Research for Prior Service Sailors

Lateral entry in the labor force is when an employee is hired and placed in an above-entry level position. We examine the possibility for lateral entry in the Navy enlisted force. We analyze two groups of possible lateral entrants: prior service (PS) and non-prior service (NPS) recruits. We examine the experience of PS Sailors upon return to active duty. We find that PS Sailors can be demoted and have slower career progression upon their return compared to similar Sailors who do not have a break in active duty service. We also find that the pool of potential NPS lateral entrants is quite large. However, it will be a financial challenge to bring certain experienced workers into the Navy, such as those in technical occupations. In addition, the current military compensation system is not conducive to lateral entry. We recommend that the Navy build a set of consistent, streamlined policies for returning Navy veterans and recognize skills and experience gained in earlier Navy service or in the civilian sector. In addition, the Navy needs to continue to advocate for military compensation reform and expand the search for lateral entrants beyond PS personnel.