Best Reenlistment Location?

SGM Matthew Quick — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 18:06:12 -0500

Is there a better place to swear (or affirm) to 'Support and Defend' the Constitution of the United States?

**Post a picture of yourself reenlisting in a memorable location.**

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Aug 5 at 2014 4:48 AM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 04:48:23 -0400

I had a Marine re-enlist on top of the tower at the swim tank and then jump in.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Aug 5 at 2014 6:48 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 06:48:56 -0400

While assigned to The Old Guard, I reenlisted at the Tomb of the Unknowns. That's one I'll never forget.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2014 7:01 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 07:01:10 -0400

I did everything I could to get out of even having a pinning ceremony. Took a message from our commanding general saying "you will have a pinning ceremony" to make me do it.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2014 7:14 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 07:14:38 -0400

Reenlisted behind home plate at Orioles Park at Camden Yards. Took my E-6 promotion for them to finally get me though on that front. Thinking about next reenlistment onboard SS Torsk.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2014 3:59 PM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 15:59:05 -0400

A promotion from Petty Officer 1st Class to Ensign - probably the first ever to be done in Afghanistan. We had his wife Skyped-in from NYC.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2015 6:40 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 18:40:23 -0500

One of the guys in my last unit (Army G-3, Pentagon) was promoted in this space - at the National Archives. It was neat to be able to see the Constitution and all the other neat stuff there without having to "fight" the crowds.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 12:01 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 00:01:34 -0500

I was in that room back in May. It gave me goose bumps seeing those documents and reading the signatures.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 7:02 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 07:02:27 -0500

I was able to go to Sam Houston State University, where my mom is a professor, and reenlist. My parents were not there when I initially enlisted so this was my opportunity to have them there. My former PSG was an ROTC instructor there as well so some of the cadets came down and we explained to them that this is an important moment in a Soldier's life and they should always take pride in being able to be a part of the ceremony.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 10:10 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 10:10:48 -0500

Last month in front of the John Henry Statue at Fort Leonard Wood, could not be a better place for me as an Engineer!!

Response by SGT James LeFebvre made Jan 17 at 2015 11:27 AM

SGT James LeFebvre — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 11:27:21 -0500

Picking the Constitution to re-enlist in front of = priceless, awesome, outstanding

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2015 1:15 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 01:15:18 -0500

My Friend LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made a special trip to Fort Bragg in order to perform my final enlistment in the United States ARMY.

We went to Raeford Parachute Center to conduct the Ceremony in an Aircraft before we Jumped (Skydived).

It is Truly the most Memorable Enlistment ever.

Response by PVT Dominique Stewart made Jan 18 at 2015 11:45 AM

PVT Dominique Stewart — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 11:45:40 -0500

This makes me that much more proud to have served my country. And motivates me even more to reenlist. Perfect location to reenlist. I say hooah!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2015 12:50 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 12:50:10 -0500

I like this one the best:

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2015 1:35 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 13:35:35 -0500

Such an important location yet you couldn't be bothered to put on your Class A uniform on....lame. ACUs look dumpy in that setting for reenlistment.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2015 2:00 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 14:00:48 -0500

I have never reuped in a cool place but I've been to a few cool ones. Paris, the Remaguen Bridge, and a helicopter over Baghdad!

Response by SSgt Christopher "TEX" F. made Jan 18 at 2015 3:57 PM

SSgt Christopher "TEX" F. — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 15:57:44 -0500

My last reenlistment took place in Balad, Iraq.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jan 18 at 2015 4:01 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 16:01:37 -0500

In front of the constitution can only be topped by in a fighting hole. Or in a firefight.

Response by SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. made Jan 20 at 2015 8:46 PM

SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 20:46:03 -0500

I don't believe it's possible to beat that location.

Regarding the uniform of choice, I believe the one being worn is appropriate over a dress uniform. The Constitution is a declaration of freedom for the oppressed and a declaration of war against an oppressor. Might as well dress for the occasion as opposed to looking like you're going to the prom.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Jan 21 at 2015 1:08 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 13:08:09 -0500

Love that picture re-enlist before the Constitution

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2015 1:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 13:11:01 -0500

I recently reenlisted on a decommissioned Navy Carrier in December. However my second reenlistment was conducted at the MLK memorial on my birthday.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2015 4:52 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 16:52:46 -0500

I do believe that you (SGM Quick) sent me to Kuwait during the 50/20 celebration in February 2011 to re-enlist.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2015 8:55 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 20:55:46 -0500

That's awesome!

