As a MSG, is it a good idea to contact my son's 1SG at BCT to let them know I'm coming to the graduation?

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 May 2017 08:41:25 -0400

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made May 6 at 2017 8:44 AM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Sat, 06 May 2017 08:44:45 -0400

When I was an SF instructor, We would only ask if family relatives of the rank of CSM or General officers were attending graduation. As an E-8, we're a dime a dozen.

Response by LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. made May 6 at 2017 8:45 AM

LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. — Sat, 06 May 2017 08:45:14 -0400

Should be good as long as u contact someone in COC.

Response by SGM Mike Barbieri made May 6 at 2017 9:32 AM

SGM Mike Barbieri — Sat, 06 May 2017 09:32:26 -0400

They typically ask the trainees if any family coming are military. I wouldn't specifically reach out as there really is no purpose, but your son can inform them when asked. I had told my son to keep his mouth shut throughout training until they asked as the cadre planned for graduation.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2017 10:26 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 May 2017 10:26:17 -0400

Sure, make sure the DSs know you are a MSG. Should make for an interesting cycle.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2017 10:59 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 May 2017 10:59:03 -0400

The comment was for his graduation. Not the whole cycle.

Response by SSG Dennis O'Connor made May 6 at 2017 11:56 AM

SSG Dennis O'Connor — Sat, 06 May 2017 11:56:55 -0400

When I was on the trail we only asked the privates about having CSM/SGM/COL or GO in the family and attending. This was just for proper seating/acknowledgement. At graduation we acknowledged all veterans

Response by SN Greg Wright made May 6 at 2017 1:08 PM

SN Greg Wright — Sat, 06 May 2017 13:08:31 -0400

Congrats to you and your son for his accomplishment.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 6 at 2017 1:33 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sat, 06 May 2017 13:33:24 -0400

Would be nice if you give them a heads up. They would probably appreciate it.

Response by 1SG Clifford Barnes made May 6 at 2017 1:42 PM

1SG Clifford Barnes — Sat, 06 May 2017 13:42:09 -0400

I would say no because it could cause you Sons DI to expect so much more from him. Unless he has completed all his training.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2017 2:22 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 May 2017 14:22:07 -0400

Sarge, I don't know who gave you that bad advice, but other than your Son and any of your other Family present. No one else will care about an unannounced sergeant at a BCT graduation. We do not receive any protocol at this type of event, until we have a star in our chevrons. And even then, we might need a reef as well.

Response by CSM William Payne made May 6 at 2017 4:53 PM

CSM William Payne — Sat, 06 May 2017 16:53:34 -0400

Just attended my nephew's CAV / Scout graduation at Fort Benning. They asked up front if anyone had any military family members attending.

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made May 6 at 2017 8:09 PM

1SG Brian Adams — Sat, 06 May 2017 20:09:05 -0400

Absolutely Top. This way they can make arrangements for seating and they may perhaps ask if you want to say a few words.
Congrats to you and your son!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2017 12:48 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 May 2017 00:48:58 -0400

MSG Private RallyPoint Member , I know when I went thru basic, one of the forms I had to fill out in regards to Graduation was that if I had any member of my family that was coming to graduation that is currently serving and also an E-8 or higher. If that is still the case, chances are your son's BCT company knows you are coming.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made May 7 at 2017 6:01 AM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Sun, 07 May 2017 06:01:11 -0400

As a USMC DI and Recruit Training Co 1st Sgt we always asked recruits if they had family in the military. Also any E-8 and above were given special seating at Graduation. If nothing else I think that any 1st Sgt would be pleased to know you were coming so he could display professional courtesy to you and your family.

Response by SFC Bill Snyder made May 7 at 2017 9:08 AM

SFC Bill Snyder — Sun, 07 May 2017 09:08:32 -0400

Why, you someone special?? You're just another Soldier attending in Uniform. Now, if you were an Flag Rank, you had better, thru the Post Commander.

Response by SFC Bruce Pettengill made May 7 at 2017 5:36 PM

SFC Bruce Pettengill — Sun, 07 May 2017 17:36:44 -0400

I did, but not really necessary.

