Commander, Navy Reserve Force COVID-19 FAQ

Photo By Zachary Van Nuys | COVID-19 FAQ graphic.  

UNITED STATES

03.17.2020

Story by Chief Petty Officer Blake Midnight 

Commander, Navy Reserve Force   

CNRF COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

**UPDATED 12JUN20 @1343**

Below is a list of questions and answers that is intended to help navigate the Reserve Force through the COVID-19 pandemic. The CNRF team in Norfolk, Virginia has been working with the RCCs, NOSCs, squadrons, supporting commands, and individual Reservists to find solutions to normal procedures that have been disrupted. Note that CNRF is undertaking a broad and overarching review of specific policies during this time of precaution. CNRF will release updates and guidance without delay. Please utilize your chain of command and return to this page for periodic updates.

Topics:
• Resuming Drill Weekends
• Teleworking
• SGLI
• IRR
• AT/ADT/ADSW/Recall
• Mobilizations
• Overseas Travel and Isolation
• COVID-19
• Career

Resuming Drill Weekends

Q: When will regular, on-site drills resume?
A: Commander, Navy Reserve Force (CNRF) issued new guidance June 11 for resuming regular on-site drills at Navy Operational Support Centers (NOSC). The new guidance, ALNAVRESFOR 013/20, provides a methodical approach for resuming weekend drills slowly across the Force while mitigating the risk for COVID-19. The process is dependent upon local conditions, guidance from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, guidance from Commander, Navy Installations Command, and approval from the CNRF chain of command. Once a NOSC commanding officer is ready to begin resuming regular drills and meets all of the criteria, he or she will submit a request to their Navy Region Reserve Component Command (RCC) for approval. If local conditions are not right, however, Reservists can continue to perform liberal telework to earn their drill points and pay. The earliest a NOSC could theoretically resume on-site drills is July 11.

Q: If a NOSC is not resuming drills, will the NOSC remain open during weekends?
A: NOSCs will remain open during their previously scheduled Drill Weekends to support SELRES mission essential requirements and needs. However, Reservists shall contact their assigned NRA/unit chain of command in order to determine what type of support is required prior to coming to their assigned NOSC.

Q: Is my NOSC resuming drills?
A: Speak with your NOSC chain of command to get the latest status of your NOSC and any upcoming scheduled drills.

Teleworking

Q: I don’t have a telework agreement with my Reserve unit? Can I still telework?
A: Yes! As part of the ongoing efforts to minimize COVID-19 Coronavirus transmission, Commander, Navy Reserve Force (CNRF) has waived several telework administrative requirements and increasing telework options for Reserve Sailors. Per ALNAVRESFOR 009/20, the changes are to encourage liberal telework arrangements at all Reserve command levels to the maximum extent possible in order to provide Reserve Sailors opportunities to continue to complete annual drill point requirements.

Q: What’s been waived from the telework policy?
A: To allow for drill points to still be accrued, the following telework administrative requirements listed under COMNAVRESFOR Instruction 1000.9A have been waived, effective immediately, through 31 May 2020 for all Reserve Force active duty, Full-Time Support and drilling Reserve Sailors.
• Telework Fundamentals – Employee Training & Telework Fundamentals – Manager Training
• DD Form 2946, Telework Agreement
• NAVRES 1000/7, Telework Eligibility Checklist
• NAVRES 1000/8, Telework Request Form
• NAVPERS 1070/613, Administrative Remarks (Page 13)

Q: What can I do for IDT telework?
A: How about what can’t you do?! There are literally dozens of tasks and training opportunities available for Reservists to complete while on telework, including:

• Personnel Qualification Standards including, Warfare Qualifications, NRAU CO/OIC Qualification
• CAC updates (recommend removing per N6)
• Virtual DRT
• Virtual CDB
• Record review for promotion/advancement including awards review
• Unit management/admin including, RUAD scrub, MAS code scrub, MyNavy Assignments/JOAPPLY participation, RMFT orders scrub
• E-learning in-rate training for example Basic Combat Skills

This is not an exhaustive list. Work with your unit leadership to find out how you can fulfill your time.

