(I work in an English branch of a US coffee chain. Because we’re a naval town, US navy ships always stop here and the sailors come in for ‘a taste of home’…)

Me: “Hello, what would you like?”

Sailor 1: “One of your chocolate frappuccinos.”

Me: “OK. What size do you want?”

Sailor 1: “Erm… can I ask you a question?”

Me: “Yeah, go on then.”

Sailor: “Are your frappuccinos made with ice, like they are back in the states?”

Sailor 2: “Yeah, good point man!”

Me: “Yes, yes they are made with ice.”

Sailor 2: “Is that British ice or do you get it, like, flown over from the States so it tastes the same?”

Me: “…”

Sailor 1: “Dude! Yeah! Is it going to taste the same as it does at home?!”

Me: “Why don’t you try it and let me know?”

Sailors 1 & 2: “Yeahhh…”

(Their ship was over for about a week and true to their word, they came back to inform me that their drinks did in fact taste the same as they did back home.)

Related:
Military Intelligence, Part 2
Military Intelligence