Is promoting from 1LT to CPT significant enough to invite family to the ceremony in the Army Reserves?

2017-01-11T23:39:34-05:00

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2017 11:44 PM

2017-01-11T23:44:30-05:00

It's YOUR promotion always invite your family

Response by LTC John Mohor made Jan 11 at 2017 11:47 PM

2017-01-11T23:47:25-05:00

Any promotion is significant enough! Provided you have enough time it's worth it! My commission was last minute notice no family could make it. Promotion to 1 LT was just at the Artillery Battalion. It wasn't until I made Captain that my parents were there and both my Mom and wife could "help" promote me. I strongly recommend you make it a family affair! Good luck in all your future endeavors. Remember take care of your Soldiers and they'll help take care of you! Keep your records and education up to date and you'll be good to go!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2017 11:55 PM

2017-01-11T23:55:36-05:00

I think it is. I was promoted in Afghanistan and it was kind of perfunctory. Promotions aren't so frequent in our careers and if you have a chance to share the honor, and perhaps inspire others to serve, I say INVITE. Plan a little get together afterwards and extend the invite to your peers and mentors. No one serves in a vacuum.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jan 12 at 2017 12:02 AM

2017-01-12T00:02:33-05:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Share as much as possible of your military career with family and friends. They too, serve by supporting you in that career!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2017 12:04 AM

2017-01-12T00:04:28-05:00

I think it is a very significant promotion in an Officer's career. It is often (not always) as you know, the rank where Officers gain a command. Yes, I would invite my family.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jan 12 at 2017 12:13 AM

2017-01-12T00:13:14-05:00

My mother pinned my gold bars on me and died before I made captain. I wish she had been there for it.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jan 12 at 2017 12:46 AM

2017-01-12T00:46:31-05:00

LT, I'd say that you are the only one that can answer that. I'll give you my answer, though: hell yes. It's a milestone in your life. One that you should be proud of. Ok, sure, most O2-O3's are pushbutton advancements, but...you had to do everything to get to O2, first. And you did. Life throws shit at all of us. So take the good when it comes. Invite them, and stand proud in your shiny new bars. And know that NCO's are laughing just that much less at you! :) Although I can't help pointing out that if you'd joined the only PROPER military service, you'd be called 'Lieutenant' after putting on the railroad tracks! *Runs*

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2017 2:47 AM

2017-01-12T02:47:47-05:00

I'd say definitely have them attend. It will make likely it more meaningful for you, but also parents love to have opportunities to be proud of their kids.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2017 6:16 AM

2017-01-12T06:16:43-05:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member yes. I asked one of my Soldiers (rank not important) if they wanted their family there for their advancement or promotion ceremony and they said something like "oh I never thought of that". They did invite their family and later told me something along the line of "Thanks for asking. The family really appreciated it and it was a good experience for me too". So even if you do not feel like it is important it brings your family in and makes them feel part of your career (one that they have been supporting you with) and that goes far for them. Even further if you want your family (spouse, parent, sibling, children) to pin you. I have let the family pin them after publishing the orders. The family (especially the spouse and children) loved it.

Oh and when you become a Company Commander ask your troops if they want their family there and if they want them to pin them. That can be important to them and their family.

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Jan 12 at 2017 8:00 AM

2017-01-12T08:00:59-05:00

Yes it is.

Response by CPT Ryan H. made Jan 12 at 2017 8:18 AM

2017-01-12T08:18:46-05:00

Yes. 1LT to CPT is the last promotion in the Army for the vast majority of officers, including prior service ones.

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Jan 12 at 2017 8:58 AM

2017-01-12T08:58:22-05:00

Any promotion is worth celebrating and being in the service you rarely have the opportunity to plan these events. All of my promotions were done in the field while deployed (at sea) so if you're getting a clear window where you know when a ceremony is taking place, by all means take advantage of it. Because you may be deployed when you make Major, etc. The only event my parents were able to see was my graduation from Submarine School. My wife sadly, never saw any of my events.

Tho to be fair, with all the "traditions" the Navy did back then ("drinking your award," "pinning," etc), its probably a good thing she wasn't there...

