The Power of Navy Leaders - Especially Chiefs - to Make or Break Sailors

[Tony]

Chief petty officers, the seasoned leaders tasked with leading enlisted members in the Navy, have impressive power. Often operating as a kind of back channel between commands with chiefs quietly working together, they're known to cut through red tape to get things done.

That authority, that power, built on the bond of rank across the fleet, is the backbone of the service. But just as easily as they can solve problems, chief petty officers can hurt and drive sailors to the brink.