Letter to Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations - ERB Affected Soldiers

Letter

On Thursday Congressman Rigell wrote Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert requesting he consider rehiring sailors affected by last year's Enlistment Retention Board (ERB) process as the Navy looks to staff up. Nearly 3,000 sailors were affected by the ERB, which cut the enlistment contracts of mid-career enlisted Sailors as part of an effort to reduce personnel in 31 overmanned ratings. However, Greenert recently said publicly that the Navy is looking to enlist about 3,000 new sailors.

"The ERB process forced out of the Navy many good sailors with years of commendable service and valuable experience," wrote Rigell, who sits on the House Armed Services Committee and whose district is home to more active duty and retired military than any other in the country. "In my discussions with some of these sailors and their families, we have learned that some of these sailors were given poor advice about the process by Command Career Counselors. Some could have cross-rated, but were told to stay in their rates and that ERB would not affect them due to the quality of their records. Furthermore, neither these sailors nor their commands were given adequate explanation regarding the termination of their enlistment contracts. At the very least, these otherwise well performing sailors should have been afforded the opportunity of a debrief on their performance and where it was lacking prior to their termination."

According to an April 1, 2013, article by the Navy Times, Greenert recently "emphasized that the service is sweetening many re-up bonuses to keep talented sailors in and aims to enlist 3,000 more sailors.'

"I am about 3,000 below where I want to be and we have the valve pretty wide open, so if there is a message here, we are hiring," Greenert said in the March 26 interview with the publication.

Rigell has been fighting for ERB sailors since last year, requesting the Navy consider making exceptions for those sailors who are near the 15-year retirement mark.

The full text of Rigell's letter to Greenert is below:

May 9, 2013

Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert
Chief of Naval Operations
1000 Navy Pentagon
Washington, D.C. 20350

Dear Admiral Greenert,

I am writing today regarding your most recent announcement that the "Navy is hiring." As you develop plans to do so, please consider rehiring those sailors separated through the Enlistment Retention Board (ERB) process, so long as they hold acceptable records.

The ERB process forced out of the Navy many good sailors with years of commendable service and valuable experience. In my discussions with some of these sailors and their families, we have learned that some of these sailors were given poor advice about the process by Command Career Counselors. Some could have cross-rated, but were told to stay in their rates and that ERB would not affect them due to the quality of their records. Furthermore, neither these sailors nor their commands were given adequate explanation regarding the termination of their enlistment contracts. At the very least, these otherwise good performing sailors should have been afforded the opportunity of a debrief on their performance and where it was lacking prior to their termination.

By reenlisting former sailors who were solid performers the Navy would not have to spend the money and resources needed for basic training. Rather, it could focus on getting these sailors into their new rates and producing for the Navy. These sailors could add immediate value as the Navy expands warfare areas like cyber-warfare, where the Navy has signaled the need for new sailors across the fleet.

This approach would not only keep costs down, but would restore a sense of justice for sailors who were adversely affected by ERB. It would give them the opportunity to rejoin the sea service they cherish.

I appreciate your attention on this matter and respectfully ask for a written reply.

Yours in Freedom,

Scott Rigell
Member of Congress

Source