say something about this picture...

[supertigerCH]

say something about this picture...

[Eclipse]

It was used to illustrate a political point about HLS funding over a year ago?

http://www.spousebuzz.com/blog/2015/02/coast-guard-shut-down-signals-lack-of-respect-for-america.html

The actual ceremony is called a "close shave" which is a tribute to a member of the CG being relieved.
http://allhands.coastguard.dodlive.mil/2014/05/09/change-of-watch-master-chief-petty-officer-of-the-coast-guard-reserve-force/

[Luis R. Ramos]

Safety being ignored?

[SarDragon]

FYI, having participated in similar activities as a youth, those bayonets aren't as sharp or pointy as you might think. Chrome plating doesn't do well on sharp edges, so they are usually ground down to remove the "edge" before being chromed. They might cause a bruise, but might not even break the skin unless intentionally moved in a stabbing motion.

[Luis R. Ramos]

Nevertheless I remember a story I saw on a newspaper in Puerto Rico.

In the 1980s there were a series of strikes in Puerto Rico against the government by government employees. On one of those, the strikers were firemen.

The Governor called the PR Nat Guard. In one of the lines the NG formed with fixed bayonets, in front of advancing strikers, one of the strikers tells "Those bayonets aren't real, they are rubber." Grabs one, the NG pulls back...

And the cut went down the hand all the way to the bone...

Do not argue with anyone armed...

[SarDragon]

Oh, our practice bayonets were fully capable of inflicting major damage, and did on several occasions. Only the competition stuff was chromed.

[wuzafuzz]

say something about this picture...

"Squadron staff greets IG as the SUI begins."

[SAREXinNY]

say something about this picture...

"Squadron staff greets IG as the SUI begins."

wuzafuzz wins.

[Flying Pig]

This is the USCG Drill Team... whats to say?  Every service's drill team has a version of it. 

[Al Sayre]

say something about this picture...

Go ahead!
Tell us again how much better it was to be a squid than a puddle pirate!

[MSG Mac]

What do you mean "No Liberty tonight"

[TheSkyHornet]

"Uh, guys...that's the wrong Chief... I said that one over there >_> "

[Chappie]

"This is not what I had in mind when I said that I wanted a closer shave..."