Are you required to have a re-enlistment ceremony?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Nov 2018 18:50:00 -0500

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.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Nov 25 at 2018 8:30 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 25 Nov 2018 20:30:55 -0500

SPC Private RallyPoint Member 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).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2018 7:10 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 07:10:58 -0500

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.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2018 10:53 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 10:53:12 -0500

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.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2018 12:49 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 12:49:24 -0500

As other posters stated, officer, flag, you, and sign the contract. That's the requirement. Did a couple of formation reenlistment with family present. Last one I did was me, the flag, an officer, and the career counselor taking a photo. Indefinite status came after my last reenlistment, but I would have been fine with accepting that, as by that point there were no bonuses or reclassification on the table, and I wasn't going anywhere until I got a check.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2018 2:07 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 14:07:50 -0500

When I resigned I stood in the recruiters office, signed the paper, took the oath, received a copy of my reenlistment, and went about my business. You don't have to do a horse and pony show.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2018 12:22 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 00:22:50 -0500

The reenlistment can be a formal or more informal ceremony. It all depends on the wishes of the Soldier and time allowed for the reenlistment purposes. You can plan it any where you wish. You just have to have a flag, a commissioned officer, and a contract. And you have say the oath of enlistment, "I, state your name..." etc.