Navy Suspends Enlisted Early Transition Program

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- The Navy announced plans to suspend the Enlisted Early Transition Program (EETP) as leaders focus on maintaining current force levels, officials said Nov. 30.

"Today's challenges have shifted from reducing the end strength to stabilizing the force and filling gaps at sea," said Chief of Naval Personnel, Vice Adm. Scott Van Buskirk. "EETP will remain suspended until there is sufficient future need for this program."

EETP is a force shaping program that allowed approved Sailors to voluntarily separate from the Navy prior to the end of their enlistment.

First implemented in 2008 to allow Sailors to request to separate up to 12 months early, the program was expanded in 2011 to allow eligible Sailors to separate up to 24 months early when the Navy experienced unprecedented retention and outstanding recruiting success. The voluntary early separation of selected Sailors allowed further stabilization and alignment of the force. Since then, the Navy has made significant progress in balancing the force, according to Van Buskirk.

Under NAVADMIN 359/12, released Nov. 30, Navy Personnel Command (NPC) will no longer accept requests to separate under this program. Requests received by NPC on or after the release date of NAVADMIN 359/12 will be returned without action. Requests submitted and received prior to the release of the NAVADMIN 359/12 will still be considered.

Commanding officers may no longer separate Sailors early under EETP. Commanding officers may still authorize voluntary early separation up to 90 days early in accordance with MILPIRSMAN 1910-102.

The Early Career Transition Program (ECTP) is unaffected and remains an option for Sailors seeking an early release from active duty with an intent to continue their careers in the Navy Reserve.

For more information read NAVADMIN 359/12 or contact the NPC customer service center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC (1-866-827-5672).

For more news from Navy Personnel Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/npc/.