Response by SGM(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2017 7:49 PM

SGM(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 May 2017 19:49:22 -0400

No...it's better that way.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made May 7 at 2017 9:50 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Sun, 07 May 2017 21:50:14 -0400

MSG Hill, let your son have his "day" at graduation, unless there's a specific reason you would need to speak with his 1SG about off-line.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2017 11:34 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 May 2017 11:34:23 -0400

When I was a DS VIPs were only SGM/CSM or field grade and above! I would let your son tell them though.

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 8 at 2017 10:57 PM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 08 May 2017 22:57:04 -0400

No... I would not. Why would he or she care? MSG Private RallyPoint Member. Generally we only care about certain rank groups for protocol purposes. Generally it is CSM and Colonel and above. But, your call.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made May 8 at 2017 11:19 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Mon, 08 May 2017 23:19:36 -0400

MSG Private RallyPoint Member congrats to your son and your family. You must be very proud. Carrying on the family's humble and honorable legacy of service.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2017 9:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 May 2017 21:36:47 -0400

Are planning to attend as MSG or Dad?

Response by COL Jack Taliaferro made May 11 at 2017 1:44 PM

COL Jack Taliaferro — Thu, 11 May 2017 13:44:25 -0400

Looks like I have a little different opinion than most. By all means, out of respect and courtesy you should let him know. You're going to be on his turf.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2017 8:28 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 May 2017 20:28:52 -0400

they ask, but if not they normally want to know if you have someone coming with rank(VIP)

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2017 2:19 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 May 2017 14:19:21 -0400

Nope, I don't think it is relevant. Just make sure you smoke him when he gets dismissed.

Response by MSG Dave Rossman made May 27 at 2017 2:59 PM

MSG Dave Rossman — Sat, 27 May 2017 14:59:24 -0400

Go,,,

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2017 7:44 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 07:44:28 -0400

I would but through my son. They ask, he should tell.

Response by MSG Michael McDaniel made Jul 2 at 2017 2:07 PM

MSG Michael McDaniel — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 14:07:55 -0400

Yes out of respect for the command

Response by MSG Louis Alexander made Feb 28 at 2018 9:56 PM

MSG Louis Alexander — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 21:56:26 -0500

Why? Surly the 1SG is going to be introduced to many families, many who are not or have never been affiliated with the military, so allow the 1SG to mingle among those who need reassurance. Surly your rank has significance with your Son, but this is his day, let him show you off to his comrades and don't worry so much about the 1SG.

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made Feb 28 at 2018 11:41 PM

SSG Eddye Royal — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 23:41:34 -0500

MSG Jason Hill, Your needs keep it to himself until a week or two before he graduates. You have to understand, not only is your son being graded but the DI is being graded on there performance.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 1 at 2018 11:16 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 11:16:04 -0500

Why? I understand the professional courtesy part, but it's graduation- lots of families going to be there, possibly high ranking officers. As long as you play the proud parent/spectator and don't get involved or try to take over, it shouldn't be a problem for the 1SG.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Mar 1 at 2018 9:20 PM

SPC Casey Ashfield — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 21:20:35 -0500

When I went through Infantry school in 08, they asked if anyone had military VIPs who would be attending graduation. The cadre defined VIP as E-8 and above or O5 and above. Assuming they do the same for your son, the cadre already know. Or will soon, depending on when graduation is.

In my cycle there was a private who was a little confused as to what the O meant for officers and didn't know what his uncle was. English was not his native language and he was enlisting for citizenship. With some "intense lessons", he determined his uncle was a 07 (1 star General.) This threw the cadre into a near panic to get things ready for graduation. Turns out the private's uncle was a shop foreman in Barbados and not military. The cadre were happy to provide a last minute smoke show before graduation.

Response by MSG Brian Wiscott made Mar 10 at 2018 11:56 AM

MSG Brian Wiscott — Sat, 10 Mar 2018 11:56:34 -0500

Just common courtesy to inform the chain of command