This set of eight U.S. Navy service stripes, commonly referred to as “hash marks,” reflects thirty-two years of cumulative service in the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Navy Reserve. Because of the United States Navy’s High Year Tenure policy that limits an enlisted Sailor’s length of service in relation to his or her rate, anyone authorized to wear this set will have been selected to serve as a Command Master Chief Petty Officer (CMDCM) or Force Master Chief providing support for a 1- or 2-star Flag/Genral Officer. These positions have a High Year Tenure of 32 years, while enlisted Sailors in any lower rate or position have a HYT of 30 years.
To serve beyond 32 years, a Sailor would have to next be promoted to a similar position but under a 3- or 4-star Flag/General Officer, raising the HYT to 35 years. A HYT of 38 years is reserved for a solitary enlisted billet: Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.