Navy Officer Ranks – Warrant Officer
The first tier of Navy officer Ranks consists of Warrant Officers. Only Enlisted personnel with senior authority may apply and they are required to have at least thirteen years of experience prior to becoming commissioned. These factors guarantee the Warrant officer is proficient in their respective field and technical expertise as they must use leadership skills to manage and oversee teams responsible for repair and maintenance during long deployments. Their supervision is vital as well as the work being done to ensure the safety of the men on board and to keep operations running smoothly. The first of the Navy Officer Ranks for warrant officer is Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO2). The Rank of warrant officer is no longer used by the Navy making this the junior most rank of Commissioned Officers. Every promotion means greater responsibility as well as a jump in pay grade. The next rates of warrant officers are: Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CWO3), Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CWO4), and finally Chief warrant officer 5 (CWO5).
Navy Officer Ranks – Commissioned Officer
Navy Officer Ranks are Commissioned Officers that face great responsibilities and are college graduates of commissioned school sources such as the United States Naval Academy (USNA), Officer candidate School (OCS), or other commissioned source or ROTC program. The first rank of graduates is the Navy Officer Rank of Ensign (ENS). Most Ensigns are still in school preparing for their particular staff specialty or wartime skill set or they serve as Division Officers. Next in the line of Navy Officer Ranks is that of the Lieutenant grade beginning with Lieutenant, Junior Grade (LTJG). This advancement usually happens within two years of becoming a Commissioned Officer as an Ensign. Next is Lieutenant (LT) who are typically SEAL Team platoon leaders, Division officers, or department heads on ships or submarines. Last of Lieutenant grade is Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) who are primarily the executive officer for ships and SEAL teams.
Navy Officer Ranks – To the Top
Next in the line of promotion for Navy Officer Ranks and rates is Commander (CDR) who will command smaller ships as senior officer. Then there is Captain (CAPT) commanding larger ships and operations as senior officer. Rear Admiral Lower Half (RDML) is the first of the star rankings coming in at a one star rank and will command groups of ships or teams. Rear Admiral Upper Half (RADM) is a two star ranking with similar responsibilities but higher demands. Next is the three star Navy Officer Rank of Vice Admiral (VADM) commanding entire fleets. Then there is the final stage of command within the Navy, except as reserved for wartime, with the position of Admiral (ADM). The Admiral is the prime authority in the Navy . A five star ranking is reserved for war time and has not been designated since World War II with the position of Fleet Admiral (FADM). Each step in the Navy Officer Ranks requires great leadership and responsibility as they make decisions that affect not only the men under their charge but the safety and well being of the entire nation as well.

