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Navy Continues Hiring Amid High Retention

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110830-07
8/30/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SCW) Michael B. Lavender, Commander, Navy Recruiting Command Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Commander, Navy Recruiting Command's monthly recruiting Mission Day begins Aug. 31 and the Navy still needs new Sailors in hard-to-fill rates to meet this year's recruiting goals.

The U.S. Navy is looking for highly qualified applicants who are interested in serving, including those who have previously worn the uniform.

On average, less than one percent of annual enlisted accessions are comprised of prior service applicants. For fiscal year 2010, more than 34,000 men and women joined the Navy as active duty enlisted Sailors, of which only 131 were prior service members.

However, the Navy is still hiring, needing more than 46,000 highly qualified active and reserve, enlisted and officer applicants each year. The quality of recruits, including those who re-enter the service, is extraordinarily high, meaning only the best are accepted to serve in America's Navy.

If prior service applicants desire re-entry, they must ensure their physical fitness is high enough to meet Navy standards, that their height and weight meet the current requirements, and that they have their records in order.

Additionally, prior service applicants are encouraged to consider other ratings in addition to the rating they held before leaving the Navy. The greatest needs are in challenging career fields such as nuclear power, Navy diver, air rescue swimmers, explosive ordnance disposal and Navy SEALs. Opportunities available are based on the needs of the Navy.

While greater retention in the military may limit the number of opportunities for those who have previously served, desirable skill sets and flexibility with rating choice improve chances for selection. Additional options are available in our Navy Reserve force.

For more information on joining (or rejoining) America's Navy, visit www.navy.com or talk with a local Navy recruiter. To find a recruiter near you, go to www.navy.com and click on "Find a Recruiter."

With 70 percent of the world covered in ocean, 80 percent of the world's population living near coasts and 90 percent of the world's commerce traveling by water, America's Navy continues to be forward deployed as a global force for good. Navy Recruiting Command's mission is to recruit the best men and women for America's Navy to accomplish today's missions and meet tomorrow's challenges.