A young Ensign approached a crusty old Master Chief and asked about the origin of the commissioned officer insignias.
“Well,” replied the Master Chief, “the insignias for the Navy are steeped in history and tradition. As an Ensign, we give you a gold bar, representing that you are very valuable but also malleable. The silver bar of a Lieutenant Junior Grade also represents significant value, but is less malleable. Now, when you make Lieutenant, your value doubles, hence the two silver bars. As a Captain, you soar over the common sailors, hence the eagle. And when you make Admiral, you are obviously a star. Does that answer your question?”
“Yes, Master Chief,” replied the young Ensign. “But what about Lieutenant Commanders and Commanders?”
“That, Sir, goes waaaay back in history – back to the Garden of Eden. You see, we’ve always covered our pricks with leaves.”
I can explain it to you but I can't understand it for you.
"Any man who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the Government take care of him; better take a closer look at the American Indian." - Henry Ford
Corruptissima re publica plurimae leges; When the Republic is at its most corrupt the laws are most numerous. - Publius Cornelius Tacitus
A Chief never drinks, if he drinks he never gets drunk, if he gets drunk he never stumbles, if he stumbles he never falls down, if he falls down he gets right back up, if he can not get up he covers his collar devices so every one will think he is an Ensign.
Ha! I can tell you that I have been at the receiving end of a few sharp comments over 26 years of service. Captains and Commanders have scolded me for my misdeeds but in my experience I would rather get chewed out by anyone other than a Chief!
"A sailor travels far and wide and does just what he pleases but, he's always sure to wash his hands so he don't catch no diseases."
I can explain it to you but I can't understand it for you.
"Any man who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the Government take care of him; better take a closer look at the American Indian." - Henry Ford
Corruptissima re publica plurimae leges; When the Republic is at its most corrupt the laws are most numerous. - Publius Cornelius Tacitus
