The Navy has been working with active-duty siblings to get them assigned to the same duty station.
The Navy calls it family co-location, and according to Chief Master-at-Arms (MA) (SW) Daniel Brindley, leading chief petty officer for Navy Region Security Hawaii, it is a fairly easy process.
“I think that it is a phenomenal idea,” said Brindley. “It gives our Sailors a built in support system at their command, and it strongly increases morale.”
Region security has two pairs of brothers, and they said they could not agree more with Brindley.
Master-at-Arms Seaman Apprentice Frederick Bauer joined the Navy following his baby brother Michael, who is also a Master-at-Arms. Both work as gate sentries for Region security.
“Michael joined the Navy and told me that it was a great opportunity and a really good time,” said Frederick. “Then he told me that I was going to join.”
Michael told a different story.
“I just told him it was a good opportunity. It was his choice to join,” said Michael. “O.K., there may have been me persuading him a little.”
Michael and Frederick both say things are much better now that they are together again.
“I was really homesick when I first got here, and now that he is here, it is a lot better,” said Michael.
Frederick agreed that it truly is a great thing to be able to be close to his brother.
“I did not see Michael for a year, and it was hard because we are pretty close. I talked to my senior chief in 'A' school, and they routed a family co-location chit and here I am,” said Frederick. “When things are not going right, it is awesome to have him to turn to.”
According to another set of brothers at Region security, the process was equally easy for them.*** Master-at-Arms Seaman Brandon Wilson also works as a gate sentry for Region, and his brother Trevor, who is an Aerographer’s Mate 2nd Class (AW), works for Region’s harbor patrol unit. Brandon said his experience getting stationed with his brother was very similar to Frederick Bauer’s.
“I pretty much routed the family co-location chit and got orders here,” said Brandon. “There was really no hassle or anything.”
Brandon’s big brother, Trevor, says having his little brother around is a good way to keep him out of trouble.
“It is hard work, but I try and keep him out of trouble,” joked Trevor. “He is a good kid, and him being here allows me to help keep his judgment on the right side.”
Brindley said the brothers are set up in the same section with the same days off to allow them to spend quality time together.
“We work with them as much as we can,” said Brindley. “They are in the same section, but one will work nights while the other is on days.” Brindley said it works out well for the Sailors.
Navy Counselor 1st Class (SW) Valerie Setliff said it is similar to another program.
“The process is a lot like that for a spouse co-location. Basically, all that is involved is a request chit with the proper information,” said Setliff. “There is really nothing hard about the process, just being sure that you are eligible.”
According to MILPERSMAN 1300-1100 Chapter 3, Immediate Family Member Assignment or Reassignment Policy, family members of whole blood, half blood or adoption are eligible to request family co-location. A NAVPERS 1306/7 request form must also be routed. All requests must be routed through the members’ commanding officers, and then each rating detailer involved must get a copy of both requests.
There are restrictions to the request in the event that there is nowhere for the Sailor to work.
“If, for some reason, there are no like locations with billets available, then co-location of family members may not be possible under this program until the members are eligible for transfer. There is another option for the family members in the Exchange of Duty (Swaps) program. Requirements may be found at MILPERSMAN 1306-700.
