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GSA Unveils New Laboratory for Three EV Charging Pilots; Robin Carnahan Quoted
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GSA Unveils New Laboratory for Three EV Charging Pilots; Robin Carnahan Quoted

The General Services Administration’s Center for Emerging Building Technology has opened a new facility at the Denver Federal Center in Colorado to host three pilot programs in support of the Biden administration’s goal of increasing the use of electric vehicles across the federal government.

GSA said Friday it is collaborating with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, BEAM Global, Fermata Energy and WeaveGrid to plan three EV supply equipment pilots at the Applied Innovation Learning Laboratory.

The laboratory will provide a space for testing a renewable, transportable EV charging station from BEAM Global, a bi-directional EV charging equipment from Fermata Energy and an EV charge management platform from WeaveGrid.

The three EVSE technologies at the DFC will join six existing GPG pilots. Other DFC GPG projects include: a DC Microgrid, quad-pane windows, alternative water treatment for cooling towers, and circulator pumps with automated control.”

“Providing the space for practical, hands-on testing and demonstrations of charging station technologies is vital to accelerating the transition to an all-electric fleet and building a cleaner, healthier future for the country,” said GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan.

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Colin Kahl: DOD Committed to Reducing Nuclear Risks Despite Impediments to Non-Proliferation Treaty
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Colin Kahl: DOD Committed to Reducing Nuclear Risks Despite Impediments to Non-Proliferation Treaty

Colin Kahl, the undersecretary of defense for policy, said the U.S. military is committed to reducing the risks of nuclear war despite the current threats posed by Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.

Speaking virtually at the United Nations’ Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference in New York City, Kahl said the four countries are impeding international efforts to eliminate all nuclear weapons, citing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and North Korea’s possible new nuclear test as examples of current risks to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Pentagon reported Friday.

Iran’s refusal to return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and China’s rapid expansion of nuclear weapons capabilities also hinder the achievements of the NPT objectives, Kahl said.

The official highlighted the equal importance of nuclear deterrence and the transparency and dialogue around nuclear proliferation in reducing the risks of nuclear war.

“This balanced approach recognizes that nuclear deterrence is not mutually exclusive to bolstering arms control, promoting strategic stability and working toward a world without nuclear weapons,” Kahl added.

Kahl also called on nuclear-armed states “to engage with the United States on risk reduction measures and provide transparency about nuclear posture and doctrine.”

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Tony Corbi Succeeds Bob Stalick as New CEO of Acuity International
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Tony Corbi Succeeds Bob Stalick as New CEO of Acuity International

Acuity International has announced that Tony Corbi, the company’s current chief financial officer, has been named the new CEO in light of Robert “Bob” Stalick’s retirement back in July.

As a leading provider of process and technology-based medical, engineering, and mission services and solutions, Tony Corbi will continue to play a central role in the evolution of Acuity’s restructuring as a result of his expertise and leadership as the company moves into its next phase in the federal and commercial landscapes.

“I am confident that with our incredible team and valued client partnerships, we will be able to reach greater heights in the years to come,” Corbi explained.

Anthony “Tony” Corbi is a senior finance executive with more than 23 years of experience in financial management and accounting as well as a range of operational and finance roles at private-equity backed government contractors throughout his career.

Most recently, Corbi served as the CFO for Acuity International before his new appointment. In addition, he also served as the chief operating officer and CFO of Owl Cyber Defense and Tresys Technology. He also was the CFO and executive vice president of Finance for Internosis.

“The investments we have made in our products, services, and customer relationships over the past few years have created a great foundation and have opened up the growth potential in the business,” Corbi said.

After stepping down as CEO, Bob Stalick will remain with Acuity International as a special advisor for technology initiatives. Thomas Campbell, chairman of the Board of Directors for the company, explained how significant Stalick was in reshaping of Acuity International’s core business strategy through the acquisition and integration of several companies and cultures.

“He helped reshape the enterprise to successfully enable mission assurance for government and enterprise organizations globally and we are grateful for his leadership,” Campbell explained. “During these challenging times, I am pleased that Tony has agreed to step into the CEO role.”

