Used pens in pockets to signify rank?

I told some co-workers that in 1974/75 I was assigned to protect a foreign Military dignitary and his uniform rank was determined by the amount of pens in his pocket..

I know it sounds stupid -- but I am not kidding!!

Anyone know of such a thing?

It did not occur to you that someone was pulling your leg?

As I told my co-worker -- I SEE THE ACTUAL PERSON

I am ordered to protect him...

Here is a post made to me at another forum:

osted on: 3/30/2008 6:19:24 PM

On certain US military bases located on foreign soil, the wearing of uniforms was prohibited. Consequently senior and junior officers could be distinguished by the type of pen in their lapel pocket. The same was partially true for enlisted personnel.

If your foreign general was in civilian clothes, then the pens could possibly indicate his rank. If he was wearing a uniform - then who knows

What is it TTC? First you said...

"...rank was determined by the amount of pens in his pocket."

Then you said...

"Consequently senior and junior officers could be distinguished by the type of pen in their lapel pocket."

Is it quantity (amount) or quality (type)?

haha sounds like "dirtbag" or slouch to me.

I consciously did not carry pens and pencils with me only a switch blade …
Oh, and by the way the_tom_cat, divulge to no one the location of your parking spot or the number of pens in your pocket ... that's top secret information. And do not wear that civilian shirt with the Three-slot pen pocket on bottom of sleeve They will know what rank you are...Sound a bit like Cloak & Dagger stuff to me