Blood rank. Did you do it, did you get it? Was it wrong?

SSG Robert Burns — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 00:29:19 -0400

Since we don't get pin on rank anymore this isn't really an issue as it used to be. Below is a picture of me giving blood rank to one of my old Soldiers. He actually asked for it and was very proud as you can see in the photos. This was done in a Company formation. What are your thoughts? And by thoughts I am not referring to what you think about my nursing whites.
Side note: This picture is over 12 years old and has surpassed the statute of limitations so don't dime me out!

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Mar 20 at 2015 12:32 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 00:32:40 -0400

It is hazing under current thinking.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 20 at 2015 12:35 AM

COL Charles Williams — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 00:35:45 -0400

I got blood rank, gave blood rank, and got blood wings (which took some effort to get out of my chest). That does not make it right. Traditional is a lame answer for why do dumb stuff... It is like walking the gauntlet after getting promoted...

Response by SGM Billy Herrington made Mar 20 at 2015 12:49 AM

SGM Billy Herrington — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 00:49:08 -0400

Did it and got it. Gave and received the same with the CIB. One of my fondest memories was punching my little brothers CIB into his chest in Iraq.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 1:09 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 01:09:45 -0400

Tradition.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 1:19 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 01:19:15 -0400

I received this from E2 to E5 but what made sense at the time, no longer makes sense today. We have many traditions and most are worth keeping and should be kept. The problem with this type of tradition is how easily it can get out of hand and the perception. I am ok with pushups, getting wet or other forms of a right of passage with promotions etc., but the days of bodily harm are in the past for the most part. I say for the most part because there still may be units where it is an accepted practice

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 1:23 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 01:23:00 -0400

I had a SFC punch me hard enough in the chest to knock the wind out of me when I got promoted to 1LT. So the tradition may have been adjusted to the new uniform but it's till around. I went through a small hazing ritual when I was the XO of my Company. I got a few scrapes and ended up muddy, but I'm ultimately no worse for wear. Some of our more sensitive Soldiers probably think traditions like the spur ride are hazing too. I think like anything else, "hazing" traditions are fine as long as they don't get taken too far. One of the units I served in had a tradition that Soldiers ETSing would get carried into the showers until they were soaking wet after final formation. While it's probably "hazing" by the modern definition, it also showed the troop leaving that his buddies were going to miss him. Getting wet never hurt anyone either. Where it gets taken too far is situations like the video of the 1SG hitting a newly promoted NCO in the chest with a large wooden mallet. A tap with your fist is one thing, a hammer blow is entirely another.

I had a friend of mine talk about becoming a shellback in the Navy once. I think I'd rather get poked by my rank.

Response by SPC Jonathan Sellers made Mar 20 at 2015 1:56 AM

SPC Jonathan Sellers — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 01:56:24 -0400

Oh please... seriously? What is this prima dona ville? We used to earn our "blood wings" by going down on a chick who was on the rag... now that's a rite of passage... but this question is more out of hand than the tradition... this is a symptom of the wussification of America. If my eyes rolled any harder, I'd have to sue whoever wrote this post for straining my eye-rolling muscles... excuse me while I go remove a pea from my mattress.

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made Mar 20 at 2015 3:57 AM

SSG Eddye Royal — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 03:57:51 -0400

SSG Burns, I over my military career in the army if we needed to give blood, we at FT Riley, KS. The MASH unit was at the top of the hill so the platoon March upto the to gave blood and went back to work, never seen this at my post. Was this just for AF, I as in MI?

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Mar 20 at 2015 6:18 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 06:18:34 -0400

Gave and received. We didn't call it blood rank, simply pinning on your chevrons. When you pick up NCO you rate the blood stripe on your trousers. That got you a knee to the thigh in addition to pinning on of the chevron. That smarted.

I never saw anyone get seriously hurt. A right of passage that in today's society might be calle hazing. If you cannot take having a chevron pinned on you might be in the wrong line of work.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 6:37 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 06:37:45 -0400

My very own wife pounded my EIB in my chest and jammed the safety pin with my Ranger Tab so deep in my skinny little arm I think it popped out the other side. In the early 90s, I hit a kid so hard putting his Specialist rank on that I broke his collar bone. I stopped doing it after that and didn't allow it in any of my squads/platoons.

Relieved a SFC about six months ago for doing platoon blood pinning's. Had statements from Soldiers and NCOs that said they agreed with it, it was tradition, etc. Bottom line it is against regulation and specifically states in reference to "tradition".

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Mar 20 at 2015 6:38 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 06:38:41 -0400

BLOOD RANK x 6 (PFC, LCPL, CPL, SGT, SSGT, GYSGT)
BLOOD STRIPE x 1
BLOOD WINGS x 2 (Basic Parachutist & Navy/Marine Corps Parachutist)

Response by MAJ Christopher Daily made Mar 20 at 2015 7:51 AM

MAJ Christopher Daily — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 07:51:20 -0400

As long as it is voluntary.

Response by SSG Rob Cline made Mar 20 at 2015 7:53 AM

SSG Rob Cline — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 07:53:17 -0400

I got mine when I pinned Corporal and Sergeant, in addition to Air Assault. All were when I was in the 25th ID (L) and I would do it all over again, given the chance.
To me, it was a sense of camaraderie and Esprit de Corps. I saw it as being welcomed into a special brotherhood. But, Soldiers back then were smoked for hours and didn't cry about it, we would just Charlie Mike.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 8:27 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 08:27:53 -0400

I enjoyed it...the first five times or so. It got old. The pain wasn't the issue; it was the long line of people, many whom I didn't respect that could take their turn with me knowing that not only did I wonder how they earned , but also not knowing how little I respected them as leaders.

