Cchevrons on my sleeve

Posted by Smokey Stover on January 31, 2010 at 06:17

In Reply to: Cchevrons on my sleeve posted by Victoria S Dennis on January 30, 2010 at 23:31:

: : "I have no need for more chevrons on my sleeve". This is an expression I have heard and used, but is there a history to the thought?

: It simply refers to the rank badge of a non-commissioned officer. As long as there have been NCOs, some private soldiers have aspired to that rank and others couldn't give a damn for promotion.(VSD)

The phrase is sometimes used figuratively, by all kinds of people who don't feel the need for sings of rank or preferment. And if you've forgotten the list of non-commissioned officer ranks, try this:

[Words and Music by Hughes / Lake]

Bless them all, bless them all,
The long and the short and the tall;
Bless all the sergeants and W.O. Ones;
Bless all the corporals and their blinking sons
For we're saying good-bye to them all
As back to the barracks they crawl--
You'll get no promotion this side of the ocean,
So cheer up my lads, bless them all!
------
I'm not sure how warrant officers rank, but I'm sure someone will tell me. The song may be familiar to you with slightly different words. Without the sheet music I can't tell.
SS

• Cchevrons on my sleeve David FG 31/January/10
  • Cchevrons on my sleeve David FG 31/January/10