 The Navy recently announced guidance for the September 2013 E4-E6 advancement exam cycle. Navadman 116-13 outlines procedures and exam information and states that due to recent budget shortfalls, sailors with an expired or expiring security clearance can still participate in the exam cycle. Commands that will be deployed during the exam cycle can order exams up to six months early, but cannot administer them until the actual exam dates. The exams will be given on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Thursday of September, so if you haven't started studying, now may be a good time. For more information or to read the Navadman in its entirety, go to npc.navy.mil. From the Defense Media Activity, I'm Petty Officer Brandy Wills.