Author: Joel Schofer, MD, MBA, CPE
Navy Incentivizes the PRT for Sailors
WASHINGTON (NNS) The Navy announced several changes Tuesday to its Physical Readiness Program in NAVADMIN 141/17, including an incentive for Sailors to validate one physical readiness test (PRT) each year based on their fitness performance.
Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Robert Burke said that during his fleet visits he often hears ideas from Sailors on how to improve the Navy’s PRT process.
“I want Sailors to know we’ve heard them,” Burke said. “Many Sailors work hard to maintain high levels of physical fitness year round and I believe this provides an incentive to continue to excel. This effort is aimed at both incentivizing physical fitness and also reducing administrative distractions throughout the fleet.”
Those Sailors who pass the body composition assessment (BCA), are within the Navy age graduated body fat standards, and score an overall “excellent low” or better on the PRT, with no single event lower than a “good low,” will be exempt from participation in the next test. These changes will be effective Jan. 1, 2018, but be based on a Sailor’s performance during the second PRT cycle of 2017.
All Sailors, regardless of PRT performance will still be required to participate in the BCA each cycle. If a Sailor who is exempt from taking the PRT fails the BCA, they will be required to participate in the PRT that cycle.
Additionally, the Navy is also eliminating the use of elliptical machines as an alternate cardio device for use because of low usage across the fleet during the PRT. This decision was based on two factors. First, less than 4 percent of the Navy uses the elliptical for the PRT, and maintaining PRT compliant elliptical machines was becoming increasingly cost prohibitive. Shifting to nonPRT compliant elliptical machines will allow for more modern elliptical machines in Navy fitness facilities. While the 1.5 mile run remains the service standard, commanding officers may still authorize the use of approved stationary bikes, treadmills or allow Sailors to swim as alternate cardio.
The Navy is also exempting postpartum Sailors from participating in the physical fitness assessment (PFA) for six months following the Sailors’ maternity/convalescent leave. This change reflects an increase to the Navy’s increased maternity leave policy of 84 days following child birth. This will ensure Sailors have adequate time to return to weight standards and pass a PRT following a pregnancy.
“We want to ensure our Sailors have adequate time to recover and succeed post pregnancy,” said Burke. “This extended time will help Sailors return to fitness levels and standards in a safe and healthy way.”
Outside the Box Opportunities
Here are the slides for a lecture on “Outside the Box Opportunities” that I gave at the 2017 Transition to Practice Symposium at NMCSD for all the graduating residents and fellows:
Topics covered include:
- Moving after your are selected for promotion
- How to PCS away from a command you want to leave before your rotation date
- Naval Hospital 29 Palms
- AQDs
- JPME
- Naval Postgraduate School Distance Learning MBA program
- CMO and OIC positions
- Job announcements on this blog
Here is a video podcast:
2017 TCCC Quick Reference Guide
Download your copy of the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Quick Reference Guide:
TCCC Quick Reference Guide 2017
What you get: Abbreviated TCCC Guidelines, TCCC in Algorithm Format, Pharmacology Reference specific to TCCC, Planning Considerations, and more…
Navy Overhauling its Evaluation System in Drive Toward Pay-for-Performance
Here is an article that gives some details on the new system they are developing to replace fitness reports:
Navy Overhauling its Evaluation System in Drive Toward Pay-for-Performance
Blended Retirement System: 6 Major Considerations Before You Choose
Here is a nice article for those debating between the current retirement system and the new Blended Retirement System or BRS:
Blended Retirement System: What Will You Do? 6 Major Considerations Before You Choose
Conference Approval Made Easy
As put out by BUMED, here are the steps you need to take for the new/updated/easier conference approval process:
- Check the Conference Approval Website (you need to pick your e-mail certificate on your CAC card) for the most current ‘Requiring BUMED Approval’ List.
- If the conference IS NOT on the list, commands are authorized to approve travel. The member only needs to route a TAD request as per local command policy.
- If the conference IS on the list, members are required to work through their Specialty Leader or Quota Manager to be approved per the BUMED Conference Approval Process (similar to before).
