What kind of officers are considered flag officers in the Navy?

Flag officers in the Navy are specifically defined as those officers who hold the rank of Rear Admiral (Lower Half) and above, which corresponds to the paygrade O-7 and higher. This includes positions such as Rear Admiral, Vice Admiral, and Admiral. These ranks are significant as they typically denote high-level leadership roles within the Navy and are often responsible for overseeing substantial operations and commands.

The distinction of flag officers comes from their authority and responsibilities, which exceed those of lower-ranked officers. Flag officers may command fleets, task forces, or major installations and often play crucial roles in strategic planning and policy-making within the Navy.

The other categories mentioned do not fit the definition of flag officers: paygrade O-5 corresponds to commanders, who are not considered flag officers; officer candidates are still in training and have not yet achieved a specific rank; and junior officers typically refer to those in ranks below O-5, such as ensigns and lieutenants, who, while they may eventually advance to flag officer status, do not currently hold those ranks. Therefore, the correct identification of flag officers as those in paygrade O-7 or above is based on the formal structure and hierarchy of the Navy.