Chief Petty Officer’s Guide, Third Edition

In this third edition of the Chief Petty Officer’s Guide, author Paul Kingsbury offers the same caliber of wisdom and advice that has helped Chief Petty Officers (CPOs) succeed for decades. Fully revised, this edition features updates to every chapter as well as a broader context, scope, and audience. With the addition of guidance for Navy and Coast Guard chiefs of all experience levels, aspiring petty officers seeking advancement to chief, and other leaders, this book is a vital tool for anyone who wants to understand how great chiefs think, manage, and lead.

Those striving to improve as a chief, senior chief, or master chief will find this handbook an essential resource on how to lead and manage strong maintenance and operational teams. Kingsbury provides key perspectives on how chiefs can use power bases, influence tactics, and managerial skills to achieve mission success at all levels of Navy and Coast Guard leadership. Chapters feature tools for self-assessment, including explanations of the attributes, behaviors, and qualities that all petty officers (or any leader or manager) should strive for.

Paul A. Kingsbury, FLTCM, USN (Ret.), served thirty-one years in the Navy, culminating with his final assignment as the Fleet Master Chief for U.S. Fleet Forces Command. He has published several articles in military journals and received awards in both the U.S. Naval Institute’s General Essay and Enlisted Essay contests. He is the author of Petty Officer’s Guide and a coauthor of the 26th edition of the Bluejacket’s Manual. He is the host and producer of the Cutlass Podcast. He serves as Director of Federal Employee Program Community Relations for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.