What element is common to all Petty Officer ranks?

The common element among all Petty Officer ranks is the Specialty Mark. Each Petty Officer rank, from Third Class up to First Class, includes a unique Specialty Mark that signifies the individual’s specific technical skills or qualifications. This mark is typically displayed above the rate insignia and indicates the sailor’s area of expertise or their role within the Navy.

While the number of chevrons, rocker insignia, and gold stars are important components of the insignia, they vary between ranks and do not serve as an unchanging element across all Petty Officer ranks. The Specialty Mark, on the other hand, consistently appears and is essential in identifying the specialized skills that Petty Officers bring to their duties.