U.S. Coast Guard Ranks

On this page, we have constructed a complete guide to U.S. Coast Guard ranks. As you explore this page, you’ll learn about each rank’s insignia, their base pay, how to address a member of each rank, what kinds of jobs each rank performs in the military, what each rank is equal to in all of the other branches of service, and how you would get promoted to each rank—from seaman recruit all the way to admiral.

Whether you are an enlisted Guardsman or commissioned officer, your rank will determine many of the duties you’ll be expected to perform successfully. Enlisted Sailors wear chevrons to indicate their rank or rate. Coast Guard officers wear different rank devices depending upon their uniform (insignia pins on their collars and flight caps, stripes on their shoulder boards, or stripes on their lower coat sleeves) to indicate their rank. In the U.S. Coast Guard, ranks are divided into three groups: Enlisted (E-1 through E-9), Warrant Officers (W-2 through W-4), and Commissioned Officers (O-1 through O-10).

Enlisted Guardsmen

Enlisted Guardsmen wear chevrons to indicate their rank or rate. Unlike the other military branches, which organize service members according to ranks, the Coast Guard and Navy categorize its enlisted members according to rates. The rate of an enlisted Guardsman is determined by their rating badge, a combination of a rate (pay-grade) badge of stripes or chevrons and rating (occupational specialty), represented by the symbol just above the stripes or chevrons on the left sleeve of most uniforms. Enlisted Coast Guard ranks (rates) are broken down into three levels: Apprenticeships (E-1 through E-3), petty officers (E-4 through E-6), and chief petty officers (E-7 through E-9).

Warrant Officers

The Coast Guard has a long tradition of appointing experienced enlisted service members as non-commissioned officers. Warrant Officers are highly skilled specialists who are knowledgeable in their technical expertise. There are currently 27 designated specialties (e.g., electronic techs, software experts, pilots). A Senior Coast Guard Enlisted with the pay grade of E-6 and above is qualified to apply for the Coast Guard’s Warrant Officer program. Service members have at least 14 years of considerable leadership and technical experience before applying for the program.

Commissioned Officers

Commissioned Officers are divided into two groups, Junior and Mid-Grade Commissioned Officers (O-1 through O-6) and Flag Officers ranks (O-7 through O-10). The commissioned ranks are the highest in the Coast Guard and wear different rank devices depending upon the uniform: khakis, collar insignia pins (bars, oak leaves, eagles, and stars); whites, stripes on shoulder boards; and blues, stripes sewn on the lower coat sleeves.

U.S. Coast Guard Enlisted Ranks

Seaman Recruit

Rank: Seaman Recruit (No Insignia)
Abbreviated: SR
Classification: Junior Enlisted
Title: Seaman (last name)
DoD Paygrade: E-1
Basic Pay: $1,785 per month

What does a Seaman Recruit do?

As a seaman recruit, you are an “apprentice in training.” During basic training, you will learn all about the Coast Guard and gain the fundamental skills you’ll need to succeed in the Coast Guard. After enlisting, you’ll choose your specialty and then go into an occupational field, or a rate, after basic training.

How do I get promoted to Seaman Recruit?

You don’t need any prior experience to enlist in the U.S. Coast Guard. You’ll have to meet basic enlistment requirements like being between 17 and 31 years of age, have a high school diploma, pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, and go through a medical exam. To reach SR, you must complete Basic Training. Upon graduation, you may be promoted to E-1, E-2, or E-3 based on numerous factors. Your enlistment contract may pre-designate a rating. Also, some highly technical ratings are all promoted directly to E-3 after basic training.

Equivalent Ranks to Coast Guard Seaman Recruit:

Air Force – Airman Basic
Space Force – Specialist 1
Army – Private
Navy – Seaman Recruit
Marine Corps – Private

Seaman Apprentice

Rank: Seaman Apprentice
Abbreviated: SA
Classification: Junior Enlisted
Title: Depends on rating: Seaman (last name), Fireman (last name), Airman (last name).
DoD Paygrade: E-2
Sleeve Insignia: 2 diagonal stripes

What does a Seaman Apprentice do?

Once you are assigned a rate, as a seaman apprentice, you’ll start studying at your A-Course within your rating. Even though you won’t yet have a rating, your insignia will have the corresponding color based on your assigned group.

Seaman Apprentice (double white striped insignia). Assigned to general-duty deck and administrative.
Fireman Apprentice (double red striped insignia). Assigned to engineering and hull departments.
Airman Apprentice (double green striped insignia). Assigned to an aviation unit.

