All about DCO Commissioning Ceremony

[dephyler]

I got mine from the mint. They're not cheap though. I haven't heard about giving them to chiefs at DCOIC, seems a bit strange for everybody to be giving one. The only people that would know about that are from the online boards too...

http://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/

 

[USAF.Boom]

I got mine off ebay. You can try the federal mint. Mine cost $52 for the on I am giving a friend of mine for my first salute. I wonder if I still need to give the chiefs on if I already have had my first salute?

 

[goopscoop]

I read that somewhere on somebody's post about two for the chiefs at DCOIC. I thought it was odd too considering it may be as long as six months to a year before we go to Newport and we will have saluted a bunch of NCOs by that point. Plus it would mean more to give it to a friend who renders the first salute at our commissioning events. Thanks for the leads on the coins guys.

 

[MIDNJAC]

Even if business suit is standard for DCO's, I'd still wear a uniform of some sort if it were me. You are swearing into the armed forces and accepting a commission after all. I know DCO is a slightly different circumstance, but that is still the bottom line. Is the officer swearing you in also wearing civvies? If that is the case, then perhaps it would be out of place, but otherwise, I'd encourage you to.

 

[OnTopTime]

Even if business suit is standard for DCO's, I'd still wear a uniform of some sort if it were me. You are swearing into the armed forces and accepting a commission after all. I know DCO is a slightly different circumstance, but that is still the bottom line. Is the officer swearing you in also wearing civvies? If that is the case, then perhaps it would be out of place, but otherwise, I'd encourage you to.

I was always in uniform when I swore in DCO applicants. I think that one of the main reasons most DCOs (at least in my experience, and this relates to non-priors) took the oath in civvies was purely logistical. If you're non-prior you can't get an ID until you're commissioned, so that means that you have to jump through hoops to purchase at the NEX before swearing in. Of course, there are civilian vendors out there, but for most people that is not a convenient option.

 

[MIDNJAC]

I was always in uniform when I swore in DCO applicants. I think that one on the main reasons most DCOs (at least in my experience, and this relates to non-priors) took the oath in civvies was purely logistical. If you're non-prior you can't get an ID until you're commissioned, so that means that you have to jump through hoops to purchase at the NEX before swearing in. Of course, there are civilian vendors out there, but for most people that is not a convenient option.

Ahhh makes sense

 

[goopscoop]

I'll be doing a small ceremony in front of family and friends in a couple of weeks and I would like to do it in uniform. Since I have NEX shopping privileges coming from the USCG side of things, I may have time to purchase khakis which require less tailoring, but not SDB. Is is o.k. or appropriate to be pinned in khakis?

 

[OnTopTime]

Is is o.k. or appropriate to be pinned in khakis?

Absolutely; it's just less formal. As I think I mentioned earlier, whatever you want, as long as it's within the bounds of good taste.

 

[goopscoop]

OnTopTime--Thanks for the quick feedback. That's what I like about Air Warriors. It means a lot to have experienced officers watching out for us "newbies".

Just found this link for a SDB commissioning special.

http://www.marlowwhite.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=59-K-100

Looks like great pricing (just have to find a tailor to alter). Anybody use this vendor before?

 

[xxxCharliexxx]

Hey I like the Ensign coins but who would you give that to versus giving a silver dollar to someone? Parents?

 

[HeyJoe]

Hey I like the Ensign coins but who would you give that to versus giving a silver dollar to someone? Parents?

Someone you knew collected coins and helped you along the way. Most coins have a place for inscription so if it was for parents or a mentor, then why not put your name or nickname on it so they can display it. might even consider framing photo with coin for parents.

The silver dollar salute tradition is more for first salute and making that transition to active duty coming out of weeks of OCS under thumb of a DI or years of ROTC/USNA and then earning right to a salute for the most part, but DCO ceremony can easily include the tradition. Here's another gouge site for tradition and sources of coins. Here's another site that compares service traditions.

 

[Intel_warrior]

heyjoe, this is good gouge. Appreciate it.

 

[xxxCharliexxx]

Thank you HJ. I had seen both and I report to work this weekend. That saluting gouge was excellent! Although, here's a question. Forgive the newbie....

It says "Salute officers even if they are uncovered or their hands are occupied. Your salute will be acknowledged by a verbal greeting, such as "Good morning," "Good afternoon," or something similar."

Then it says Do not Salute "when uncovered, except where failure to salute might cause embarrassment or misunderstanding. "

So, salute in the office? No? When I meet my Commander for the first time in the office, it would seem odd not to salute him.

It goes on to say "When reporting on deck or out-of-doors ashore, you should remain covered and salute accordingly. When reporting in an office, you should uncover upon approaching the senior; therefore, you should not salute."

After the quarterdeck, I just take my cover off and when I get to any outranking officer (including my CO) just say "Good morning, sir."?

If so, easy to remember! But seems disrespectful not to salute my CO when meeting him for the first time.

Thanks again HJ.

 

[HeyJoe]

Thank you HJ. I had seen both and I report to work this weekend. That saluting gouge was excellent! Although, here's a question. Forgive the newbie....

It says "Salute officers even if they are uncovered or their hands are occupied. Your salute will be acknowledged by a verbal greeting, such as "Good morning," "Good afternoon," or something similar."

Then it says Do not Salute "when uncovered, except where failure to salute might cause embarrassment or misunderstanding. "

So, salute in the office? No? When I meet my Commander for the first time in the office, it would seem odd not to salute him.

It goes on to say "When reporting on deck or out-of-doors ashore, you should remain covered and salute accordingly. When reporting in an office, you should uncover upon approaching the senior; therefore, you should not salute."

After the quarterdeck, I just take my cover off and when I get to any outranking officer (including my CO) just say "Good morning, sir."?

If so, easy to remember! But seems disrespectful not to salute my CO when meeting him for the first time.

Thanks again HJ.

Navy and Marine Corps do not salute indoors. And you should uncover when entering a building so that pretty much drives the when should you salute. A simple respectful greeting will suffice. If reporting in a formal manner, you should proceed to position in front of senior's desk and stand at attention until told "At ease". However, reserves are generally laid back, but to be sure, ask the admin folks outside a senior's office.

 

[xxxCharliexxx]

Lifesaver