Sailors can get up to $90,000 to ship over

Sailors can get up to $90,000 to ship over
By Mark D. Faram - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Oct 6, 2007 8:59:14 EDT

Sailors in critical ratings and skills are now eligible for a $90,000 Selective Re-enlistment Bonus — the highest payout of any military service — effective immediately.

The award level is being offered to some SEALs, all sailors in the explosive ordnance disposal rating, and those with any of 10 nuclear power naval enlisted classifications. All previously qualified for bonus at the $75,000 level.

The expansion has afforded thousands of other sailors in various ratings the chance to move up into the $60,000 and $75,000 payout levels, while bringing sailors in new ratings the chance to claim a $45,000 award, as well.

The $90,000 payout was announced in an Oct. 2 Naval Administrative message. That same update saw increases in payout potential for 184 rating and pay grade combinations — 46 of which were new to the program.

On the downside, sailors in 72 NECs will see a decrease in payout, including some being dropped from the list altogether.

“This is for those sailors who have the critical skills we need most,” said Rear Adm. Mike LeFever, head of manpower plans for the Navy’s chief of personnel in Arlington, Va., about the new levels. “We are operating in a market-driven environment, and we have to be willing to pay the market price to keep folks in.”


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/10/navy_srb_boost_071003w/