News
Forget 'up or out': New 'up and stay' program allows chief petty officers to extend careers
Stars and Stripes
August 9, 2018
Senior chief petty officers receive their new rank insignia during a frocking ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush on June 15, 2018. (Joe Boggio/U.S. Navy)
Chief petty officers willing to serve additional sea duty, to take on tougher jobs and to pursue promotions can apply for waivers that extend their Navy careers beyond the time when they would be involuntarily discharged, the Navy said Thursday.
Under the Navy’s “up or out” policy, E-7s normally must retire after 24 years, E-8s after 26 years and E-9s after 30 years.
The new “up and stay” program aims to retain higher-ranking enlisted personnel who show ambition and are “willing to do the hard jobs with a sustained superior performance,” the Navy said in a statement.
The chief petty officers who extend their service also can work toward promotion.
Those applying for the waiver must be endorsed by their commanding officers. Sailors on the “retired on active duty program” are not eligible to apply.
“This initiative to provide increased opportunity for our senior enlisted leaders to stay Navy will help us maintain the leadership experience and technical acumen we need at sea as we grow the force,” Vice Adm. R.P. Burke said in the statement.
Senior chief petty officers receive their new rank insignia during a frocking ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush on June 15, 2018. (Joe Boggio/U.S. Navy)
Newly frocked senior petty officers pose for a group shot after their frocking ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, June 15, 2018. Chief petty officers willing to serve additional sea duty, take on tougher jobs and pursue promotions can apply for waivers that extend their Navy careers beyond the time when they would be involuntarily discharged. (Joe Boggio/U.S. Navy)