the light on the aft is not suspended like what you would think on a
pole, but is in the middle of the stern. It kind of reminds you of a
back up light if anything else.


Based on that nugget of information, it would appear that your boat is lit
under international rules versus inland rules. That means there is a
companion to the stern light you describe. There should be a forward-facing
white light on a pole that plugs into a socket of some sort, probably
located on your upper windshield frame. It could also be a light on a pole
that is permanently attached, but can be folded down. This forward facing
white light, combined with the stern light on the transom combine to satisfy
the 32 points of required coverage. Suggest you focus your efforts on
finding that other white light (unless you have it and just failed to
mention it) rather than the worrying about the red and green lights, which
are just fine where they are.