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Navy Announces New Combat Meritorious Advancement Program

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050427-01
Release Date: 4/27/2005 10:39:00 AM

By Lt. Kyle Raines, Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy established the Combat Meritorious Advancement Program in April, which provides commanders the opportunity to advance junior enlisted Sailors who display uncommon valor and extraordinary leadership while engaged in, or in direct support of, combat operations.

“Our nation and our Navy are at war; this program recognizes and rewards those that have excelled in combat, the crucible of leadership,” said Vice Adm. Gerry Hoewing, Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP). “Most importantly, this recognition will come from the commanders who are directly engaged in taking the fight to the enemy in combat.”

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command; Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command; and Commander, U.S. Marine Forces Central Command have been designated as final approval authority for the commands and units assigned to their respective area of responsibility. CNP has the authority to advance Sailors who meet the criteria under this program but are attached to other commands.

All nominations must be submitted to the appropriate command within one year of the meritorious action or performance in combat. Meritorious action that occurred in the previous year is eligible.

While not an all-inclusive list, the following actions are examples of situations that may warrant consideration under this program:

· Sailors actively participating in ground action or operations against an armed opponent.

· Sailors actively involved in offensive or defensive engagements against hostile seaborne watercraft (e.g., members directly involved in visit, board, search and seizure operations as part of a boarding party or defense of an offshore oil facility).

· Active participation in ordnance clearing, removal, or render-safe operations.

· Active involvement in anti-terrorism/force protection missions where armed engagement with an opposing force occurs.

More information on the Combat Meritorious Advancement Program, including specific eligibility requirements, can be found in Naval Administrative Message 077/05 at www.bupers.navy.mil/navadmin/nav05/nav05077.txt.