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Jan 12 at 2017 9:55 AM

2017-01-12T09:55:38-05:00

Hell yes, every promotion is a huge achievement. Congratulations on your promotion.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jan 12 at 2017 10:11 AM

2017-01-12T10:11:49-05:00

I think what you meant to ask was is this promotion significant enough to me to invite my family.

I don't know about you, but every rank meant something and every advancement meant something even more.

Maybe you see the rank as trivial, but that doesn't mean it is trivial.

For every rank I made, I was thinking on who I wanted to pin me, who I wanted to invite etc.

Sure in the beginning the circle of people I invited was small. But as I continued to advance and as I branched out and networked with other Marines, the amount of people I invited grew.

You are about to pick up Captain. For all you know, this could very well be the last promotion you ever get. Do you really want to exclude the people who have supported you along the way? It's one thing if you were deployed, that can't be helped. But if you are home, you may want to treat this like the last rank you ever pick up, because you never know, it could be.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2017 10:22 AM

2017-01-12T10:22:27-05:00

Being the NCO that I am....I think that ANY promotion that has ANY significance to you then by all means invite the family.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2017 12:31 PM

2017-01-12T12:31:00-05:00

It's always a good idea to share your success and advancement with friends and family. What I would suggest, however, is that you shouldn't expect to have a major event over it -- no gala dinners or expensive catering, but rather a ceremony with a close-knit group, a small cake and refreshments, and maybe a good dinner afterward. O2->O3 is a noteworthy move, because it is the transition from being at the "learning" stage of your officer career to the "applying" stage in a much more concrete way than previous levels, and you should treat it as such.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2017 12:56 PM

2017-01-12T12:56:35-05:00

yes sir... it is a big event

Response by 1LT Vance Titus made Jan 12 at 2017 1:29 PM

2017-01-12T13:29:06-05:00

Yes, without doubt. Be proud, share your achievement with your family and friends Captain.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2017 1:44 PM

2017-01-12T13:44:23-05:00

Always...you never know when you'll be able to have your family attend your promotions. Take advantage when you can. While they may not be service-members, they are still key to your career. Let them enjoy some of the highlights.

Response by LTC Tim Ellis made Jan 12 at 2017 2:35 PM

2017-01-12T14:35:38-05:00

absolutely, that's a big event in a young officers life.

Response by CPT Joseph White made Jan 12 at 2017 3:23 PM

2017-01-12T15:23:43-05:00

I certainly invited my family on that occasion.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2017 3:53 PM

2017-01-12T15:53:10-05:00

Just remember, CPT Private RallyPoint Member, once you make CPT you can start getting saluted by 2LTs... I'm sure CPT Private RallyPoint Member would agree! ;)

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2017 10:50 PM

2017-01-12T22:50:12-05:00

I would view Captain as worth it Sir. I've seen a few promotions, nothing too ceremonial but they were all Junior Enlisted as well.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2017 10:50 PM

2017-01-12T22:50:54-05:00

It is always a good idea to invite family to promotion ceremonies. These are the people that backed you up to this point and will continue to back you to the NEXT point. They deserve to see you promoted and participate in all your hard work and achievement. Don't leave them out. One day you will all be able to look back and remember when.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2017 12:20 AM

2017-01-13T00:20:35-05:00

enjoy yours and be proud I was in the inactive ready Reserve transferring from the Idaho National Guard the Army Reserve I was promoted while in limbo between both branches since I had a promotion delay letter. enjoy yours and be proud!

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Jan 13 at 2017 12:47 AM

2017-01-13T00:47:30-05:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Absolutely! COngratulations!

Response by SPC Dylan Gutmann made Jan 13 at 2017 2:35 AM

2017-01-13T02:35:48-05:00

Couldn't hurt to have the family there. I mean it's YOUR promotion why not share the achievement with Family and the ones who helped you get this far. Also I think I speak for all of us, congratulations on the promotion

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2017 4:02 AM

2017-01-13T04:02:22-05:00

Why would it not? Reserve and National Guard strive for equality to Active Duty but then revert back to the ideology that you are not. Yes, it's significant.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2017 6:57 AM

2017-01-13T06:57:04-05:00

It's what you make it. If you spend 20 years in the military and all the sacrifice, time and training... It's a big deal, take pictures, invite friends and celebrate.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2017 1:01 PM

2017-01-13T13:01:06-05:00

I say yes. Typically, on the officer side, we don't get as many promotions in our career like our enlisted counterparts. Cherish it.