How do I get promoted to Seaman Apprentice?

Promotion to seaman apprentice is pretty much automatic. After completing eight weeks of basic training, you’ll be promoted to seaman, fireman, or aviation (E-2).

Equivalent Ranks to Coast Guard Seaman Apprentice:

Air Force – Airman
Space Force – Specialist 2
Army – Private (PV2)
Navy – Seaman Apprentice
Marine Corps – Private First Class

Seaman

Rank: Seaman
Abbreviated: SN
Classification: Junior Enlisted
Title: Depends on rating: Seaman (last name)
DoD Paygrade: E-3
Basic Pay: $2,104 per month
Sleeve Insignia: 3 diagonal stripes

What does a Seaman do?

Your primary duties as a seaman is to gain experience through performing ship and equipment rounds on deck, as well as duties in maintenance and repair, lookout, helm (steering), damage control, emergency, and security details. You’ll gain practical experience by shadowing a fully qualified Guardsman. Your goal is to get your rating by completing your “A” School that provides advanced training for your job. You can also gain your rating through on-the-job training, aka the “striker” program. Not all occupations have striker programs.

How do I get promoted to Seaman?

Promotion to seaman is also almost guaranteed. If you are a seaman apprentice, then you’ll need to have six months of Time in Rate (TIR) as a seaman, complete your “A” School, and have a clean record. Based on your rate and enlistment contract, you may be promoted to seaman right after you graduate from Basic Training.

Equivalent Ranks to Coast Guard Seaman:

Air Force – Airman First Class
Space Force – Specialist 3
Army – Private First Class
Navy – Seaman
Marine Corps – Lance Corporal

Petty Officer Third Class

Rank: Petty Officer Third Class
Abbreviated: PO3
Classification: Noncommissioned Officer (NCO)
Title: Petty Officer (last name) or rate designation (Aviation Electrician’s Mate Third Class)
DoD Paygrade: E-4
Basic Pay: $2,450 per month
Sleeve Insignia: Perched eagle, specialty mark (rate), 1 chevron
Collar Insignia Pin: Coast Guard Shield, 1 chevron

What does a Petty Officer Third Class do?

A petty officer third class is the first rank of a Coast Guard NCO, and you’ll act as a leader and as a technical expert in your specified rating. You’ll also assume higher responsibility, authority, and accountability for yourself and your junior Guardsmen. As a petty officer third class, you’ll be legally empowered to act as a law enforcement and federal customs officer.

How do I get promoted to Petty Officer Third Class?

To receive a promotion to petty officer third class, you must complete a specialty test in your particular rating. Promotion is highly competitive, and only a certain number of PO3 billets are available each year. Some sought-after technical ratings can advance after passing Class “A” School training or completing six months of Time in Rate (TIR) on a “striker” program. Time in Rate (TIR) for promotion to petty officer third class is six months and minimum Time in Service (TIS) is two years.

Equivalent Ranks to Coast Guard Petty officer Third Class:

Air Force – Senior Airman
Space Force – Specialist 4
Army – Corporal/Specialist
Navy – Petty Officer Third Class
Marine Corps – Corporal

Petty Officer Second Class

Rank: Petty Officer Second Class
Abbreviated: PO2
Classification: Noncommissioned Officer
Title: Petty Officer (last name) or rate designation (Aviation Electrician’s Mate Second Class)
DoD Paygrade: E-5
Basic Pay: $2,844 per month
Sleeve Insignia: Perched eagle, specialty mark (rate), 2 chevrons
Collar Insignia Pin: Coast Guard Shield, 2 chevrons

What does a Petty Officer Second Class do?

As a petty officer second class, you’ll act as a leader and as a technical expert in your specified rating. You’ll also assume higher responsibility and accountability to yourself and your junior Guardsmen. As a Petty Officer Second Class, your level of authority will increase, and you’ll be expected to manage more resources and larger groups of Guardsmen or watch sections.

How do I get promoted to Petty Officer Second Class?

To get promoted to petty officer second class, you must sit for another rating exam, meet the minimum training and qualification requirements for your rate, and have your commanding officer’s recommendation. You must have six months of Time in Rate (TIR), pass the Service-Wide Exam (SWE), complete the rate examination in your chosen technical specialty. Slots (billets) are limited, and those who score the highest points are chosen to fill the posts. Highly technical rates have higher promotion rates.

