Navy Rating · Support
COB Chief of the Boat
Current service use reviewed
Reviewed against NAVADMIN 247/26 (October 19, 2026) and the Chief of Naval Personnel announcement. The announcement dates the NEOCS Board's establishment to October 1, 2026. NAVADMIN 247/26 directs E-9 holders of NEC 8COB to convert to COBCM but does not announce retirement of NEC 8COB or identify a senior-chief abbreviation. No SOC mapping is assigned because the available July 2024 DoD crosswalk predates this rating.
Reviewed 2026-10-27. Assessment as of 2026-10-19.
Lifecycle evidence
- NAVADMIN 247/26: Establishment of the Chief of the Boat RatingOpen source document (opens in a new tab)
RMKS/1. In line with reference (a), this NAVADMIN announces the establishment of the Submarine Chief of the Boat (COB) general rating. The COB will be assigned as the Senior Enlisted Leader aboard US Navy submarines. COBs will be equivalent to a Command Master Chief and detailed to manage the unique mission sets of a submarine crew. All applicants must be submarine warfare qualified. ... RMKS/3. The primary source ratings for COB shall be non-nuclear submarine ratings with case-by-case consideration for all other submarine designated personnel. E9 Personnel currently holding the 8COB NEC will be immediately converted to COBCM.
- Navy Establishes New Chief of the Boat Rating to Strengthen Submarine Enlisted Leadership (Chief of Naval Personnel, DVIDS, 19 Oct 26)Open source document (opens in a new tab)
On Oct. 1, 2026, the Navy Enlisted Occupational Classification System Board established the Chief of the Boat, or COB, as a separate rating for senior chiefs and master chiefs. ... Under the change, the force would establish 229 dedicated COB billets: 69 at the senior chief rank and 160 at the master chief rank. The plan says it would not require new training, facilities or equipment. ... This change also preserves current uniform guidance, authorizing COB personnel to wear the Command Senior Chief and Master Chief rating badges.
Overview
A Chief of the Boat leads the enlisted crew aboard a Navy submarine and advises the Commanding Officer. The rating is limited to qualified active-duty submarine Sailors.
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