About Acuity International 

Acuity International is a leading provider of process and technology-based medical, engineering, and mission services and solutions to government and commercial clients. Acuity International enables critical missions for its global customers with the latest technology and repeatable processes.

IRS to Receive $80B in New Funds Through Inflation Reduction Act; Charles Rettig Quoted
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IRS to Receive $80B in New Funds Through Inflation Reduction Act; Charles Rettig Quoted

The Internal Revenue Service will receive $79.6 billion through fiscal year 2031 from an estimated $740 billion package that supports tax, health care and climate programs.

U.S. senators on Sunday afternoon passed the Inflation Reduction Act along party lines and Vice President Kamala Harris cast her vote to break the 50-50 tie. House lawmakers plan to return from their annual August break to consider the legislation at the end of this week.

A Congressional Research Service report says the legislation includes $45.6 billion for IRS’ tax enforcement agent recruitment, technology acquisition and legal service requirements. The agency could also use the money in efforts to monitor transactions involving cryptocurrency and other digital assets, CRS noted.

The bill additionally would provide $25.3 billion to IRS operations, roughly $3.2 billion to taxpayer services and another $4.8 billion to the modernization of its business systems, according to the research institute.

“Resources in the reconciliation package will get us back to historical norms in areas of challenge for the agency – large corporate and global high-net-worth taxpayers – as well as new areas like pass-through entities and multinational taxpayers with international tax issues, where we need sophisticated, specialized teams in place that are able to unpack complex structures and identify noncompliance,” IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig wrote Thursday in a letter to the Senate.

In a post-passage statement, President Biden said the bill sets an $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug spending for senior citizens and reduces health insurance premiums for 13 million people enrolled in the Affordable Care Act by $800.

Biden noted the legislation supports domestic investments meant to address climate change impacts and ensure uninterrupted access to energy sources.

“Finally, it pays for all this by establishing a minimum corporate tax so that our richest corporations start to pay their fair share. It does not raise taxes on those making under $400,000 a year – not one cent.”

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U.S. Marine Corps Ranks: List of Ranking in Order
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The United States Marine Corps ranking system offers Marines important information. Understanding the Marine Corps ranks might help you succeed or better comprehend a veteran’s experience. If you choose a military career, you can advance through numerous levels.

Marine Corps ranks define responsibility and authority. Each rank has a pay grade. Here is the complete and in-order list of U.S. Marine Corps Ranks.

U.S. Marine Corps Ranks: List of Ranking in Order

Junior Enlisted

Junior Enlisted Marines have recently enlisted, working to hone their abilities and establish their principles. These are the first three enlisted ranks in the United States Marine Corps, with most Marines reaching the rank of Private First Class by the time they leave the Marines.

Private (PVT)

Grade: E-1

Young Marines who complete basic training are promoted to private (E-1) rank. The average enlisted marine spends six months as a private before being promoted to the next grade. An individual’s role as a private in the Marine Corps is to learn the ropes and the commands. Most of the time, the senior enlisted marine or marines with higher positions will instruct the private on what to do.

After six months of service, company commanders can elevate E-1 privates to E-2 PFC. There will be an automatic promotion for those who match the fundamental promotion criteria.

Private First Class (PFC)

Grade: E-2

The second rank for people who join the Marine Corps is Private First Class. In 1917, Marine Corps created the rank of PFC to match a similar position to the Army.

Company commanders promote all active-duty privates after this service period if they match basic standards. PFC spent most of their time doing chores and studying.

The first step toward becoming an essential part of the Marine Corps is getting promoted to Private First Class. The PFCs are what hold the Marines together. The PFC’s job is to use their technical skills and learn and develop new skills.

Marine Corps company commanders can advance active-duty enlisted Marines to lance corporal (E-3) after nine months’ Time-in-Service (TIS) and eight months Time-in-Grade (TIG). Like PFC, this promotion is automatic for individuals who match the fundamental qualifications.

Lance Corporal (LCpl)

Grade: E-3

The Marine Corps’ third enlisted rank is that of Lance Corporal (E-3). During the Indian Wars in the 1830s, the Marines first adopted the rank of lance corporal (LCpl).

