What does a Sailor potentially lose by competing for the STA-21 program?

Competing for the STA-21 (Seaman to Admiral-21) program can impact a Sailor's special duty assignment pay. This is because when a Sailor enters the STA-21 program, they transition from their current duty assignment to a student status, which typically does not carry special duty pay associated with operational positions or specific duties. Special duty pay is often linked to the responsibilities and roles held in active duty assignments, so once a Sailor is selected for STA-21 and focuses on their education, they may lose that financial benefit as they take on a different type of commitment that emphasizes training rather than special duty roles.

It's important for Sailors considering this program to understand the full implications of their decision, including any changes to their compensation. Other factors, such as health care benefits, promotion eligibility, and retirement benefits, are generally unaffected by competing for the STA-21 program, as these aspects are typically maintained during the educational phase, allowing Sailors to pursue their academic and commissioning goals.