When you are in the Navy, there is a fair amount of shouting going on; whether that is coming from the officer in charge or from the messages and orders going out to all the sailors.
According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, the Navy has been sending out communications in all caps since the 19th century. However, in today’s day and age, communicating using all caps, is considered rude—akin to shouting.
“In an April order delivered in all capital letters, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command announced sailors were ‘AUTHORIZED TO USE STANDARD, MIXED-CASE CHARACTERS IN THE BODY OF NAVY ORGANIZATIONAL MESSAGES,’” the article stated.
The sailors, whose eyes are no doubt strained by reading messages in all caps, must be relieved. Happy 4th of July, Navy! And welcome to the modern age.
If you would like to read the full article in the Wall Street Journal, follow this link: NOW HEAR THIS: NAVY ABANDONS ALL CAPS