Who shall be assigned as the Weapons Petty Officer when there are fewer than three officers?

• A. 1LT
• B. CPO
• C. ENS
• D. GM

Answer: (A)

When staffing for a small officer team, key roles that involve weapons oversight should be held by the most senior officer available to ensure clear authority and proper safety procedures. The Weapons Petty Officer handles critical responsibilities related to weapons handling, training, and coordination, so having someone with the most experience and rank in that position helps maintain accountability and proper discipline.

Among the options, the First Lieutenant is the highest-ranking officer listed, making them the best fit to assume the Weapons Petty Officer duties when there are fewer than three officers on the roster. An Ensign is a junior officer and would not provide the same level of authority. A Gunner’s Mate is an enlisted rating, not an officer, and a Chief Petty Officer, while senior, is also enlisted; the situation specified focuses on selecting the senior officer for this role when officer numbers are tight, so the First Lieutenant is the appropriate choice.