1ST TERM SUCCESS WORKSHOP TRAINEE GUIDE

1. FIRST TERM SUCCESS WORKSHOP (FTSW)
TRAINEE GUIDE
CPPD-FTSW-1.0
Prepared by
Center for Personal and Professional Development
1905 Regulus Ave Ste 114
Virginia Beach VA 23461
Prepared for
Center for Personal and Professional Development
1905 Regulus Ave Ste 114
Virginia Beach VA 23461
March 2013
UNCLASSIFIED

2. 2
This Page Intentionally Left Blank

3. 3
Table of Contents:
My Information Page…………………………………………………………………………. 4
Topic 1: Career Development and Management…………………………………………... 5
Topic 2: Career Development Boards (CDB)………………………………..………........... 6
Topic 3: Stay Navy…………………………………………………………………………… 7
Topic 4: Enlisted Advancement……………………………………………………………... 8
Topic 5: Educational Opportunities………………………………………………………… 9
Topic 6: Commissioning Programs…………………………………….………...………... 10
Topic 7: Transition……………………………………………………………………......... 11
Resources…………………………………………………………………………………….. 12
Notes………………………………………………………………………………………….. 15

4. 4
My Personal Information
______________________________________________________________________________
Name
Current EAOS/PRD
My Career Development Team
My Divisional Career Counselor
My Departmental Career Counselor
My Leading Petty Officer
My Leading Chief Petty Officer
Command Career Counselor

5. 5
Topic 1. Career Development and Management
1. The Career Development Program (CDP) is designed to help you set and achieve
professional and personal goals and improves your ability to manage your career.
2. The Career Development Team (CDT) is in place to provide Sailors the most up to date
information and knowledge so they, along with their family, can make an informed
career decision. Your first point of contact in the CDT is your Divisional or Divisional
Departmental Career Counselor.
3. EAOS/SEAOS – End of Active Obligated Service/Soft End of Active Obligated
Service is the date your current enlistment ends.
4. PRD – Projected Rotation Date. Month you are “Projected” to rotate from your current
tour to your next assignment.
5. Navy Personnel Command (NPC) <www.npc.navy.mil> Official website of NPC
contains links to all guidance, policy, programs, naval messages, and instructions.
6. My Personnel Information page on NPC is a one-stop shop designed to capture your
needs in a central location. It is broken down into three sections; My Personal
Records, My Self Service, and My Training and Education.
7. Navy Knowledge Online (NKO) <www.nko.navy.mil> NKO is a web portal linking
Sailors to online career management tools and resources that help support and develop
a successful Navy career.
8. NKO contains an unprecedented amount of useful products for you to take advantage
of. The major points of interest on NKO include Personnel Qualification Standards
(PQS), Enlisted Learning and Development Roadmap (LaDR), Navy Advancement
Center, U. S. Navy’s Leadership courses, Navy e-learning, and an extensive reference
section.
9. Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) provide support for individuals and family
readiness through 40+ programs and resources allowing families to be well-informed
and adaptable to the changing Navy environment.
10. Career Management System/Interactive Detailing (CMS/ID) is a web based system that
allows you to view available jobs and make your own applications.
Key points:
- The Career Development Program and team are in place to assist Sailors and their
families in managing their career, achieving their goals, and guiding them to make
informed career decisions.
- There are many resources to aid you and your family, but only if you use them.
- Ultimately YOU are responsible for YOUR career.

6. 6
Topic 2. Career Development Boards (CDB)
1. Career Development Boards (CDBs) are the primary delivery method to ensure Sailors
are provided the guidance necessary to make informed career decisions based on
current Navy policies, programs, and procedures.
2. Command level boards are chaired by the CMC and are held for the following reasons:
upon reporting, striking for rating, “A” school request, change in rating,
commissioning program application, PACT, and as requested.
3. Departmental level boards are chaired by the departmental LCPO, are held at the 6, 12,
24, 36, 48, and 60th months intervals, prior to transfer or separation, applying for
special programs, 3 months prior to PRD, 1 month prior to initial Fleet RIDE-Perform
to Serve application, a Navy wide advancement exam (NWAE) standard score below
40 or pass and not advance (PNA) NWAE 3X, and also upon request.
4. When setting goals, use the SMART acronym to define them. Specific, Measureable,
Attainable, Realistic, and Trackable.
5. Short term goals are normally to be accomplished within next 12 months, long term
goals should have a target date 1 – 5 years away.
6. ICDP is your plan developed with your command to assist you in achieving your
personal and professional goals and aligning them with the commands expectations and
resources.
7. Learning and Development Roadmap (LaDR). A rating specific guide for the
mentoring and development of Sailors. LaDRs contain significant career phases
enabled to target learning opportunities thought out a career.
Key points:
- Career Development Boards are for you! You need to be open and honest about what you
want to do in the Navy.
- Challenge yourself with goals; make the most of your resources.
- Download and use your LaDR from NKO.

