Sailors may be given additional time to meet fitness targets, depending on their progress.
The Navy has updated its policy barring sailors from advancing or reenlisting after failing a second physical fitness assessment (PFA). The new policy, effective June 18, grants commanding officers (COs) greater discretion in managing sailors who fail the fitness assessment. Commanding Officers can now assess a sailor’s progress and make decisions based on individual efforts and overall potential rather than automatically ending their careers.
According to a naval administrative message (NAVADMIN), the change provides commanding officers “the ability to manage risk, recognize earnest effort, and best take care of their people.” The service added, “This change provides command leadership discretion on retention recommendations to exercise in the best interests of the Navy.”
Previously, sailors who failed their first PFA had to complete their command’s fitness program and pass a second PFA to advance. Failure to pass the second assessment ended their naval career.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Carlos Del Toro to be led by God as he heads the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
- For discernment for commanding officers as they assess sailors under their command.
Sources: Navy Times, Stripes