I remained conflicted throughout my career -- I wanted others to experience the good of it, the "whooah-ness" of it; but I also knew it could go off the rails quickly. I never looked the other way if I had a whiff of it going on, but I wouldn't necessarily turn CSI if I overheard a conversation.

There are things that we went through back in the day that we didn't like but understood. As COL Charles Williams says, none of this makes it right.

Difficult question. Good, but difficult.

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made Mar 20 at 2015 8:31 AM

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 08:31:40 -0400

Should be allowed if the SM requests it

Response by SGT Corey Franks made Mar 20 at 2015 8:31 AM

SGT Corey Franks — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 08:31:41 -0400

I did it, it happened to me as well. If it don't kill you....you know the rest. Today's military might frown on this, but that's because the media would blow it out of proportion. I can get out of hand however, blood rank that is. If not done properly I have seen someone break a collar bone. Its a tradition, bad or good...I mean do you even know how to earn a Mountain Tab? YOU DONT WANNA KNOW!

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 8:39 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 08:39:00 -0400

Gotta tack on those crows.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 8:53 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 08:53:06 -0400

I didn't mind getting hit it was the leaders that would pull the rank out of my skin and then slowly press it back in...that was brutal...

Response by CSM Michael Lynch made Mar 20 at 2015 8:57 AM

CSM Michael Lynch — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 08:57:24 -0400

3 of my promotions from E-5 to E-7 were blood rank and I was extremely proud to receive them that way one of them the wife did. I don't see anything wrong with it, if people don't get carried away.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Mar 20 at 2015 9:13 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 09:13:34 -0400

Ok, so really, it is both a tradition AND hazing... is it right? Is it wrong? by the book, technically, it is wrong. By tradition, it is a "right of passage". I got my blood rank when I promoted from Spc to Sgt in the Army. I was proud of it and still look back fondly at it. If I look hard enough, I THINK that I can still find the pin hole scars to prove the rank!! ;-)

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Mar 20 at 2015 9:14 AM

SSG Robert Burns — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 09:14:43 -0400

I've given shots of penicillin in the butt that were worse than this.

Response by PO3 Scott Guion made Mar 20 at 2015 9:20 AM

PO3 Scott Guion — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 09:20:00 -0400

What is happening to Military?

Response by CSM Michael Lynch made Mar 20 at 2015 9:46 AM

CSM Michael Lynch — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 09:46:57 -0400

CSM Rahn sees no problem with it he blood ranked himself apparently LOL

Response by Sgt Adam Jennings made Mar 20 at 2015 9:59 AM

Sgt Adam Jennings — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 09:59:56 -0400

Unfortunately I didn't get pinned or bloodstriped when I picked up Cpl. I was very disappointed as well, I was in a wing unit that was extremely PC at the squadron level, which where that particular promotion was held while I was in Iraq. It's a shame I didn't get to participate in a long and beloved tradition.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 20 at 2015 10:02 AM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 10:02:05 -0400

got em (multiple times), gave em (multiple times).....as I've matured, I do not condone blood stripes/blood wings as this gets out of hand very easily...and it does happen regardless whether it is pin on rank or not!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG1YC0Okbts

BC Army Sgt. hit with mallet in hazing

Sgt. Phillip Roach.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 10:37 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 10:37:11 -0400

Stupid is as stupid does.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Mar 20 at 2015 10:46 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 10:46:31 -0400

I got it when I was promoted the first time in 02 when we still had BDU's and Pin on rank. There in my infantry unit it was voluntary. Some of the old NCO's just done it as tagging. Left the pins on and struck it. Only problem I had was the winters I was wearing Had the Elvis collar. OUCH!

Response by SSgt Joe V. made Mar 20 at 2015 10:59 AM

SSgt Joe V. — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 10:59:57 -0400

I still have two neat pin-hole scars from my jump wings, that required stitches to get out, but I was a proud SOB when I got them...all of our Ranger flight (yes flight...AF Rangers) tagged them on for me, and J.D. Welsh broke off the pins in me. Pretty sure I had heart palpitations for a week...I think it is tradition and only the little pansie-asses would call it hazing...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 11:00 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 11:00:08 -0400

It's all fun n games until a prong sticks in your collarbone

Response by SGT Edward Thomas made Mar 20 at 2015 11:01 AM

SGT Edward Thomas — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 11:01:37 -0400

I received blood rank when I was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. I received blood wings when I graduated jump school. If my youngest son is able to go to jump school at next assignment, I plan to give him blood wings.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 11:05 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 11:05:26 -0400

I've gotten blood rank (and blood badges). I never really got into the spirit of giving it. If it was going on I'd give a cursory tap on the pin but I don't care to slam it into a guy's chest or grab it and twist it.

I think the best way to do it is the way I got my EOD badge. It was entirely optional with no pressure. The instructor pinned it on at the ceremony and then before he walked away he said "you can come see me later if you want that pinned on right". I knew exactly what he meant. He wasn't just standing right at the sideline staring at me either. I actually did have to go look for him. It took me wanting to partake in that tradition. And then we went out of sight and it became a blood badge.

I've never run into that instructor again. I didn't feel any pressure to do it. There was no public shaming that would have occurred if I had chosen to get in my car and leave after graduation instead.

In my mind, this is how it should always go. I chose to participate. It was straightforward and didn't get out of hand. I just don't understand the craziness where people are getting hit with mallets.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 11:14 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 11:14:38 -0400

On the collar it seemed okay, but when we switched to ACU's I had gotten punched so hard in the chest that I couldn't breath right for over an hour.

