Navy establishes dedicated rating for submarine Chiefs of the Boat

Automatically curated summary from Military Times.

According to a U.S. Navy administrative message, the Navy has established "Chief of the Boat" (COB) as a formal, dedicated enlisted rating equivalent to a command master chief. Replacing a billet-based assignment designation, the change aims to provide a clearer career path and specialized training for submarine senior enlisted advisers. The rating is open to active-duty, submarine-warfare-qualified sailors, primarily from non-nuclear ratings. Active-duty E-9 personnel currently holding the previous 8COB designation will convert immediately to the new COBCM rating.

Context and limitations

The release does not specify the number of sailors expected to enter the new rating or outline all procedural changes for future selection and assignments.