What is the lowest officer rank in the Navy?

The lowest officer rank in the Navy is Ensign. This rank is often the first step for an individual who has completed their training and is commissioned as an officer. Ensigns typically hold authority over junior personnel and are expected to begin developing their leadership skills and understanding of Navy operations.

In the context of naval ranks, Ensign is positioned just above the enlisted ranks and is characterized by the basic responsibilities of an officer, which include the supervision of enlisted personnel and leading small teams. This rank is crucial in establishing the foundation for an officer’s career, leading to higher ranks through experience, education, and time in service. The other ranks mentioned, such as Lieutenant Junior Grade and Lieutenant, are higher and reflect greater levels of responsibility and experience. Cadet, on the other hand, refers to a training status and not an official rank within the Navy's officer hierarchy.