Restricted Line (RL) officers are NOT eligible to command at sea. Which statement best captures this designation?

• A. Restricted Line officers are NOT eligible to command at sea.
• B. Restricted Line officers are eligible to command at sea but only in limited duties.
• C. Restricted Line officers are only allowed to serve in private industry roles.
• D. Restricted Line officers are all enlisted personnel.

Answer: (A)

Restricted Line officers focus on specialized, shore-based or staff roles rather than commanding ships at sea. Their career paths are built around technical expertise, program management, or functional duties that support Navy operations from land-based positions. Because leading a ship requires the broad, fleet-wide command experience that unrestricted line officers develop at sea, Restricted Line officers are not eligible to command afloat. This designation means they can command shore-based units or organizations and serve in high-level staff roles, but they do not command ships, submarines, or other afloat commands.