The Evolution Of Chief Of The Boat Role

The position of Chief of the Boat (COB) is a senior enlisted sailor on board a U.S. Navy submarine, who acts as an advisor to the commanding officer and executive officer. The role is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the non-nuclear portion of the boat, as well as the morale and training of the crew. The COB is typically the most senior enlisted person, however, this is not a requirement. The role of COB is outside the direct chain of command, but it carries a lot of responsibility and authority. The position has a long history in the U.S. Navy, with the role of Chief Petty Officer being established in 1893, and the first Coast Guard Chiefs appointed in 1920.

The Chief of the Boat (COB) is an enlisted sailor on board a US Navy submarine

The Chief of the Boat (COB) is a unique position in the US Navy, held by an enlisted sailor on board a US Navy submarine. The role is that of a senior enlisted advisor to the Commanding Officer (CO) and Executive Officer (XO). The COB assists with matters of crew discipline and good order and is comparable to a Command Master Chief (CMDCM) or Command Senior Chief (CMDCS) in shore and surface commands.

The COB is generally the most senior enlisted sailor, but this is not a requirement. The CO is not bound to select the highest-ranking or most senior sailor, nor are they required to replace the COB when a more senior sailor comes aboard. The COB is usually the first person a new enlisted sailor meets when joining a boat's crew. While outside the direct chain of command, the COB has a great deal of responsibility and authority. They are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the non-nuclear portion of the submarine, as well as the morale and training of the enlisted personnel.

The selection process for a COB begins with the commanding officer's recommendation, which is sent to the Naval Military Personnel Command via the Squadron Commander. Nominees are interviewed by other COBs, and they must graduate from the Senior Enlisted Academy. The COB also has to complete the regional Command Master Chief Course using the NAVEDTRA 38204-A, Student’s Source Book.

The role of the COB has been depicted in popular culture, such as in the 1995 film *Crimson Tide* and the 2012 television series *Last Resort*. In these depictions, the COB is shown as one of the most influential personnel on board, alongside the captain and executive officer.

The history of the COB position is rooted in the early days of submarining, with a focus on performance rather than seniority. The role has evolved over time, but its core function remains the same: to be a trusted advisor to the Skipper, take care of the crew, enforce good order and discipline, and ensure the ship's readiness for sea.

The COB is the senior enlisted advisor to the commanding officer and executive officer

The Chief of the Boat (COB) is a senior enlisted sailor on board a U.S. Navy submarine who acts as the senior enlisted advisor to the commanding officer and executive officer. The COB is responsible for assisting with matters pertaining to the good order and discipline of the crew, and is equivalent to a Command Master Chief or Command Senior Chief in shore and surface commands.

The COB is typically the most senior enlisted person, but the commanding officer is not required to choose the highest-ranking sailor. The COB is also not necessarily replaced when a more senior sailor joins the crew. The selection process for a COB begins with the commanding officer's recommendation, which is then sent to the Naval Military Personnel Command through the Squadron Commander. Nominees are interviewed by other COBs, and they must graduate from the Senior Enlisted Academy.

When a new enlisted sailor joins the crew, the COB is usually one of the first people they meet. Although the COB is outside the direct chain of command, they hold significant responsibility and authority. They are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the non-nuclear portion of the boat, as well as the morale and training of the enlisted personnel.

The COB plays a crucial role in maintaining the readiness and effectiveness of the submarine crew. They are responsible for ensuring the crew's proficiency in areas such as ship control, topside line handling, damage control, and basic submarining qualifications. The COB's extensive experience and institutional knowledge of the Navy and Submarine Force are leveraged to train and prepare sailors for their duties.

The role of the COB extends beyond the technical aspects of submarine operations. They are also responsible for managing relationships with the commanding officer, executive officer, department heads, chiefs, division officers, and the entire crew. The COB plays a key role in setting the tone and command climate aboard the submarine, ensuring standards are met and maintained consistently and fairly.

The COB is selected based on the commanding officer's recommendation

The Chief of the Boat (COB) is a senior enlisted sailor on board a U.S. Navy submarine. The COB acts as an advisor to the Commanding Officer (CO) and Executive Officer (XO) on matters of crew discipline and order. The COB is also responsible for the day-to-day operations of the submarine's non-nuclear portion, as well as the morale and training of the enlisted personnel. While the COB is typically the most senior enlisted sailor, the commanding officer is not required to choose the highest-ranking sailor for this role. The selection process is based on the commanding officer's recommendation, which is sent to the Naval Military Personnel Command via the Squadron Commander.

