MovieChat Forums > Onionhead (1958) Discussion > enlisted ranks

enlisted ranks

posted 13 years ago by retpo
5 replies | jump to latest

Does anybody know why some of the enlisted had their ranks on their left sleeve and some others on the right?

Because somebody in wardrobe made a mistake. The ranks (and the USCG silver shield) are always on the left sleeve.

See the answer below. Once war was declared and the CG went from DoT to DoN, they probably fell in with the Navy prescription for uniforms.

[–] rmax304823 10 years ago

Didn't know that. Thanks.

[–] fredpatch-1 11 years ago

During WWII the Navy, and presume Coast Guard, wore their rating badges on the left sleeve, unless they held a senior "deck" rating, Boatswain Mate, Signalman, Quartermaster, Gunners Mate, and Sonarman. I never could figure that last one out. Anyway, after the war, all ratings were worn on he left sleeve.

[–] rmax304823 10 years ago

The high-echelon officer who made the decision was probably an ex Sonarman, risen from the ranks. :)