Mark and Learn
A cautionary tale:
Speaking of our American cousins, several years ago at a dinner in Washington I was sat next to an impressive-looking chap who was not inclined to conversation. I was probably a couple of martinis ahead of him.
I vaguely recalled that he had been introduced as "Colonel" so I took that as a starting point. It was slow going but he eventually disclosed that he was USAF retd. "Oh, how interesting!" I said. "What did you fly?" He was silent for a while then he said "Space Shuttle."
I might have guessed - he oozed the Right Stuff.
Another pause. "Twice."
That shut me up, which obviously suited him just fine.
So I turned my conversational talents on the attractive brunette sitting opposite. Turns out she was a Colonel retd. too. And his wife.
Moral: Retired officers really should drop their ranks. Or perhaps I should drink fewer martinis...
goofer