I sound it anytime I'm heading into a combat situation, anytime I suspect I may be about to be in a combat situation, anytime I'm thinking about a combat situation, and anytime it would amuse me to do so.
Admittedly, in the last two cases, I usually secure from battle stations almost immediately. Not exaggerating on the 'may be about to...' I often send the crew the general quarters when crossing through the Sunda Strait, for example.
My signature is an actual quote from my significant other.
