rates, These documents went into effect on
1 April 1893. All evidence indicates this as the
date the chief petty officer rate was actually
established.
So, what is the answer to the question, When
was the term chief petty officer first used in the
Navy? Based on U.S. Navy Regulation Circular
Number 1, the majority of first class petty officer
ratings were automatically reclassified as chief
petty officer ratings.
On 24 September 1894 General Order Number
431 was issued. This general order changed the
three rockers on the master-at-arms rating badge
to one rocker. We know this as the rating badge
of the CPO today. This general order also
changed first, second, and third class chevrons to
their present-day form,
THE CPO UNIFORM
You should consider a neat, clean uniform to
be a tool of your trade. As a CPO, your trade
has changed to the business of getting things done
by your subordinates. A CPO who presents a
sharp military appearance usually gets things done
better than the nonprofessional who presents a
poor appearance. Think about who receives the
most respect: the person who presents a sloppy
appearance or the one who wears the uniform with
pride. A person who rates respect looks the part.
REQUIRED AND OPTIONAL
UNIFORMS
The uniforms prescribed for you as a CPO are
divided into four separate categories. They are
Figure 7-8.-Dinner dress uniforms.
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