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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?
http://www.linganorenjrotc.com/uploads/1/3/8/7/13876799/2171731.png?926
http://www.linganorenjrotc.com/uploads/1/3/8/7/13876799/2171731.png?926
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Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 10
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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
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...
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MCPO Roger Collins
Right on the mark! Now, as far as the E-8/9, I am uncertain as to what the question is. As a Senior Chief (briefly) and a Master Chief through retirement, I had man assignments that were jobs filled by JOs before me and when on Submarines, Other than watch standing positions and Leading Division Chief, not much difference. Oh, on the boats, they loved to assign JO collateral duties to top ranking Chiefs. As I recall, I had about a dozen up to the point I retired. if I missed your question, let me know.
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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.
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PO1 Glenn Boucher
Back in the 80's I saw plenty of E-5's wearing gold due to the stagnant rank advancement. Some people stay because the just love the military and their jobs they are doing. We all desire advancement and again I saw plenty of E-5's retiring at 20 years.
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MCPO Roger Collins
Two of the best Enginemen that I ever knew had drinking problems and never saw the gold stipe in their careers. One an E-5 (later busted down to EN3) and A WWII EN1, At my best as an E-5 Engineman (and I was very good) couldn't come up their level of knowledge. While I understand the need for professionalism, we are canning some people with irreplaceable skills, rather than getting them treatment they so need.
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