PO3
Military abbreviation · US Navy and Coast Guard Rank
| Stands for | Petty Officer Third Class |
|---|---|
| Categories | Military |
PO3 stands for Petty Officer Third Class, a US Navy and coast guard rank abbreviation.
First petty officer grade in the Navy and Coast Guard, pay grade E-4, worn as an eagle over one chevron and the sailor's rating badge. Advancement comes through a Navy-wide written exam combined with evaluations and time in rate.
Example: PO3 Bell was frocked last Friday and now stands watch as petty officer of the watch.
Usage notes
In practice sailors write the rate with their rating, as in HM3 or ET3, rather than PO3. Navy enlisted rank insignia are nicknamed "crows" because of the eagle. Chevrons are red until a sailor completes 12 years of continuous good conduct, after which gold chevrons and service stripes may be worn.
Related abbreviations
More US Navy and coast guard rank abbreviations
- MCPOCG – Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard
- MCPON – Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
- MIDN – Midshipman
- PO – Petty Officer
- PO1 – Petty Officer First Class
- PO2 – Petty Officer Second Class
- RADM – Rear Admiral (upper half)
- RDML – Rear Admiral (lower half)
- SA – Seaman Apprentice
- SCPO – Senior Chief Petty Officer
- SN – Seaman
- SR – Seaman Recruit