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// Enlisted Paygrade · E-7 · NATO OR-7

CHIEF PETTY OFFICER (CPO) — U.S. NAVY E-7

The Navy's senior enlisted leader — the storied "Chief's mess."

Gold rocker over three gold chevrons with eagle and rating mark — U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer fouled-anchor device
Insignia
Paygrade
E-7
Abbreviation
CPO
NATO Code
OR-7
Category
Enlisted Paygrade
Basic Pay (2026)
$3,771–$6,827/mo
Chief's Mess
Yes

OVERVIEW

Chief Petty Officer (CPO) is the U.S. Navy E-7 enlisted paygrade — the entry grade into the Navy's storied "Chief's mess," the senior enlisted leadership corps. The transition to Chief is one of the most distinctive milestones in any U.S. military service: selectees undergo a six-week "Chief's Initiation Season" culminating in a "pinning" ceremony where the Sailor receives gold fouled anchors and dons the iconic Khaki uniform reserved for Chiefs and officers.

CPOs are the Navy's principal enlisted leaders — running shipboard departments, mentoring junior officers, and serving as the institutional memory of their rating. The CPO uniform difference (Khakis instead of dungarees/working uniform), the distinct insignia (fouled anchors instead of the petty-officer crow), and the dedicated "Chief's mess" aboard ship visually mark the rank as a class apart.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Senior enlisted leader of a shipboard division or department
  • Mentor and develop junior Petty Officers and Seamen
  • Advise Division Officers and the Department Head on enlisted matters
  • Pursue qualification as Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL) of a unit

HISTORY

The Chief Petty Officer rank was established by Congress on April 1, 1893, codifying a leadership grade that had existed informally aboard U.S. Navy ships since the founding of the service. The 1893 establishment date is celebrated annually as the CPO birthday.

The "fouled anchor" insignia worn by Chiefs — a vertical anchor with a chain twisted around it — is one of the oldest enlisted devices in any U.S. military service. The "USN" letters on the anchor were added in 1894. The Khaki uniform for Chiefs was adopted in 1941, deliberately distinguishing the CPO mess from the junior enlisted force.

PAY

E-7 basic pay · 2026 DFAS table
$3,771 – $6,827/ month
2026 DFAS basic pay table.
How to address
Verbally "Chief Smith." In writing: rating + grade + name (e.g., "OSC Jane Smith, USN" — note the "C" suffix for Chief).
Prerequisites
  • Pass the Navy-wide E-7 advancement exam in selected rating
  • Selection by the Chief Petty Officer selection board
  • Successful completion of CPO Initiation (Khaki) Season
  • Time-in-rate and time-in-service minimums
Common assignments
  • Division Chief or Department LCPO aboard ship
  • Leading Chief Petty Officer at a fleet aviation squadron
  • Senior instructor at a Navy "A"- or "C"-school
  • Senior detailer at MyNavyHR (BUPERS)

ADJACENT RANKS

Previous · E-6Petty Officer First ClassNext · E-8 Senior Chief Petty Officer

RELATED BASE

Navy Base · VA
Naval Station Norfolk
CPO mess traditions are alive and well aboard the dozens of warships homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CPOs wear a distinct Khaki uniform (rather than the junior enlisted uniform), wear gold fouled anchors instead of the petty-officer crow, and belong to the "Chief's mess" — a culturally distinct senior enlisted leadership corps unique to the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard.

The Chief Petty Officer rank was established by Congress on April 1, 1893. April 1 is celebrated annually as CPO Birthday across the fleet.

SOURCES

Last updated 2026-05-02
All Enlisted PaygradesFull Rank Structure