The position of Lance Corporal is the next level in your Marine Corps career. As well as acquiring and developing leadership qualities, lance corporals keep applying the knowledge and abilities they gained throughout their formal education.

Lance corporals will focus on self-education and ancillary duties to advance. They should also show leadership to get a higher-ranking position. Some Marines never move past E-3 due to the competitive nature of the higher grades.

senior enlisted marine, entire marine corps,

Marine Corps Ranks: Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO)

Marine corporals and sergeants have a specific role. Non-Commissioned Officers or NCOs are responsible for their men in combat and out. They indicate duty and dedication to the mission.

Corporal (Cpl)

Grade: E-4

The lowest NCO rank is a corporal (E-4) who leads junior Marines. Corporals must show more maturity, leadership, and professionalism. The corporal’s development as a small unit leader and professional talents affect mission effectiveness in battle.

Twelve months TIS and eight months TIG are required to progress. Corporals usually head two four-person fire teams. At this level, Marines continue self-education, strengthen leadership abilities, and grow through mentorship.

Being promoted to the Noncommissioned Officer requires that a Corporal prove their competence. They must achieve primary eligibility conditions and compete in a Marine Corps-wide. The Composite Score competition will help promote only the most competent candidates to the next higher grade; corporal to sergeant.

Sergeant (Sgt)

Grade: E-5

The sergeant (E-5) position in the Marine Corps has almost the same tasks and obligations as corporal rank in the Army. No matter what NCO level one holds, one’s primary obligations and duties will always be the same. The primary distinction between a sergeant and a corporal is in the sergeant’s responsibility for a more significant number of Marines and a greater quantity of equipment and other property.

Marine Corps Sergeants demonstrate increasingly responsible and mature behavior. Sergents’ leadership and expertise are crucial to the success of the overall operation.

Twenty-four months TIS and 12 months TIG is required for sergeant. To promote from corporal to sergeant, you must compete in the Marine Corps-wide Composite Score. It ensures that only the best Marines advance. Sergeants oversee more Marines, equipment, and property than corporals.

master gunnery sergeant, commanding officer,

Marine Corps Ranks: Staff Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO)

A yearly meeting of a centralized selection board decides who gets promoted to staff noncommissioned officer. The United States Marine Corps board carefully considers each application when promoting.

Staff NCOs serve in grades E-6 through E-9. Marine SNCOs have specific duties and activities.

Staff Sergeant (SSgt)

Grade: E-6

The Staff NCO grades begin at Staff Sergeant. Staff sergeants have more responsibilities than sergeants. Staff sergeants guide the Marines and lower-ranking sergeants with their duties.

Staff sergeants usually supervise one or more sergeants. SSgts are accountable for their sergeants and all Marines in their section, squad, or team.

The staff sergeant requires four years of TIS and 24 months of TIG. Staff sergeants usually lead 40-50 Marines and one or more sergeants. Drill teachers are needed.

Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt)

Grade: E-7

The Marine Corps gunnery sergeant rank is the backbone of the SNCO ranks. Gunnery sergeants in the Marine Corps use their extensive knowledge and training to make fair judgments quickly that benefit both the mission and their Marines. When it comes to leadership and professionalism, GySgts are the ones whose actions their subordinates follow.

A Marine needs six years of TIS and three years of TIG to be a gunnery sergeant. Gunnery sergeants often work with individual companies, although they also may be assigned to battalions, training units, and recruitment stations. Training, overseeing, disciplining subordinates, fostering the growth of other Marines, and upholding all military standards are part of a gunnery sergeant’s purview.

Here are the activities and tasks of a Gunnery Sergeant:

  • Motivate subordinates
  • Hold subordinates accountable
  • Apply military and appearance standards
  • Supervise and discipline subordinates
  • Plan and run unit operations according to senior commanders’ policies.
  • Maintain billeting, facilities, and work areas
  • Maintain armaments, equipment, and accountability
  • Maintain professional standards for Marines, NCOs, SNCOs, and Corps Support, and enforce senior officer policies.

Master Sergeant (MSgt) or First Sergeant (1st Sgt)

Grade: E-8

The master sergeant and first sergeant share the ninth USMC rank. Eight years TIS and four years TIG are required for either position.