7. 7
Topic 3: Stay Navy
1. Year Group (YG) is based on the date that you stepped foot onto Recruit Training.
Based on Navy Fiscal Year (Oct 1st
– Sept 30th
) you will be compared against your
peers within the same YG.
2. Zones of Enlistments. 5 zones used to break down periods of Sailor’s career. Zone A
0-6 years, Zone B 6-10 years, Zone C 10-14 years, Zone D 14-20 years, and Zone E
20+ years.
3. PACT (Professional Apprentice Career Track) places non-designated Sailors into a
rating and a viable career path. In essence a Sailor who joins the Navy without a rating
will be assigned to a strand, (engineering, aviation, or seaman), with the goal of being
rated within 24 months of reporting aboard.
4. PACT Sailors have 3 ways to become rated; designation via “A” School, Navy-Wide
Advancement Exam, and direct Rating Entry Designation (RED). Sailors that are time
in rate eligible for Petty Officer Third Class can apply for RED quotas.
5. Job Opportunities in the Navy (JOIN) is the Navy’s interest-based career exploration
tool that takes your interests and matched them up with Navy ratings.
6. The Career Waypoint System is an end strength force management tool designed to
ensure the Navy keeps ratings appropriately manned.
7. The Career Waypoint System uses a ranking algorithm to “rack and stack” Sailors in
the following performance indicators, in this order: highest in pay grade, selected but
not yet advanced, average ranking of the five most current evaluations, critical NECs,
PFA results, and finally closest proximity to EAOS.
8. Career Waypoint System reenlistment quotas expire after 13 months. Use it or lose it!
Conversion quotas expire when rating conversion process is complete.
9. Reenlistments. Must have approval from CO, be physically qualified by medical, meet
professional growth criteria, and have a Career Waypoint System approval.
10. Navy High Year Tenure (HYT) Limit is the maximum time you can remain in the each
pay grade. E-1 and E-2 cannot exceed 4 years, E-3 is five years, and E-4 is eight years.
11. You can extend your enlistment two times for a maximum of 24 months. The reason
for the extension must meet one of the conditions listed in the MILPERSMAN to be
approved.
Key Points:
Know your year group and your Zone.

8. 8
Topic 4: Enlisted Advancement
1. Advancement to petty officer rates in the Navy are made through a centralized
competition using an equitable system to select the most qualified Sailors.
2. Time in Rate requirements are 9 months from E-1 to E-2, 9 months from E-2 to E-3, 6
months from E-3 to E-4, and 12 months from E-4 to E-5.
3. To be eligible for advancement you must be recommended by your Commanding Officer,
meet minimum time-in-rate requirements, be in the proper path of advancement, meet
special requirements and have an evaluation completed during computation period.
4. Navy Advancement Center is located on NKO and contains your Bibliography (BIB),
links to your Profile Sheet, and Non-resident training courses.
5. BIBs are posted to NKO in October for the March exam, and in April for the September
exam.
6. Exam Profile Sheets give you feedback on how you did against your peer on the exam.
7. The Final Multiple Score (FMS) allows the Navy to consider the “Whole Person” for
advancement.
8. Pass Not Advance (PNA) points are awarded to Sailors who are not advanced based on
performance on rating exam and performance mark average.
9. Exam Status. 4 different outcomes: Selectee, PNA, DISC or Fail
10. Post exam requires leadership training, frocking, and CDBs.
Key points:
- On time advancement is the key to a successful Navy career
- The Navy and your Chain of Command will assist you in many ways, but it is ultimately up to
you for meeting all advancement requirements
- DO NOT WAIT to start studying for the next advancement exam. Download your BIBs and
formulate a sound study strategy.

