USA: Engineman, Machinist’s Mate Ratings Realign

The Navy announced the realignment of approximately 2,000 Sailors from the Engineman (EN) rating to the Machinist’s Mate (MM) rating and disestablishment of the Full Time Support (FTS) EN rating according to a Navy message released Dec. 19.

The move will enhance surface ship readiness and improve diesel engine proficiency and effectiveness, according to NAVADMIN 382/12.

“By realigning Engineman and Machinist’s Mates who already have certain skills, the Navy will not only improve fleet readiness, but allow those Sailors to continue to have a viable career in the Navy,” said Master Chief Machinist’s Mate (SW/AW) Jerome Tellis, MM technical advisor, Bureau of Naval Personnel/Millington.

EN Sailors will be responsible for diesel operation, repair and maintenance.

Current EN Sailors who have experience in diesel propulsion, as indicated by a combination of a primary Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) code and last billet filled, will remain an EN and those who have an auxiliary background will be converted to MM.

The following NECs will remain EN: 4302, 4303, 4304, 4305, 4306, 4308, 4310, 4314, 4324, 4333, 4334, 4340, 4342, 4343, 4346, 4366 and 4370. However, based on career progression in regards to pay grade, Sea Shore Flow and billet distribution, some EN Sailors with limited diesel propulsion experience will also remain EN, as determined by enlisted community managers.

Sailors in the MM rating will not be affected by this realignment unless they desire to convert to EN.

NAVADMIN 382/12 details realignment actions and timelines required by units with ENs and MMs.

Sailors affected by the EN and MM realignment should have a career development board with their chain of command to address all options as a result of the realignment.

Enlisted community managers will make final determination on shifting personnel between EN and MM ratings to support overall community health and needs of the Navy.

For E1-E9 active-duty and E6-E9 Reserve Sailors, official conversion from EN or MM rated Sailors will be effective May 1, and E1-E5 Reserve conversions will be effective Oct. 1, 2013.

The FTS EN rating, which has about 280 Sailors, will be disestablished Oct. 1, 2013. After an extensive review of advancement opportunity, career diversity and the reduction of FTS EN billets resulting from the EN/MM rating realignment, officials decided to remove the EN rating from the FTS program. These Sailors can remain FTS and covert to another FTS rating that has convert-in quotas; remain in the EN rating or convert to MM and reenlist in the active component; request early separation; or if eligible, transfer to the Fleet/Reserve or retire by Sept. 30, 2013.

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Naval Today Staff, December 20, 2012; Image: US Navy