In 1920, the 55th U.S. Congress officially approved and established which grade for the Coast Guard?

• A. Chief Petty Officer grade
• B. Petty Officer First Class
• C. Ensign
• D. Master Chief Petty Officer

Answer: (A)

The main point is understanding when a senior enlisted leadership rank was formally created for the Coast Guard. In 1920, the 55th Congress approved establishing the Chief Petty Officer grade, designating a formal, higher-level enlisted rank to lead and mentor sailors, oversee petty officers, and serve as a crucial link between enlisted personnel and officers. This move aligned the Coast Guard with Navy tradition by creating a recognized senior enlisted cadre and improved supervision, training, and professional development within the service.

Petty Officer First Class already existed as an enlisted rank, so it wasn’t a newly established grade. Ensign is a commissioned officer rank, not an enlisted one, so that wouldn’t be the grade being created for enlisted personnel. Master Chief Petty Officer is a later senior enlisted rank that came into use well after 1920.