Navy personnel officials officially unveiled a new web portal to give sailors a single place to find all their personnel, training and education information.
Sailors have long asked for a single log-in site as the Navy gradually has moved to online personnel records as well as web-based customer service and this is the first step to realizing that goal.
Called "My Navy Portal," the initial release, or beta test, is the first step to giving sailors direct access to their personnel information that is now spread across multiple websites.
But, officials warn, it's not yet a single login for all their Navy content. That capability is coming, they say.
"Sailors have been asking for a platform that allows them to access their personnel information in one location," said Chief of Naval Personnel, Vice Adm. Robert Burke in a statement released Feb. 17 announcing the test.
"While there is still much work to be done on My Navy Portal, this is the first step in providing a consolidated one-stop shop for sailors' personnel information. Our sailors deserve a modern personnel system and we are committed to giving it to them."
Officially the beta test will be small, according to Lt. Cmdr. Nathan Christensen, spokesman for the chief of naval personnel.
"Approximately 100 individuals from a variety of commands will be designated as "official" My Navy Portal beta testers," he said "That said, fleet users who are not designated beta testers can do so, and are strongly encouraged to provide comments and recommendations for the improvement of the portal's capability," Christensen said.
But unofficially, they're welcoming as many sailors as willing to sign up and sign on can join the beta test — or simply log on and look around and give feedback.
Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Michael Martinez, of Strike Fighter Squadron 94, consults a computerized publication during an inspection on an F/A-18C Hornet in the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson while at sea. Sailors could soon be able to access all their personal Navy data and training information through a new web site called "My Navy Portal."
Photo Credit: Navy
"The Navy is seeking Sailors' feedback and recommendations on how to improve the portal," he said. "We want and welcome all sailors' feedback – it will only help to improve My Navy Portal."
Already, Christensen said with the release just hours old, volunteers have stepped up to participate.
Users who are not official beta testers can still provide feedback, comments and recommendations, Christensen said, through the site's feedback option located at the bottom right of every My Navy Portal page."
The initial release of My Navy Portal will allow sailors to access their Physical Readiness Information Management System data and their official Military Personnel File. Additionally, Sailors will be able to view Navy Knowledge Online content, the Navy Advancement Center, Navy Schools and Learning Centers, Personnel Qualification Standards, and General Military Training.
The site also provides links to many other Navy online services and sites which include: Career Management System-Interactive Detailing, Sailors' Electronic Training jackets, their Joint Services Transcript, Navy eLearning, Navy Credentialing Opportunities Online, Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System, Pay/Personnel Standard Operating Procedures, U.S. Navy Awards information.
But it will take more time for the Navy to give sailors everything with a single login as has been long requested.
"That's one of the things we want to fix with future updates — we're working on this aspect of My Navy Portal so individuals only have to log-in once and don't have to do it twice.," Christensen said.
"Right now, when sailors log in to My Navy Portal, they can access a variety of apps at the bottom of the screen or pull-down menus at the top - but to get to their information, it requires a second CAC certificate verification at that site."
For example, he said, if you try to view your official military personnel file, that currently requires that an additional Common Access Card verification."
Still, sailors can access this from home, but must purchase a common access card reader to login.
Those officially identified as beta testers will be notified by email and the test is currently slated to last from six months to a year.
Planning and development of this capability has been in the works for a couple of years, but this is the first chance the fleet is getting.
Access to the portal starts with going to the My Navy Portal's public homepage at https://my.navy.mil.
From there, individuals can securely log into the website and view their personnel information using their Common Access Card.
Those experiencing problems can get help by emailing MNP_Helpdesk@navy.mil for assistance.
Mark D. Faram is a former reporter for Navy Times. He was a senior writer covering personnel, cultural and historical issues. A nine-year active duty Navy veteran, Faram served from 1978 to 1987 as a Navy Diver and photographer.
