USS NIMITZ, At Sea — Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz took part in the Petty Officer 1st Class Navy-wide advancement exam on the ship’s forward mess decks, March 1.
The Navy-wide advancement exams take place for qualified enlisted sailors E-3 to E-5 twice a year. The exams test sailors’ knowledge in areas of basic military regulations and in-rate training.
For sailors taking the exams, the key to success is to study up to date bibliographies which are available for download online.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Harris hoped his study strategy would pay off. “I feel decent about this exam,” the Longview, Texas, native said. “I reviewed the material over the last several months and really tackled it this last week.”
Petty Officer 2nd Class Marco Cater-Johnson felt prepared after hitting the books with his roommates. “We all studied together,” the Newark, N.J., native said. “I’ve found it’s helpful to study in groups. I think the test went pretty well as a result.”
Early preparation was key, explained Petty Officer 2nd Class Marygrace Cerrillo. “I downloaded all the material from the bibliography three months before the exam,” the Oxnard, Calif., native said. “I used flashcards and studied one hour each night, and one hour each morning. I feel pretty confident.”
If he doesn’t advance from this exam Carter-Johnson explained he plans to immediately prepare for the next. “I’ll be disappointed, sure, but I’ll study harder and sharpen my focus.”
For bibliographies and other advancement-related material, visit the Navy Advancement Center website at www.nko.navy.mil