** A Commanding Officer issued following instructions to Executive Officer
“Tomorrow evening at approximately 2000 hours, Haley’s Comet will be visible in this area, an event which occurs only once every 75 years. Have the men fall out in the Battalion area in fatigues and I will explain this rare phenomenon to them. In case of rain, we will not be able to see anything, so, assemble the men in the theatre and I will show them films on them.”
Executive Officer to Company Commander
“By order of the Commanding Officer, tomorrow at 2000 hours, Haley’s Comet will appear above the Battalion area. If it rains, fall the men out in fatigues, then march to the theatre, where this rare phenomenon will take place, something which occurs only once in 75 years.”
Company Commander to Lieutenant
“By order of the Commanding Officer, be in fatigues at 2000 hours tomorrow evening. The phenomenal Haley’s Comet will appear in the theatre. In case of rain in the Battalion area, the Commanding Officer will give another order, something which occurs once every 75 years.”
Lieutenant to Sergeant
“Tomorrow at 2000 hours, the Commanding Officer will appear in the theatre with Haley’s Comet, something which happens every 75 years. If it rains, the Commanding Officer will order the Comet in to the battalion area.”
Sergeant to Squad
“When it rains tomorrow at 2000 hours, the phenomenal 75 years old General Haley accompanied by the Commanding Officer will drive his Comet through the Battalion area theatre in fatigues.”
**