Response by SSG Selwyn Bodley made Mar 20 at 2015 12:15 PM

SSG Selwyn Bodley — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 12:15:25 -0400

I received blood wings, blood rank, blood air assault wings and blood EIB, which by far was the worst). Nothing wrong with it!!!! Just don't let it get out of hand.

Response by SGT Darreck Lisle made Mar 20 at 2015 12:42 PM

SGT Darreck Lisle — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 12:42:28 -0400

I received my Blood:
E-1 - E-5
Airborne Wings
Air Assault Wings
EIB
CIB

Every time I was asked prior. I replied with a thunderous yes!

Was it wrong? Not for me.
Did I have a choice? Yes
Should it be stopped? Only for the REMFs.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Mar 20 at 2015 2:06 PM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 14:06:48 -0400

When we hard-striped some of our E4s while deployed, it was the rainy season in Iraq, so we had them do PT in mud puddles.

They enjoyed it, we enjoyed it, it made a memory.

As long as all parties are willing, why complain?

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Mar 20 at 2015 2:23 PM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 14:23:32 -0400

In the kinder gentler world we live in, a lot of things that were tradition have been eliminated as barbaric practice. That being said, if a Sailor/Soldier/Marine/Airman went to his top NCO, and stated that they wanted the blood rank, then why not.
From a personal perspective, rites of passage are a part of life. In many cultures a child has to prove themselves before they can be considered an adult. That right of passage is going to involve misery, pain, suffering, and fatigue. The purpose of a rite of passage is not the amusement of others, but persevering over those hardships to become an integral part of the society.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Mar 20 at 2015 4:14 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 16:14:08 -0400

The same reason that "tacking on a crow" went away. Immature people got carried away with the ceremony and turned it into a sort of revenge thing. The simple friendly tacking of the crow became a harder punch and got out of control.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 4:31 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 16:31:41 -0400

I never got blood rank but used to get beat down by my section for every little thing..."oh you made E2? Beat down! First day on reaction force? Beat down! Etc...it was all in good fun, I did it too. I never cared for it but it was just how things were done. Some people take it way too far though, I have seen hazing push Marines and Soldiers to the brink of suicide. I was in a company that did things like this on a voluntary basis in an attempt at "CYA," but those that didn't volunteer tended to get shunned by those that did. It's risky business for anyone involved. It's all fun and games until the one person that thought they wanted to be in on it decides midway through that they don't. That's when good careers get ruined. I used to think that it was best to just stay out of it, then I saw a guy get busted for knowing it was going on and not saying anything. No under the table tradition is worth losing a career and taking food out of my family's mouth.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 4:34 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 16:34:17 -0400

I got blood rank. I just saw it as a reason to get hit. I refused to get blood wings. I just didn't see the point of it. Later when I had a soldier get promoted there were many in line to punch him. I informed them that if they going to strike him they should either expect him to strike you back or he could a sworn statement that he was assaulted by another soldier. They thought it was stupid but then I so is punching a soldier as a means of congratulating him.

Response by SGT James Elphick made Mar 20 at 2015 4:49 PM

SGT James Elphick — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 16:49:50 -0400

Blood wings, blood rank, got it, loved it, felt like part of the group. I was pretty bloody and bruised after pinning E5. The only issue I could see is getting "pinned" by someone who you didn't want or respect. Other than that, I say keep the tradition alive.

Response by SSG John Erny made Mar 20 at 2015 5:02 PM

SSG John Erny — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 17:02:16 -0400

Did I get blood wings in the 1980's? Damn right I did and I am damn proud of it. I would do it again Damn right!

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 5:28 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 17:28:59 -0400

I slipped and fell on my PFC chevrons the day i got promoted in Iraq (from private to PFC). The tradition is not ment to be malicious, or cruel. Now that I look back on it, it was always in good fun.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Mar 20 at 2015 5:41 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 17:41:04 -0400

In the Navy, this is still an issue. Everyone wears collar devices for rank in the Navy now. Further, when one earns their wings, dolphins, SWO pin, Trident or whatever, the pin is often "Tacked on". Much more painful with collar or chest devices than it was with sleeve stripes that also got tacked on. I had a few bicep bruises when promoted to MM3 and MM2. Fortunately, my SWO pin and officer rank devices never got seriously tacked on, but there is still usually a symbolic tap given to them, in memory of the tradition...

Response by Cpl Terry Hutchinson made Mar 20 at 2015 6:12 PM

Cpl Terry Hutchinson — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 18:12:49 -0400

I earned my blood rank and my blood stripe! I was as proud as anyone could be! Not only did I receive my blood rank, I ran the NCO gauntlet. I almost couldn't walk, but I wasn't a DS. It's a right of passage, granted that was over 25 years ago, but as traditions go, I'd do it again!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 6:29 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 18:29:23 -0400

In a different time and in a different place, I received blood rank once, upon promotion from E-3 to E-4. My First Sergeant and NCOs didn't let it get out of hand, but it's easy to see how it could have. At the time, I felt like I had undergone a right of passage as it were, and I was proud of that. This was in a Field Artillery Headquarters and Services Battery, back before the integration of females into FA BNs, so there were no EO or sexual harassment considerations at play yet. I thought little more of it.

