what is an ensign in the navy

An ensign is a junior commissioned officer rank in the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps. It is the entry-level commissioned officers rank in the U.S. Navy, equivalent to the rank of Second Lieutenant in the other armed services. Ensigns generally serve on naval vessels as division officers, responsible for leading a crew of seamen and petty officers in a specific division like engineering or administration. As junior officers, ensigns also engage in on-the-job training and receive mentoring and training from superior officers and experienced petty officers. Sailors may receive a commission as ensign after successfully completing Naval Officer Training, and sailors joining with a four-year college degree may be eligible to enter the Navy directly at the rank of ensign. The civilian equivalent of this military rank is roughly GS-7 under the federal government's General Schedule payscale. The term "ensign" also refers to a country's flag or another symbol that represents a particular nation.