Equivalent Ranks to Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class:

Air Force – Staff Sergeant
Space Force – Staff Sergeant
Army – Sergeant
Navy – Petty Officer Second Class
Marine Corps – Sergeant

Petty Officer First Class

Rank: Petty Officer First Class
Abbreviated: PO1
Classification: Noncommissioned Officer
Title: Petty Officer (last name) or rate designation (Aviation Electrician’s Mate First Class)
DoD Paygrade: E-6
Basic Pay: $3,455 per month
Sleeve Insignia: Perched eagle, specialty mark (rate), 3 chevrons
Collar Insignia Pin: Coast Guard Shield, 3 chevrons

What does a Petty Officer First Class do?

Petty officer first class is where you’ll start making the transition from junior to senior petty officer. After your promotion to PO1, you are expected to excel in your technical expertise and leadership abilities, so you are prepared to take on the duties of a chief petty officer. As a petty officer first class, you’ll be expected to take charge of many larger resources and Guardsmen.

How do I get promoted to Petty Officer First Class?

To promote to petty officer first class, you must sit for another rating exam, meet the minimum training and qualification requirements for your rate. You must have 12 months of Time in Rate (TIR), have your commanding officer’s recommendation, complete any schools related to your rating. You’ll complete for slots with other qualified PO2’s in the service-wide competition. As you progress in rank, you’ll be expected to complete duties other than your rate. For example, you’ll have the chance to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree through a “C” School.

Equivalent Ranks to Coast Guard Petty Officer First Class:

Air Force – Technical Sergeant
Space Force – Technical Sergeant
Army – Staff Sergeant
Navy – Petty Officer First Class
Marine Corps – Staff Sergeant

Chief Petty Officer

Rank: Chief Petty Officer
Abbreviated: CPO
Classification: Senior Noncommissioned Officer (NCO)
Title: Chief (last name) or rate designation (Chief Aviation Electrician’s Mate)
DoD Paygrade: E-7
Basic Pay: $4,760 per month
Sleeve Insignia: Perched eagle, specialty mark, 3 chevrons, 1 rocker
Collar Insignia Pin: Gold fouled anchor, silver superimposed Coast Guard Shield

What does a Chief Petty Officer do?

As a chief petty officer, you are considered a senior NCO and with that title comes significantly increased powers and responsibilities. In addition to your rating’s duties, you’ll be responsible for training junior officers and leading your group of Guardsmen and petty officers.

How do I get promoted to Chief Petty Officer?

In addition to specialty testing and commander recommendation, you must successfully pass a review by your peers, the senior petty officers which you have served with. You’ll undergo a year-long induction into your new role, known as “CPO 365.” You’ll need 24 months of Time in Rate (TIR), superior examination, and evaluation scores, and to pass your specialty exam to be eligible for promotion to chief petty officer.

Equivalent Ranks to Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer:

Air Force – Master Sergeant
Space Force – Master Sergeant
Army – Sergeant First Class
Navy – Chief Petty Officer
Marine Corps – Gunnery Sergeant

Senior Chief Petty Officer

Rank: Senior Chief Petty Officer
Abbreviated: SCPO
Classification: Senior Noncommissioned Officer (NCO)
Title: Senior Chief (last name) or rate designation (Senior Chief Aviation Electrician’s Mate)
DoD Paygrade: E-8
Basic Pay: $5,261 per month
Sleeve Insignia: Perched eagle, specialty mark, 3 chevrons, 1 rocker, 1 silver star
Collar Insignia Pin: Gold fouled anchor, silver superimposed Coast Guard Shield, 1 silver star

What does a Senior Chief Petty Officer do?

As a senior chief petty officer, you’ll have more authority and responsibility than a CPO and serve in administrative, technical, and leadership roles. You’ll also be expected to train junior commissioned officers. You are a technical expert in your field but also have a vast knowledge of most parts of the Coast Guard.

How do I get promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer?

To be promoted to “Senior Chief, ” you must have graduated from the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy and meet the basic qualifications of Time in Service (TIS) and 24 months of Time in Rate (TIR). You must also have superior performance evaluations, and high exam scores. Your overall score secures your place on the advancement list. As positions open up, candidates at the top of the list are selected for promotion.

