Author: Joel Schofer, MD, MBA, CPE
How to Be Considered for Promotion if You’ve Been on Active Duty for Less Than 1 Year
The FY23 promotion board NAVADMIN was released this month. If you are in-zone or above-zone for an upcoming promotion board but you’ve been on active duty for less than 1 year, you should read #7 from the NAVADMIN, which says (I edited out the line only portion and focused on staff corps relevant content only):
7. In-zone and above-zone eligible officers in the grades of chief warrant officer 2/3/4, lieutenant, lieutenant commander and commander, whose placement on the Active-Duty list is within one year of the convening dates of these boards, are automatically deferred unless they specifically request to be considered. The officer may waive this deferment and request consideration for promotion, in writing, emailed to NPC_Officer_SELBD_Elig_Waivers.fct(at)navy.mil or mailed to:
Commander, Navy Personnel Command (PERS-802)
5720 Integrity Drive
Millington, TN 38055-0000For in-zone and above-zone eligible staff corps officers in the grade of commander, in-zone and
above-zone eligible line and staff corps officers in the grades of lieutenant commander and lieutenant, and in-zone and above-zone chief warrant officers, the request must be received by PERS-802 not later than 2359 CST 30 days prior to the convening date of the respective board. Specifically:Selection To Convening Date Due Date / Time
Staff Corps Captain 8 FEB 22 8 JAN 22 / 2359 CST
Staff Corps Commander 2 MAY 22 1 APR 22 / 2359 CST
Staff Corps Lieutenant Commander 2 MAY 22 1 APR 22 / 2359 CST
What does this mean and why would it apply to you? Maybe you had prior service, you went to medical school, and now you’re a senior LT who is in-zone for LCDR right away. Maybe you did a civilian NADDS residency and you are in-zone right away for LCDR. There might be other situations that would put you in this position, like getting time-in-grade credit for other experience.
If you believe you are in this position, here is what I’d do:
- Confirm you are in-zone or above-zone. How can you do this? The easiest way if you are MC or DC is to read Chapter 2 of the Promo Prep. Or you can read this post that explains how zones work for the various corps.
- If you wish to be considered for promotion to LCDR, CDR, or CAPT, do what it says above. Send the letter simply requesting this. It can probably be a very short letter. There is no need to be verbose.
- Also, here is a great article on this topic from the August 2018 Medical Corps Newsletter:
Holiday Message from the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
MHS Team:
I’m honored to be performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.
Having been a part of this extraordinary organization for several years, and having spent most of my career in military medicine, I know both its important work and the outstanding talent of our personnel accomplishing our important work. In my experience, few match the skills and expertise of those within the Military Health System.
Your tireless dedication to our Service members and their families has always been an inspiration. That’s perhaps never been more apparent than over this past year. You not only ensured we met our readiness mission, you helped us navigate truly unprecedented changes and challenges—and military medicine and the people and communities we serve are stronger for it.
Together, we led critical, system-wide modernization efforts, and completed all market standups in the U.S. under the direction of the DHA. The MHS assumed a leadership role in responding to the pandemic, both within DoD and our larger communities. To date, we’ve administered more than 6.5 million COVID-19 vaccines, ensured the military got vaccinated to protect themselves and their teammates against COVID-19, and supported many more vaccinations at civilian sites around the United States.
And of course, this was all done while continuing to deliver the exceptional, world-class care our beneficiaries deserve and expect. Thank you!
The year ahead will undoubtedly present new challenges—and I’m confident in our ability to respond. Your many efforts have positioned the entire enterprise for future success, and I look forward to taking this work on together.
Finally, as friends and family gather in the coming days, it’s vital that we continue to encourage everyone to get vaccinated and we continue to employ prudent public health measures. Omicron is spreading quickly, and the best way to ensure a safe holiday season for everyone is by getting your shots and boosters. In addition, this can be a difficult time for some of our personnel, so please stay vigilant and aware of the needs of your teammates. Finally, in the coming weeks, some of you will deploy to help our Nation weather the Omicron wave. For those mobilizing and those maintaining our exceptional care, thank you!
As I noted, it’s been an extremely busy year. I want to encourage you to try to take time to recharge and reflect on all that you’ve accomplished. Your colleagues, our beneficiaries, and our Country are incredibly grateful.
From our MHS family to all of yours, wishing you a very joyous and safe holiday season!
Dr. David J. Smith, M.D.
Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense – Health Affairs
Department of Defense
SG Message – Thank You for Standing Holiday Watch!
Esteemed Colleagues:
As we prepare for the upcoming holiday season I’d like to offer special appreciation to those who are currently deployed, selflessly standing the watch to preserve our precious freedoms and to those who have stepped up to take holiday duty so their shipmates can be with their families. As a world-wide 24/7/365 operation, Navy Medicine couldn’t carry out its mission to project medical power for naval superiority without your dedication and mission focus-THANK YOU!
Also, remember that the holidays can be a stressful time. We ask that you continue to look after your shipmates; never underestimate the positive impact your actions can have on those who may be in need of support and understanding.
The coronavirus remains a challenging and persistent adversary, and we appreciate everything you’ve done to keep Sailors, Marines, military family members, and our fellow citizens safe. We are immensely grateful for all the incredible work you have done across all our platforms during these busy and trying times. Your patients are enjoying the holidays with their families because of your compassionate and expert care. Well done!
On behalf of the entire Navy Medicine Leadership team, we wish you a safe and restful holiday and look forward to seeing you next year energized and ready to surmount whatever new challenges come our way. Please take a moment to click on one of the links below to watch a holiday video message from the FORCM, DSG, and myself. There are “special scenes” at the end that you don’t want to miss 😎
Navy Medicine Holiday Video:
— Navy Medicine DVIDS (Gov’t Computer Access):
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/826373/us-navy-surgeon-general-holiday-video
— Navy Medicine YouTube Channel:
— Navy Medicine Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/USNavyMedicine
Happy Holidays!
With my deepest gratitude, SG
Bruce L. Gillingham, MD, CPE, FAOA
RADM, MC, USN
Surgeon General, U.S. Navy
Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
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If you want to nerd out, here is the Vanguard 2022 outlook paper:
Joel Schofer's Career Planning Blog 