Petty Officer First Class (PO1) cap rank devices are worn on three types of Navy headgear. On the Garrison Cap, rank insignia is worn in the same position used by CPOs—two inches from the front crease and an inch-and-a-half from the bottom of the cap, centered vertically on the left side. The standard insignia used for the cap device is an eagle and a shiny silver, but Sailors who’ve earned the right to wear a gold badge for good conduct may wear an insignia made with gold-colored chevrons.
Regular size rank insignia is worn on the Navy/Command ball cap authorized for E-4 to E-6 Sailors, manufactured to the same specifications as the device worn on the Garrison Cap (including gold chevrons for good conduct achievement). The device is centered on the front of the cap 1.25” above the visor.
Rank insignia is mandatory on Eight Pointed Caps issued with the NWU Type I worn by Sailors in the rates of PO3 and higher if the cap does not have the venerable Anchor, Constitution and Eagle (ACE) logo embroidered over the visor; conversely, no rank insignia is permitted on caps with the ACE logo. (The NWU Type I has a rapidly approaching wear-out date of 30 September 2019).
Subdued cap rank devices are worn by enlisted personnel serving with Marine Corps units and wearing Marine utility uniforms, while Navy personnel serving with Army units follow Army regulations regarding the wear of cap rank devices, which permit either pin-on or sewn-on insignia of grade on the Patrol Cap, the Sun Hat ("boonie"), and the Kevlar camouflage worn over helmets.
Related Items
U.S. Navy Petty Officer Rating Badge (1st / 2nd / 3rd Class)
Petty Officer First Class (E6) Collar Device
Petty Officer First Class (E6) Anodized Collar Device
Petty Officer First Class (E6) Belt Buckle