What is the rank designation for a Lieutenant in the U.S. Coast Guard?

The rank designation for a Lieutenant in the U.S. Coast Guard is represented as LT O-3. This designation indicates the pay grade of the rank, with O-3 signifying that it is an officer level rank. In the U.S. Military, the "O" stands for "officer," and the number corresponds to the pay grade within the officer ranks.

Lieutenant is a mid-level officer rank typically held by individuals who have acquired significant experience and responsibility within the service. Being at O-3 means that the individual has progressed beyond the junior officer ranks, which include Ensign (ENS O-1) and Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG O-2).

In contrast, the other choices include ranks that do not represent a Lieutenant. For instance, Lieutenant Junior Grade is a lower rank (O-2) and Ensign is the entry-level rank for officers (O-1). Additionally, Chief Petty Officer (CPO) is an enlisted rank (E-7), which is different from the officer ranks. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for proper communication and organization within the Coast Guard structure.