Posted on Dec 28, 2015
Is it required for a Battalion Commander to be present at a soldier's promotion ceremony to SFC?
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I am currently a BN S1, and I'm trying to work on a promotion ceremony for two soldiers being promoted to SFC come 1 Jan. I was told by my OIC that the BN Commander has to make the decision of when he wants to hold the formation for the promotion ceremony due to it being a centralized promotion. However, after speaking with the BN Commander, he stated that HHD Commander has to make the decision. I've been looking in the regulations and I have yet to find the answer to my question. Who holds the formation for Centralized promotions, or does it matter which commander holds it? Please advise.
42A: Human Resources Specialist
Promotions
Drill and Ceremony
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 29
It would be great if the Battalion Commander could do the promotion, but it is not improper for the Executive Officer, HHD Commander or the Company Commander to fulfill this function. Any Commissioned Officer can perform this function if necessary.
The Soldier should not have to wait for a commander to return from his family vacation to Europe or TDY to be promoted. In fact I have seen Soldiers request to be promoted by former Commanders or other officers that may have played a significant part in the Soldier's career. This includes family members as in a situation were the father or mother is an officer and the son or daughter is getting promoted.
So the Soldiers should be asked for their input into the promotion process for promotion to a senior grade. Remember the promotion ceremony is for the Soldier, not for the Battalion Commander.
The Soldier should not have to wait for a commander to return from his family vacation to Europe or TDY to be promoted. In fact I have seen Soldiers request to be promoted by former Commanders or other officers that may have played a significant part in the Soldier's career. This includes family members as in a situation were the father or mother is an officer and the son or daughter is getting promoted.
So the Soldiers should be asked for their input into the promotion process for promotion to a senior grade. Remember the promotion ceremony is for the Soldier, not for the Battalion Commander.
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Thank you for your input CSM! Much needed suggestions.
CSM William Payne
You are more than welcome SGT Little. Keep in mind that the Battalion Commander has the final say and any promotion ceremony arrangements also have to be reasonable and timely.
SGT Mark Rhodes
That's is so on the spot. CSM William Payne you took the words right out of my mouth and put them in the right order., LOL
SSG Cables is right - there is no real protocol. HOWEVER, there is an "image" thing involved. Making E-7 is a huge deal, and it would be a real jerk move to NOT be there and to NOT hold a BN formation to promote them publicly.
I've served under a couple of BRIGADE Commanders that demanded to be at all E-7 and above promotion formations.
It's just a way for a commander to say, "I really do give a shit" for the troops.
I've served under a couple of BRIGADE Commanders that demanded to be at all E-7 and above promotion formations.
It's just a way for a commander to say, "I really do give a shit" for the troops.
SN Greg Wright
@sfc rose shutts Welcome to RP, SFC Shutts. It's customary, here, to accompany your downvote with a comment, and I would, in this case, like to hear your thoughts.
SPC (Join to see)
SN Greg Wright - Your comment doesn't offer anything to the original discussion. It is just whining about losing points.
SN Greg Wright
SPC (Join to see) - Ah. No interest in cogent conversation I see. Just high-handed arrogance. Well, here's another opportunity for you to downvote. You'll note that I didn't downvote you, though you deserve it.
SPC (Join to see)
SN Greg Wright - I down voted you, gave you a reason, and you still weren't happy. Looks like whining to me. Also, feel free to down vote, I don't place any value on the points.
I'd also like to add only a coward is afraid to accept or give criticism. Also, not every criticism requires an explanation. I'm sorry if I violate your safe space, but I was under the impression that the military was a warrior profession.
I'd also like to add only a coward is afraid to accept or give criticism. Also, not every criticism requires an explanation. I'm sorry if I violate your safe space, but I was under the impression that the military was a warrior profession.
There is your answer right there to your question. Have you found it in the reg? Nike you sure haven't and you won't. If the soldier wants to do it with just 5 people it's up to him. There is no regulatory guidance on who holds a promotion ceremony.
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Ok. I wanted to make sure before making any plans and wasn't sure about the protocal. Thanks for your assistance.
1SG (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) is correct. There is no regulatory requirement for attendance at a promotion ceremony. The ceremony is driven by the promoted SM. Senior promotions are a big deal and may cause Senior leadership to want involvement. Just make sure no promotion is held in abeyance for ceremonial purposes, which is in the regulation.
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