Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO) is an enlisted rank in the navies of some countries.
In the Navy, it is the first promotion that is based entirely on proven leadership performance; test scores do not play a part.
Senior chief petty officers are then selected monthly from this prioritization list as positions become available.
Each rating has an official abbreviation, such as MM for machinist's mate, QM for quartermaster, and YN for yeoman.
It is not uncommon practice to refer to a senior chief petty officer by this shorthand in all but the most formal correspondence (such as printing and inscription on awards).
On all other uniforms, the insignia used is the one that has become universally accepted as the symbol of the chief petty officer: a fouled (entwined in the anchor chain) gold anchor superimposed with a silver "USN" in the Navy or a silver shield in the Coast Guard.
As of 2005 and after a pilot program taking place on three mine countermeasures ships, the Navy started appointing senior chiefs to command roles.
[4][5] The USCG also has the grade of Command Senior Chief Petty Officer (Silver Badge).
The SCPO rank being the equivalent to Battalion or Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant causes some confusion when operating together with the Irish Army and Air Corps.
The Quartermaster or logistical function is primary role of all BQMS/RQMS (OR-8) in the Irish Army and Air Corps.