The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) is the highest uniformed position in the United States Navy, held by a Regular Navy line four-star Admiral. A requirement for being Chief of Naval Operations is having significant experience in joint duty assignments, which includes at least one full tour of duty in a joint duty assignment as a flag officer (Rear Admiral or higher). There is no way that a Deputy Director of NCIS like Van Cleef, a civilian position, would be eligible for nomination as CNO, even if he were a flag officer in the Navy Reserve. Van Cleef would be eligible for a high level civilian position within the Department of Defense or Department of the Navy requiring Senate confirmation, but not CNO.