In the latest force notes, the Force Manager addressed the lack of advancements that have occurred since Jan. Only 4 ET2s.
Only 1 ETC to Retire in April, and few after.
He also added that more of our out-of-rate ETs are transferring back into rate; which is unexpectedly taking up more of our billets.

What does this mean for advancements?
Why cut so deep, if there aren't any vacancies?
Okay, that might explain the ETs problem, but what about all the other rates that haven't been promoted, since the start of the new year?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: smirfy,

Arent advancements generally slow every year in Jan and Feb? Does this mean that they arent advancing anymore ETCS until Apr or the whole rate wont be seeing any advancements until Apr?

Usually yes. I don't expect to see advancements pick up untill April.

Along those same lines, I know an ET2 who is above the cut for ET1 that had the opportunity to hear the Rating Force Master Chief speak. He said that any ET3 on the supplemental list that doesn't advance by this summer will be taking a SWE. Now, that means that the supplemental list will be going away.

What can we try to forcast for cuts from the SWE that we will be taking in a few weeks. I'm an ET1 taking the ETC SWE again this year. In the past 2 years we've seen 67 and then 53 (I believe)...

Are we locking up?

quote:

Originally posted by 646clay:
Along those same lines, I know an ET2 who is above the cut for ET1 that had the opportunity to hear the Rating Force Master Chief speak. He said that any ET3 on the supplemental list that doesn't advance by this summer will be taking a SWE. Now, that means that the supplemental list will be going away.

What can we try to forcast for cuts from the SWE that we will be taking in a few weeks. I'm an ET1 taking the ETC SWE again this year. In the past 2 years we've seen 67 and then 53 (I believe)...

Are we locking up?

I was there as well, when the RFMC spoke last week at Hanscom AFB. He was very emphatic that there will be a ET2 Nov SWE. That might be the plan, but if the message does not come out June or July saying so; then there won't be. There has to be enough notice, for the members to qualify and verify their PDE. I would take this with a grain of salt, since there hasn't been a ET2 SWE for about decade. He also mentioned that there is only 20 ET2s taking the ET1 SWE this May. For whatever reason no one is competing for ET1. He said because of this shortage of testers, don't be supprised if they start to wave the sea time requirement for ET1.
646Clay, good luck this May.

Thanks, will you be testing?

That's amazing. Only 20 ET2's huh. Did he mention how many would be taking the ETC SWE?

I have a feeling a lot of people would be disturbed if the sea time requirement was waived for ET1. It's only a matter of time though.

Nothing we can do about it.

I personally believe that a lot of the ET3 billets at ESDs need to be ET2 billets so that we can get these A-School grads to sea. That's really where they learn what this is all about.

No, I am not qualified to take the test, since I am above the cut. However, I would take it again for practice, if I could.

The room occupied mostly E-4/E-5, so I think that was the RFMC's target audience. He didn't mention much about the ETCs, with the exception of statistical analysis and retirements; stuff we already know.

The majority of sea going billets for ETs are already ET3 positions. I think the billet structure aboard ships is right on. If there is a problem with ET3/ET2s' getting aboard ships, then we might need to reevaluate the sea time requirements or job sharing/TAD opportunities. I hate to say that, because an ET1 should definitely have sea experience. Another possible link to the lack of ET1 testers, is the mandatory retesting of the compromised ET1 EOCT and the new LAMS/LEAD requirement (which I know is not a requirement until May 09).

If that is the case, then it is a lack of motivation on the members part. I attended class with the LAMBS instructor/officer, two weeks ago, and to my surprise he said that his classes are still barely being filled. The other excuse: EPQS. I have had to redo EPQs many times in the past, because of either replacement or new policies being enforced.
Bottom line: You can always find an excuse if you are looking for one. It just doesn't fly in my book.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: smirfy,

quote:

LAMS/LEAD requirement

That is not a requirement until the May 09 SWE.

They cleared the IT2 list on 1 FEB from the November servicewide. Coming from that rate and seeing them do that the last three times is discouraging. All you basically need to do is spell your name right and your advanced.