Q: Can I use Microsoft Teams for telework?
A: As long as it is an acceptable to your command, then yes. Deployment of the Commercial Virtual Remote (CVR) is underway. To learn more information about the Navy’s Commercial Virtual Remote environment, please check out the following site: https://www.public.navy.mil/navwar/NAVY311/Pages/CVR.html

A best practice includes using the Navy Reserve Homeport (NRH) for file sharing and storage, and using CVR for voice, video, and chat collaboration. CNRFC N6 strongly advises members to use non-NMCI devices to register and employ the CVR. The CNRFC N6 has a comprehensive library of CVR information available on the CNRFC SharePoint site.

Q: Can I telework for my AT/ADT orders?
A: Reserve members asked to conduct AT or Active-Duty Training (ADT) via telework by their gaining command require first flag officer approval from the command and should follow telework procedures and directives of the applicable supported command. There are no legal restrictions that prevent telework for AT/ADT provided the command authorizes it.

Active component commands should ensure that sufficient controls are in place to ensure satisfactory completion of all required work by the SELRES Reservist. Orders shall not authorize travel or lodging funds as duties will be performed at home.

Members with approval for telework during the COVID-19 period from the gaining command will have orders written to their local NOSC and members will coordinate with the local NOSC for muster and pay while on approved telework orders.

Servicemember’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI)

Q: Am I going to lose SGLI coverage?
A: Reserve Sailors with SGLI, Traumatic SGLI, and/or Family SFLI coverage do not lose coverage due to non-payment of premiums when RC members do not receive active or inactive duty pay, from which premiums were normally deducted, as a result of previously scheduled IDT, AT, or ADT being cancelled, suspended, deferred, or excused. Reserve Sailors should expect that any missed premiums will be subsequently deducted in a lump sum once IDT, AT, or ADT resumes and they are once again in a pay status.

Casualty and Funeral Honors

Q: Am I able to participate in funeral honors?
A: Yes, but there are limitations (read NAVADMIN 151/20 for full details). Consistent with local conditions and mission requirements, Commander, Navy Installations Command’s Regional Commanders (CNIC REGCOM), installation commanding officers, and servicing commands will work with families and local funeral directors to provide basic military funeral honors as well as any additional elements of military funeral honors as able (bugler for Taps, pall bearers, etc.).

Military funeral honors for service members and veterans shall be rendered consistent with current local jurisdiction requirements (number of people allowed to gather, social distancing, face coverings, etc.), and consist of a minimum of a one-person detail (of the service of the decedent) to perform funeral honors. This includes at a minimum formally presenting a folded flag to the primary NOK at the funeral and playing a recording of Taps. The Person Authorized to Direct Disposition (PADD) will be encouraged to consider delaying funeral honors until the current local conditions created by the COVID-19 outbreak have subsided. If a family does not wish to delay a funeral and the applicable installation commander, with CNIC REGCOM endorsement, determines that rendering honors presents an unacceptable risk to a Service Member, the installation commander may defer military funeral honors. All deferred military funeral honors shall be considered a missed funeral and are subject to the rescheduling and reporting requirements per NAVADMIN 151/20.

Individual Ready Reserve

Q: Is the Navy looking into calling back any members of the IRR? If so, how many people and what types of personnel would most likely be affected?
A: There are currently no plans to involuntary recalled IRR Sailors. The Navy Reserve has prioritized mobilizing SELRES before recalling IRR Sailors for the COVID-19 pandemic response. However, members of the IRR who would like to volunteer to activate in support of Navy's COVID-19 response efforts, particularly those in medical fields, should contact My Navy Career Center at [phone] or via email at [e-mail].

Returning Mobilizations/Individual Augmentees

Q: I’m stuck at ECRC and being forced to ROM instead of going home! Why?
A: “We understand that this is a very difficult time for everyone. The NAVADMIN 083/20 is consistent with CDC guidelines on mitigation of COVID-19. These new procedures and instructions are in place because the force health protection of our Sailors and their families is a priority. The 14-day monitoring period is consistent with CDC guidelines and provides the most protection possible for Sailors and their families. We are looking at ways to temporarily reduce a Reserve Sailor’s time at ECRC, other than this 14-day monitoring period, however it is important we follow the correct procedure. The mobilization and demobilization process for reserve Sailors takes time, these processes are in place to ensure we take case of the needs of all reserve Sailors during the entire mobilization. Any Reservist at ECRC may contact us at [e-mail] with specific concerns or needs, and we will work to address those individually with each Sailor.” CAPT Matthew J. Jackson, Commanding Officer
Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center (ECRC)

Travel & Isolation

Q: I live overseas. How does this order apply to me?
A: Members on orders overseas must still be declared mission essential to remain on orders, even if they reside in the same country as their duty location. Isolation procedures, and associated orders, are based on NORTHCOM regulations and only apply to members upon return CONUS. Overseas residents shall refer to guidance from local authorities on isolation requirements unique to their AOR or country of residence.

