Think it was hard being one of four kids named John in eighth grade?

Try having the last name Payne in basic training. Or Love. Or, Dick. Yes, I’m certain Private Dick was happy to be promoted. These are all real individuals that either I or my friends have come across in our travels.

Occasionally, military life can be pretty funny, or painful, depending on your last name.

Recently my friends and I were speculating on the name of the soon to be born British royal infant. We all wished that the prince and duchess would kick tradition and formality to the curb and simply introduce the world to a Prince Kyle or Princess Molly.

And then we thought about how the simplest name could cause big snickers, especially with a military title tacked on.

I met a Major Love while I was working in South Korea. One friend knew a Sergeant Sergeant. I once met a Major Sergeant, though I’m not sure there was any relation.

And I have a friend who had a very hard time keeping a straight face when she addressed her husband’s co-worker, Major Dick. When he was standing next to another peer, Captain Kinky, it wasn’t even possible to say both names in the same sentence without pausing for effect.

And now, I think of the young children I have met with war inspired names such as Jeep, Tank, Ace and Slayer. These are all real people with their real, given names. And yes, we met a kid last week at the park playgroup named, Slayer.

Now, pair that with a rank or two. Sergeant Slayer. Private Tank. Colonel Ace.

Yep, eighth grade, and boot camp, is going to be a bumpy ride for someone.