Sailors in the E-4 rate are designated Petty Officers Third Class (PO3) and are the lowest-ranking Noncommissioned Officers in the Navy. Unlike Junior Enlisted Sailors (E-1 to E-3), they are authorized to wear insignia of grade on the Garrison Cap following the same wear guidance as Senior Noncommissioned Officers (E-7 to E-9), placing the device so that its center is 2” from the front crease and 1.5” from the bottom of the cap. Navy regulations also specify this same sized insignia is to be worn on the Navy Ball Cap, centered 1.25” above the visor, as well as on the Eight Point Cap issued with the Navy Working Uniform (provided the cap does not have he Anchor, Constitution, and Eagle logo embroidered above The visor.)
Petty Officers Third Class who have earned the right to wear gold chevrons and service stripes because their most recent twelve years (cumulative) of service have met the requirements for the Good Conduct Award are authorized to wear this insignia of grade with gold chevrons rather than silver. However, at the present time (June 2018), it’s not possible for an active-duty E-4 to legitimately wear such a configuration because the Navy’s High Year tenure for PO3 Sailors is just ten years. An E-4 in the Navy Reserve, on the other hand, is allowed to serve up to 14 years before either advancing to E-5 or being forced to leave the separate from the service.
Subdued insignia will be worn by PO3s serving with Marine Corps units when wearing Marine utility uniforms. Navy personnel may wear pin-on subdued insignia with the patrol cap, boonie, or Kevlar helmet camouflage when serving with Army units.
Related Items
Petty Officer Rating Badge (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Class)
Petty Officer Third Class (E4) Collar Device
Petty Officer Third Class (E4) Anodized Collar Device
Petty Officer Third Class (E4) Buckle