Coast Guard ranks for officers are split into two tiers: officer and admiral.
Commissioned Coast Guard officers do not enlist. They serve indefinitely at the pleasure of the president of the United States. They hold a commission charging them with the duties and responsibilities of their specific rank.
Coast Guard Officer Ranks
Ensign (ENS) (O-1)
Ensigns are generally inducted after naval officer training and obtaining a four-year degree. Their rank is equivalent to second lieutenant in other branches.
Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) (O-2)
Lieutenants junior grade are generally promoted 18 months after becoming an ensign. They serve as billeted division officers.
Lieutenant (LT) (O-3)
Equivalent to captains in other branches, lieutenants are responsible for sailors and petty officers in different divisions.
Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) (O-4)
Usually operating as mid-ranking officers in executive and command divisions, lieutenant commanders are addressed properly by using the full rank.
Commander (CDR) (O-5)
Commander is the first Coast Guard rank to command ships or squadrons of aircraft. They also may join the staff of a senior officer aboard a large vessel.
Captain (CAPT) (O-6)
Captains are given a high level of authority in a variety of stations. They generally enjoy a high degree of autonomy and must stand out over the course of several years to be promoted further.
Coast Guard Admirals
Rear Admiral Lower Half (RDML) (O-7)
Rear admiral lower halves generally command small flotillas of ships. They are promoted from Coast Guard officers through an intense and rigorous process.
Rear Admiral (RADM) (O-8)
Rear admirals command large operational areas, including multiple districts, and may oversee significant portions of the Coast Guard’s missions.
Vice Admiral (VADM) (O-9)
Vice admirals hold the rank of O-9 and are typically assigned to significant national and international operational commands.
Interested in Joining the Military?
We can put you in touch with recruiters from the different military branches. Learn about the benefits of serving your country, paying for school, military career paths, and more: sign up now and hear from a recruiter near you.
Admiral (ADM) (O-10)
Admiral is a four-star rank in the Coast Guard, typically held by the commandant, who is the senior officer of the service.
Want to Know More About the Coast Guard?
Be sure to get the latest news about the Coast Guard, as well as critical info about how to join the Coast Guard and all the benefits of service: Become a Military.com member for free and receive customized updates delivered straight to your inbox.
Read the full article here