As COL Charles Williams points out however, traditions and rights of passage are lame-assed excuses for doing stupid stuff, such as walking the gauntlet following the pinning-on after a promotion. I've heard those can get way out of hand; yet even a seemingly innocent, PG-rated variation of that tradition is enough to get an excellent Commander relieved for cause if someone takes offense and files a formal complaint. 1SG Dave Arpin can attest to this, as he was First Sergeant while I was XO when someone made a formal complaint of a "gauntlet ceremony" taking place within one of our platoons following formation. Now, our version of the Gauntlet literally amounted to little more than love taps followed by hand shakes or high-fives as the MP moved down the line. In essence, our NCOs were keeping this tradition alive purely in name only. However, as we all well know, perception is in the eye of the beholder, and perception is reality. Following an AR 15-6 Investigation, our CO, perhaps the best CO I have worked with at the Company level, was relieved.

Blood rank is hazing. Hazing is not tolerated. It is as simple as that.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Mar 20 at 2015 8:54 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 20:54:02 -0400

For those asking, no the female next to him did not request the same courtesy.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 10:15 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 22:15:21 -0400

I appreciate the tradition of it. However, I don't agree with the times where someone gets the rank repeatedly pounded into their collars over and over again so everyone gets their turn at "promoting" the Soldier.

"oh, these are a bit crooked...let me just re-position these for you...again"

Response by SSG Napoleon Rivera made Mar 20 at 2015 10:16 PM

SSG Napoleon Rivera — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 22:16:00 -0400

I would get my "blood" stripes all over again!

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Mar 20 at 2015 10:28 PM

SGT Frank Leonardo — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 22:28:02 -0400

Blood rank is traditionally old school now but I like it, I am sure some,may not have but it told me here it is and keep it and stay out of trouble

Response by CPO Jon Campbell made Mar 20 at 2015 10:34 PM

CPO Jon Campbell — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 22:34:44 -0400

A 2nd class PO tried to pound my 3rd class crows into me, but I wouldn't let him do it. He had nothing to do with my advancement. He was just a weirdo. (Later I called the FBI and told them I thought he might be the Unibomber after reading part of a manifesto he wrote.)

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2015 6:30 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 06:30:09 -0400

I never had a issue with it and didn't mind getting mine but I never gave any myself, I'd just give a light thump and give them a hearty congrats on a well deserved promotion. It probably just got of hand and in today's world I don't think it would fly as I find people to be a lot more sensitive to hazing and feelings get hurt a lot easier.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2015 10:45 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 10:45:03 -0400

I have got blood rank but I do not think that it makes it right. I was asked before each of my promotions if I wanted blood rank without negative recourse if I refused. So, I personally like the idea of it, I am old school mentality, but think it should be at discretion of promotee.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2015 11:09 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 11:09:59 -0400

I was a Marine when I became an NCO and the tradition of the Blood Stripe - the red stripe down the Marine Dress Blue trousers for NCOs and above - goes back to the battle of Chapultepec in 1847 during the Mexican war - in tradition but not in fact. The stripe actually predated 1847 but the red stripe itself came later... Many have seen friends and NCOs "pin" the promotee with a playful punch to the shoulder. There was nothing playful about getting your blood stripe pinned. In addition to the slug to the shoulder the pinned blood stripe included a knee brought sharply into the side of the thigh. It wasn't the force that did the damage it was the repetition of the number of friends who did the pinning. A little bruising, a little soreness and tradition was served. Blood rank or blood wings pinned was always based on the desires of the promotee or the one earning the wings but even years ago it was officially "frowned" upon leadership. Not saying it didn't happen it was just NOT officially sanctioned.

For the "For what its worth" column... I don't believe its hazing. I also don't believe in hurting my Soldiers but the Army - and the Military - is full of traditions and when those traditions fall by the way side to preserve political correctness I think we've lost part of what separates us from the Boy Scouts or local law enforcement. Traditions such as wet downs following a promotion - where the new promoted person buys the beer - were always nice.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Mar 21 at 2015 1:18 PM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 13:18:55 -0400

Guys in Infantry OSUT begged the Drill Sergeant to give them blood rifles on Honor Hill. Of course, he refused.

Response by SPC(P) Mark Mathews made Mar 21 at 2015 3:27 PM

SPC(P) Mark Mathews — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 15:27:56 -0400

I got blood rank and so did most soldiers before me. Sigh guess this will go to the way side as we turn our men into wimps. Sorry just do not like the direction our military is going. Stress cards and all just upsets me to think that if the war/police action/training exercise get's to intense these soldiers think they can hold up a stress card and have time to take 5 from it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2015 3:36 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 15:36:31 -0400

I had this done when I was promoted to CPT.

I don't think it is wrong, but too many people have taken it WAY too far. "Tapping" someone on the rank verses "Slamming" and trying to injure them is where we have gone wrong. Those who "slam" and try to injure have crossed the line from right to wrong.

Response by PO2 David Hagwood made Mar 21 at 2015 4:03 PM

PO2 David Hagwood — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 16:03:35 -0400

I would watch out for Blue Falcons when it comes to certain things on here. Obviously we can't legally condone this practice; but I hate that we're not allowed to practice it because for some reason rather if it's voluntary or not, it's still called hazing. I would have loved to have had my blood wings (Navy air warfare specialist type, not Army) and my 2nd class insignias tacked in since I was promoted in my Service Uniform. Oh well...we're a kinder, gentler, and more politically correct military now. Let's applaud the leadership that has taken tradition away for the sake of...reasons. :-/

Response by Sgt John Potter made Mar 21 at 2015 5:05 PM

Sgt John Potter — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 17:05:08 -0400

We pledge life and limb and the promise to suffer pain and hardship to defend our country and democratic way of life and some are squeamish over blood rank as a badge of honor? I knew WM's who took their blood rank. I know it may seem dumb but it is an old tradition.

