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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.**
**Post a picture of yourself reenlisting in a memorable location.**
Re-enlistment
Ceremony
Leadership
Constitution
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 51
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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.
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PO1 (Join to see)
Free for AD, also have the USS Constellation, a sloop of war, the USGC Taney, and a lightship.
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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.
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.
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SGM Matthew Quick
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 !!!
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 !!!
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SGM Matthew Quick
I voted you up for your final comment up, COL Jean (John) F. B....but I disagree with your "severely limited and would probably only consist of official military locations and be performed as a military ceremony" comments.
Reenlistment ceremonies are not only important for the member, the family and unit, but for American public...witnessing their servicemembers swearing to 'support and defend' is an awesome event and should not only be publicized, but encouraged with large audiences.
As for the regulatory guidance, it's already covered in AR 601-280, App D:
e. Suitable arrangements will be made to ensure the oath is administered in an appropriate setting. Ensure the location is of suitable size to accommodate the anticipated number of guests. If outdoors, consider alternate locations in the event of inclement weather.
f. The ceremony is an official act and should be conducted accordingly. In some cases, soldiers and commands desire the ceremony to be conducted in connection with activities such as parachuting, climbing utility poles, and other similar acts. These activities are not in keeping with the solemnity associated with the oath of enlistment/reenlistment and will not be part of the ceremony.
g. The ceremony should be conducted in proper military uniform.
Reenlistment ceremonies are not only important for the member, the family and unit, but for American public...witnessing their servicemembers swearing to 'support and defend' is an awesome event and should not only be publicized, but encouraged with large audiences.
As for the regulatory guidance, it's already covered in AR 601-280, App D:
e. Suitable arrangements will be made to ensure the oath is administered in an appropriate setting. Ensure the location is of suitable size to accommodate the anticipated number of guests. If outdoors, consider alternate locations in the event of inclement weather.
f. The ceremony is an official act and should be conducted accordingly. In some cases, soldiers and commands desire the ceremony to be conducted in connection with activities such as parachuting, climbing utility poles, and other similar acts. These activities are not in keeping with the solemnity associated with the oath of enlistment/reenlistment and will not be part of the ceremony.
g. The ceremony should be conducted in proper military uniform.
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COL Jean (John) F. B.
SGM Matthew Quick
Thanks SGM, I knew there was a reg that covered this. I just forgot it was so specific.
I think it is pretty clear and I think that many reenlistment ceremonies I see in military periodicals violate the letter and intent of the regulation.
I agree with your comment about the American public, but I think that some of the "unusual" ceremonies I have seen/heard about do nothing to enhance the image of the military; quite the opposite. Reenlisting on a camel, in a video store in front of video games, on a golf course, in a bar, or some of the others I have seen certainly cannot be construed as keeping with of the "solemnity of the occasion".
Thanks SGM, I knew there was a reg that covered this. I just forgot it was so specific.
I think it is pretty clear and I think that many reenlistment ceremonies I see in military periodicals violate the letter and intent of the regulation.
I agree with your comment about the American public, but I think that some of the "unusual" ceremonies I have seen/heard about do nothing to enhance the image of the military; quite the opposite. Reenlisting on a camel, in a video store in front of video games, on a golf course, in a bar, or some of the others I have seen certainly cannot be construed as keeping with of the "solemnity of the occasion".
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SFC (Join to see)
When a soldier decides to dedicate more years of service it should be celebrated and honored publicly. Especially if we look at what these soldiers have endured over the past 10 plus years. Don't lose the humanity of our soldiers. We still have to have the enthusiasm of soldiering and leading. Be excited when a private shoots expert for the first time because he or she is not because it is expected. Celebrate with them when they score their first 300. Don't down play special moments in soldiers lives because it should just be business. Reenlisting is a big deal to a lot of people and as long as it flows with AR 601-280 then go with it for the subordinates sake.
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COL Jean (John) F. B.
SFC (Join to see)
I agree, as long as it is in keeping with the regs. My point is that many I have seen publicized do not meet the intent.
I am a traditionalist and some may say that is a bad thing. I disagree. I do not believe in the social engineering of the military, the departure from our history and traditions, and the idea that anything goes. I believe in tradition and discipline and setting the example. A reenlistment is a military function/ceremony, not a show or publicity stunt. It is not intended to make a mockery of the Army or those in it. Some of the ones I have seen publicized do that. Just my opinion... Others are entitled to theirs.
I agree, as long as it is in keeping with the regs. My point is that many I have seen publicized do not meet the intent.
I am a traditionalist and some may say that is a bad thing. I disagree. I do not believe in the social engineering of the military, the departure from our history and traditions, and the idea that anything goes. I believe in tradition and discipline and setting the example. A reenlistment is a military function/ceremony, not a show or publicity stunt. It is not intended to make a mockery of the Army or those in it. Some of the ones I have seen publicized do that. Just my opinion... Others are entitled to theirs.
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Sunrise Iron Mike Fort Bragg
Al faw palace Baghdad Iraq
Al faw palace Baghdad Iraq
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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.
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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!!
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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!!!
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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.
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I've seen promotion ceremonies performed in the aircraft, on a combat line, over Afghanistan. Tough to beat the location above, though.
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I recently reenlisted on a decommissioned Navy Carrier in December. However my second reenlistment was conducted at the MLK memorial on my birthday.
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