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first saluting uniform question
- Thread starter sickboy
- Start date
Kyoowashugi
New Member
Which commissioning program? From what I remember of the OCs in my platoon this past semester (STA-21), the only time enlisted uniforms would be authorized is if one of them DORed.
Edit: As zab said, if you're a midshipman then wear the appropriate uniform. We have priors in our unit as well, their IDs say "ROTC/STDT" just like us nasty first-timers.
Edit: As zab said, if you're a midshipman then wear the appropriate uniform. We have priors in our unit as well, their IDs say "ROTC/STDT" just like us nasty first-timers.
BerkeleyNROTC09
New Member
I have a quick question now that we're on this subject...
Our commissioning is going on in a couple days, and the Unit Gnry Sgt decided that the "first salute" was to be for an active duty enlisted personnel (aka her or one of the MECEP's).
Does anyone know if the tradition is only for active duty enlisted? Every other year we could salute other (lower class) MIDN for the first salute.
Regards,
Our commissioning is going on in a couple days, and the Unit Gnry Sgt decided that the "first salute" was to be for an active duty enlisted personnel (aka her or one of the MECEP's).
Does anyone know if the tradition is only for active duty enlisted? Every other year we could salute other (lower class) MIDN for the first salute.
Regards,
It was a show of respect for us to ask the AD guys to give us our first salute. I asked our Master SGT for mine...kind of different for a NROTC navy kid, but I worked with the guy a lot my senior year and he knew me and interacted with me in a tutoring capacity way more than the YNC at our unit. The mids at the academy do it a little differently, I'm told, but show your unit staff/MECEPs a little love and ask one of them. The staff works pretty hard for you to slap the butterbars on.
Technically, Mids have to salute just like regular enlisted folk and our unit allows lower classmen to do it, but if Gunny says no then there is not much you can do about it.
I've seen everything from MECEPS or STA-21 to RETIRED folks doing the first salute. I've also seen a lot of different branches do the first salute. There is no requirement that the person be on active duty. We had OC's saluting freshly minted Ensigns. No big deal; it's up to you.
-ea6bflyr
-ea6bflyr
We were never allowed to have MIDN give first salutes at my old NROTC unit. Most folks had OC's/MECEP's do it, though a few folks had enlisted family members who would perform the salute. Make sure you also hook whoever does it up with a (real) silver dollar.
Show your respect for those who have given their time and effort to your development. While it may be "cool" to have your buddy give your first salute, I would suggest giving the privilege to someone who has made a difference in your life and actually deserves some public recognition for what they did. Whether that is a relative, your AMOI, or even if it is a close friend that you feel deserves it. I would just say, that whoever you give the privilege too, it should be someone who truly understands the significance of the event and deserves it, not your drinking buddy that's getting a commission the following year.
torpedo0126
Member
For the OP, I would talk to whoever your class advisor is as well as the person in charge of commissioning.
While yes, the technical answer is you are now a MIDN, I feel that the first salute is a symbolic gesture. You were prior enlisted, and your close friend is being commissioned. As long as you both you and your command agree about to celebrate this occasion, I don't think it would be a huge deal, nor disrespectful.
Remember, commissioning is about YOU. Its your day. You planned it, people are there to watch YOU get commissioned. If you want a MIDN that you were close with to salute, I don't believe that is disrespectful at all.
While yes, the technical answer is you are now a MIDN, I feel that the first salute is a symbolic gesture. You were prior enlisted, and your close friend is being commissioned. As long as you both you and your command agree about to celebrate this occasion, I don't think it would be a huge deal, nor disrespectful.
Remember, commissioning is about YOU. Its your day. You planned it, people are there to watch YOU get commissioned. If you want a MIDN that you were close with to salute, I don't believe that is disrespectful at all.
I don't think you should have the first salute. Even if it is your best friend, you are in a commissioning program. The first is a big deal and yes should be someone you wish to give your silver dollar too, but not to someone who in a little bit will be wearing an officer uniform. Your friend should pick a chief or (Yes) and gunny who has given him guidance throughout the program. You are just his friend and will be his friend possibly throughout your and his career. The chiefs and gunnys have been there to push you out of the enlisted ranks and to become an officer. Let him pick someone else that has given him the guidance to do that.
Not disagreeing with you. My friend's a MECEP and he asked me to do it. I was his platoon's Corpsman when I was still active duty. We go back a while.
torpedo0126
Member
yes exactly. its your friends decision. as long as everyone agrees.
at my commissioning, after I was commissioned I went right back up on stage and swore my best friend in (oath of office).
at my commissioning, after I was commissioned I went right back up on stage and swore my best friend in (oath of office).
Kyoowashugi
New Member
Our unit allows everybody with a lower rank to be the recipient - we've also had retirees do it, midshipmen, you name it. While it would be more meaningful to "give" it to the staff enlisted, it's your first salute, not hers. It would be silly if she got to dictate who you can and can't give your first salute to.