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Pretty awesome post and right to the point. Couldn't agree more to points 2 - 4. Regarding 5: Stripes == NCOs - right? Sorry, I'm in a different army

I would personally add: 1b) No matter how bad the situation, chances are that you and your comrades will crack jokes about it within 3 months. (Probably doesn't always apply, but certainly in regards to bootcamp/exercise)

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Depends what he means by stripes. In the Marine Corps (the only branch I have experience with) enlisted will get a diagonal stripe (hash mark) on their forearm for ever 4 years of service. I believe that's what he's referring to.

I think Army is one for every 3 years of service.

I was trying to be rather non-denominational :) here, but yes, essentially NCO's.

Commonwealth Armies use chevrons, or "stripes" to the layman. Americans (except the USAF/Navy, for some reason) flip those upside down to be different. Other armies use different things, but basically, more == higher.

Of course we also have crowns up here in Canada just to confuse new recruits. :-)

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