What rank must a CDAR hold?

To hold the position of a Coast Guard Damage Control Assistant (CDAR), an individual must be at least an E-6 rank. This requirement is based on the responsibilities associated with the role, which often involves significant leadership, experience, and training in damage control operations, safety, and emergency response within the Coast Guard.

A person in this position must demonstrate a solid understanding of various damage control techniques, as well as the ability to supervise and direct junior personnel, both of which are typically expected from someone at an E-6 level or higher. At E-6, individuals generally have enough experience and knowledge to handle the critical aspects of damage control, ensuring the safety and operational readiness of the vessel.

In the context of the other ranks, an E-4 or E-5 may lack the requisite experience and leadership skills necessary for the responsibilities of a CDAR, while the E-7 rank typically denotes a higher level of responsibility and experience than how the CDAR role is designed, which can impact ranking structures and the specifics of each role within the Coast Guard.