U.S. Navy Ranks - What Is The Difference?

2015-10-02T10:59:16-04:00

I spent my time in the Marine Corps and I fully understand the USMC rank structure and what the differences are when you reach the E-8 and E-9 levels. I have asked this question of many of my U.S. Navy friends and I keep getting a variety of answers. However, I would truly like to know the difference between "Red" Chevrons vs. Gold Chevrons. What is the standard?

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Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2015 11:00 AM

2015-10-02T11:00:56-04:00

Good conduct or over twelve years of honorable service, I believe.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Oct 2 at 2015 11:05 AM

2015-10-02T11:05:02-04:00

Red versus gold is two fold. First it is length of service. Second it is conduct. If you have been in trouble, you stay in red. No trouble, you graduate to gold when you hit the time. It doesn't require being an E-7, E-8, or an E-9. When I was in, I saw a couple of E-5s who had the gold chevrons. That is the exception not the rule. Generally it is going to be someone who is E-6 and above. It is simply because someone not advancing is not likely to stay in the service long enough to advance to the gold chevrons.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2015 11:05 AM

2015-10-02T11:05:06-04:00

The authority to wear gold rating badges and service stripes on the dress blue and working coverall uniform is granted when a sailor completes and maintains twelve consecutive years of honorable service without any official record of bad conduct due to punitive action via non-judicial punishment or courts martial. The gold rating badges and service stripes are distinct from the Good Conduct Medal, which is awarded for three years of honorable service.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_Navy_enlisted_rates

List of United States Navy enlisted rates - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A United States Navy enlisted rank indicates where an enlisted Sailor stands within the chain of command, and also defines one's pay grade. An enlisted sailor's rate is similar conceptually to a naval officer's rank. Only Naval Officers carry the term "rank" in the Navy. The word rate refers to an enlisted sailor's pay grade, while the word rating refers to one's area of occupational specialization within the enlisted Navy. Associated with the...

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Oct 2 at 2015 12:54 PM

2015-10-02T12:54:41-04:00

Gold chevrons denote good conduct

Response by PO1 Carol Fulton made Oct 2 at 2015 3:18 PM

2015-10-02T15:18:05-04:00

The difference between red and gold chevrons is the privilege of good conduct (or not getting caught) for a period of 3 years. The gold privilege CAN BE taken away and back to Red for infractions.

Response by PO1 Tharin Young made Oct 3 at 2015 7:04 AM

2015-10-03T07:04:03-04:00

An important thing to note is that while you do get the gold chevrons after 12 consecutive years without NJP, if you later, say after 18 years, receive NJP, you lose the right to wear the gold.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2015 11:32 AM

2015-10-03T11:32:43-04:00

Another difference is about $15. . . .

Response by PO1 Michael G. made Oct 3 at 2015 8:50 PM

2015-10-03T20:50:04-04:00

Gold chevrons (and the attending service stripes) are worn on the sleeves of enlisted dress blue uniforms by Sailors who have completed 12 years of service in good conduct. Gold chevrons are also worn on the NSU cover devices of petty officers who have served 12 years in good conduct, as well as embroidered collar devices of the older style of blue coveralls.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Oct 6 at 2015 7:44 AM

2015-10-06T07:44:19-04:00

12 consecutive years of good conduct and one "lapse of judgement" will cost you those gold hash marks and chevrons. That's why I wore gold up to my 19 year mark but retired with red chevrons and hash marks!

Response by PO2 Kasey Kadinger made Oct 25 at 2015 4:58 PM

2015-10-25T16:58:26-04:00

Are you wanting to know the difference between a senior chief and a master cheif?