Frocking was celebrated in the Navy because the tradition enabled Sailors to assume the next higher rank with pay before their actual promotion date.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Never

Answer: (B)

Frocking allows a Sailor selected for promotion to wear the insignia of the next higher rank and perform the duties of that rank before the official promotion date. The purpose is to recognize leadership potential and ensure a smooth transition by giving the individual experience in the higher role. Pay and formal rank changes, however, generally follow the official promotion date, not the frocking date. So the idea that frocking enabled getting the higher pay before the actual promotion isn’t accurate—the higher pay typically doesn’t come until after promotion becomes official.