What management level does a Chief Petty Officer belong to?

A Chief Petty Officer (CPO) belongs to the operating management level within the military hierarchy. This level is characterized by direct involvement in the day-to-day operations and the execution of tasks. The CPO is responsible for leading sailors, managing work centers, and ensuring that the assigned personnel perform their duties effectively.

At the operating level, a CPO's leadership is crucial for the management of resources and the implementation of policies. This tier focuses on the practical application of strategies that have been developed at higher levels of command. While executive, staff, and administrative functions also play significant roles in military operations, they are more concerned with policy-making, strategic planning, and administrative oversight, respectively. In contrast, the operating management level is about making things happen on the ground.