Equivalent Ranks to Coast Guard Senior Chief Petty Officer:

Air Force – Senior Master Sergeant
Space Force – Senior Master Sergeant
Army – Master Sergeant
Navy – Senior Chief Petty Officer
Marine Corps – Master Sergeant

Master Chief Petty Officer

Rank: Master Chief Petty Officer
Abbreviated: MCPO
Classification: Senior Noncommissioned Officer (NCO)
Title: Master Chief (last name) or rate designation (Chief Aviation Electrician’s Mate)
DoD Paygrade: E-9
Basic Pay: $6,307 per month
Sleeve Insignia: Perched eagle, specialty mark, 3 chevrons, 1 rocker, 2 silver stars
Collar Insignia Pin: Gold fouled anchor, silver superimposed Coast Guard Shield, 2 silver stars

What does a Master Chief Petty Officer do?

As a master chief petty officer, you hold the highest rank available to enlisted members of the United States Coast Guard. Less than 1% of the Coast Guard’s personnel make it to the rank of Master Chief, and you’ll be considered to be among the best and the brightest in your respective specialty.

How do I get promoted to Master Chief Petty Officer?

To be promoted to “Master Chief, ” you must meet the basic qualifications of Time in Service (TIS) and 24 months Time in Rate (TIR). You must also have superior performance evaluations, and high exam scores. Your overall score secures your place on the Master Chief Advancement Panel (MCAP) that selects the best senior chief petty officers for advancement to master chief petty officer.

Equivalent Ranks to Coast Guard Master Chief Petty Officer:

Air Force – Chief Master Sergeant
Space Force – Chief Master Sergeant
Army – Sergeant Major
Navy – Master Chief Petty Officer
Marine Corps – Master Gunnery Sergeant

Coast Guard Officer Ranks

Warrant Officer Ranks

Chief Warrant Officer 2

Rank: Chief Warrant Officer 2
Abbreviated: CWO2
Classification: Warrant Officer
Title: Mr./Ms. (last name)
DoD Paygrade: W-2
Basic Pay: $5,311 per month
Collar insignia pin: 1 gold bar, 3 blue breaks
Shoulder boards and sleeve: one ½” gold stripe, 3 blue breaks

What does a Chief Warrant Officer 2 do?

Chief warrant officer 2 is the U.S. Coast Guard’s entry-level warrant officer rank. You’ll be superior in rank to all enlisted ranks but subordinate to all commissioned officers. As a chief warrant officer 2, you’ll serve as a leading technical expert because you are highly skilled in your specialty. In addition to the technical and managerial skills you provide, you’ll support communications between officers and enlisted at all levels of the chain of command.

How do I become a Chief Warrant Officer 2?

If you are pay grades E-6 to E-9 and have eight years of experience, you can compete for a billet as a Coast Guard Warrant Officer. You are selected by a board and appointed to a placement in a warrant specialty like aviation, engineering, electronics, finance, information systems, or maritime law enforcement. A college degree will greatly increase your chances of getting a warrant office billet.

Equivalent Ranks to Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer 2:

Air Force – None
Space Force – None
Army – Chief Warrant Officer 2
Navy – Chief Warrant Officer 2
Marine Corps – Chief Warrant Officer 2

Chief Warrant Officer 3

Rank: Chief Warrant Officer 3
Abbreviated: CWO3
Classification: Warrant Officer
Title: Mr./Ms. (last name)
DoD Paygrade: W-3
Basic Pay: $6,034 per month
Collar insignia pin: 1 silver bar, 2 blue breaks
Shoulder boards and sleeve: one ½” gold stripe, 2 blue breaks

What does a Chief Warrant Officer 3 do?

The duties of a chief warrant officer 3 are similar to those of a CW02. You’ll serve as a leading technical expert because you are highly skilled in your specialty. In addition to the technical and managerial skills you provide, you’ll support communications between officers and enlisted at all levels of the chain of command.

How do I become a Chief Warrant Officer 3?

Promotion to chief warrant officer 3 is similar to promotion in the Coast Guard’s junior officer ranks. Your records will meet a Warrant Officer promotion board, and you’ll be promoted based on your military performance, training, and education. If you are a fully qualified chief warrant officer 2, you can expect to be promoted five to six years after your warranting date.

