What governs active duty officer regular statutory promotion boards?

The correct answer is SECNAVINST 1420.3 (Series) because this instruction specifically outlines the policies and procedures for the operation of active duty officer regular statutory promotion boards. It provides the framework that governs how these boards are convened, how they evaluate candidates, and the criteria used for making promotion decisions.

This instruction is essential for ensuring that the promotion process is conducted fairly and consistently, adhering to established guidelines that reflect the values and objectives of the Navy. It incorporates details about the composition of boards, their responsibilities, and the promotion recommendations that result from their assessments.

The other choices pertain to different aspects of personnel management and promotion within the Navy. For example, SECNAVINST 1415.5 (Series) deals with the promotion of enlisted personnel, SECNAVINST 1420.1 (Series) outlines the commissioning processes for officers, and SECNAVINST 1412.8C relates to Navy training and education policies. While they all play important roles in the personnel management system, they do not specifically address the procedures governing officer promotion boards, which is why SECNAVINST 1420.3 (Series) is the most relevant and accurate choice in this context.