scope:

Scope and Applicability

a. The Chief of Information (CHINFO) and echelon 2 and 3 commands are authorized to conduct PA-VI TWI programs. Where operationally, administratively and geographically feasible, these commands should collaborate on a single program.

b. PA-VI TWI assignments are authorized for officers (O-3 or above) with the designator of 165X, mass communication specialists (E-5 or above) and civilians in the 10XX series.

c. PA-VI TWI assignments will:

(1) Be given only to personnel who have demonstrated consistently outstanding performance and have high potential for success during future service.

(2) Be authorized to allow a participant to acquire a skill, knowledge or ability to fulfill a present need, anticipated requirement or future capability contributing to the effectiveness or transformation of the Navy PA-VI mission.

(3) Provide training or development of skills in private sector procedures and practices not available through existing military or advanced civilian education programs or other established training and education programs.

(4) Not exceed 26 weeks.

(5) Normally be local and at very low or no cost.

d. An officer participating in the program must execute a written agreement to remain on active duty following their industry assignment for three months for each month spent in the program. Enlisted personnel must re-enlist or extend their current enlistments such that, following the industry assignment, they will have at least three months remaining on active duty for each month spent in the program. This commitment is in addition to, and will be served concurrently with, any and all remaining or future active duty obligations. All applicants must have time to complete obligated service prior to 20-year retirement eligibility.

e. A program agreement between the command, host organization and participant will be created prior to starting a TWI assignment using enclosure (1).

f. The Navy continues to pay the individual's normal pay and allowances while they are assigned to the host organization. All participants must receive temporary additional duty orders.

g. The command and the host organization retain the right to end the PA-VI TWI assignment for any reason. The participant can request to end it, pending concurrence from the host organization and the command.

h. Participants must not work on host organization projects concerning the Department of Defense and any entity within it.

i. Reserve Component personnel are prohibited from local assignments with competitors of their civilian employer(s).

j. Upon completion of a TWI assignment, participants must immediately return to or transfer to a billet in which they will use the knowledge gained during the assignment. If it cannot be done immediately, a plan to do so must be made within 30 days after completion of the assignment.

Purpose.

To establish policies and procedures for the Public Affairs (PA)-Visual Information (VI) Training with Industry (TWI) Program consistent with references (a) through (c). The PAVI TWI program authorizes Navy PA personnel the opportunity to work closely with nongovernment civilian professionals in the field of mass communication. This program provides the PA community with flexibility to meet current and emerging Department of the Navy (DON) requirements that cannot be met through existing military and advanced civilian education programs. Typical assignments may include news media, public relations and media production.