Appendix B
RATINGS AND RANKS IN THE NAVY
ENLISTED RATINGS BEGIN at Seaman Recruit and go up to Master Chief. There is a conceptual jump between Petty Officer and Chief Petty Officer. While Petty Officers are technicians, Chief Petty Officers are managers and have different uniforms.
Seaman Recruit
Seaman Apprentice
Seaman
Petty Officer Third Class
Second Class
First Class
Chief Petty Officer
Senior Chief
Master Chief
Officers are classified as either line (seagoing) or staff (largely bureaucratic).
Midshipman (Cadets at the Naval Academy in Annapolis)
Lieutenant Junior Grade
Lieutenant
Lieutenant Commander
Commander
Captain
Rear Admiral
Vice Admiral
Admiral