Is a foreign officer authorized to promote a U.S. Service member?

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 22:04:49 -0400

I haven't found any Marine, or other service, specific guidance on how a promotion ceremony needs to be conducts. All of the ceremony seems to be based on tradition, so I don't see why a foreign officer can't promote a U.S. servicemember.

Thank you, Gents.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 13 at 2016 10:20 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 22:20:22 -0400

Sounds Pretty Cool to Me. Rather Enjoyed my Association with the Brits for 4 years.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Aug 13 at 2016 11:05 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 23:05:04 -0400

Capt Private RallyPoint Member, I would think it's possible. The orders are produced and published by the United States. In all the promotions I received as a commissioned officer, I never had to reaffirm my oath of office. If you had to do that, it would be a problem, I think. Even if there's a presumptive reaffirmation, it may be a problem.
But for all practical purposes, it seems like he's doing nothing but reading orders and perhaps pinning you?
What about your chain of command? Doesn't your immediate commander want to be the guy to do it? Have you checked with him?
Barring heat from your higher ups, it seems OK. However, I've been retired since 1998, so what the heck do I know?

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 13 at 2016 11:17 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 23:17:28 -0400

The UK Maj isn't authorized to administer US oaths. That's OK as 10 USC 626 doesn't require retaking your oath. You're also considered to have accepted it unless you specifically decline. Bottom line, the PERS System promotes you, not the official making a show of it. So what you've got is a Pinning Ceremony. At that point, who cares? SMs typically ask/get what works best for them. It's in the Service interest to be flexible. We've had many a spouse (aka Rear Area Ground Commander) do it with appreciative eyes looking on. Have fun.

Response by BG Mike Bridges made Aug 13 at 2016 11:32 PM

BG Mike Bridges — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 23:32:38 -0400

The Published order is the legal promotion action.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Aug 14 at 2016 12:17 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 00:17:16 -0400

If you continue your career as anonymous with Allied Forces, you might continue to be anonymous to US Forces and our promotion system!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2016 12:46 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 00:46:29 -0400

Sir, don't confuse being promoted with a pinning ceremony. I have seen spouses, and civilian officials pin rank..I don't see why this UK Officer can't as well.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Aug 16 at 2016 1:46 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 13:46:51 -0400

Honestly, I don't see why not. Most promotion ceremonies are pretty close and personal affairs. I've had my wife and daughters promote me and they are by no means military personnel.