Career Paths

As a noncommissioned officer, you have more options available to you than are available to commissioned officers, and you can choose among these options to form a career path that defines your character.

To Master Chief Petty Officer

The first option is the easiest and most basic: continue up the enlisted rate ladder to Master Chief Petty Officer. Quite often this guarantees you the additional title of Chief of the Boat (or Command Chief for bases), the most important NCO on a ship. The Chief of the Boat, or COB, is in many ways more valuable to the Commanding Officer than any officer below the Executive Officer.

To Warrant Officer

If you've been eyeing those positions that are normally held by commissioned officers, and you have reached the minimum rate of Chief Petty Officer, you should request a warrant from your Commanding Officer. Once approved, your rate will change to the rank of Warrant Officer at your next promotion, and you'll be able to choose from any available junior officer position (e.g. Transporter Chief or Assistant Medical Officer) within your department. With a promotion to Chief Warrant Officer (CWO), you may hold any available senior officer position (e.g. Chief Science Officer) within your department. (Senior Chief Petty Officers who wish to transfer to Warrant status, will be given the rank of Chief Warrant Officer at their next promotion.) The only limit to warrant status is that you cannot be promoted to Executive or Commanding Officer positions. You may also choose to try the position of Boatswain if it is available.

To Commissioned Officer

Finally, if you have the potential for a command of your own and you have reached the rank of Chief Warrant Officer, you may request a commission from your Commanding Officer. Providing that you show the necessary experience and leadership, your CO will recommend that Bravo Fleet Command grant this to you. Once approved, your rank will change to Lieutenant at your next promotion and you'll be able to choose from any available officer position within your department. Holding a commission, you'll then be qualified to be promoted to Executive or Commanding Officer positions.