US Coast Guard Ranks

The Coast Guard is under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security and is charged with six missions, Maritime law enforcement, response and prevention, transportation systems management, and security and defense operations. In wartime the Coast Guard would come under the direct control of the Defense Department.

ENLISTED RATINGS

Enlisted ranks in the Coast Guard mirror those of the U.S. Navy. It initially classifies junior enlisted men as being in a Seaman, Airman or Fireman apprenticeship until one “makes rate’ as an E-4 or Third Class Petty Officer.

No insignia

Seaman Recruit (E-1)

Seaman Apprentice (E-2)

Seaman (E-3)

Petty Officer Third Class (e-4)

Petty Officer Second Class (e-5)

Petty Officer First Class (e-6)

Chief petty officer (e-7)

Senior Chief Petty Officer (e-8)

Master Chief Petty Officer (e-9)

Fleet/Command Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9)

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (E-9)

WARRANT OFFICER RANKS

In the Coast Guard, Chief Warrant Officers are senior prior-enlisted members with specialized skills. As with they navy they have a unique organizational position centered on comprehensive knowledge and management in their specialty.

USN Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO2)

USN Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CWO3)

USN Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CWO4)

OFFICER RANKS

Officers in the Coast Guard carry out the duty of direct and indirect leadership of the everyday operations of deployed units, mobile units and shore based forces performing the core missions of the Coast Guard.