The new process is supposed to be much easier for everyone. The intent is to make it easy for anyone to attend a conference costing < $100K, while still maintaining cognizance of conferences > $100K (without recreating an administrative burden).
NOTE – This is a summary of the new conference approval policy. Please refer to guidance posted on the Conference Approval Website (you need to pick your e-mail certificate on your CAC card) for directive guidance.
2017 Joint Service GME Selection Board Application Procedures
Here is the just released BUMED Note that spells out how to apply for GME in 2017 and which residencies/fellowships are anticipated to be available:
Nominations Call for MHS Female Physician Leadership Award
The deadline for nominations for the Military Health System (MHS) Female Physician Leadership Award is COB 10 JUL 2017. Here are three documents to help with completing the nomination package:
Command Letter of Recommendation Sample
MHS Female Physician Leadership Award Criteria
MHS Female Physician Leadership Award Nomination Form
Nomination packages should contain the Command Endorsement, CV, and Nomination Form. Package documents should be submitted in one consolidated PDF format with the following standardized naming – title the PDF “Last Name First Initial_Service_Jr or Sr_FPL_17”
Example: SmithB_Navy_Jr_FPL_17
The suspense for packages to be submitted for Service vetting is COB 10 JUL 2017, (1600 EST). This suspense is FIRM, as packages must be vetted and selected by Navy/SG for submission to MHS. Packages should be sent to the NAVY POC: CAPT Charmagne G. Beckett (e-mail address in BUMED global).
Non-Surgical and Surgical Detailer Positions Available – O4 to O6
The Non-Surgical Detailer position is available this upcoming winter and the Surgical Detailer position is available summer 2018. Here is the information on the positions:
Medical Corps Detailer Positions Announcement
Detailer Position Announcement
Non-Surgical Detailer position available winter 2018 and Surgical Detailer position open summer 2018. Seeking motivated LCDRs, CDRs, or CAPT from any specialty.
- Career enhancing: This is a high-visibility job that will give you career diversification.
- Make a difference: As a detailer assigning positions and providing career counseling, you have the opportunity to positively affect member’s lives and change policy at a high level.
- Work life balance. Ever thought about life without call or 24 hour shifts? This is a unique opportunity to help Navy Medicine and maintain optimal work life balance.
- Stay clinical. All 3 physician detailers stay clinically active. Many options for local or permissive TAD clinical experiences.
- Memphis! Live in Memphis–the home of the blues, the birthplace of Rock n Roll, and the biggest city in Tennessee. Urban offerings (museums, restaurants, night-life, zoo), history (Civil War, Music), outdoor activities (running, hiking, camping, road-biking, canoeing, etc.), and food and beverage options (BBQ, Jack Daniels) abound. Check out this website: http://ilovememphisblog.com/
- Kids? Live affordably in a gorgeous neighborhood with one of the best school districts in Tennessee. (http://lakelandk12.org/) (http://oakwoodlakeland.com/)
- Single? Exciting downtown Memphis is only 20 minutes away from Navy Personnel Command.
- Spouse? The job market is excellent for spouses in Memphis, Tennessee and home to several big employers including FEDEX and St. Jude Children’s hospital.
If interested in the Non-Surgical Detailer position, please contact CDR Richard Childers at 901-874-4046. This position will need to be filled in the next 2 weeks. For the Surgical detailer position, please contact CAPT Nanette Rollene at 901-874-4094.
USAFRICOM Surgeon – O6 Only
The position as Command Surgeon for Headquarters (HQ) U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) is available this fall. The position requirements and report date are:
- O6 with command experience preferred.
- Board certification preferred.
- Top Secret/Secret Compartmentalized Information (TS/SCI) clearance required for position.
- Report no later than date of 30 SEP 2017.
Any interested party who meets the qualification needS to provide:
- Contact info
- Service Record Photo in current rank (if not already in record)
- Biography
- CV
- Specialty Leader endorsement
Applicants should return these documents to CDR Frank Mullens at BUMED (e-mail address is in the global address book) no later than 21 June (earlier is preferred). Questions/concerns should be directed to CDR Mullens.
Joel Schofer's Career Planning Blog 