What rank must the first officer be to submit an OPNAV 1752/2 when the Commanding Officer (CO) is the alleged offender?

The correct answer is that the first officer must be at the rank of O-6 or higher to submit an OPNAV 1752/2 when the Commanding Officer (CO) is the alleged offender. This requirement ensures that a senior officer is involved in the reporting process, thereby maintaining the integrity and seriousness of the situation.

When the CO is the alleged offender, it is critical that the next level of authority is suitably high to manage the sensitive nature of the allegations while ensuring accountability within the command structure. An officer of O-6 rank (Captain) possesses the necessary authority and experience to handle such serious matters effectively, providing a level of oversight needed in such situations.

Lower-ranked officers may not have the required positional authority to initiate this formal reporting process under the policy, which emphasizes the importance of appropriate leadership during allegations involving high-ranking officials. This structure helps to ensure that the response to such allegations is handled with the necessary level of seriousness and procedural correctness.