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Navy EnsignO-1 Junior Officer, U.S. Navy |
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Navy Ranks » Ensign Rank • ENS Pay • ENS Rank History
History of the Navy Ensign Rank
A Ensign is a Junior Officer in the United States Navy at DoD paygrade O-1.
Historically, Warrant Officers were those who had specialized skills that were essential to the Navy, but lacked the proper "breeding" and "connections" to receive commissions. Such professionals as surgeons, chaplains, carpenters, and gunners received "warrants" that expired upon the completion of their duties. The Warrant Officer is extremely small and tight-knit.
Want to learn more? Read about the Navy's Ensign rank on Military-Ranks.org.
History of the Navy
The Navy traces its heritage back to the Revolutionary War, when Congress funded the construction of several warships to repel the British Empire. Nowadays, much of the Navy's mission is to defend international "freedom of the seas." The Navy considers itself to be more technology-centric than the Army, but more traditional than the Air Force. Surface ships patrol the seas, conducting diplomatic relations with all nations of the world, while also enforcing the law against pirates and drug smugglers. Aircraft Carriers are the most powerful individual assets in America's arsenal, with a single unit being able move and be a major player in an armed conflict. Submarines conduct clandestine intelligence-gathering operations. SEALs are internationally reknown for counter-terrorism and irregular warfare in every possible environment. All Sailors are both warfighters and technical specialists.