During the Navy

So what is the assignment process all about? If you really want to know, check out the commonly asked questions (and answers) below.

How is my assignment determined?

Generally, two major factors are considered in determining your assignments: the Navy’s needs and your wants. If you have the necessary experience (as you progress in the Navy), or are able to train for the assignment and the Navy needs you there, you have a good chance of getting the assignment you want.

About 9–12 months before your scheduled transfer date, you will start talking about new assignment options with your Detailer (the person who determines your assignment). When you’ve agreed with the Detailer on the best assignment to help you achieve your career goals, you’ll get written transfer orders and you can begin planning your move. You can also speak with your Detailer about opportunities for additional training between your old and new assignments.

I have a family. What will happen to them during my assignment?

Sailors who are married or have dependents can have their family move with them to their home base. The Navy has several programs available to help ease a family’s transition to the Sailor’s new assignment. For example, there’s something called the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) to help Sailors who have family members with special needs.*

* Special needs include any special medical, dental, mental health, developmental or educational requirement, wheelchair accessibility, adaptive equipment or assistive technology devices and services.

How much time off will I get?

One of the really nice perks of being a Sailor is all the vacation time (in the Navy it’s called leave) you’ll get — 30 days each year. If you don’t take all your 30 days in one year, you can bank up to 60 days and use it in the future.

What are sea-to-shore rotations?

During your Navy career, some assignments will be at sea, and some will be ashore. In fact, the Navy has developed a sea-to-shore rotation program for each career to insure you will get the hands-on operational experience (sea duty) and critical classroom/technical training and support experience (shore duty) to advance your career.