Response by PO2 Stephen Brinkley (Scott) made Jan 25 at 2015 2:10 AM

PO2 Stephen Brinkley (Scott) — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 02:10:27 -0500

I knew several sailors that re-enlisted at both Safeco Field and Century Link Field. Was going to try to do it at Century Link during halftime of a Seahawks game, but they were on a three game road trip the year I did it.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2015 1:34 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 13:34:52 -0500

I've seen promotion ceremonies performed in the aircraft, on a combat line, over Afghanistan. Tough to beat the location above, though.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Jan 27 at 2015 1:47 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 13:47:50 -0500

I have to admit, Sergeant Major, that I have never been a fan of "unique" reenlistment locations, props, etc. To me, it was about committing to the Army and not to put on a spectacle. As such, I often tried to dissuade people from doing it. Having said that, I participated in a few that I personally did not agree with because I wanted to support the soldier and his/her desires (as long as it was not something distasteful or could bring discredit to the Army or the participants).

If I had the power, I would issue a regulation that prescribed where and how reenlistment ceremonies would take place. They would be severely limited and would probably only consist of official military locations and be performed as a military ceremony. If a soldier chose not to reenlist because of that prohibition, so be it; probably did not need him/her after-all, if that was what was most important to them.

Having said all that, however, the reenlistment pictured in your original post is absolutely awesome. I would deem it highly appropriate, even if it does not meet the strict guidelines I previously mentioned. There is always room for an exception for something as awesome and appropriate as that... :-) Hooah !!!

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Jan 28 at 2015 4:28 PM

SFC Vernon McNabb — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 16:28:11 -0500

This is AWESOME! Being able to stand in front of, and swear to continue defending, the living document that makes our country great! Best one for me was at 5000 feet AGL in a UH-60L with a flag displayed on the back wall, with my company Commander executing the order. No bonus, just the opportunity to continue service with the same unit was enough for me.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 11:03 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 23:03:04 -0500

SGM Matthew Quick I have an SM who is due for reenlistment in the next few months. Also he requested me to set him up to do it in the gas chamber, Because I`m the company CBRN\NBC rep. I asked his PL and our CO. They would like to avoid the gas chamber,and it`s a coin toss as to if we will have his new PL and CO in about that time frame. Any advice for me to get him what he wants? I have strongly hinted towards if 1 officer will not do it. Then I will do my best to arrange a company wide gas chamber so maybe they would think: We`re already here so may as well.

Response by MSG Curtis Lange made Feb 4 at 2015 2:57 PM

MSG Curtis Lange — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 14:57:32 -0500

While stationed at the US Military Academy I had an MP that reenlisted in a helicopter as we circled around the Statue of Libetry. Pictures had the flag in the bird and the Statue in the background.

That was tough to arrange.

While stationed at Fort Leavenworth the Vice President did the verbal oath during a visit and all documents signed by the Commanding General who later became a 4-star at CENTCOM and Director of CIA after he retired.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2015 3:16 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:16:17 -0500

Think it could be swung to get sworn in at the White House in the Oval Office?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 10:01 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 10:01:34 -0500

On an objective...after a hit

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 10:07 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 10:07:44 -0500

I also did a ceremony for a Navy MI Sailor in an Army MH-47 over Baghdad, the tail gunner engaged something right after the "So help me God"

Response by SGT William Howell made Mar 6 at 2015 10:57 AM

SGT William Howell — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 10:57:54 -0500

My best was in Iraq at Camp Babylon on the spot where it was believed Daniel was thrown to the lions. Unbelievable spot and something I will remember forever.

The point is, pick a spot that means something to you. You only get a couple of 'em us them wisely.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2015 2:49 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 02:49:17 -0500

When I was stationed in Hawaii Soldiers use to re-enlist on the U.S.S Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, which I thought was the coolest thing ever. One morning while taking the ferry across with my platoon for a re-enlistment we were accompanied by four Navy divers, I thought that it was kind of strange until we got there.

One of the divers re-enlisted underwater on the actual deck of the U.S.S. Arizona! I have never seen any place cooler than that...ever!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2015 4:10 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 16:10:54 -0400

Me and one of my best friends re-enlisted in Okinawa, JP at the site where the Japanese surrendered to Marine Corps during World War II. The thought was we are surrendering to the Corps at the same place the Japanese did. Oorah!!!