Q: What should I do if I live OCONUS?
A: Remain in place and follow the guidance of local authorities. Members will not begin orders from a Level 3 country unless granted a specific exemption from the first flag officer or SES at the supported command.

Q: Is CNRF mandating 14-day isolation for Reservists returning from OCONUS?
A: Following USFF guidance, compliance with the isolation order is mandatory for all service members. Members will be offered AT or ADT orders to provide compensation for their time away from work, as well as continuing medical and USERAA coverage.

Q: I am returning to the Continental United States from a U.S. territory. Do I have to adhere to the Restriction of Movement (ROM) order?
A: Members returning from U.S. territories are considered OCONUS and will be required to ROM.

Q: Can I legally be ordered to self-isolate?
A: The self-quarantine order, as it relates to Reservists, has been analyzed by the Judge Advocate General as lawful, even if Reservists do not accept AT/ADT orders. This order is a condition of employment, similar to drug testing.

Q: What is local area?
A: "Local area" is determined by your NRA. If you have questions about whether or not "local area" applies to your situation, direct those questions to your chain of command.

Q: Where can I find information about all the PCS changes?
A: Reservists who have specific questions about PCS orders should contact MyNavy Career Center (1-833-330-6622) or email [e-mail]

Q: What does this mean for my approved leave?
A: Only local leave is currently permissible. Any exceptions to this policy will need approval from the first flag officer or SES in the member’s chain of command.

COVID-19 Specific Questions

Q: What signs or symptoms should I be concerned about if I am in ROM?
A: If you have an influenza like illness (ILI) as defined by: An acute respiratory infection with measured fever of 100.4F or above and cough, members must contact the local military treatment facility or emergency room via telephone and remain in isolation.

Q: What if I have symptoms of COVID-19? What actions should I take?
A: Communicate with your NRA and Reserve unit leadership. Members on orders should contact the MHS Nurse Advice Line (1-800-TRICARE) or their local medical treatment facility for medical advice. Isolated members not on orders should contact their medical provider or local emergency room. In all cases, members should phone ahead prior to seeking in-person medical care.

Q: I had a meeting with someone who just returned from a Level 3 country. Do I now need to isolate?
A: No. Current guidance does not recommend isolation for “second order contact.” Isolation is only recommended for individual who have actually been in the Level 3 country OR have had direct contact with someone who went on to develop symptoms of COVID-19.

What does this mean for my career?

Q: Are APPLY boards going to be delayed?
A: The National Command/Senior Officer (O5/O6) Non-Command Billet Screening and Assignment Board (APPLY) is scheduled for 7-18 Dec 2020, with a prep week 30 Nov – 4 Dec.

Key Dates:
22 June 2020: COMNAVRESFORCOM (N12) begins accepting board membership and
board support applications in RFMT.

7 July 2020 is the deadline for OSOs to submit Billet Change Requests to
change billet requirements, including RFAS codes, and verify correct LDC.
For modifications to the RFAS code, LDC or SDC, submit BCR to
COMNAVRESFORCOM (N13) by 7 July 2020. BCRs submitted after 7 July 2020 will
not be processed until FY21 Apply board results have been released.

7 July 2020 is the deadline for all supported command and commanding
officer Comments input. COMNAVRESFORCOM (N12) will review and remove
comments older than 1 December 2019. Comments should state general
guidelines, specific professional skills or qualifications desired and any
unique drilling requirements.

8 Sept 2020: Deadline for supported commands to submit post board
assignment/PRD extension requests to COMNAVRESFORCOM (N12). Please submit
via the Senior Officer Tool on the N12 SharePoint.

14 Sept 2020: RFMT Website opens for dreamsheet submission.

7-18 Dec 2020: FY21 APPLY Board.

15 March 2021: Execute FY21 APPLY Board orders.

Due to the nature of the COVID-19 operating environment, projected rotation
dates may be adjusted by COMNAVRESFORCOM to accommodate future APPLY Boards.
Full tenure in billet assignment may not occur as stated in Section 3 of COMNAVRESFORNOTE 5400.

