It's a Navy thing

Tommy Ruyle · Apr 12, 2007

The old Chief Bosun noticed a new apprentice seaman one day and and barked at him to come to attention.

"What is your name?" was the first thing the Chief asked the youngster.

"John," the seaman replied.

The Chief scowled, "Look, I don't know what kind of bleeding-heart, liberal pansy stuff they're teaching in boot camp today, but I don't call anyone by their first name. It breeds familiarity and that leads to a breakdown in authority. I refer to my crewmen by their last name only - Smith, Jones, Baker - that's all. I am to be referred to only as 'Sir.' Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Sir!"

"Good! Now that we got that straight, what is your last name?"

The seaman recruit sighed and said, "Darling. My name is John Darling, Sir!"

"Okay, John, the next thing I want to tell you is..."

NamVet_Farmer44 · Apr 12, 2007

:lol: :shock:

msscamp · Apr 13, 2007

:shock: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2:

USMCRanchGirl · Apr 13, 2007

:lol:

I once had a SSgt who had named his son Major. That boy grew up and went on to become a Marine. Can you imagine the hazing he got from the D.I.s in bootcamp with a name like that?

Later, when he was promoted from Corporal he was officially Sergeant Major Phillips. Talk about a quick jump in rank! :P

dun · Apr 13, 2007

USMCRanchGirl":2yrqex8b said:
:lol:

I once had a SSgt who had named his son Major. That boy grew up and went on to become a Marine. Can you imagine the hazing he got from the D.I.s in bootcamp with a name like that?

Later, when he was promoted from Corporal he was officially Sergeant Major Phillips. Talk about a quick jump in rank! :P

A guy I worked with back in the 70s was actually named Sargent Major. His parents had a sense of humor I guess. Sure confused me the first time I had to talk to him