Master sergeants are battalion, regiment, and brigade technical managers. The master sergeant is a  Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) expert and independent. This person advises majors and lieutenants colonels on equipment and programs and offers technical, tactical, and administrative support.

The first sergeant is a consultant to the commander on matters involving people rather than hardware. At the company level, the first sergeant acts as the central and captain’s chief adviser, supplying them with intelligence on their troops’ readiness.

Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt) and Sergeant Major (SgtMaj)

Grade: E-9

Master gunnery sergeants and sergeant majors, like master sergeants (MSgt) and first sergeants (1stSgt), are compensated similarly despite performing very distinct duties.

A master gunnery sergeant acts as a technical manager at the battalion level or higher. This individual possesses exceptional MOS competency and a track record of leading and supervising others.

The sergeant major is the Marine Corps’ top enlisted adviser. Their primary and foremost requirement is outstanding leadership and an exceptionally high degree of professional competence. E-9 marines must also be able to act independently in the role of principal enlisted assistant to the commander in all organization’s administrative, technical, and tactical requirements.

The sergeant major is the Marine Corps’ top counselor. This person is in charge of overseeing the personnel operations of a battalion or larger unit. They advise officers of all grades on readiness for their respective departments.

The duties for each of these jobs are different, yet they receive the same salary. Master Gunnery Sergeant and Sergeant Major require ten years of TIS and three years of TIG.

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (SMMC)

Grade: E-9

The Marine Corps sergeant major is the commandant’s right-hand man, keeping tabs on enlisted life and reporting any leadership concerns to the top brass. The commandant of the Marine Corps chooses the sergeant major, who typically serves for four years.

The Marine Corps sergeant major is the highest-ranking enlisted adviser to the Marine Corps commandant. This position typically lasts for four years under the commandant. This person is crucial to communicating between the commandant and the enlisted Marines since they operate as the commandant’s eyes and ears.

chief warrant officer insignia, warrant officer, chief warrant officer 4, marine corps ranks, chief warrant officer

Warrant Officers

The Marine Corps warrant officers are subject matter experts who serve as role models and teachers to their fellow enlisted men and women. The appointment of a sergeant (E-5) or noncommissioned staff officer (E-6) to the rank of warrant officer requires the approval of the secretary of the Navy. Chief Warrant Officer 2 is the first step toward a commission for a warrant officer. However, until then, they will likely function as technical consultants for higher-ups.

Warrant officer ranks are:

W-1, Warrant Officer (WO)

W-2, Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO2)

W-3, Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO3)

W-4, Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO4)

W-5, Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO5)

Marines under the command of a chief warrant officer get guidance and instruction in their specialty. Warrants for sergeants or staff noncommissioned officers to advance to warrant officer rank require approval from the secretary of the Navy. Infantry weapons officers can be warrant officers as well. As a result of this accomplishment, they are now considered Marine gunners.

sergeant major, marine corps ranks

Officers: Company-grade officers, Field-grade officers, and Generals

Officers with commissions are university grads who have received and accepted a presidential appointment. Their rank and commission make them responsible for guiding Marines in protecting American freedoms and liberties. Commission officers can advance to higher levels, such as general, field, or company officers. Both the Marine Corps Commandant and the Marine Corps Assistant Commandant hold the rank of four stars.

Officers with commissions are university grads who have received a presidential appointment. First, they have to finish The Basic School, and then they can move on to MOS training. Even though they have a college degree and command over enlisted personnel, they still need to consult with noncommissioned officers because they lack military experience.

Second Lieutenant

Grade: O-1

The responsibilities of a second lieutenant are those of a platoon leader or company commander, and they defer to the authority of their superiors.

First Lieutenant

Grade: O-2

The duties of a first lieutenant are comparable to those of a second lieutenant. However, the latter’s responsibilities are expanded immediately upon promotion.

Captain

Grade: O-3

A Captain is the senior commissioned officer in a Marine Corps company and acts as the commander of that unit. Its duties include supervising its members and directing their efforts in carrying out tactical missions with the assistance of senior noncommissioned officers.

