What are the officer ranks at the Naval Academy and how do they progress?

I'm curious about the ranks for officers at the Naval Academy. How do these ranks progress, and what kind of training or achievements are needed to advance through them?

When attending the United States Naval Academy (USNA), students are considered midshipmen, following a rank system similar to the one in the Navy or Marine Corps. As undergraduates at the academy, midshipmen are commissioned as officers upon graduation.

The rank structure for midshipmen at the USNA is as follows:

1. Midshipman Fourth Class (MIDN 4/C) - also nicknamed "plebes". This rank corresponds to the freshman year.

2. Midshipman Third Class (MIDN 3/C) - refers to sophomores and is also referred to as "youngsters".

3. Midshipman Second Class (MIDN 2/C) - this is for juniors.

4. Midshipman First Class (MIDN 1/C) - corresponds to seniors.

Upon graduation, midshipmen are commissioned as Ensigns in the Navy or Second Lieutenants in the Marine Corps.

The progression through these ranks corresponds to academic year progression. As a plebe, you will take a rigorous course load, including calculus, chemistry, naval science, and more, in addition to physical education. The coming years offer more choice in classes and major-specific courses. You will also partake in leadership roles in various activities and positions associated with the Brigade of Midshipmen, the student body at the academy.

This four-year program indirectly prepares midshipmen for officer ranks post-graduation, with each year providing opportunities for increasing leadership positions and responsibilities both in the academic year and during summer training. This helps develop the leadership and professional abilities necessary for an officer in the Navy or Marine Corps.

The officer ranks within the U.S. Navy following ensign progress as follows – Lieutenant junior grade, Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander, Commander, Captain, and then the various ranks of Admiral. Each rank requires a combination of time in service, performance, physical readiness, and additional education. Naval officers can also specialize and work in various fields, such as aviation, submarines, surface warfare, and others.