Navy lets sailors earn certification

Sailors on shore duty now can earn civilian industry-standard IT certificates under the Navy-Marine Corps Intranet's IT Military Detachment program.

The program, run by lead NMCI contractor Electronic Data Systems Corp., addresses the Navy's Information Technology for the 21st Century/Integrated Shipboard Network System requirements that sailors have a variety of IT skill sets. Sailors are selected for the three-year program after they commit to serving two more years at sea.

NMCI officials said some sailors have entered the program with no LAN experience and have since earned up to eight civilian IT certifications. The certifications help sailors earn promotions faster.