What does a petty officer 3rd class do in the military?

I'm exploring military career options and came across the position of petty officer 3rd class. Can someone explain what their duties are and how one can achieve this rank?

A Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) is a non-commissioned officer in the United States Navy or Coast Guard. This rank is equivalent to the rank of Sergeant in the Army, Marines, or Air Force. In general, they have responsibilities that are a combination of their core job functions, which are determined by their specific rating (or job field), and some level of leadership responsibilities as they start taking on oversight roles over lower-ranking personnel.

The duties of a Petty Officer 3rd Class can vary widely depending on the rating, but typically, they're fully qualified for their job and can perform tasks independently. For example, if a PO3 holds a rating like Aviation Machinist's Mate, their day-to-day duties might involve maintaining and inspecting aircraft engines. If they have a rating like Hospital Corpsman, they might be responsible for providing emergency medical treatment or performing regular medical examinations.

To achieve the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class, an individual would first need to enlist in the U.S. Navy or Coast Guard. After basic training, they would become a Seaman or Airman and attend training for their specific rating. Once they've spent enough time in the service and have gained experience in their rating, they'll be eligible to take the advancement exam for Petty Officer 3rd Class. The exam includes professional knowledge in their rating and naval military topics. Advancement also typically depends on vacancies in the higher rank, so the time to advance can vary.

Becoming a PO3 sets sailors and coastguards on a leadership path, with subsequent ranks involving even greater supervisory and managerial responsibilities. It should be noted that the military's promotion system rewards personnel who consistently perform well in their duties, demonstrate leadership potential, and have a strong commitment to personal and professional development. Hope this helps!