Millington, TN. -- With advancement results released Nov. 16, many Sailors are celebrating, while others look for steps to increase their opportunities during the next advancement cycle.

"Superior performance is still the most important factor in getting advanced," according to Vice Adm. J.C. Harvey, Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP). "The weight of the performance mark average from a Sailor's evaluation promotion recommendation has increased by seven percent. The weight of service-in-pay grade and pass-not-advanced points has decreased by approximately one-half," Harvey said.

"It is extremely important for commanding officers, executive officers, and command master chiefs to communicate with those who did not get advanced this cycle," Harvey added.

According to CNP, one thing the chain of command can do to assist Sailors not selected for advancement is schedule a career development board (CDB). A CDB provides personnel the opportunity to discuss their career progression, the health of their rating, and their short and long-term goals for the future.

It allows a Sailor and his or her chain of command to review the Sailor's record and identify ways to improve competitiveness in future advancement cycles.

According to the Navy's Center for Career Development (CCD), located at Navy Personnel Command, some questions a Sailor should ask during the board include:

- What can I do to gain more authority and responsibility in my current position to make me more competitive for the next higher pay grade?

- I passed but didn't advance the last advancement exam, what changes can I make to improve my chances next time?

- In order to make me more competitive for advancement and to round out my rating expertise, what should my next assignment or duty station be?

- What can members of this board do to assist me both professionally and personally in order to help me achieve success?

- What is the status of my rating? Advancement is extremely limited in overmanned rates and Sailors may want to consider a rating conversion to increase advancement opportunities.

Every Sailor should have a mentor and should also look for opportunities to mentor other Sailors who can benefit from their diverse experiences, according to Chief Navy Counselor (AW) Kelly L. Strickland, a career counselor at CCD. A mentor is a trusted counselor or guide who is looking out for the best interests of his or her Sailor. This includes advancement opportunities, but also includes helping the Sailor reach other personal and professional goals.

"It is extremely important to have a mentor," added Strickland. "It's great to have that person in your career to receive information and points of view from."

It's never too early to start planning for the next advancement cycle.

"I suggest that Sailors who did not advance this cycle start studying again," said Strickland. "You should also realize performance carries the most weight in advancement. Look at your last evaluation and improve in the areas you scored less in."