Response by SPC Edward Tapper made Mar 21 at 2015 5:16 PM

SPC Edward Tapper — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 17:16:42 -0400

I got blood rank and Expert Badge (rifle). If you have ever gotten tattoos, it's no big deal. Tradition runs deep.

Response by SFC Cindy Paris made Mar 21 at 2015 5:29 PM

SFC Cindy Paris — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 17:29:53 -0400

In the 80's, I received blood stripes when I made SGT. I can still find the scars on my collar bones. I would not trade the scars or the memories for anything.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2015 7:14 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 19:14:47 -0400

No need to get too deep into this, it's against Army policy therefor prohibited.

Response by SFC Walter Mack made Mar 21 at 2015 7:48 PM

SFC Walter Mack — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 19:48:49 -0400

I got blood rank, ran the gauntlet, and suffered all the other usual indignities of the past. We didn't get out of hand, and our shenanigans were well intended and controlled by our own sense of not being an idiot.

However, we had a fellow company that acted stupidly and a Marine had his spleen removed while on leave after being promoted. I can see both sides of the argument, and our current force shows that the same moronic injuries still happen from time to time despite our efforts to erase these practices.

Here's what the leadership misses. The responsible leaders that weren't hurting people before are the same ones that just don't do it anymore and accept these practices as a thing of the past. The degenerates within our force don't care about hazing rules and continue to practice these traditions anyway, resulting in the same occasional injuries from the same type of idiot.

Service members should be allowed to have an identity by keeping time honored traditions. If a person doesn't want to get hit, fine. However, it seems that everything is hazing now. Don't axe qual, don't Kualafy, don't call privates by their rank, it's demeaning... How about we as a military start holding people accountable for their actions? We try to fix the problems we face by making new rules, but we still fail to hold those who make bad decisions accountable unless there's a catastrophic outcome.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Mar 21 at 2015 11:08 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 23:08:19 -0400

Never got blood rank but did get blood wings when I graduated from Airborne School as an ROTC Cadet. A lieutenant who graduated from my program had engraved wings made and punched them in my chest in front of Iron Mike at Fort Benning.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Mar 22 at 2015 3:44 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 03:44:05 -0400

Did I get? Oh yeah! Would I give now? Oh no! Like getting that thick 70's style belt growing up old school......gotta change with the times.

Response by SFC Russell Campbell made Mar 22 at 2015 4:25 AM

SFC Russell Campbell — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 04:25:35 -0400

I never had a problem with it, gave and received. No, it shouldn't get out of hand and is done during duty hours, NOT at a drunk fest (that's how shit gets out of hand). To those who say it's wrong, you're pussies and don't warrant the title combat leader!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2015 4:55 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 04:55:01 -0400

Blood rank/wings is the way I grow up in the military. It is alright if it is welcomed as a tradition and not forced or coerced (not used as a form of hazing) but respect for tradition.

Response by Cpl Peter Martuneac made Mar 22 at 2015 11:27 AM

Cpl Peter Martuneac — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 11:27:39 -0400

Did it, got it. As long as everyone is okay with it, it can't be hazing.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made Mar 22 at 2015 6:04 PM

SFC Christopher Perry — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 18:04:36 -0400

I did not vote as I am a bit undecided on the matter. It is without a doubt an old tradition. The last rank I had pinned in this manner was SGT. My PSG was 6'5" and hit the scale at over 270. He came down wrong an cracked my collar bone. Funny, that I would not trade the memory for anything. I have done far worse to my body over the years for far less satisfying a reason. I would say it is a personal thing as to if you feel it still has a place in our day.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2015 7:41 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 19:41:41 -0400

I received blood rank as a young soldier and blood wings after graduating air assault school. Plus, in the past I've given blood rank. But now I'm happy to just give or get a hand shake.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Mar 22 at 2015 7:52 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 19:52:40 -0400

SSG Robert Burns, I never got blood rank nor gave blood rank, and never got nor gave blood wings. I don't really think it accomplishes anything, but if that's what a service member wants, then I guess it's OK with me.
When I finished jump school at Fort Benning, nothing happened. I made my cherry jump (sixth) with SFTG at Fort Bragg. I kept waiting for all hell to break loose, but we just turned in our rigs, got on a bus and went back to post from the DZ. CW5 Charlie Poulton

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2015 10:55 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 22:55:33 -0400

I might have gotten "blood wings" after airborne school, although that could not have happened as its illegal

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2015 2:13 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 02:13:20 -0400

I was blook pinned my recruiting badge in the Navy. I took it as a privilege since I graduated on the top of my class and was the only one that was blood pinned. What made it special is that before the pinning, they removed the badge given to everyone in the class, gave me an original recruiting command badge which was blood pinned in private with only the schools staff. I immediately felt part of a select club. Call it silly, call it tradition but I call it an honor.

With that being said, if you do not want to do it or have it done, you should also have the option, but then face the consequences of not being part of the team.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Mar 23 at 2015 9:01 AM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 09:01:18 -0400

Surprised me, I thought it was going to be about blood rank/blood stripes that troops received when the one above them was KIA/WIA and they got promoted to fill the slot. Before shake and bake NCOs , I new a couple of AUS soldiers that made SSG before their two years was up through blood rank. Do they do that now or just acting Jacks?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2015 10:43 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 10:43:29 -0400

I got blood wings by my black hat, a Marine Staff Sergeant. I was proud of it, but now I realize that it is unnecessary and frankly, unprofessional. I think this tradition can die quietly.

