UPDATED/VERIFIED AS OF MARCH 23, 2023
OPNAVINST 1740.3E is the most current version of the instruction.
One way to ensure a Sailor arrives at the command already feeling connected to the team is through a successful sponsorship and indoctrination program. Commands with high levels of connectedness are investing in their protective factors against harmful behaviors. Knowing how to include a Sailor before and after checking in is paramount.
OPNAVINST 1740.3E requires every command to have a Command Sponsor and Indoctrination Program to provide incoming personnel with meaningful pre-arrival communication, adequate support upon arrival and relocation assistance to meet the Sailor's needs. The goal of the program is to facilitate a smooth transition and assimilation into the new command. Command sponsor responsibilities begin when a Service member receives PCS orders; early engagement is key to the success of the program. While it is an All Hands program, the overall responsibility for the program lies with the Command Master Chief. Command Master Chiefs shall oversee the Command Sponsor Program.
Policy Requirements
Current guidance requires NAVPERSCOM (PERS-45) to include Command Sponsor Coordinator (CSC) contact information in all PCS orders. In order for NPC to obtain and to keep current/accurate POC information, we need help from every command. Please send your command’s contact information and your command’s UIC to PERS-455 by e-mailing PERS-455 at mill_pers-455inbox@navy.mil. However, remember that personal name and email addresses will not be accepted as points of contact to be placed in official orders due to security reasons. Please provide a generic/functional command email address (i.e., Sponsor@navy.mil, ccc@navy.mil, cmc@navy.mil, COB@navy.mil, SEL@navy.mil, and phone number. Additionally, in support of the effort to reduce the length of official orders, the length of the command's welcome aboard message should be no longer than 5 lines (400 characters). For example:
"- WELCOME ABOARD USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH, CVN-77. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR COMMAND SPONSOR COORDINATOR VIA EMAIL: SPONSORCOORDINATOR@CVN77.NAVY.MIL. INPORT COMM: (757) 445-xxxx, AT SEA COMM: (757) 443-xxxx. FOR ADDITIONAL COMMAND INFORMATION, VISIT WEBSITE AT: HTTP://UP-WWW01.FFC.NAVY.MIL/CVN77/. WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR ARRIVAL."