History of Officers’ Insignias
The young Ensign approached the crusty old Chief and asked him about the origin of the commissioned office insignias. “Well, Ensign, it’s history and tradition. First, we give you a gold bar representing that you’re valuable, BUT malleable. The silver bar of a Lieutenant Junior Grade represents value, but less malleable. When you make Lieutenant, you’re twice as valuable, so we give you two silver bars.” “As a Captain, you soar over military masses, hence the eagle. As an Admiral,…