Response by SGT Mark Sullivan made Mar 23 at 2015 12:28 PM

SGT Mark Sullivan — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 12:28:58 -0400

I received Blood Rank when I made SGT/E-5, and prior to that, when I received my Aircrew wings, they were given as Blood wings. I think, anything you earn, and give blood sweat and tears to earn then when you're pinned, they should be Blood. The symbolism is deafening, and should never be allowed to get out of hand.

Response by MSgt Michael Null made Mar 23 at 2015 5:17 PM

MSgt Michael Null — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 17:17:53 -0400

In the Air Force we used to punch people in the arm to "tack on" the rank. A good natured solid punch is one thing, but when guys really try to hurt and bruise someone that's another. Often this takes the form of a group of people lining up to punch the youngest person in the group sometimes getting a running start. That's hazing.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 5:16 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 17:16:02 -0400

I got my CIB via blood rank - our BN commander used a helmet and a healthy golf swing. An entire Platoon of Mortarmen just grinned at each other.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 7:31 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 19:31:37 -0400

I did it but when I came in we broke civilians down and made them Soldiers. We were stronger and worked harder. We prepared for War and the worst that could happen and did what we had to do to get the job done and also we were a family not just the soldiers but the families. Today its weak. The kinder gentler Army is too worried about feelings than completing the mission or safety. There are still a few good ones but they are smart and dropping like flies...

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 7:38 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 19:38:47 -0400

From a medical perspective, one could suffer severe injury from this tradition. Major blood vessels could be hit, and the tip of each lung sits just above the collarbone and could potentially collapse is punctured by rank. I would never condone this tradition.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 8:00 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 20:00:56 -0400

i my self had blood rank and it was given to me by my Cheif Warrant, it was a proud day didn't see it coming but looking back some 23 years ago it made me proud that he did it to me.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 8:07 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 20:07:36 -0400

I never got blood rank because of when I enlisted. I did get a whole series of good, firm punches right to the chest. I don't think the tradition is gone, only changed. My army aviation branch wings, however, are still pin-on. That one hurt, but it was sort of a camaraderie kind of thing when my graduating class got ours, proud of them.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 11:22 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 23:22:51 -0400

These traditions should have been up held with honor, not dimed out as they have been in the past few years.
Myself and my fellow classmates were pissed off when they informed us we would not be allowed to "tack on" our aviation service wings.

Response by SGT Andrew Hackett made Mar 26 at 2015 11:25 PM

SGT Andrew Hackett — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 23:25:28 -0400

When I got my CIB my team leader pinned it with a full swing from a Kpot, blood pinning is tradition.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 5:08 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 05:08:19 -0400

Look up the Gold Wings scandal at Camp Lejune in the early 90's.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 5:18 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 05:18:33 -0400

I don't find the value of this as a means to prove some trivial accomplishment. I got blood rank once. I didn't have a choice in the manner. I didn't really appreciate it or felt better for doing it. I just thought it was stupid. Some got blood wings for their wings, I passed. The last thing I wanted was some random guy from Airborne School who never deployed and was never in a real Airborne unit before getting to the school house do that. Some will never go to an airborne unit but are brag about their blood wings. It just doesn't make sense. I have never got a blood CIB or EIB. If one feels that this validates their career I would question if this was really something that one should aspire too.

I know it is tradition but it is still hazing. It is tradition I have yet to hear the roots of. If anyone can explain this I with a source I would greatly appreciate. To do something and when questioned about you can only say "well it was what happened to me" isn't a means to justify it. This is not with keeping the professionalism of our military. Pfc. Thomas Nguyen comes to mind. He was in an extreme case but there are no lines. Once you go into the gray area you don't know how grey it is until it is too late. He was being hazed or as others saw it as a right of passage.

“Our Army is much better than this, and to see this form of immature frat house activity with leaders knowing it is going on, is just criminal" U.S. Army Europe commander Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling

http://www.stripes.com/news/army-struggles-to-define-deter-hazing-1.194051

Army struggles to define, deter hazing

The U.S. Army Europe’s probe following allegations of hazing by soldiers at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, in 2011 revealed the complex nature of some hazing prosecutions, particularly when the allegations don’t include charges of physical assault.

Response by SPC Chris Garlow made Mar 27 at 2015 5:42 AM

SPC Chris Garlow — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 05:42:15 -0400

I whole heartedly believe in the blood rank but giving it to what I assume is a cook, do they deserve to uphold that tradition? I think not. Just an infantryman with his infantry beliefs. Not meaning to upset anybody.

Response by SSG Christopher K. made Mar 27 at 2015 9:20 AM

SSG Christopher K. — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 09:20:30 -0400

As long as the participant fully agrees to have it done and is not coerced in any way by peers or leadership then I see no harm in it. There are a lot of traditions that may seem brutal or too aggressive but that is how the military was built to where it is. Tradition is a big part of the military.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Mar 27 at 2015 11:17 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 11:17:32 -0400

I received "blood rank" when I was promoted to SPC way back in '89, had no issues with it at the time and still don't, I viewed it as a right of passage not as hazing, my only concern at the time was not flinching when the CO gave me the rank, I was his tank driver and had watched his previous driver flinch out of fear and I was damned if I was going to!! As I progressed up the ranks and got the opportunity to as a PSG to promote my younger Soldiers, I maintained the tradition as well as the "walking of the gauntlet" and no one ever complained, whined or bitched about it. I guess with the much publicized cases where it was taken to the extreme, ie. 1SG using a huge wooden mallet to the chest of an individual, it is seen more nowadays as hazing which is a shame, but as usual one "aw shit" screws up a whole lotta "attaboys"!! "Treat 'Em Rough!!"