The CO's recommendation is just the first step in the selection process for a COB. Nominees for the position must also go through interviews conducted by other COBs. In addition, there are educational requirements that must be met, including graduation from a Senior Enlisted Academy. The completion of a regional Command Master Chief Course is also mandatory.

The role of the COB is a crucial one, as they are responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the submarine's non-nuclear operations and the well-being of the crew. The COB is often one of the first people a new enlisted sailor meets when joining the crew. While the COB is outside the direct chain of command, they have a significant amount of responsibility and influence on the submarine.

The selection process for the COB, therefore, aims to identify candidates who possess the necessary qualifications, experience, and skills to effectively carry out these duties. The commanding officer's recommendation plays a vital role in this process, as they have first-hand knowledge of the sailors' capabilities and can make an informed decision about who would be best suited for the role.

The CO's recommendation is based on a variety of factors, including the sailor's performance, experience, and leadership skills. The CO may consider the individual's ability to manage relationships with the crew, enforce discipline, and ensure the crew's readiness for sea operations. By making a recommendation, the CO plays a crucial role in ensuring that the selected COB has the necessary qualities and expertise to successfully fulfil their duties.

The COB is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the non-nuclear portion of the boat

The Chief of the Boat (COB) is a senior enlisted sailor on board a U.S. Navy submarine. The COB is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the non-nuclear portion of the boat, as well as the morale and training of the boat's enlisted personnel.

The COB is typically the most senior enlisted person, and their role is outside the direct chain of command. However, the commanding officer is not required to select the most senior sailor or the highest-ranking sailor for the role of COB. The COB is not necessarily replaced when a more senior sailor joins the crew. The selection process for a COB starts with the commanding officer's recommendation, and nominees are interviewed by other COBs.

The COB is responsible for ensuring the good order and discipline of the crew. They are also in charge of training and preparing sailors to go to sea and operate in forward areas. This includes the training and proficiency of the Ship's Control Party, topside line handling, damage control, basic submarining, and submarine qualifications. The COB's institutional knowledge and experience are invaluable when training a crew and providing counsel to the Commanding Officer.

The COB also has to manage multiple relationships, including with the Commanding Officer, the Executive Officer, the Department Heads, the Chiefs, the Division Officers, and the entire crew. These relationships are not hierarchical, and the priority of these relationships constantly rotates. The COB works to build confidence in junior officers as watch team leaders, pushes Chiefs to lead and manage effectively, and works with Department Heads to plan and run the ship.

The COB is responsible for ensuring that standards are met and upheld consistently and fairly, and they play a crucial role in the operational success of the ship. Their experience and knowledge are leveraged to improve the performance and capabilities of the Chiefs and the entire crew.

The COB is in charge of the morale and training of the boat's enlisted personnel

The Chief of the Boat (COB) is a senior enlisted sailor on board a U.S. Navy submarine. The COB is the senior enlisted advisor to the Commanding Officer (CO) and the Executive Officer (XO). The role is outside the direct chain of command, but the COB has a high level of responsibility. The COB is in charge of the morale and training of the boat's enlisted personnel. They are also responsible for the day-to-day operations of the non-nuclear portion of the boat.

The COB is typically the most senior enlisted person, but this is not a requirement. The CO is not obliged to select the highest-ranking sailor or the one with the most time aboard. The COB is also not necessarily replaced when a more senior sailor joins the crew. The COB is usually one of the first people a new enlisted sailor will meet.

The selection process for a COB starts with the commanding officer's recommendation, which is sent to the Naval Military Personnel Command via the Squadron Commander. Nominees are interviewed by other COBs. A COB must also have graduated from the Senior Enlisted Academy.

The role of the COB has been depicted in popular culture, such as in the 1995 film *Crimson Tide* and the 2012 television series *Last Resort*.

The COB is responsible for the morale and training of the enlisted personnel. This includes ensuring the crew's readiness for deployments and getting their families ready for any time away. The COB's institutional knowledge and experience are crucial in training and preparing sailors to go to sea and operate in forward areas. They are also responsible for the training and proficiency of the Ship's Control Party, topside line handling, damage control, basic submarining, and submarine qualifications. The COB's experience is invaluable in providing counsel to the Commanding Officer.

The COB's role in training and leading the crew is essential to the success of the mission and the overall performance of the boat. They are responsible for developing the sailors and ensuring they are ready to navigate the world's oceans and perform critical missions.

Frequently asked questions