Equivalent Ranks to Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer 3:

Air Force – None
Space Force – None
Army – Chief Warrant Officer 3
Navy – Chief Warrant Officer 3
Marine Corps – Chief Warrant Officer 3

Chief Warrant Officer 4

Rank: Chief Warrant Officer 4
Abbreviated: CWO4
Classification: Warrant Officer
Title: Mr./Ms. (last name)
DoD Paygrade: W-4
Basic Pay: $7,032 per month
Collar insignia pin: 1 silver bar, 3 blue breaks
Shoulder boards and sleeve: one ½” gold stripe, 1 blue break

What does a Chief Warrant Officer 4 do?

Duties of a chief warrant officer 4 are similar to those of a chief warrant officer 3, but you’ll have more responsibility and are expected to be leaders of enlisted Guardsmen and junior warrant officers. You’ll serve as a technical specialist with command authority within your field of expertise. During extended deployments at sea, you’ll be relied upon to supervise the maintenance and repair of all types of equipment, from traditional to state-of-the-art electronic equipment. In addition to the technical and managerial skills you provide, you’ll support communications between officers and enlisted at all levels of the chain of command.

How do I become a Chief Warrant Officer 4?

Promotion to chief warrant officer 4 is similar to promotion in the Coast Guard’s junior officer ranks. Your records will meet a CWO/LDO promotion board, and you’ll be promoted based on your military performance, training, and education. If you are a fully qualified chief warrant officer 3, you can expect to be promoted to CWO4 after five to six years of Time in Grade (TIG).

Equivalent Ranks to Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4:

Air Force – None
Space Force – None
Army – Chief Warrant Officer 4
Navy – Chief Warrant Officer 4
Marine Corps – Chief Warrant Officer 4

U.S. Coast Guard Commissioned Officer Ranks

Ensign

Rank: Ensign
Abbreviated: ENS
Classification: Junior Grade
Title: Ensign (last name) or Mr./Ms. (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-1
Basic Pay: $3,386 per month
Collar Insignia Pin: 1 gold bar
Shoulder boards and sleeve: 1 – 1/2″ gold stripe

What does an Ensign do?

Ensign is the most junior commissioned officer’s rank in the Coast Guard, and you’ll usually serve on vessels as a division officer in a specialty like engineering or administration. You’ll attend school for your occupation and, after graduation, learn your trade through on-the-job training and be mentored by superior officers and experienced petty officers. As an ensign, you could be assigned to various specialties like aviation, C4 (command, control, communication, and computers), engineering, finance, or maritime safety.

How do I get promoted to Ensign?

Ensign is the commissioned officer rank of graduates of the United States Coast Guard Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, Officer Candidate School (OCS), and direct commissioning sources.

Equivalent Ranks to Coast Guard Ensign:

Air Force – Second Lieutenant
Space Force – Second Lieutenant
Army – Second Lieutenant
Navy – Ensign
Marine Corps – Second Lieutenant

Lieutenant Junior Grade

Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade
Abbreviated: LTJG
Classification: Junior Grade
Title: Lieutenant (last name) or Mr./Ms. (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-2
Basic Pay: $4,442 per month
Collar Insignia Pin: 1 silver bar
Shoulder boards and sleeve: 1 – 1/2″ gold stripe, 1 – 1/4″ gold stripe

What does a Lieutenant Junior Grade do?

As a lieutenant junior grade, you’ll serve as a division officer in your selected specialty onboard a Coast Guard vessel or at a shore station.

How do I get promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade?

Promotion to lieutenant junior grade is pretty much automatic after 18 months as an ensign. You will have to have a clean record and good performance evaluations.

Equivalent Ranks to Coast Guard Lieutenant Junior Grade:

Air Force – First Lieutenant
Space Force – First Lieutenant
Army – First Lieutenant
Navy – Lieutenant Junior Grade
Marine Corps – First Lieutenant

Lieutenant

Rank: Lieutenant
Abbreviated: LT
Classification: Junior Grade
Title: Lieutenant (last name) or Mr./Ms. (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-3
Basic Pay: $6,022 per month
Collar Insignia Pin: 2 silver bars
Shoulder boards and sleeve: 2 – 1/2″ gold stripes

What does a Lieutenant do?

As a lieutenant, you’ll be responsible for a group of fellow Guardsmen and petty officers in a division onboard large vessels or as an aviator at an air station.

How do I get promoted to Lieutenant?

You are eligible for promotion to lieutenant after you have been in the Coast Guard for at least four years and a lieutenant junior grade for two years. You must also have a clean record and solid performance reports.