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 7:54 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 19:54:02 -0400

Care must be taken that it doesn't get out of hand, however I support maintaining the tradition.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2015 1:28 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 01:28:48 -0400

Got and received. Would do it again and again. Had to walk the gauntlet when I made NCO as well. Blood stripes and pinning are a privilege, not hazing. You should be proud to receive them

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made Mar 29 at 2015 12:15 AM

SSG Leonard Johnson — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 00:15:24 -0400

Look people, I'm not saying whether right or wrong, but never ever under any circumstances do you rat out your own people. You keep it in-house. Simple as that. This is coming from a very old-school person. Yup I'm rusty out of touch maybe with reality, and if I've been promoted as many times as I've been demoted I'd be the Sgt. major of the universe. But you know what, I got the respect of everyone I ever met in the Army, both officer and NCO and EM. I love my job, I love the Army and I had the grandest of time. One thing I never did, is rat out my people. Unless there was safety involved like rape, prejudices, or article 125 violation of the UC MJ. Or something to that effect that was not manhood-ism. Blood strides is cool. It shows you part of the unit, platoon, squad or something like that. It's a sense of belonging. I know you probably don't understand, back in my day, in the early 80s our chain of command use to invite the EM's to the local club across from the motor pool. They buy some of the beer and we had a good time and a good belonging. That's what it's all about.
If you think about it, the worst thing the Army did was get rid of the NCO clubs and the EM clubs. Man those were some good times.

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Mar 29 at 2015 12:43 AM

PO3 John Jeter — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 00:43:35 -0400

This is the first time I've hear the phrase. If I'm interpreting the comments and photos correctly, back in my day we called it "Tacking on the crow" when you made Petty Officer. On the day you first wore the E-4 insignia, your fellow Petty Officers would make sure it was properly attached to your sleeve with a solid punch. Just how solid or how many you received depended on a number of different things which I'm fairly sure is universal...... My arm was sore as hell for a number of days, and it was one of my proudest achievements in my service. Not just for making rank, but to receive a tangible mark of respect from people I had a great deal of respect for. I even received a symbolic tap from a few Officers.
But to balance the books, there always were those few jackasses who delighted in trying to actually harm people. An E6 on our ship was caught using a fist load with knobs and he sent 3 guys to sick bay before they got hold of him. Would I go through it again? Absolutely! Should people be forced to participate? Absolutely not! Would I think less of someone who chooses not to participate.......Yes, but that would be a personal reflection, not a professional evaluation.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2015 12:44 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 00:44:48 -0400

In the Navy, this tradition is called "Pinning On". I would have no problem with the tradition of today, if it wasn't a sick, twisted mockery of the original tradition. When a sailor would advance in rank, his shipmates would all pitch in to buy him a new rank insignia, and they would all take turns stiching the new rank on to his uniform.
I greatly enjoy traditions, when they are in good taste and keeping with the various branch maturas (I.E. "Honor, Courage, Commitment). "Pinning on", "Blood rank", "Blood stripe"; I assume they all originate from an actual tradition, but have been preverted to what we know it as today. The tradition is not the problem, the perversion of the tradition is the problem.

Response by SGT John Beardsley made Apr 7 at 2015 2:21 AM

SGT John Beardsley — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 02:21:38 -0400

I'd like to give the "This is hazing." answer, but the term is not completely accurate.

It was a silly, bordering on stupid tradition.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Apr 27 at 2015 8:07 PM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 20:07:47 -0400

I received blood rank, but it was prohibited by the time I obtained a leadership role where I would have been a giver. Personally, I didn't see an issue with this as long participation was voluntarily and kept within reason.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 1:42 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 13:42:52 -0400

I think it's ok as long as it's not out of hand. It's tradition for gods sake!

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 1:42 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 13:42:58 -0400

You look fine in your nursing whites SSG Robert Burns! :-)

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 3:14 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 15:14:16 -0400

As far as have I ever done it to someone no. Have i had it done to me yes. Do I agree or disagree well that is a good question. I believe if the Soldier is requesting it it should be ok as long as it is done with good taste. It should not be the standard or the norm though cause some really do not appreciate it and can you blame them that s#!? hurts....lol

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 7:17 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 19:17:00 -0400

My cousin pinned me to petty officer 2nd class and pushed my crows into my collar bone but I pinned him to CWO2 and he got the same treatment lol

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2015 10:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 22:31:48 -0400

In combat arms that's how we use to do it. I have always gotten promoted in this way. I found it as a right of passage from one rank to another because of all the blood, sweat and tears put in to get to the next rank

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 5:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 17:17:17 -0400

I received blood rank all the way to SGT. It was never deemed as hazing in any unit I was in. I also received Blood Wings. Different times I guess. I think it's safer than punching someone in the chest, but we don't do that, as that is hazing.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2015 11:40 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 11:40:41 -0400

I had my wife and father pin on GySgt and my wife and mother pin on 1st Sgt. I then immediately went to the Sgt Maj's office to get lit up like the 4th of July. Sgt Maj was a administer, and followed the hazing instruction to the letter and was not impressed. Oops. Sun still came up the next day. And blood stripes sucked. Open squadbay in Horno and the line went on forever.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Aug 8 at 2015 8:10 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 20:10:58 -0400

Only once but I manned up.

