---
title: "This is why some sailors wear gold stripes, and some wear red"
description: "The short answer? Twelve years of good conduct."
date: "2021-06-01"
modified: "2021-06-02"
authors:
  - name: "Tim Kirkpatrick"
    link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/tkirkpatrick/"
url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-history/this-is-why-some-sailors-wear-gold-stripes-and-some-wear-red/"
categories:
  - "History"
  - "Military Branches"
  - "Military News"
  - "Navy"
---

# This is why some sailors wear gold stripes, and some wear red

![](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17313789/origin.jpg>)

The short answer? Twelve years of good conduct.

---

In the Navy, there are many different ways to reward a sailor for their excellent work performance, like a promotion in rank or special liberty (time off). On the contrary, there are also several ways to discipline a sailor, for instance using non-judicial punished or Captain's Mast.

A service member falling asleep on watch, destruction of government property or theft are just some the reasons why a sailor would get sent to stand in front of their commanding officer for disciplinary action.

If a sailor is found guilty of a violation, the 12-years of good service starts over. Punishments for violations can range from restriction to discharge, depending on the severity of the offense.

### Related: [These are weird Navy traditions and their meanings](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/popular/these-are-weird-navy-traditions-and-their-meanings/>)

![](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17313790/origin.jpg>)
* The gold rank insignia of a Boatswain Mate Chief Petty Officer*

### Also Read: [Yes, sergeant, actually that new academy cadet does outrank you](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/thehavokjournal/>)

To rate the gold stripes, the sailor must complete 12-years straight of good service with no breaks starting on the first day they wake up in boot camp — not the day they entered basic training.

If the sailor does take a break from service, the period pauses until they return.

So if you notice a sailor wearing three or four service stripes on their sleeve (each stripe means four years of service) and they aren't yellow, chances are they've been in trouble at least once

## Author
Tim Kirkpatrick entered the Navy in 2007 as a Hospital Corpsman and deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan with 3rd Battalion 5th Marines in the fall of 2010. Tim now has degrees in both Film Production and Screenwriting. tim.kirkpatrick@wearethemighty.com