Equivalent Ranks to Coast Guard Lieutenant:

Air Force – Captain
Space Force – Captain
Army – Captain
Navy – Lieutenant
Marine Corps – Captain

Lieutenant Commander

Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Abbreviated: LTCDR
Classification: Mid Grade Officer
Title: Lieutenant Commander (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-4
Basic Pay: $7,684 per month
Collar Insignia Pin: Gold oak leaf
Shoulder boards and sleeve: 1 – 1/4″ gold stripe between 2 – 1/2″ gold stripes

What does a Lieutenant Commander do?

As a lieutenant commander, you’ll serve as mid-ranking officers in the executive and command divisions of Coast Guard vessels or act as an aviator at an air station.

How do I get promoted to Lieutenant Commander?

To get promoted to lieutenant commander, you must meet all basic qualifications, have a solid performance record, and be recommended by a promotion board. Basic qualifications are three years of Time in Grade (TIG) as a lieutenant and between 9 and 11 years of military service. The lieutenant commander selection board promotes about 80 percent of all eligible officers.

Equivalent Ranks to Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander:

Air Force – Major
Space Force – Major
Army – Major
Navy – Lieutenant Commander
Marine Corps – Major

Commander

Rank: Commander
Abbreviated: CDR
Classification: Mid Grade Officer
Title: Commander (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-5
Basic Pay: $9,293 per month
Collar Insignia Pin: 1 silver oak leaf
Shoulder boards and sleeve: 3 – 1/2″ gold stripes

What does a Commander do?

As a commander, you may be assigned as captain of a small ship, such as a cutter or frigate. You may also lead a squadron of aircraft, command a shore mission, or serve on the staff of a senior officer aboard a larger Coast Guard vessel. You’ll lead your unit or station in carrying out the tactical missions of the Coast Guard, such as homeland security, search and rescue, law enforcement, and the protection of the marine environment.

How do I get promoted to Commander?

Promotion to commander is pretty competitive, and only 70 percent of fully qualified lieutenant commanders are promoted each cycle. You must have demonstrated a history of strong leadership in both sea and shore commands and have substantial operational experience within your profession. To be considered for promotion to CDR you must have three years of Time in Grade (TIG) as a lieutenant commander and have between 15 and 17 years of TIS.

Equivalent Ranks to Coast Guard Commander:

Air Force – Lieutenant Colonel
Space Force – Lieutenant Colonel
Army – Lieutenant Colonel
Navy – Commander
Marine Corps – Lieutenant Colonel

Captain

Rank: Captain
Abbreviated: CAPT
Classification: Senior Officer
Title: Captain (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-6
Basic Pay: $11,512 per month
Collar Insignia Pin: Silver Spread Eagle
Shoulder boards and sleeve: 4 – 1/2″ gold stripes

What does a Captain do?

As a Coast Guard captain, you’ll have a great deal of autonomy and may serve in one of these roles:

command of a large ship like a maritime security cutter or high endurance cutter,
command of a Coast Guard air station,
command of a shore-based installation, such as Coast Guard bases or training schools, or
Chief of Staff for a Coast Guard flag officer.

How do I get promoted to Captain?

Promotion to captain is highly competitive, and only 50 percent of lieutenant commanders make the cut. You must demonstrate a history of strong leadership in assignments both at sea and at shore-based commands. You are eligible for promotion to captain after you have been in the Coast Guard between 21 and 23 years and a lieutenant commander for at least three years.

Equivalent Ranks to Coast Guard Captain:

Air Force – Colonel
Space Force – Colonel
Army – Colonel
Navy – Captain
Marine Corps – Colonel

Rear Admiral (Lower Half)

Rank: Rear Admiral (Lower Half)
Abbreviated: RADM
Classification: Flag Officer
Title: Admiral (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-7
Basic Pay: $13,789 per month
Collar Insignia Pin and shoulder boards: Silver Star
Sleeve: 1 – 2″ gold stripe

What does a Rear Admiral do?

As a rear admiral (lower half), you’ll normally command a fleet of ships or air wings in the field or serve in one of the senior posts at Coast Guard headquarters. You may serve as a District Commander in charge of the larger of the Coast Guard Districts in the Coast Guard. As District Commander, you are responsible for a number of sectors along the nation’s coastline.

How do I get promoted to Rear Admiral (Lower Half)?

Promotion to rear admiral is a highly selective process and is a great honor. You are chosen from among a group of other outstanding captains and recommended for promotion by a sitting board of active flag officers. Your promotion must also be approved by the President of the United States. After nomination, you must be approved by the U.S. Senate before final approval for promotion. You must retire after five years in grade or at 30 years of total service unless promoted or reappointed.