Major

Grade: O-4

A Marine Major is typically assigned duties such as an executive officer of a battalion, leader of a weapons company, or member of the staff of a regiment or brigade.

Lieutenant Colonel

Grade: O-5

Lieutenant Colonel commands a regiment, heads up a brigade, or works on a division’s staff.

Colonel

Grade: O-6

A colonel leads a regiment, heads up a brigade, or works on a division’s staff.

Brigadier General

Grade: O-7

Brigadier Generals are one-star generals nominated by the President and require Senate confirmation to take office.

Major General

Grade: O-8

A Major General is a two-star General, which the President and subject also nominate for Senate confirmation.

Lieutenant General

Grade: O-9

A Lieutenant General is a three-star general nominated by the President and requires Senate confirmation to take office.

General

Grade: O-10

A four-star general is the highest ranking officer in the United States armed forces. The President also appoints the General and requires Senate confirmation to take office.

Assistant Commandant Of The Marine Corps

The second-highest ranked Marine Officer is the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, a four-star general who acts as the Commandant’s deputy.

Commandant Of The Marine Corps

In the Joint Chiefs of Staff sits the highest-ranking Marine Officer, the Commandant Of The Marine Corps, who is also a four-star general.

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Army Seeks to Advance Electric Vehicle Adoption With Battery Research Programs
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Army Seeks to Advance Electric Vehicle Adoption With Battery Research Programs

The U.S. Army’s Ground Vehicle Systems Center is developing new batteries to help the service transition to hybrid and fully electric vehicles as part of efforts to give more operational flexibility to warfighters, Breaking Defense reported Thursday.

“As we start to go into our tactical vehicles, we believe that those can be electrified pretty easily in that 2050 period of time,” Laurence Toomey, branch chief for the energy storage team at the service’s GVSC, told the publication in an interview.

The center is working on a 6T Lithium-Ion battery and Toomey said the battery will be deployed in the “near-term” to Stryker, Mobile Protected Firepower and Joint Light Tactical Vehicle programs.

Toomey said such batteries would allow soldiers to carry out longer duration missions and enhance anti-idling capabilities while the engine is off.

He noted that GVSC is also working on the Modular High Voltage battery for hybrid vehicle applications and plans to begin research work on the Extreme Energy High Voltage battery program in fiscal year 2023.

Navy Inactivates Guided Missile Cruiser USS Vella Gulf; Capt. Mike Desmond Quoted
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Navy Inactivates Guided Missile Cruiser USS Vella Gulf; Capt. Mike Desmond Quoted

USS Vella Gulf, a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, has been removed from the U.S. Navy’s fleet after nearly 29 years in active service, DVIDSHub reported Thursday.

The military branch held a ship inactivation ceremony Thursday for the first of five cruisers that will be decommissioned within the year and will place the vessel in “Logistical Support Asset” status when it arrives at an inactive ship facility in Philadelphia.

Ingalls Shipbuilding-built Vella Gulf commissioned in September 1993 in Norfolk, Virginia, is the second warship dedicated to the naval engagement that took place in the Pacific Ocean during World War II.

“She has served her crews and her nation well, and rightfully takes her place among the ships that, for well over 200 years, have played an indispensable role in protecting the United States of America and serving her strategic interests across the world,” said Capt. Mike Desmond, commanding officer of CG 72.

The ship’s crew supported NATO’s military operations against Serbia in 1999 to end human rights abuses against Albanian people in Kosovo.

Other contributions of the vessel and its sailors include support for national government response to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, an anti-piracy mission in 2009 off the Horn of Africa and a 2017 strike campaign that fought the Islamic State militant group.

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FCC to Conduct In-Space Servicing Policy Review; Jessica Rosenworcel Quoted
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FCC to Conduct In-Space Servicing Policy Review; Jessica Rosenworcel Quoted

The Federal Communications Commission has issued a notice of inquiry to address policy questions and assess the economic potential of in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing as part of a push to advance U.S. leadership in the space economy.

The policy review will evaluate the challenges and opportunities of satellite refueling, in-orbit repair and inspection, debris removal and other space missions, FCC said Friday.

