The reform sought standardization with the other services and stronger-sounding naval NCO grades, but it also assigned explicit leadership status to more sailors. Sailors formerly labeled by class became leading or senior sailors with new expectations to direct others. The shift resembled turning every U.S. Army specialist into a corporal during an ongoing war. Its timing and sudden command burden made it a serious organizational mistake.
Notable Point · 25:38-33:15
Why Japan changed sailor ranks during wartime
A 1942 reform retitled Imperial Japanese sailors and petty officers while the navy was already fighting a major war.