Help with Military Symbolism?

Question

I just signed papers last wednesday to be a 35W in the Army. But I've got alot of inqueries about the nature of the armed forces in general. It seems to me that the military would be chock full of symbolism and deep meaning but its something not many seem to interested it [they didn't join the military to be a symbolism analyst. they joined to do a job] which is understandable. I was just wondering if anyone had any resources that they could forward me about this.

Also I've got one main query... Whats the signifigance of the oak leaf? its used as the image symbolizing the ranks Major and Lt. Colonel, however i've no idea what signifigance it has when related to the US History or Military History. It would seem it would hold a great deal of importance as the eagle is represenation of colonel [I believe, I've never actually checked, I always assumed] but thats an easy peg as our nations bird/mascot. I just can't see the United States government doing anything for no reason. Could you shed some light on this?

Answer 1

The oak is a common symbol of strength and endurance, also it is the US National Tree, for those reasons. That is why it is used as the Rank Insignia for Maj. and Lt Col.

Strength and Endurance.

You will learn much of the symbolism as you Serve, it just "happens" through various training, and courses.

Answer 2

I'm not 100% sure of this, but the Oak leaf may have originated from the Charter Oak, that was the hiding place of the "Magna Charter", an early American historical document.

Answer 3

aye mate you are so true to your beliefs,am offering a hand of hope,before you completely sign your life away carefully arrange for a box for your soul-always control your thoughts,palms out ,hands to your sides,and should you here "wake up"-do-

the military has nothing to do with history  

Answer 4

the below site might be helpful

Answer 5

If you're heading out to boot camp, you'll probably have lessons in Military History.  An instructor may know the answer.  Also, once you immerse yourself in military culture, you'll slowly glean info on traditions and symbols, etc.  from all the people around you.

Correcting another's post: The Charter Oak did not hide the Magna Carta. The Charter Oak is in Hartford, Connecticut and it hid the Charter for the colony of Connecticut.

Sorry I don't have the real answer.

The military "joke answer" to why some officers wear oak leaves is that since Adam in the Garden of Eden, humans have covered their pr!cks with leaves.

Another poster made a good suggestion of allexperts.com.  That site will direct your question to someone who's an expert in military history.  

Answer 6

The oak leaf symbolizes the wearer's right to order you to kill a stranger who has done nothing to you, a stranger with family and friends back home, just like you. The wearer of the oak leaf gets paid for his order, and you get paid for following it! Wow--just like a real hitman!!

The colonel gets to wear the lucky eagle because, like an eagle, he feeds on the dead.

If at all possible, get out of the stupid paper you signed. Tell them that you were on drugs when you signed it, or that you were temporarily insane but that a sudden gust of sanity just blew between your ears.

Remember, it is NEVER acceptable to kill a human being because someone orders you to---no God or Gods would ever smile kindly on such horrible behavior. Do not allow your government to turn you into another paid killer!