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Rate Insignia of Navy Enlisted Personnel

The use of the word "rank" for Navy enlisted personnel is incorrect. The term is "rate." The rating badge -- a combination of rate (pay grade) and rating (specialty) is worn on the left upper sleeve of all uniforms in grades E-4 through E-6. E-1 through E-3 have color coded group rate marks based upon their occupational field. Group rate marks for E-2 and E-3 are worn on dress uniforms only. Personnel in paygrade E-1 do not wear group rate marks. Chief Petty Officers (E-7 through E-9) wear collar devices on their white and khaki uniforms, and rate badges on their Service Dress Blues.

Pay Grade	Rate	Abbreviation	Upper Sleeve	Collar and Cap
E-1	Seaman Recruit	SR	none	none
E-2	Seaman Apprentice	SA		none
E-3	Seaman	SN		none
E-4	Petty Officer Third Class	PO3
E-5	Petty Officer Second Class	PO2
E-6	Petty Officer First Class	PO1
E-7	Chief Petty Officer	CPO
E-8	Senior Chief Petty Officer	SCPO
E-9	Master Chief Petty Officer	MCPO
E-9	Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy	MCPON

Last Update: 28 June 2009