An addendum to better explain the Officer Ranks chart:
A recent ROTC grad was traveling to his new duty assignment. While waiting for a connecting flight at Raleigh-Durham airport he decided to have a drink. He sat down next to a an SF Team Sergeant who had obviously had a few beers. He decided to make a bit of light conversation and attempt to perhaps learn from the sergeant's many years of service.
"Master Sergeant," said the butter bar, "even though I've graduated ROTC at Bongo Congo University and have been commisioned an officer, there was not a single class to explain the history of the insignias that designate the rank of officers. Would you know anything about them?"
The Team Sargeant smiled and answered, "Why yes sir, I do. As a 2LT your insignia is gold. That means that you have value but are still somewhat raw and pliable. As a 1LT your insignia is silver which means you are also valuable but somewhat stronger than the gold of a 2LT. As a CPT your insignia is two silver bars which indicates you are worth two 1LTs. As a COL your insignia is an eagle. You watch over your troops from the sky leading them to victory. As a General you wear a star which means you are watching from a higher position than the Colonel and guiding them with even more authority."
He then picked up his beer, proceeded to empty the bottle and looked directly at the young 2LT. Recognizing what he meant with that look, the 2LT promptly ordered and paid for another drink for the NCO. He then suddenly realized that the explaination that he received was not as complete as it could have been, and decided to question the grizzled veteran a bit more.
"Master Sergeant, you seem to have left out MAJ and LTC."
"Well" said the old Team Sargeant, "those ranks come from the Bible."
The 2LT gave him an incredible look. "Oh, really?"
"Yes, sir," said the Team Sargeant. "When Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden, they realized that they were naked and were ashamed. Considering that the naked form of a woman was in actuality a work of art, she accepted her condition and was content. Adam, however, was not as fortunate and realized that he needed to remedy his situation. He came up with a brilliant idea which has survived to this day...and the Army, following Adam's lead, has to this day placed leaves on their pricks, too."
Linear Mode
