Can a Soldier retire without a ceremony?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 13:05:47 -0400

Can a Soldier with an approved retirement order decline a retirement ceremony? Say, for instance, a Soldier who has no derogatory information in their OMPF and is not being separated for legal reasons, Soldier doesn't like the unit or command, they just don't want a ceremony.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jul 20 at 2023 1:22 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 13:22:08 -0400

Happens all the time. There are also closed door smaller Retirement Ceremonies as well. I was medically retired in 2012 and opted for a smaller gathering for my Retirement instead of having the whole Command roll out for it. It was just my work Section and select guests. I would recommend doing a small gathering so that all of the Retirement swag can be read, a Certificate of Appreciation can be given to spouse if applicable, retirement awards and any gifts. It's small, chill and doesn't have to include the folks from the Unit they don't like.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2023 1:24 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 13:24:53 -0400

That's what I plan to do. Though you could also be ordered to have a ceremony.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2023 2:02 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 14:02:00 -0400

Yes
Per AR 600-8-7, there is a requirement to educate Soldiers about the military retirement system (given by the RD or available online at https://soldierforlife.army.mil/Retirement/ArmyReserve) and provide Soldier the opportunity to participate in an appropriate retirement ceremony as determined and resourced by the commander.
As long as there was an offer, command is covered.
The retiring Soldier should be able to depart however he/she chooses.

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Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jul 20 at 2023 3:42 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 15:42:57 -0400

Its possible, but if the unit orders it you will have to attend.

Response by 1SG Russell S. made Jul 20 at 2023 5:07 PM

1SG Russell S. — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 17:07:11 -0400

Yes you can. It is your day. Public, private or none. I have known of two that just told higher to “mail my awards to me; I’m outta here”.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2023 9:41 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 21:41:05 -0400

Yep. Nothing to say it's required. It's not a hill I'd die on, but I COULD, if I decided it was worth it. Is it worth it to you?

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jul 20 at 2023 11:04 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 23:04:53 -0400

I retired, no ceremony, no thanks, no nothing - except my retirement pay which is the most important.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jul 21 at 2023 1:55 AM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 01:55:41 -0400

I tried to say no to a ceremony and just wanted to sign out, say my goodbyes to my friends and go home...I was told NOT GONNA HAPPEN be here at this time and place....Rock On

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2023 9:49 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 09:49:10 -0400

The ceremony may be about you, but they are usually structured around being for the family. A way of officially saying goodbye. so if you dont want one you can just finishing checking out and walk off base. Officers and SgtsMaj get roped into having them wrapped into post and relief and change of command so a little harder to escape.

Response by SFC Birk Ellis made Jul 21 at 2023 12:36 PM

SFC Birk Ellis — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 12:36:54 -0400

I guess it all depends on where you are stationed at the time of retirement. At Fort Campbell it was "mandatory" to attend the retirement ceremony but if you set your mind to not attending, it can be done.
HH6 was pissed at me but oh well.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jul 21 at 2023 1:47 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 13:47:02 -0400

Can you decline? Absolutely.

Can the unit order you to attend anyway? Yes, yes they can. As long as you are still in, they can designate retirement ceremony as your appointed place of duty for that period of time.

Which is exactly what happened to me. They tried ordering me to have my wife there, too. She, unfortunately, had a "scheduling conflict" with her civilian employer.

Response by COL Dan Ruder made Jul 21 at 2023 6:13 PM

COL Dan Ruder — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 18:13:18 -0400

True, retirement ceremonies honor the service member and his/her family's dedicated service, contributions, and sacrifice to the country while allowing fellow service members to express their gratitude. Yet those ceremonies also honor the military culture of formal farewells. The retiree becomes part of a long-standing legacy of military service, which can be/should be inspiring to younger service members.

I’ve heard it said before, that you’ll never truly leave the military. That’s because your impact is part of an unbroken chain, from the Continental Army to the United States Army. You added a critical link and allow that chain to continue. Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have made a difference, but you don’t have that problem. Your final ceremony will solidify that.

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Jul 22 at 2023 9:15 AM

SSG Laurie Mullen — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 09:15:12 -0400

I didn't bother going to mine and I didn't tell anyone about it.

Response by SSG Chris Garabitos made Jul 22 at 2023 10:40 AM

SSG Chris Garabitos — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 10:40:30 -0400

From my experience the ceremony is a nice to have, not a need to have. However, as this “Soldier” will quickly discover, they’ll probably regret it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2023 3:13 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 15:13:58 -0400

Yes

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2023 7:28 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 07:28:03 -0400

You can do anything without a ceremony. No ceremony actually means anything. Promotion, enlistment, accession, retirement, award assumption of command/responsibility, death...the ceremony is just a ceremony.
The thing that matters is the signature on the piece of paper.

I did E7 and W2 with no ceremony at all, just showed up with it the next day and the world kept turning..amazing huh?

Its wrong as all hell to force people to have ceremonies. Not allowing a promoted Soldier to wear their actual rank because they haven't stood in 100 degree heat for 20 minutes and some senior person who thinks too highly of themselves to say some words that obviously don't matter is the wrong answer.

We have better stuff to do. Maybe our maintenance wouldn't suck if we'd stop standing in squares getting talked at....