9. 9
Topic 5: Educational Opportunities
1. Navy College Program - Provides opportunities to Sailors to earn college degrees by
providing academic credit for Navy training, work experience, and off-duty education.
2. Academic Advisors. Advisors are located at 35 global Navy College Offices (NCO) or at
the Virtual Education Center (VEC). The VEC is open 15 hours a day, five days a week
1-877-838-1659.
3. Navy College Program also includes Navy College Program for Afloat College
Education (NCPACE), Rating and degree roadmaps, Service Member Opportunity
Colleges Navy (SOCNAV), Academic Skills training and High School Completion
opportunities.
4. Navy Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) is a centralized web-based hub that
provides information on civilian licensure and certification.
5. United States Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) is a formal military training
program that provides you the opportunity to improve your job skills and become
registered apprentice with U. S. Department of Labor.
6. The Joint Service Transcript (JST) is a consolidated document that provides
recommended college credit for your military occupational experience and training. It
lists civilian and military courses, degrees, and certifications completed on active duty.
7. The GI BILL is managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. It provides you with a
significant opportunity to advance your education.
8. Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) provides 36 months of education benefits after serving
honorably for two continuous years. You have ten years from discharge to use your
benefits.
9. Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act provides 36 months of education benefits
after you have completed 90 days of honorable service after 9/11/0. You are eligible to
receive monthly housing allowance if you are going to school at least half-time, a books
and supplies stipend, and you have 15 years from discharge to use this benefit. You have
the ability to transfer these benefits to dependents.
10. Tuition Assistance (TA) is the Navy's educational financial assistance program. It
provides active duty personnel funding for tuition costs for courses taken in an off-duty
status. An annual CAP of $4500 per Sailor, 16 semester hours or 24 quarter hours.
Key Points:
The Navy provides excellent education opportunities while serving and after you have left
the service.
In service educational opportunities include NCPACE, Navy COOL, USMAP and TA.
GI Bill benefits are managed by the Department of Veterans affairs and provide an excellent
opportunity to meet your educational goals upon discharge.

10. 10
Topic 6: Commissioning Programs
1. The Navy offers the opportunity for qualified enlisted Sailors to earn a commission as a
Naval Officer. Commissioning programs are extremely competitive but highly rewarding.
2. Basic requirements to become an Officer include being a U.S. citizen, this cannot be
waived, be physically qualified, take a required test for the program you are applying for,
and most importantly have the recommendation of you Commanding Officer.
3. The United States Naval Academy (USNA) provides a four year college education and
Naval training that leads to a commissioning. You must be 17 years old and must not
have passed your 23rd
birthday on 1 July of your entrance year, be unmarried, not
pregnant, and have no legal responsibility to support other person.
4. Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) provides ten month course of instruction to
get back into the school environment for service members that have been out of the
classroom in preparation for USNA.
5. STA-21 provides a full-time undergraduate education and follow-on commissioning
program for highly motivated Sailors. You can apply for Core program (undecided) or
one of 13 target groups and attend a NROTC university where you will receive full pay,
allowances and benefits. STA-21 students are eligible for enlisted advancement and up to
$10000 to cover the cost of tuition, books, and fees.
6. Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program (MECP) provides a full-time opportunity to
earn an entry level nursing degree and a commission in the Nurse Corps. You must be
able to complete your degree in 36 months by age 42 and maintain a GPA of 2.5. You
receive your full pay and allowances while attending college but you must pay for tuition,
books, and fees. Use of TA is not authorized, however use of your GI Bill is authorized.
7. Officer Candidate School (OCS) is a commissioning program for individuals possessing
a minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. You attend an
intensive 12 week officer training and indoctrination course in Newport, RI. Upon
graduation you are commissioned as an Ensign and incur a 4 year obligation in service.
8. Other commissioning programs include Medical Service In-Service Procurement
Program (MSC-IPP) that provides commissioning opportunity to Sailors E-5 through E-9
with extensive experience in Naval Medical programs. Limited Duty Officer (LDO) is a
commissioning program that provides opportunities to senior enlisted personnel, selection
board eligible E-6 through E-9. Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) is a commissioning
program that provides opportunities to senior enlisted personnel E-7 and above.
Key Points:
The Navy provides excellent opportunities to become a Naval Officer. If interested, request a
CDB and engage your chain of command.

