Posted on Nov 25, 2018
Are you required to have a re-enlistment ceremony?
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The first time I reenlisted, I invited the whole company and no one attended except 1SG, the Commander and the XO (It was during the workday at a beach location) It was honestly kind of sad to me because I always attended reenlistment ceremonies I was invited to. I was wondering if it’s actually required because I would like to skip it this time if possible.
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Retention
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Retention Re-enlistment
Posted >1 y ago
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SPC (Join to see) it is required you take the oath in presence of the Flag and sign the paper work. Who is standing there or not is up to you. I've reenlisted guys Friday afternoon at 1730hrs so they could go to the Reserves, Guard, AD with options before they ran out. Nobody but the NCO, me, the reenlisting soldier and the flag. I once was snagged by a recruits mother when I was walking into Clothing Sales in Heidelberg. great! You are an officer, will you swear in my son? I administered the oath and talked to his Dad in Afghanistan afterward. So long story long, it's your reenlistment. Do what you want.
I have been involved in some good reenlistments: oath on top of our M88, oath in front of painted rocks at NTC, oath during a road march, oath in front of our Troop, I allowed a reenlistment outside the wire during a CLP.
Some meh reenlistments: oath in offices more times than I can count
Epic ones I haven't done but wish I did: Pinnacle landing on Tiefort Mountain at NTC do the oath and take off again, underwater (damn dive Detachments), tailgate of an aircraft before jumping, on a demo range in the bomb suits.
The official resource is AR601-280 see appendix D (2 pages).
I have been involved in some good reenlistments: oath on top of our M88, oath in front of painted rocks at NTC, oath during a road march, oath in front of our Troop, I allowed a reenlistment outside the wire during a CLP.
Some meh reenlistments: oath in offices more times than I can count
Epic ones I haven't done but wish I did: Pinnacle landing on Tiefort Mountain at NTC do the oath and take off again, underwater (damn dive Detachments), tailgate of an aircraft before jumping, on a demo range in the bomb suits.
The official resource is AR601-280 see appendix D (2 pages).
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You are required to have a ceremony, however that ceremony does not have to be what you would traditionally think of as a ceremony. You don't need an audience or a formation, you just need to be administered the oath. Think back to when you took your initial oath at MEPS. It is just you, and officer, a flag, and a witness.
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SMSgt David Lawrence
I re-enlisted 6 times and each was different. In all but one I had my family there and some friends (military or non military alike.) Do what you want. I had one that I did the oath standing in front of a fully loaded F-16! the only requirement is that you have an officer to do the oath and a flag present.
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SGM Erik Marquez
Ahh, I should have read your response and not wasted my time writing he same thing..Well said SFC (Join to see)
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SPC Grace, I'm sorry you had that experience. Reenlistments are like promotions, they are an exciting time in your career. You need to swear your oath with any officer of your choosing .and it can be anywhere within reason. Yes you need to do the ceremony.
The ceremony is an official act and should be conducted accordingly:
*All participants should be in the proper uniform.
*coordinate appropriate photographic support.
*ensure prominent display of the US flag.
*determine if family and/ or guests will attend.
*verify beforehand I'd the Soldier prefers "swear" or "affirm" for the oath.
I hope this answers your question.
The ceremony is an official act and should be conducted accordingly:
*All participants should be in the proper uniform.
*coordinate appropriate photographic support.
*ensure prominent display of the US flag.
*determine if family and/ or guests will attend.
*verify beforehand I'd the Soldier prefers "swear" or "affirm" for the oath.
I hope this answers your question.
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SGM Erik Marquez
SFC (Join to see) "Yes you need to do the ceremony."
I think I know what you mean, but to me ceremony means more than it should in this case.
"ceremony" has a wide range of possibilities...
If we call the SM, an officer, a flag and in a broom closest reciting an oath of enlistment a "ceremony" then yes, a "ceremony" is required.
Based on what most would consider a "ceremony" I think, no its not required.
There are no requirements for anyone to witness the oath being taken, no audience needed, no pictures, no announcements, no D&C other the position of attention and raising the right hand.
so yes, the oath must be recited and affirmed to, and it sure can be called a ceremony.
But a very concise one with no attendees other then the SM and officer needed.
I think I know what you mean, but to me ceremony means more than it should in this case.
"ceremony" has a wide range of possibilities...
If we call the SM, an officer, a flag and in a broom closest reciting an oath of enlistment a "ceremony" then yes, a "ceremony" is required.
Based on what most would consider a "ceremony" I think, no its not required.
There are no requirements for anyone to witness the oath being taken, no audience needed, no pictures, no announcements, no D&C other the position of attention and raising the right hand.
so yes, the oath must be recited and affirmed to, and it sure can be called a ceremony.
But a very concise one with no attendees other then the SM and officer needed.
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SFC (Join to see)
SGM Erik Marquez that is what I meant SGM. Officer, SM, Flag, and Oath. I don't know where the Army lost its values of ceremonies.
When I first enlisted, 1980s, yes I had quite the break in service, reenlistments, promotions, and definitely promotion to a NCO meant something.
When I first enlisted, 1980s, yes I had quite the break in service, reenlistments, promotions, and definitely promotion to a NCO meant something.
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SGM Erik Marquez
SFC (Join to see) -
Ceremonies are rarely for the people in them, they are for audiences.
Reenlistment and retirement is for the SM, and it should be their choice alone to have a public ceremony or a privet one.
Of course the command wants to show these things off as they do with promotions and awards, and there is nothing wrong with encouraging the SM to do them publicly "for the good of the unit"
There is also nothing wrong with with an SM saying "This is for me, it is an ends to a means, I am proud of myself, I do not seek approval and an audience" And a commander worth a damn would capitulate.
Ceremonies are rarely for the people in them, they are for audiences.
Reenlistment and retirement is for the SM, and it should be their choice alone to have a public ceremony or a privet one.
Of course the command wants to show these things off as they do with promotions and awards, and there is nothing wrong with encouraging the SM to do them publicly "for the good of the unit"
There is also nothing wrong with with an SM saying "This is for me, it is an ends to a means, I am proud of myself, I do not seek approval and an audience" And a commander worth a damn would capitulate.
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