Millington, Tennessee - In an effort to improve support for dual military families, Navy Personnel Command updated the current collocation policy. These changes are reflected in the new MILPERSMAN 1300-1000, which was released on March 12.

Here is what you need to know:

1. Existing policies were primed for review and update.

The Navy realizes how important families are, and when they're not whole it can add stress to a Sailor's life. Collocation of dual-military couples is part of supporting families. It is a priority, along with balancing fleet readiness. The revised policy updates the collocation and distribution procedures and makes orders negotiation less cumbersome.

2. Changes are being made to existing personnel information technology (IT) systems.

Adjustments to personnel IT systems will better identify dual-military families, providing detailers a better means to coordinate collocation during Sailors' orders negotiation window.

3. Instead of opting in, the Sailor can decide to opt out.

In the past, a Sailor had to request collocation during each orders negotiation. Now Sailors will submit a one-time request that will remain in effect until the Sailor tells their detailer otherwise. If a Sailor chooses not to be collocated, they contact their detailer and negotiate appropriate orders.

4. A flag officer review is required when detailers can't collocate dual-military families.

To ensure Navy Personnel Command has done everything possible to accommodate dual-military collocation, the Assistant Commander, Navy Personnel Command for Distribution will review instances where the Navy cannot support collocation for any reason other than when a Sailor chooses to opt out.

5. The Navy is serious about making this work.

The fleet is invested in collocation. For example, the submarine community is currently expanding homeport options for female officers and will be extending options for female enlisted in the future.

To keep the system working properly, the Navy requires Sailors to keep their records updated, especially if there is a change in marital status.

For more information, visit http://www.npc.navy.mil and read MILPERSMAN 1300-1000.