Equivalent Ranks to Coast Guard Rear Admiral (Lower Half):

Air Force – Brigadier General
Space Force – Brigadier General
Army – Brigadier General
Navy – Rear Admiral (Lower Half)
Marine Corps – Brigadier General

Rear Admiral (Upper Half)

Rank: Rear Admiral (Upper Half)
Abbreviated: RADM
Classification: Flag Officer
Title: Admiral (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-8
Basic Pay: $15,546 per month
Collar Insignia Pin and shoulder boards: 2 silver stars
Sleeve: 1 – 2″ gold stripe, 1 – 1/2″ gold stripe

What does a Rear Admiral do?

As a rear admiral (upper half), you’ll normally command a fleet of ships or air wings in the field or serve in one of the senior posts at Coast Guard headquarters. You may serve as a District Commander in charge of the larger of the Coast Guard Districts in the Coast Guard. As District Commander, you are responsible for a number of sectors along the Nation’s coastline.

How do I get promoted to Rear Admiral (Upper Half)?

Promotion to rear admiral is a highly selective process and is a great honor. There are only 48 rear admirals in the Coast Guard. You are chosen from among a group of other outstanding rear admirals (lower half) and recommended for promotion by a sitting board of active flag officers. Your promotion must also be approved by the President of the United States. After nomination, you must be approved by the U.S. Senate before final approval for promotion. You must retire after five years in grade or at 35 years of total service unless promoted.

Equivalent Ranks to Coast Guard Rear Admiral (Upper Half):

Air Force – Major General
Space Force – Major General
Army – Major General
Navy – Rear Admiral (Upper Half)
Marine Corps – Major General

Vice Admiral

Rank: Vice Admiral
Abbreviated: VADM
Classification: Flag Officer
Title: Admiral (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-9
Basic Pay: $16,608 per month
Collar Insignia Pin and shoulder boards: 3 silver stars
Sleeve: 1 – 2″ gold stripe, 2 – 1/2″ gold stripes

What does a Vice Admiral do?

Vice admirals are promoted to fill very specific billets, like Commander of the Atlantic Area. There are only four vice admirals in the Coast Guard, and you are responsible for coordinating homeland security, law enforcement, and rescue missions that occur on the high seas across and outside district boundaries.

How do I get promoted to Vice Admiral?

Promotion to vice admiral is a highly selective process and is a great honor. No more than 25 percent of all Coast Guard flag officers may hold a rank with three stars or more. You are chosen from among a group of other outstanding rear admirals (upper half) and recommended for promotion by a sitting board of active flag officers. Your promotion must also be approved by the President of the United States. After nomination, you must be approved by the U.S. Senate before final approval for promotion. You must retire after five years in grade or at 38 years of total service unless promoted.

Equivalent Ranks to Coast Guard Vice Admiral:

Air Force – Lieutenant General
Space Force – Lieutenant General
Army – Lieutenant General
Navy – Vice Admiral
Marine Corps – Lieutenant General

Admiral

Rank: Admiral
Abbreviated: ADM
Classification: Flag Officer
Title: Admiral (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-10
Basic Pay: $16,608 per month
Collar Insignia Pin and shoulder boards: 4 silver stars
Sleeve: 1 – 2″ gold stripe, 3 – 1/2″ gold stripes

What does an Admiral do?

An admiral is a four-star flag officer and the highest rank a commissioned Coast Guard officer may hold. The rank of admiral is assigned to the Commandant and Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard. The primary goal of an admiral is to ensure safe, secure, and environmentally sound use of the waterways around the United States. In addition to the Pacific and Atlantic Area Commands, there are three operational commands outside the United States: The Far East, Europe, and Southwest Asia.

How do I get promoted to Admiral?

Promotion to admiral is a highly selective process and is a great honor. There are currently only two admirals in the Coast Guard. You are chosen from among a group of other elite vice admirals and recommended for promotion by a sitting board of active flag officers. Your promotion must also be approved by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the President of the United States. After nomination, you must be approved by the U.S. Senate before final approval for promotion. You must retire after five years in grade or at 40 years of total service unless promoted.

Equivalent Ranks to Coast Guard Admiral:

Air Force – General
Space Force – General
Army – General
Navy – Admiral
Marine Corps – General