PAPER CLIP
P_eople A_gainst P_eople E_ver R_eenlisting
C_ivilian L_ife I_ncentive P_rogram*
*Also stands for: People Against People Ever Reenlisting Civilian Life Is Preferred.
P_eople A_gainst P_eople E_ver R_eenlisting
C_ivilian L_ife I_ncentive P_rogram*
*Also stands for: People Against People Ever Reenlisting Civilian Life Is Preferred.
What is the significance of the paper
clip?
Many of those who served in the Navy
wore one discreetly on their uniform; under their cover, in their shirt
pocket, behind a belt loop, maybe even tucked away in their sock or shoe.
The Paper Clip mainly signified a desire to get out of the Navy, but it also represented general discontent and in some cases was the only way one could voice their opinion.
This defiance gave a person a sense
of satisfaction in an environment where personal opinion was not an important
factor.
The Paper Clip is not isolated to only
junior personnel. I've known of people from E-1's to E-6's intentionally
wearing them.
The Paper Clip also has a long
history of defiance in the face of oppression. It was originally
invented by a Norwegian named Johann Vaaler. During the WWII Nazi
occupation of Norway, citizens were stripped of their right to be individuals
by being unable to wear devices bearing the insignia of their exiled king.
As defiance, they banded together and discreetly wore paper clips
on their clothes to represent their unity.
