What is the lowest officer rank in the Navy listed?

The lowest officer rank in the Navy is Ensign. An Ensign is a junior officer rank, typically representing the entry point for commissioned officers following their completion of officer training programs such as NROTC or the Naval Academy. At this rank, officers begin to take on responsibilities and leadership roles within their commands, although their experience is still growing.

The ranks following Ensign, such as Lieutenant Junior Grade, Lieutenant, and Lieutenant Commander, represent progressively higher levels of responsibility, authority, and experience within the Navy's officer hierarchy. Understanding this hierarchy is crucial for recognizing the structure and progression of a naval career.