The commission’s move to open the proceeding on ISAM came four months after the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy released the ISAM National Strategy.

Through the notice of inquiry, the FCC wants to solicit input on how to update and clarify its licensing processes and rules to mitigate barriers to ISAM missions, assess the spectrum needs of such missions and implications on the commission’s rules with regard to orbital debris.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said responsibility and safety in space should also be promoted in addition to space innovation.

“That is why this inquiry also considers how ISAM capabilities can lead to the development of new ways to clean up orbital debris,” added Rosenworcel.

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Sen. Maggie Hassan Introduces Small Businesses Cybersecurity Act
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Sen. Maggie Hassan Introduces Small Businesses Cybersecurity Act

Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., has proposed a bill to enable small business development centers to help improve the cybersecurity posture of small companies.

The Small Businesses Cybersecurity Act would create a federal program to offer grants to small business development centers to enable them provide cybersecurity training for employees, conduct cyber assessments of small companies and support other cybersecurity initiatives of such enterprises, Hassan’s office said Thursday.

“As small businesses continue to modernize and do more work online, the risk of cyberattacks becomes more serious,” said Hassan.

“I encourage my colleagues to pass this bill so that Small Business Development Centers in New Hampshire and across the country can keep working to protect small businesses from cyberattacks and help them thrive,” she added.

U.S. Coast Guard Ranks: A Guide For Defense Contractors
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U.S. Coast Guard Ranks: A Guide For Defense Contractors

The federal contracting industry is as tough as it gets—but doing business with defense departments is on a whole another level. On top of learning how to navigate the complicated processes surrounding federal contracting, you also have to grasp the structure of the defense department you are aiming for. Why? This is to help you understand the defense agency and tailor your services better.

The Armed Forces of America is made up of all the military forces that protect the nation against all threats. Among the defense departments that are part of America’s armed forces is the Coast Guard.

Who is the U.S. Coast Guard?

The U.S. Coast Guard is a branch of the Armed Forces in charge of safeguarding life and resources at sea. This defense department handles maritime search and rescue operations, law enforcement, and security. The United States Coast Guard is the one who is primarily responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and environmental stewardship of all America’s ports and inland waterways, coastlines, and high seas.

Furthermore, the U.S. Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security during peacetimes. And in times of war, the Coast Guard integrates with the U.S. Navy.

The U.S. Coast Guard ranks can be a bit confusing at first since they differ from other military branches. But understanding the enlisted and officers ranks are easier if it's listed do

The U.S. Coast Guard Ranks

USCG ranks are comprised of four pay grade categories: enlisted (E-1 through E-3), petty officers (E-4 through E-9), warrant officers (CWO-2 through CWO-4) and officers (O-1 through O-10). The letter and number represent the ratings and paygrade of the Seaman.

You can also read about more army ranks, air force ranks.

Enlisted

The enlisted personnel of the U.S. Coast Guard is recruits who are either nailing down their basic training courses or are already on their way to training for leadership roles.

Seaman Recruit

The Seaman Recruit (SR) is the lowest enlisted member of the U.S. Coast Guard. As an entry-level recruit, the SR’s main task is to familiarize themselves with the coast guard’s culture and survive the department’s intensive basic training course.

Seaman Apprentice

After completing the basic training course program, the Seaman Recruit is finally eligible to be promoted to Seaman Apprentice (SA). The SA is the second lowest ranking member of the Coast Guard and the first to earn its rank insignia.

As the Seaman Apprentice, they will be posted on their respective units to train and hone their skills: deck & administrative; Fireman or engineering & hull, and Airman or aviation.

Seaman

The official title of the Seaman (SN) varies depending on their assigned post. If they belong to the deck and administration, their SN title remains the same. In the engineering and hull, they are referred to as Fireman (FN), and Airman (AN) in aviation. The duties and responsibilities of a Seaman depend on which post they are assigned to. But generally, the SN is in charge of routine ship maintenance and repair, damage control, emergency response, store administration, and ceremonial duties. They must also study under a higher-ranked Seaman to gain hands-on job experience.

Additionally, the Seaman is expected to acquire a rating, which can be obtained by attending a Class A School for advanced technical training or a Striker Program (on-the-job training).