Dates for involuntary transfer to the Voluntary Training Unit for senior
officers who do not receive an APPLY awarded billet and/or Post Board
Assignment will be promulgated SEPCOR via GOVDELIVERY and the RFMT Homepage
Announcement.

If you were a prior applicant and can serve in October, please re-APPLY for 7-18 December APPLY Board.

The new COMNAVRESFORNOTE 5400 has been signed and is located on the RFMT
Website and CNRFC N12 Sharepoint.



Enlisted Assignments (CSMID): [e-mail]
Officer Assignments (JOAPPLY): [e-mail]

Q: Am I going to be held responsible for keeping up with my medical and dental readiness during the postponement of drill weekend?
A: Reservists are encouraged to do their best, without violating force health protection protocols and the CDC’s guidance, to take care of their readiness. However, CNRF recognizes the situation that we are in, and is looking into items like these. Please contact your local NRA/unit chain of command for more information.

Q: How will I take care of my annual participation for FY20?
A: Although the annual participation waiver process remains unchanged, Navy Reserve leadership recognizes the undue effect the COVID-19 crisis poses on an individual Reservist’s ability to meet their participation requirement. Therefore, when a waiver request is submitted, unit leaders’ endorsements and Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) commanding officers’ and wing commanders’ adjudication shall strongly consider COVID-19 response effects on a Sailor’s ability to participate. It is directed that each waiver request be individually reviewed with a favorable bias toward approval, as appropriate.

For added flexibility, the deadline for the waiver submission has been adjusted from May 1 to June 30.

Annual participation and a qualifying year for retirement have different requirements. For retirement, Selected Reserve (SELRES) Sailors must achieve 50 points in their anniversary year. Points include drills (paid/non-paid), funeral honors, correspondence courses, AT/ADT, active duty, and 15 membership points. The anniversary year is different for everyone.

Sailors with concerns about achieving a “Qualifying Year” for retirement and a “Satisfactory Year” for annual participation should review the latest brief from the Reserve Force Career Counselor (https://www.dvidshub.net/publication/issues/52995).

Q: What about my training to “A” school?
A: Commander, Navy Reserve Force Command (N7) is funding “A” and “C” school attendance for schools that are still teaching that meet one of three categories below. In all cases, students or supporting NRAs working ADT-schools requests should contact the N7 ADT-schools points of contacts on the Navy Reserve Forces Command SharePoint site or call the N7 ADT schools hotline [phone]).

• ADT-schools orders to schools were attendance involves local travel only (do not need a mission-essential designation.
• Accession-level schools governed by NAVADMIN 075/20. Students attending these schools should expect a 14-day order extensions in order to incorporate ROM requirements specific to each schoolhouse.
• Any other school designated as mission-essential by the first flag in the chain of command. This decision is made by the Type, System, and Fleet commanders.

Q: I’m currently under HYT - how will COVID-19 affect me?
A: The following are ongoing manning actions of the Navy Reserve during the COVID-19 recovery. Full Time Support officers and enlisted will follow the guidance contained in ref (a). Selected Reserve (SELRES) and Individual Ready Reserve - Voluntary Training Unit (IRR-VTU) Sailors will follow the guidance promulgated below:

Enlisted HYT Waivers. Opportunities for enlisted HYT waivers are ongoing for SELRES and IRR-VTU Sailors who desire to continue drilling. To maintain community health, requests are subject to the guidelines in ref (f). HYT requests will be considered for up to two year and requests will be approved on a case-by-case basis. Preferential consideration will be given to
those who are interested in serving in undermanned communities to support critical billets and not all ratings and paygrades will be open. BUPERS-352 maintains a list of available ratings and paygrades that are open for waiver requests. The list will be updated on a quarterly basis, and is available at: https://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/enlisted/community/ selres/Pages/SELRESOveriews.aspx

Officer Continuation and Retention. SELRES/IRR-VTU officers will continue to be processed in accordance with current regulations.

Re-affiliation Opportunities. Recently separated service members who are interested in re-affiliation with the Navy Reserve are encouraged to contact a prior service enlisted or officer recruiter for details on opportunities available.

For more information regarding HYT, please refer to ALNAVRESFOR 012/20.

• Date Taken: 03.17.2020
• Date Posted: 03.15.2020 18:04
• Story ID: 365262
• Location: US