How to Get a Standing Invite to the Chief's Club
I will admit, I wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed when it came to Navy traditions. Going to ROTC, you miss out on a lot of the more nuanced traditions in the Navy. For example, it is customary for the Bull Ensign - the next one to be promoted to Lieutenant (Junior Grade) - to give a speech when the previous bull is promoted. As the Bull Ensign, you walk around with large gold bars that are designed to be worn on coats and jackets, not collars. They also have the words "Bull" engraved on them. Well, I didn't know about this tradition and wasn't ready to give a speech. My captain then said, "Say something now or give an hour speech in 2 days." I belted out something to the effect of, "Thanks, it's an honor, I look forward to serving, blah, blah, blah." Very plain and basic. Now the next person, who was a Naval Academy grad - also know as "ring knocker" - came prepared with a silly fun speech promising outrageous things like ice ...