When you first find yourself here.

[smith18]

You know what they say...cant make rate, go boatswain's mate:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aunMF8gGi0

You know what is sad - the USCG Quartermaster rating I had (combo of Navy Signalman/Quartermaster) was merged into Boatswain's mate in 2003. The art of signaling is pretty much all but lost from the USCG. And the only USCG medal of honor recipient was a Signalman named Douglas Munro.