The slating process is based on individual preferences, career progression, and needs of the Navy.  NOSC Command screened officers shall submit a ranked preference list.  The list must include all those NOSCs for which you are pay grade eligible.  For example; O5s are eligible for CDR and LCDR/CDR NOSCs. Junior officers may also include a limited number commands 1 rank above their current pay grade.

You may insert one ranked bid for “Deferred/Future Slating” into your preference list.  Place your defer bid at the point where you would rather be removed from current consideration in favor of a potential future slating or detailing. Please note that your Defer bid does not preclude you from being slated to any of the remaining commands if the needs of the Navy come into play, it is just another means of communicating your preferences.

Example:

CDR John Kruk

1.    Honolulu

2.    Miami

3.    Orlando

4.    DEFER

5.    Bessemer

6.    New Orleans

7.    Lemoore

8.    Millington

In the example above, CDR Kruk is telling the board that he would rather not be slated than to be given command of NOSCs  #5-8; Bessemer, New Orleans, Lemoore, and Millington. Ultimately, the board's ability to honor a defer bid will be predicated on the number of applicants versus the number commands i.e. 10 commands and 15 applicants means 5 officers may be deferred; 5 commands and 5 officers results in 0 deferred slates. Every effort will be made to honor your preferences.