Navy retains more than 97 percent from Senior Enlisted Continuation Board

MCCS Bill Houlihan interviews Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick West and Navy Total Force Fleet Master Chief Scott Benning for a Continuations Boards podcast.

More than 97 percent of candidates reviewed by the Navy's Senior Enlisted Continuation Board were selected to continue naval service according to a Navy message released Oct. 30.

“The overwhelming continuance of our senior enlisted demonstrates the extraordinary quality of the chief petty officer mess. The records of eligible master chiefs, senior chiefs and chiefs were reviewed and given full consideration,“ said Vice Adm. Mark Ferguson, chief of naval personnel.

After complete review of 5,686 eligible active duty and full-time-support candidates, the board selected 5,528 members for continuation.

According to the precept, which outlines what information board members may or may not consider from a record, documented misconduct and substandard performance were the primary reasons a Sailor would not be selected for continued service.

Some examples include “significant problems“ or “progressing“ promotion recommendations, declining performance from the same reporting senior, failure to maintain physical fitness assessment standards, military or civilian convictions, and non-judicial punishment.

Members not selected for continuation will retire no later than June 30.

“There were chiefs with adverse information in their records, and many of them are staying. That, in itself, should tell any doubters that there was no quota, and that we are not a zero defect Navy. People make mistakes. Often times, it's how we respond after those mistakes that defines us as chiefs, as Sailors and as leaders in our Navy,“ said Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (SS⁄SW) Rick West.

The board concluded deliberations at Navy Personnel Command Oct. 1 and the results were forwarded to CNP for approval. Sailors not selected for continuation were personally notified prior to the results posting in BUPERS Online. Candidates can check their status at https:⁄⁄www.bol.navy.mil.

“The purpose of this board was to continue to improve the effectiveness of the force by identifying and continuing our most fully qualified enlisted leaders. I appreciate the leadership of the CPO mess in this process,“ Ferguson commented.

The Senior Enlisted Continuation Board is a performance-driven review of master chiefs, senior chiefs and chiefs with more than 20 years of service and three years time-in-grade.