Navy News | January 25, 2008
MILLINGTON, Tenn. – With the continuing need for Sailors to serve
Individual Augmentee (IA) and war on terrorism support assignments,
the Navy recognizes the importance of rewarding these Sailors for
their heroism. One of the rewards for these Sailors is meritorious
advancement.
Since 2005, when the combat meritorious advancement program
(CMAP) was announced in NAVADMIN 077/05, more than 150 Sailors have
been advanced for their actions in combat situations; many of them
for actions during an IA.
“Most advancements approved have been for actions in Iraq and
Afghanistan,” said Lt. Cmdr. Kimberly Pizanti the enlisted
advancement planner for enlisted force-shaping and
advancements.
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Brian Mullis, of Strategic
Communications Wing 1, earned the promotion to petty officer 2nd
class through CMAP, following a successful tour with the Asadabad
Provincial Reconstruction Team in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan
from May 2006 to May 2007.
“This feels pretty good,” Mullis said after his advancement
ceremony. “(CMAP) is a great program for those guys that go over
there and go above and beyond to put themselves in danger. There
were times where it was real dangerous, and things could have
gotten pretty ugly. To go over there and be recognized like this
makes you feel like it was all worth it.”
In order to qualify for the program, Sailors must currently be
in pay grades E1 through E5 as the program is not authorized to
promote Sailors to E7 or above.
The Sailor’s command must submit a request through their chain
of command to be approved by the commanding officer and sent on to
the awarding authority. Full instructions on the requirements and
submission process can be found in BUPERSINST 1430.16F.
“The packages we receive are absolutely impressive,” said
Pizanti. “There are Sailors out there every day going above and
beyond in the most trying of circumstances.
“They are responding to urgent situations with professionalism,
maturity, courage, sacrifice and dedication. Package upon package
comes in with stories about shipmates placing themselves in harm’s
way for their fellow warriors, be they American or foreign, and the
citizens of foreign countries.”
According to Pizanti the Sailors advanced under this program are
being recognized as leaders, and “they are an example for all to
follow. I personally am honored to facilitate the advancement of
these outstanding, well-deserving Sailors.”
Sailors who may deserve advancement through CMAP and think their
command may not know about the program should not be afraid to
bring it up with their supervisors.
“Just ask. It can’t hurt. commands need to be aware of this
program and in-theater commands should already know,” Pizanti
added.
Advancement through CMAP does not limit the Sailor from
receiving any additional awards for their actions. Sound Off…What
do you think? Join the discussion.
Copyright 2008 Navy News. All opinions expressed in this article
are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of
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