A & B), Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 7815S (A), and Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 0000 (A).
New skill sets include Operations Specialist 0324 (A), Intelligence Specialist 3913 (B & C), Boatswain's Mate 0000 (A), Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 9135 (C), Damage Controlman 0000 (B), Gas Turbine Systems Electrician (Mechanical) 0000 (B), Hull Maintenance Technician 0000 (B), Interior Communications Electrician 0000 (B), Machinery Repairman 4402 (B), Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 0000 (A), Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) 0000 (A), Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 0000 (A & C), Aviation Structural Mechanic 0000 (A), Aviation Ordnanceman 0000 (A), Naval Aircrewman (Operator) 0000 (B), and Electrician's Mate 0000 (A).
To find out more about SRBs, contact your command career counselor.