by Lt. Cmdr. Tony Grayson
Board Basics Photo by Mike Smith
from the
Bureau of Personnel Several promotion and screening boards are on the horizon. Do not put your promotion or screening selection at risk because your record is not correct or complete. In this article, we will cover the basics of record maintenance, methods to correct errors, and board cycles. Remember—the content of your service record is the primary method that the board will use to evaluate your performance relative to that of your peers.
Board Basics
There are two types of boards: statutory promotion boards and submarine administrative selection boards. Statutory promotion boards include officer promotions and are governed by law. Administrative selection boards include submarine major command (MC) screening, submarine commanding officer (CO) screening, submarine executive officer (XO) screening, and submarine department head (DH) 6 F A L L 2 0 0 7 | W I N T E R 2 0 0 8 U N D E R S E A WA R F A R E
screening. Administrative boards are run by the Submarine Officer Distribution Division (PERS-42) of Naval Personnel Command (NPC) under the direction of Submarine Force leadership.
Board Eligibility
For Statutory Promotion Boards, eligibility by lineal number is promulgated by a NAVADMIN message that is released every December (at least 30 days prior to the first board) which sets the promotion “zones.” Your lineal number can be found on your Officer Data Card (ODC) at the Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS) Online (BOL) or in the following link: http://buperscd. technology.navy.mil/bup _updt/upd_CD/ BUPERS/Register/RegOpenMenu.html The NPC website also maintains an eligibility list (http://www.npc.navy.mil/ Boards/ActiveDutyOfficer/) for upcoming statutory boards. This list is continually updated until 3 weeks before the board
convenes. Administrative Board eligibility is determined by your year group (YG). The YGs that are being considered for each board are listed above with the schedule. If you have any questions concerning eligibility, call PERS-421B at DSN 882-3932.
Board Preparation
There are many tools available to help with your board preparation. They include:
BUPERS Online BUPERS Online (BOL) is an essential tool that is always at your disposal and should be your primary resource for board preparation. Verifying fitness report (FITREP) continuity is the most important aspect of board preparation. Continuity can be verified in BOL and the CD-ROM copy of your record can be ordered from BOL, as well. Although there is a considerable amount of specific information on BOL, ordering
