Washington, DC - As part of ongoing reviews of policies that impact Fleet readiness, the Navy announced it is increasing its high year tenure (HYT) policy for active component and Full Time Support (FTS) E-3 Sailors by one year in NAVADMIN 290/17, today.

This change will retain experienced Sailors needed for both shore and sea duty as the Navy increases manpower to meet mission requirements and operational tasking.
The updated policy sets the maximum length of service (LOS) by paygrade, and will go into effect Feb. 1, 2018, increasing E-3 HYT to six years from the current five years of service.

In 2018, 1,280 E-3 Sailors will reach HYT under the current policy, and will now have an opportunity to continue naval service. Increasing HYT also provides these E-3 Sailors two more opportunities to advance.

HYT for all other active duty, FTS and Selected Reserve enlisted Sailors paygrades remain unchanged.

Sailors in receipt of or have pending HYT separation orders before to Feb. 1, 2018, who wish to remain in the Navy, may request cancellation of those orders by referencing the new HYT policy no later than Jan. 31, 2018.

Advancement-eligible Sailors who decide to continue their service in the Navy can take the March, cycle 239, Navy-wide petty officer advancement exam.

The Navy will continue to offer HYT waivers for enlisted Sailors who volunteer for sea duty on a case-by-case basis.