11. 11
Topic 7: Transition
1. Everyone transitions!
2. Transition assistance services provide separating/retiring service members and their
families with the skills, tools and self-confidence necessary to successfully re-enter the
civilian work force.
3. The DD Form 2648 “Pre-separation counseling checklist” is a mandatory legal
requirement which must be performed no later than 90 days prior to separation.
4. Transition Goals, Plans, Success (GPS) is a five day curriculum that provides Individual
Transition Plan (ITP) preparation, Military to Civilian job skills crosswalk (MOC
crosswalk), Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits briefing, financial planning support, and
Department of Labor Employment Workshop.
5. There are three available optional tracks that place specific emphasis on Education,
Technical Training, and Entrepreneurship.
6. There is a Mandatory CAPSTONE event which verifies you have a plan for transition.
7. The Individual Transition Plan (ITP) Checklist (DD Form 2958) will be required to
provide documentation of meeting all career readiness standards prior to separation.
8. The Pay and Compensation Calculator tabulates a dollar amount directly associated to
any Navy pay grade, years in service, special pay, or entitlements, and inserts reasonable
values (calculated by independent studies) to indirect benefits such as medical and dental
care, commissary savings, and tax advantages.
9. Military Service Obligation (MSO). Everyone who joins the military incurs a
MINIMUM eight year service commitment.
10. Selected Reserves are Sailors in a drill-pay status that drill 1 weekend per month and
participate in a two week annual training each year. They participate in advancement
exams and can complete 20 qualifying years of service and be eligible for retirement.
11. Individual Ready Reserve are Sailors who are not affiliated with a drilling unit, receive
no pay and are not eligible for advancement
12. After completing 20 years are service, you have the privilege to transfer to the Fleet
Reserve and take advantage of many of the benefits afforded to you on behalf of a
grateful nation.
Key Points:
There will be an end to your military career. We have programs to assist service members
and their families to successfully transition from military service.
Your MSO is eight years; if you choose to leave the service prior to that you will be required
to affiliate with the Navy Reserves.

12. 12
References
BUPERSINST
1150.1(series)
Policies and Administrative Procedures for the Hometown
Area Recruiting Program (HARP), the Officer Hometown
Area Recruiting Program (OHARP), Bluejacket
Hometown Area Recruiting Program (BJHARP), and
Senior Minority Assistance to Recruiting Program
(SEMINAR)
CNRC 11
BUPERSINST
1430.16(series)
Advancement Manual for the Advancement of Enlisted
Personnel of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Naval Reserve
PERS-852/862
BUPERSINST
1610.10(series)
Navy Performance Evaluation and Counseling system PERS-32
BUPERSINST
1780.1(series)
Federally Legislated Educational Benefit Programs PERS-602C
BUPERSINST
1900.8(series)
Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty PERS-28B
BUPERSINST
5420.21(series)
Administration of Board for Correction of Naval Records
(BCNR) Applications Within the Bureau of Naval
Personnel (BUPERS)
PERS-00XCB
MILPERSMAN
1306-300
Overseas Tour Extension Incentives Program (OTEIP) OP-132H
NAVPERS
15560(series)
Naval Military Personnel Manual (MILPERSMAN) By Article
NAVPERS
18068(series)
Manual of Navy Enlisted Manpower and Personnel
Classifications and Occupations Standards
CNO N12
OPNAVINST
1040.11(series)
Navy Retention and Career Development Program PERS-00R
OPNAVINST
1160.8(series)
Selective Reenlistment Bonus Program OP-136C
OPNAVINST
1420.1(series)
Enlisted to Officer Commissioning Programs Application
Administrative Manual
N131
OPNAVINST
1560.10(series)
Administration of the United Services Military
Apprenticeship Program (USMAP)
N79
OPNAVINST
1900.2(series)
Transition Assistance Management Program (TAMP) PERS-662

13. 13
Military/Government Websites:
Career Management System Interactive Detailing (CMSID): https://www.cmsid.navy.mil
DANTES Troops- to- Teachers Program:
http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/troopstoteachers/INDEX.asp
Defense Finance and Accounting Service: http://www.dfas.mil/index.html
Department of Veteran Affairs website: http://www.va.gov/
DOD Transition Assistance website: http://turbotap.org
JOIN survey: https://join.sscno.nmci.navy.mil/
Military Homefront: http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil
MyPay account: https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx
Navy College Program: https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/
Navy Personal Command: http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc
NSIPS- Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System: https://nsips.nmci.navy.mil
Seaman to Admiral-21 Program: https://www.sta-21.navy.mil/
Thrift Savings Plan: http://www.tsp.gov

14. 14
Other Websites:
Career One Stop: http://www.careeronestop.org/
Military Information: http://www.militaryinfo.com
Military One Source: https://www.militaryonesource.com
Transition Assistance Online: http://www.taonline.com
United States Naval Academy: http://www.usna.edu

15. 15
NOTES