Reply #10: The only ones that I was familiar with when I was in..... [View All]

[Rebellious Republican]

Were CPO's, they were given one as part of their initiation to the Rank of Chief Petty Officer.

The initiation was a very secret tradition that only CPO's and above were allowed to be involved in.

However, being the very trusted (I carried a real Secret Clearance)Squadron photographers mate.

I was invited to photograph certain portions of the initiation process.

I was given an open tab and told to wait in the main bar of the CPO club until called for.

My lips are sealed to this day for fear of retribution by the likes of CPO's like BOSSHOG, as to what took place during these portions of the ceremony that I was privy to witness.

Trust me, becoming a CPO is not easy!!! Right BOSSHOG :evilgrin:

I think the tradition varies from service to service, and even from within the same branch of service, also the time frame probably adds to the mix as well.