Response by SGT Alicia Brenneis made Jan 9 at 2016 1:24 PM

SGT Alicia Brenneis — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 13:24:46 -0500

I got my SPC that way but by the time I was an NCO... have to say I was disappointed. Not to mention my NCO was "fussed" at by a CPT (not ours) for just throwing my VELCRO SPC rank at my promotion. We both looked at her like she was crazy. In her opinion it could "degrade" the soldiers who just made SPC. can't help but wonder what her reaction would have been to blood rank.

Response by CW2 Carl Swanson made Jan 9 at 2016 1:54 PM

CW2 Carl Swanson — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 13:54:57 -0500

I was enlisted USMC and Army. I've never heard it referred to as blood rank. I always heard of it as being pinned. The idea is your mentors and friends would "pin" your rank on so that it would not fall off (art 15, office hours). I think it was a good tradition, however, there is always the few out there who want to ruin it for the many.

Response by SSgt K Maguire made Jan 9 at 2016 2:11 PM

SSgt K Maguire — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 14:11:18 -0500

Correct me if I am incorrect. Hazing is a practice of endurance/humiliation to prove intent/desire to become part of a group.

Blood wings/stripes is an act of recognition for a level already attained.

The argument is moot. Unless you have served, you don't get to have an opinion on this subject.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2016 5:27 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 17:27:51 -0500

Did it and received it... Nobody forced me to, I wanted it. I earned it. Tacked and stitched

Response by SPC Jonathan Holstein made Jan 9 at 2016 9:55 PM

SPC Jonathan Holstein — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 21:55:55 -0500

I received blood rank for every promotion and blood wings (air assault). A major from another unit came over put a stop to it at my air assault ceremony that is until our squadron commander who was the first to pin me reminded him that in the cav we do things our own way and told him to carry on. He was a hell of a leader. Seargant Paui my samoen t.c. damn near broke my collar bone it felt like. I vote KEEP IT or bring it back if they don't still do it.

Response by TSgt Marco McDowell made Jan 10 at 2016 1:42 AM

TSgt Marco McDowell — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 01:42:31 -0500

Pinned PFC on...Doc had to pull the chevrons out of my collar bone with pliers. Put on Cpl, bed rest for three days because my legs were bruised. I don't mind getting tacked, but a couple of times it got out of hand. Some folks can't control themselves.

Response by SSgt Christopher Brose made Jan 10 at 2016 11:17 AM

SSgt Christopher Brose — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 11:17:07 -0500

There are many traditions in the military that are worthy of fighting to keep. This is not one of them.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Jan 10 at 2016 11:09 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 23:09:16 -0500

Never got it and never did it. I did hear about it but I never actually saw it happen.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 11:00 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 11:00:19 -0500

I got it twice plus blood wings. The whole squad got to push that rank in. It's old school and is considered hazing now. I wouldn't do it these days because we live in different times. Sensitivity is WAY up.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2016 12:26 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 12:26:18 -0500

I got it, TWICE. When I got to basic, the DI's pinned it on me, then in Carson, I got my E5, I figured it was a rite of passage. If ya ain't bleedin, you aren't/ did not do it right...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2016 1:42 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 13:42:46 -0500

I cannot confirm nor deny blood rank, wings etc lol

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2016 9:09 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 21:09:09 -0500

I got my blood rank with a velcro rank patch...that is hard to do, let me tell ya!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 3:13 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 15:13:51 -0500

Blood rank and blood wings. I always feel sorry for those who never got either.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2016 9:21 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 21:21:45 -0500

When I was in the Corps, I was blood ranked for every rank and blood striped at E4. It was an honor to go through it just as all of my brothers did before me. I envied and respected those who went before me and, and those below couldn't wait for there turn. Such is the way of the infantry.

When my ex was promoted to 1LT, I blood pinned on new rank at her ceremony. She asked for it to be done, but it was a shock to her unit (Air Force).

I've been in the Army for almost 5 years now and I've never seen a blood pin happen so far. When I eventually hit SGT (such a pain to get rank in a NG unit...), I'll ask one of the older guys that used to serve in the Corps to pin my stripes on. I don't think it will mean anything to anyone else, but it will mean the world to me.

Traditions should be upheld and this particular one dates back before any of us were even a though in our grandparents minds.

Response by SSG Ken Schiffner made Mar 29 at 2017 1:07 PM

SSG Ken Schiffner — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 13:07:41 -0400

I never got blood rank, but I did get blood wings in the 80's. No, it is not hazing. They pinned your wings on your uniform without backings and the black hats walked up to congratulate you. If you wanted blood wings you had to ask for them. I said, "Beat me like the pig that I am." The black hat hauled off and punched my wings so hard he almost knocked me down. I was happy, I was proud, and glad to be part of the tradition.

Response by SGT Robert Arthurs made Mar 26 at 2020 9:11 PM

SGT Robert Arthurs — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 21:11:41 -0400

The military offers a multitude of situations/opportunities for cohesion, unfortunately the majority of the world seems to be leaning toward individualism which may sound good but no man's an island. You can't really have appreciation for anything without having endured some form of venture, loss, or suffering. No loss no gain , no pain no gain.Often military may even regret recognition whether their pride or selflessness prevent or that it was only their sense of duty. A little pain clears our conscience and leaves us deserving. My opinion

Response by SPC Cyrus Delp made Mar 2 at 2021 3:21 PM

SPC Cyrus Delp — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 15:21:00 -0500

We would line up outside of our cp and ever em, nco and platoon leader would pull the pins out of your chest and gorilla punch your collar with fresh holes. It was a celebration of pride and accomplishment, hurt like hell but you couldn't wipe our smiles off with a brick.