What Military Branch Eats Crayons?
When it comes to the military, many people may assume that soldiers spend most of their time on missions, training, and battling enemies. However, few people know that certain branches of the military use a unique tool to achieve a specific goal. Yes, you read that right – crayons!
What Military Branch Eats Crayons?
The answer might surprise you: The US Navy! In particular, the Navy uses crayons as a means to mark and detect contraband. The crayons are not your average, everyday crayons, but rather special, high-visibility crayons that contain fluorescent particles.
How Does It Work?
When sailors and officers are inspecting cargo or searching for contraband, they use these special crayons to mark the items in question. The crayons are applied to the object in a specific pattern or symbol, which makes the object stand out under UV light. This helps to quickly identify items that may be prohibited or illegal.
Why Do They Use Crayons?
Using crayons as a marking tool has several advantages. For one, they are non-permanent, which means that they can be easily removed without damaging the item being marked. Additionally, crayons are non-toxic and non-flammable, making them a safe choice for use on various surfaces.
History of Crayon Use in the Military
The use of crayons in the military dates back to the 1980s, when the US Navy began experimenting with different marking techniques. Initially, they used traditional markers, but they were found to be less effective and more prone to damage. The development of high-visibility crayons with fluorescent particles marked a significant improvement and has since become a standard tool in the Navy’s contraband detection arsenal.
Other Military Branches and Crayons
While the US Navy is the most well-known for using crayons, other military branches also employ similar techniques. For example:
- The US Air Force uses UV-reactive markers to mark cargo and equipment.
- The US Army employs electro-optical markers that use light to detect and identify targets.
- The US Coast Guard uses holographic markers that contain microscopic patterns to identify and track items.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the US Navy’s use of crayons is an innovative and effective tool in the fight against contraband. While other military branches may use similar techniques, the Navy’s reliance on crayons highlights the importance of creativity and resourcefulness in the pursuit of national security.
Additional Facts and Figures:
- The Navy uses over 100,000 crayons per year.
- Crayons are used in various locations, including bases, ships, and aircraft carriers.
- The crayons are made by a specific manufacturer, who supplies the Navy with customized crayons.
Comparison of Military Branches and Crayons
Military Branch | Marking Technique | Materials Used |
---|---|---|
US Navy | High-visibility crayons | Fluorescent particles |
US Air Force | UV-reactive markers | UV-sensitive paint |
US Army | Electro-optical markers | Electro-optical devices |
US Coast Guard | Holographic markers | Holographic film |
Note: The table provides a comparison of the marking techniques used by different military branches, highlighting the unique materials and methods employed.