A young Second Lieutenant approaches the
crusty old CSM and asked about the origin of the commissioned officer insignias.
The CSM replied, "It's history and
tradition ... First we give you a gold bar representing that you are very valuable and
also malleable. The silver bar also represents significant value, but is less malleable.
When you make Captain, your value doubles, hence the two silver bars. As a Colonel you
soar over military masses, hence the eagle. As a General, you are, obviously, a star. Does
that answer your question?"
"Yes," said the Second
Lieutenant, "but what about Majors and Lieutenant Colonels?"
"That goes waaaay back in history ...
to the Garden of Eden even. You see we've always covered our pricks with leaves."
