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For many prospective Sailors, one of the hardest decisions after choosing to join the military is picking a career path. There are 71 enlisted ratings in the Navy, and the possibilities can be overwhelming. When she spoke to the detailer at her military entrance processing station (MEPS), Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Cynthia Vu had no idea what type of work she could see herself doing for the next four years. She decided the best choice was to join the Navy as a Professional Apprenticeship Career Track (PACT) Sailor.
The PACT program provides a required general workforce to support operational readiness and is designed to enlist Sailors into a monitored, general apprenticeship program that provides apprentice-level formal and on-the-job training, leading to a viable career field within two years onboard their permanent duty station.
“I came into the Navy not knowing anything about the military,” said Vu. “I wanted a fresh start and to use the military as a stepping stone to further my career. So, when I was sitting at MEPS, I didn’t know what rate I wanted. I really wanted to experience all the Navy had to offer, so I chose undesignated.”
Vu arrived to amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in May of 2018. After working with deck department for eight months, she worked with supply department until it was time for her to strike a rate.
Under the PACT program, undesignated Sailors must wait until 12 months prior to their projected rotation date to strike a rate. Once a Sailor becomes eligible to strike a rate, they conduct a career development board with their command’s career counselor to discuss their intentions. Then the Sailor applies for a rate and a duty station based on billet availability through MyNavy Assignment (MNA). If the Sailor doesn’t have a rate available during the cycle, they may choose to not apply for a rate or work on requirements needed for others. If a Sailor chooses not to pick up a rate, they may serve as a PACT Sailor until their end of active obligated service (EAOS).
Upon selection of orders, Sailors must obligate service to meet the tour length requirements for the rating selected or extend a minimum of 24 months sea duty (whichever is greater) and can be advanced to E4 with the approval of their commanding officer. Vu had attempted to strike a rate for her sixth time, when she was finally selected for the personnel specialist rate.
“I was in shock,” said Vu. “I was so happy and couldn’t believe it was real until they showed me my name highlighted and that I struck a rate.”
While the life of an undesignated Sailor may not always be easy, Vu says earning a rating is a rewarding experience. She recently promoted to the rank of third class petty officer.
| Date Taken: | 03.11.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 04.15.2020 07:42 |
| Story ID: | 367415 |
| Location: | EAST CHINA SEA |
| Web Views: | 4,224 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Striking a Rate, by PO1 Jomark Almazan, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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