Who decide to switch the navy rating badge from the right shoulder to left shoulder?

Answer 1

The rating badge was on BOTH shoulders, and was dropped to one. I don't have the details around me but I learned that when I made third class in 1985. Here's a poem I wrote for an assignment from our leadership course in Coronado, CA on why we write our midwatch logs in rhyme on New Year's Day, as I was eligible for chief:

MIDWATCH LOGS IN RHYME

Mighty Room 312, from your second table,
We're gathering fact and dissuading fable;
With QMC Gillihan and QMC Moore,
Breaking down paradigms to open the door.

I am Andrew Woodson, a CTO1.
It's time for some history, learning and fun.
This report centers on New Year's Eve time,
When first midwatch logs are written in rhyme.

Referencing a book in its fifth of editions,
"Naval Ceremonies, Customs and Traditions",
Truth is no one quite knows to this day
Why we make these entries so hard anyway.

For the only requirement of our duty stations
(Prescribed in an article of Navy Regulations)
Is just to report, as an OOD true,
The facts of the post and all property in view.

Though let it be known these same rhyming quips
Appear on first logs of new commissioned ships;
And in neither case can one hope to reveal
One direct rule to uphold or appeal.

Is it just boredom, or holiday cheer
That changes our logs the first watch of the year?
Writing in rhyme, for whatever reason,
Is time-honored custom, a part of the season.

So tradition compels our mates of the deck
To continue to scribble their official dreck
By slanting their work in such creative flair,
A practice so frowned on the rest of the year.

In closing, rhyme on, savvy midnight dogs,
And maybe someday they will publish your logs.

Andrew B. Woodson 20 September 1999

Answer 2

What are you some kind of over grown boy scout, for Christs sake? There are more important things in this world than glorification and aggrandizement of the military and its primary product WAR! Get with the program and make this world a better place instead worrying about where to pin your next damn medal you fool!

Answer 3

Prior to 1949 there were right arm rates, Boatswain Mate, Turret Captain, Signalman, Gunner's Mate, Fire Controlman, Quartermaster, Mineman and Torpedoman's Mate, all other rate were left arm rates.
I would guess they changed it to all left arm as it was more uniform

Answer 4

someone in DC who nothing else to do !