I once saw the S & S put to good use as a security pass. At a secret UN base in East Timor I was approaching the gate behind 1/2 a dozen uniformed yanks(affectionate term). The UN at this place were real PITA about passes and as the little local timorese security guard challenged them for their passes the lead yank just pointed to the flag on his shoulder and breezed past. He was obviously the guide for the others (probably off the visiting ship) as I heard him go on to say, in a really strong southern drawl, "You're supposed to have pass for these places but if you get any problems, just point to the flag."!! It was very well executed.