Petty Officer Third Class

The Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) holds the lowest rank among the noncommissioned officers. Compared to the previous Coast Guard ranks, the PO3 must now demonstrate and hone its dual prowess in technical and designated occupational specialty skills.

Furthermore, the Petty Officer Third Class is subject to High Year Tenure (HYT). This means that a PO3 should be promoted to the next rank within eight years or be involuntarily separated from service.

Individuals who have reached these petty officers ranks are given more opportunities to hone and prove their leadership abilities.

Petty Officer Second Class

Once the PO3 has successfully moved up, they are tasked with more responsibilities that will test their leadership, technical, and specialty skills. The Petty Officer Second is also authorized to enforce maritime law and act as a federal customs officer.

The PO2, like the PO3, is also subject to the High Year Tenure (HYT) pathway. They are given 14 years to hone and prove their skills in their position to be eligible for the promotion. Failure to do so will result in involuntary separation from service.

Petty Officer First Class

As one of the Coast Guard’s junior officers, the Petty Officer First Class (PO1), they are expected to possess technical mastery, designated occupational specialty skills, and leadership abilities. They are also given the opportunity to further hone their skills by allowing them access to study for recognized associate or bachelor’s degrees through a “C” School.

The Petty Officer First Class shares similar responsibilities with the Second Class. The PO1 is authorized to act as a maritime law enforcement body and act as a federal customs officer. Moreover, they are also subject to the High Year Tenure (HYT). The PO1 should be promoted to the next rank on or before their 20th year in service. Otherwise, they will be involuntarily separated from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Chief Petty Officer

To be successfully promoted to Chief Petty Officer (CPO) is an important milestone in an enlisted coast guard career. A CPO is an esteemed individual who has refined their specialty technical skills and has proven their leadership abilities. They are in charge of training and mentoring the people under their leadership and carrying out administrative duties. On top of that, they are also tasked with training the newly-commissioned officers, from ensigns to lieutenant commanders. CPOs are usually posted in cutters (decked vessels) and boats.

The Chief Petty Officer is still subject to High Year Tenure (HYT). If they cannot secure a rank promotion within 24 years of service, they will face mandatory retirement from the United States Coast Guard.

Senior Chief Petty Officer

The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO) are similar to Chief Petty Officer, and the difference lies in their level of command control. The SCPO possess more authority in their unit’s administrative, technical, and leadership roles. Furthermore, the SCPO is more involved in training the junior commissioned officers.

On top of demonstrating strong leadership abilities and advanced technical skills in their specialty field, the Senior Chief Petty Officer is also expected to know the systems and processes in place that make up the U.S. Coast Guard.

Master Chief Petty Officer

The Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO) is the highest enlisted rank. They are considered experts in their chosen field of specialty with a proven track record in leadership. And since the Master Chief Petty Officers holds the highest position among the enlisted members of the Coast Guard, they are chosen to command select small vessels and Coast Guard stations.

To advance in rank, the Master Chief Petty Officer must participate in a highly-competitive  Command Master Chief Petty Officer Program.

Fleet / Command Master Chief Petty Officer

The Command Master Chief Petty Officer (CMC) is a senior enlisted officer at the command level who acts as a liaison between the enlisted corps and the Coast Guard headquarters. They are considered experts in their respective fields and assist sea and shore commands in issues concerning personnel discipline, training, morale, living conditions, and technical challenges.

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard

The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (MCPOCG) is the highest senior ranking enlisted officer who represents the sailors as a whole. The MCPOCG’s primary duty is to uphold and promote the well-being of the enlisted personnel by establishing clear communication lines with their people. The MCPOCG is attuned to the needs of their command so they can create policies, address pressing concerns, and offer counsel for them.

Warrant officers are technical specialists of their chosen field.

Warrant Officers

The Warrant Officers are the commissioned specialists in the field. Although they are considered to have a class of their own, warrant officers are positioned above enlisted officers and subordinate to commissioned officers.

Chief Warrant Officer 2

Generally, Chief Warrant Officers are regarded as highly-trained specialists. And to become a Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO-2), they  must render eight years of service as a noncommissioned officer and demonstrate their expertise in their selected field of specialty.

