Program Background
Project Compass is the Navy’s first data-driven billet recommendation engine, developed by PERS-4 to improve the billet application experience and complement assignment process for enlisted Sailors. Project Compass analyzes each Sailor’s qualifications, experience, preferences from MyNavy Assignment (MNA), and other factors to determine billet matches that align with their background and career goals to bring a smarter, more personalized approach to the detailing pipeline. This pre-cycle billet opportunity visibility allows Sailors to get a head-start on education of potential opportunities in the application process.
Project Compass is only as effective as the information it has. Your preferences on file in MNA directly influence the quality of your recommendations. Sailors who keep their preferences current will receive more accurate matches relevant to each Sailor’s immediate desires. Additionally, each cycle provides new opportunities, so billets that are available one cycle may not be available the next. If your preferences are outdated or incomplete, billet recommendations provided by Project Compass may not reflect your current goals.
We strongly encourage all Sailors in the MNA Cycle, approaching the MNA Cycle, or Billet-Based Advancement eligible to review and update preferences prior to the start of the next cycle. Taking a few minutes to update your information ensures Project Compass can work for you when it matters most.
Project Compass was built with one goal: to make the right billet visible to the right Sailor at the right time. It is not a replacement for the detailing process but is a resource designed to support the detailing process.
Program Requirements
- Eligibles: Sailors in their first, second, or third MNA Look
- Paygrades: E4 through E9
- Rates: All except SO, SB, MU, CMD(CS/CM), EMN5, ETN, MMN5, CWT5, CTI5
- Billet NECs: All except B03A, B16A, B17A, B18A, B19A
- Components: Active Duty & Training and Administration of the Reserves (TAR)
- Rollers: Sea and Shore Rollers
- Compass Recommendation Email will Include:
1. Up to 14 billet recommendations for high-confidence matches
2. As little as 3 billet recommendations for low-confidence matches
3. Sea-duty billet recommendations for shore rollers interested in B2B sea-duty opportunities
Questions from Last Cycle’s Sailors
Why am I receiving this email? Sailors with an MNA status of “sea roller” or “shore roller” receive an email containing Project Compass recommendations. If you believe you received this in error, contact your Rating Detailer.
How often will I receive Project Compass recommendations? As long as you are considered a “roller” and are pending selection for an assignment, you will continue to receive these recommendations. Recommendations are sent prior to the active MNA Cycle.
How are EFMP status, dual-military, co-location, or high school stabilization considered in Compass recommendations? These are not factors in Compass recommendations. They are handled separately as part of the Detailing process.
I just frocked and want to see billet recommendations for my next paygrade. Can you re-send my Compass recommendations? Recommendations are generated in bulk before each MNA Cycle’s Application Phase and will not be re-issued. All recommended billets are visible in MNA, and you are encouraged to explore your available options there. If you have specific billet questions, consult your CCC or Rating Detailer.
My recommendations are for the next paygrade. Is this an error? No. Billet-based Advancement (BBA) rates receive recommendations based on their Detailing Marketplace Eligibility Indicator (DMEI).
My recommendations don’t match my preferences. Why? Recommendations reflect billets available for application during the cycle. Each billet receives a match score based on your qualifications and your MNA preferences. For example, if geolocation is your top priority, billets matching your qualifications in that location score higher. Preferences were pulled from MNA and may have been captured before you updated them.
Can I update my preferences after receiving recommendations? Yes. However, a new list of billet recommendations will not be generated until the following MNA Cycle. Your updated preferences will still influence match scoring during the next Application Phase.
I am a shore roller but received sea-duty recommendations. Why? Some Sailors have preferences that can be met through back-to-back sea-duty. For example, if your top preference is geolocation, you may receive sea-duty recommendations that best match your profile and stated priorities, in addition to the shore-duty recommendations.
I applied for a billet but it now shows deleted. What happened? The distribution process continues throughout the MNA Cycle. Recommendations are based on billets advertised at the start of the cycle, but billet status and phasing may change due to operational needs.
Why did I receive fewer recommendations than others? Differences in billet inventory across ratings will influence the number of available options. Some ratings have limited advertised billets in certain cycles.
Why did I receive so many recommendations? Qualifications are a large driver in billet matching and consideration. Applying for your next duty assignment can be overwhelming, and narrowing down to what best matches your skills and desires is the goal. A larger list simply reflects broader eligibility.
What if none of my recommendations interest me? That’s okay! These recommendations are intended to steer you in the best direction and are data-driven. You can apply for none of the recommendations, or you can apply for most. You are not restricted to recommended billets.
I received a billet recommendation for a West Coast billet and my desire was East Coast. Why was my geolocation preference not considered? Your preferences were considered (weighted) but it is likely the best matched billets weren’t available in the desired location. Compass prioritizes match quality over location alone.
NOTE: COMPASS does not make assignment decisions. All posting authority remains with your detailer.