In 2011, the Navy Uniform Board announced that it would authorize cutlasses—short, heavy swords used in the days of sail during ship boardings or to repel same—for wear by Chief Petty Officers who are members of an official party during ceremonies which require Officers to wear swords.
Among the specifications announced in NAVADMIN 70/11 were the cutlass’ material (stainless steel) and the blade’s color (nickel) and length (26 inches). Laser engravings of the four CPO anchors (CPO, Senior CPO, Master CPO, and Master CPO of the Navy) are on one side of the base; on the other side is an engraving of the initials "USN."
Also mandated for wear with the new CPO cutlass was a special interlocking gold buckle designed for with the adjustable leather belt that holds the cutlass’ scabbard. The rate of the wearer, from E-7 to E-9, is mounted on the center of the buckle in the form of initials: CPO for E-7, SCPO for E-8, and MCPO for E-9.
Please note that the CPO cutlass may be worn only if all CPOs in the official party are wearing cutlasses.
More Items for E-7 Chief Petty Officers
Cap Device
Coat Rank InsigniaMetal Collar Rank InsigniaSoft Shoulder Boards (Epaulets) Belt Buckle for CPO Cutlass Belt
Black Leather CPO Cutlass Belt w/ Harness
Cuff Links
Tie Tack/Clasp