Chief of Naval Personnel

The chief of naval personnel (CNP) is responsible for overall personnel readiness and manpower allocation for the United States Navy. CNP serves in an additional duty capacity as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (DCNO) for Personnel, Manpower, and Training (N1), within the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV). DCNO N1 is one of five deputy chiefs of naval operations. The CNP oversees the Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS) and Naval Education and Training Command (NETC). While most BUPERS personnel are located in Millington, Tennessee, and are overseen on a day-to-day basis by the Deputy Chief of Naval Personnel—dual-hatted as Commander, Navy Personnel Command—the BUPERS headquarters and OPNAV N1 staff directly supporting CNP/DCNO N1 are located in Arlington County, Virginia. CNP and the other four DCNOs are nominated by the president of the United States and must be confirmed via majority vote by the United States Senate. Each DCNO is appointed as a three-star vice admiral while holding office.

While providing strategic direction and policy for the entire MyNavy HR enterprise as DCNO N1, CNP is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Navy personnel management, including policies and programs related to recruitment, training, career development, assignments, promotions, and retention for both enlisted and officer communities. This role ensures the Navy has a ready, well-trained, and properly distributed workforce to meet operational demands. CNP also advises senior Navy leadership on human resource strategies, manages personnel policies in compliance with federal law and Department of Defense guidance, and directs the execution of programs that impact the well-being, advancement, and professional development of Sailors throughout their careers.