Continuum of Service initiatives give Sailors more options
4/1/2010
by MC1 (AW) LaTunya Howard
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- The Navy announced measures to streamline the processes for Sailors transitioning from active duty to Navy Reserve in NAVADMIN 114/10 March 29.

Perform-to-Serve (PTS) with Selected Reserve (SELRES) option, Career Management System/Interactive Detailing (CMS/ID) with SELRES option and the Career Transition Office (CTO) are all continuum-of-service initiatives that bridge the gap between active-duty and Reserve affiliation.

PTS expanded in October 2009, to include an option allowing Sailors to apply for active-duty and Navy Reserve quotas with the same PTS application, giving Sailors more career options. Sailors considering leaving active duty can now explore options in the Navy Reserve prior to separation.

This function benefits the Sailor by offering an avenue of continuation that was not available before. Previously, Sailors had to find a Reserve recruiter after separating from active duty.

The PTS and CMS/ID application process for active duty/FTS Sailors who want to remain on active duty are unchanged.

Sailors, who have approval for an active-duty/FTS PTS re-enlistment quota and have more than three months remaining until their end of obligated service (EAOS) or extended EAOS, may continue to apply for a SELRES quota. Approval for a SELRES quota does not cancel the active duty/FTS approval, but it does give the active-duty Sailor an additional option at EAOS.

When a Sailor is approved for a SELRES quota, he or she can view potential Navy Operational Support Center drill locations (formerly Navy Reserve Centers) using CMS/ID.

The Sailor, who chooses the PTS SELRES option, will begin the transition process at their command and personnel support detachment. A Reserve sponsor will be coordinated by the CTO.

According to NAVADMIN 229/09, CTO was established to provide Sailors with information on the benefits of Reserve affiliation, assist Sailors with transition from active-duty to Navy Reserve, and decrease processing time and potential pay interruption.

The Navy Reserve offers a two-year deployment deferment for Sailors who join the Reserve within six months of leaving active-duty.

Reserve service requires a minimum commitment of one weekend a month and two weeks every year. However, flexible drilling options may be made available depending upon Reserve unit requirements and procedures.

For questions concerning CTO, Sailors should call NPC Command Customer Service Center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC or send an email to cscmailbox@navy.mil.