Response by CW4 Brian Haas made Mar 8 at 2015 5:32 PM

CW4 Brian Haas — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 17:32:21 -0400

The National Archives right in front of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. That's where I pinned W4....it was amazing...for the family there, too.

Response by MSG Scott McBride made Mar 8 at 2015 6:39 PM

MSG Scott McBride — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 18:39:22 -0400

That is awesome!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2015 8:48 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 20:48:21 -0400

I took this picture of one of my Soldiers reenlisting in front of Mount Rushmore in 2012. Notice the two senior enlisted Sappers from the 71st Royal Engineers holding the American flag. I think this one should be up there for best location!!

Response by SPC Greg Burnett made Mar 8 at 2015 11:28 PM

SPC Greg Burnett — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 23:28:47 -0400

The pic at the head of the tread WINS.
Period.
Others may be good.
It is the best.
Kudos to whomever it was taking the oath.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2015 1:50 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 01:50:01 -0400

Wow! Swearing in right next to The Constitution has gotta be the single most act of patriotism!! That's so awesome!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2015 9:26 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 09:26:32 -0400

I don't have a picture handy but for my last reenlistment I did it on the bridge of no return on the North Korean side of the DMZ in the dead of winter.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2015 12:20 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 12:20:48 -0400

In a parking garage...with light rain... I keeps it low...Had to have the No parking sign in there, as a reminder...lol

Response by SFC Scott Fifield made Mar 9 at 2015 12:36 PM

SFC Scott Fifield — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 12:36:45 -0400

Awesome, this leaves me without words. Truly taking your oath to heart. Makes me wish I could reenlist again.

Response by SFC Brian Riggins made Mar 10 at 2015 1:24 AM

SFC Brian Riggins — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 01:24:39 -0400

In Germany

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 5:38 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 05:38:58 -0400

I think it's great to that the person in the main photo up top got to reenlist in front of the Constitution, but personally, none of that really matters to me. I'm content with doing it wherever, whenever. I'm not about wasting time and resources to do it wherever I please. Just let me hold up my hand and perform my duty a little while longer.

Response by SPC Carl K. made May 1 at 2015 8:05 PM

SPC Carl K. — Fri, 01 May 2015 20:05:56 -0400

If I had been given a chance, my plan was to reenlist while standing on top of a UH-60.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made May 1 at 2015 8:36 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Fri, 01 May 2015 20:36:20 -0400

Better check this thread out CH (MAJ) William Beaver! It was done not long ago and there are some extraordinary responses!

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 1 at 2015 8:43 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 01 May 2015 20:43:39 -0400

USS Essex Halloween 1998, Strait of Hormuz

Response by SFC Stephen King made May 1 at 2015 8:45 PM

SFC Stephen King — Fri, 01 May 2015 20:45:54 -0400

Sunrise Iron Mike Fort Bragg

Al faw palace Baghdad Iraq

Response by CPT Bob Moore made May 1 at 2015 10:39 PM

CPT Bob Moore — Fri, 01 May 2015 22:39:47 -0400

I had the honor of reenlisting my brother in the Harley dealer where we both bought our "welcome home from Iraq" presents for ourselves. The dealer took both bikes up to the second level show room and put our bikes right in the front of the room. We had a flag and our bikes behind us and a room full of new, shiny Harley Davidsons in front of us.

I'll post a couple of pictures if I can find them.

Response by SSG Karl Fowler made Jun 7 at 2016 8:37 PM

SSG Karl Fowler — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 20:37:18 -0400

the best one for me was on the parade field at west point military academy in front of Gen. Macarthur statue

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2018 10:57 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:57:43 -0400

On board “Old Ironsides”, the USS Constitution (oldest commissioned warship afloat), pinning on LCDR, with my dad (Army) giving the Oath. Did I mention my bachelors is in history? LOVED being allowed to do this. In the bottom pic, my son and I are looking into the chaplain’s cabin; for those who don’t know, back in the day the ship’s Chaplain was also the schoolmaster/teacher for the Midshipmen. Care to guess what my civilian job is? Yup, teaching 13-14 year olds. Anyway, history major being promoted on an iconic piece of American military history. :D