Chief Warrant Officer 3

The Chief Warrant Officer 3 is a mid-level warrant officer rank. Advancement to this rank happens over time. Furthermore, WOs are eligible to apply to the Chief Warrant Officer to Lieutenant Program to move up their ranks.

Chief Warrant Officer 4

The Chief Warrant Officer 4 is a  senior level warrant officer rank. Advancement to this rank happens over time. Furthermore, WOs are eligible to apply to the Chief Warrant Officer to Lieutenant Program to move up their ranks.

Commissioned Officers

The commissioned officers hold the highest ranks in the Coast Guard. These officers were selected by the President and their ranks were confirmed by the Senate.

Ensign

The Ensign is a junior-ranked commissioned officer who leads a group of petty officers and enlisted personnel while receiving on-the-job training. Upon their appointment, an Ensign must complete a mandatory 3-year initial active-duty obligation.

Lieutenant Junior Grade

Also referred to informally as “JayGee,” the Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) acts as billeted division officers on board a Coast Guard vessel or at a shore station. But more than that, the LTJG officers focus on developing their specialty skills, leadership abilities, and professionalism. Given how the U.S. Coast Guard wears many hats, from being a naval warrior to environmental stewards, these measures will ensure that they will be up to the task if the need for their leadership arises.

Lieutenant

The Lieutenant is the highest junior-level rank among the commissioned officers who are focused on enhancing their specialty skills for the next level. Furthermore, their time on board the vessel will be mostly spent leading a department—usually made up of a large number of junior enlisted personnel and petty officers.

Lieutenant Commander

The Lieutenant Commander is a mid-ranking commissioned officer with countless years of service under their belt that proves their expertise. As the Lieutenant Commander, they are in charge of commanding smaller vessels to enforce maritime law and protect America’s people and resources.

With a proven expertise in leadership, technical, and operational skills, the commissioned officials are given the responsibility to command their own vessels.

Commander

The Commander is the first senior commissioned rank in the Coast Guard. With proven leadership and technical skills in their field of specialty, the Commander is posted as leader of a unit in a small vessel. Furthermore, the Commander is a multi-mission expert in charge of carrying out tactical missions, search and rescue, homeland security, marine environment protection, and maritime law enforcement.

A Commander may also be deployed on the shore or serve as staff for high-ranking officials in larger vessels.

Captain

A Captain is deployed as a commander of a large vessel, aircraft, or in other senior positions. Compared to its other military counterparts, the Captain is a high-ranking officer who operates on a higher level of authority since the U.S. Coast Guard servicemembers are relatively fewer than the other military branches.

Rear Admiral Lower Half

The Rear Admiral Lower Half (RDML) is a one-star flag officer of the U.S. Coast Guard. They are seasoned leaders and military members who command a small flotilla of cutters or a group of air wings. Furthermore, the RDML is in charge of protecting a number of sectors of the U.S. coastline and being its first line of defense.

An RDML can only hold this position for five years. Once they have fulfilled their tenure, they can get repositioned or retire.

Rear Admiral Upper Half

The Rear Admiral Upper Half shares a few similarities with their other counterpart, but this two-star flag officer is a step above them in terms of proven experience.

The Rear Admiral Upper Half commands a large fleet that can respond to emergencies and protect the U.S. Coastlines against threats.

Vice Admiral

The Vice Admiral is a three-star flag officer assigned to the office of the Vice-Commandment of the Coast Guard. The Vice Admiral act as their second in command and assists the office in overseeing their mission sectors.

A Vice Admiral’s tenure can last three to four years.

Admiral

The Admiral is a four-star flag officer who holds the highest rank in the U.S. Coast Guard. They are the ones directly in charge of securing the nation’s surrounding waterways and overseeing their department’s people, including those who are active duty personnel, reserves, and civilian employees and volunteers.

The Admiral directly reports to the President of the United States.

Fleet Admiral (Reserved For Wartime Only)

And finally, the Fleet Admiral is a five-star flag rank that is only active during wartime. This rank was only conferred once to Admiral George Dewey during the Spanish-American war.

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