In 1920, which action established the Chief Petty Officer grade for the Coast Guard by the 55th Congress?

In 1920, which action established the Chief Petty Officer grade for the Coast Guard by the 55th Congress?

• A. It established the Chief Petty Officer grade
• B. It established the Chief Petty Officer insignia
• C. It established the rank of Admiral for the Coast Guard
• D. It created the Coast Guard Reserve cross-branch program

Answer: (A)

The essential idea is that a formal rank in the service is created by a legislative action that defines its existence and place in the hierarchy. When the Coast Guard’s Chief Petty Officer grade was established by the action of the 55th Congress, it officially created a distinct senior enlisted category, setting its role, responsibilities, and path of advancement within the Coast Guard. That legislative act is what makes the Chief Petty Officer a recognized grade, not merely a badge or insignia added later. The other options describe symbols or unrelated programs—insignia alone doesn’t establish the grade, creating an Admiral for the Coast Guard would introduce a commissioned flag rank, and a cross-branch reserve program addresses a different aspect of structure. So, the act of establishing the Chief Petty Officer grade is the defining action.

The essential idea is that a formal rank in the service is created by a legislative action that defines its existence and place in the hierarchy. When the Coast Guard’s Chief Petty Officer grade was established by the action of the 55th Congress, it officially created a distinct senior enlisted category, setting its role, responsibilities, and path of advancement within the Coast Guard. That legislative act is what makes the Chief Petty Officer a recognized grade, not merely a badge or insignia added later. The other options describe symbols or unrelated programs—insignia alone doesn’t establish the grade, creating an Admiral for the Coast Guard would introduce a commissioned flag rank, and a cross-branch reserve program addresses a different aspect of structure. So, the act of establishing the Chief Petty Officer grade is the defining action.