Plus, O3 is huge! YOU'RE NO LONGER A LIEUTENANT! Congrats, Sir.

Response by MAJ Richard Cheek made Jan 13 at 2017 5:21 PM

2017-01-13T17:21:28-05:00

Well you won't see another one for 8 years I'd say yes.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2017 9:56 PM

2017-01-13T21:56:51-05:00

Yes

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2017 10:03 PM

2017-01-13T22:03:27-05:00

Yes. Any promotion or advancement is significant. It doesn't matter if you are an E1 going to E2 or a MG going to LTG. They are all significant. Each demonstrates a trust in you and your abilities. Each is a growth step. Each provides you the opportunity to mentor those who will eventually replace you.

I know I'm only a CPT, but the hardest promotion I had to take was from SSG to 2LT. Instead of doing, I was now planning, coordinating and crunching numbers. But, it was a significant promotion.

When I went from E1 (now known as "E-fuzzy") and was promoted to PV2, that was significant. Although I was still a private, I was expected to know more than a new recruit just arriving at the duty station.

My point is, each promotion or advancement is significant. Your family should be involved.

Response by SFC Domingo M. made Jan 14 at 2017 1:59 PM

2017-01-14T13:59:58-05:00

Take it from an enlisted man, yes, you should share this with your family for the responsibility and authority level is much different. They deserve to share and show their pride.

Response by CPT Peter Piergiovanni made Jan 14 at 2017 9:31 PM

2017-01-14T21:31:14-05:00

I had family at the change of command ceremony when I took command of my Company in the Army National Guard and my commissioning. So, it seems appropriate.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Jan 15 at 2017 11:45 AM

2017-01-15T11:45:28-05:00

I make sure when we promote some one- ANYONE that their family is invited. Now when I made Captain the vice walked in during roll call read the news and left. You earned it, but in my opinion so did your family. They are your support system and we are only as strong as our support system. Congrats on your next step.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2017 6:06 PM

2017-01-15T18:06:21-05:00

YES, every promotion is significant enough to invite family. That is a time that the Army finds you worthy of the next rank (unless you plan on making CPT twice). My wife pinned every NCO rank on me to include my diamond and I hold it as a since of pride that she was able to do so. Why would you not want to share that and reaffirming your oath of office with your family.

Response by CH (CPT)(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2017 3:54 PM

2017-01-16T15:54:18-05:00

Any promotion in the Army is important enough to invite family to. Whether the cost /value to attend is up to the individual family.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2017 8:04 PM

2017-01-16T20:04:36-05:00

Yes, absolutely.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2017 4:36 PM

2017-01-19T16:36:40-05:00

Any promotion is worthy of family and friends whether it's RA or Reserves. Especially for CPT and higher as your OERs are now scrutinized before a board before receiving promotion orders. Have fun you earned it!

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Jan 19 at 2017 10:38 PM

2017-01-19T22:38:00-05:00

It's the first rank you "earn" as an Officer. I had my wife to be and my parents at mine.

Response by CPT W Neeley made Jan 21 at 2017 8:26 AM

2017-01-21T08:26:58-05:00

Invite who you wish. Any accomplishment is praise worthy! Congrats and good luck

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2017 3:25 PM

2017-01-23T15:25:24-05:00

Yes, invite any family and friends that you want to share this with. Promotions do not come every year or two and your next promotion won't be for another 5-7 years. This is a time for them to share with you all that you have worked for in the USAR.

Response by MAJ James Goldberg made Jan 24 at 2017 10:34 AM

2017-01-24T10:34:29-05:00

Hell, yes!

Response by MAJ Mark Morrissey made Jan 24 at 2017 11:25 AM

2017-01-24T11:25:21-05:00

Yes!!! It is the actual FIRST level of Command. I didn't have the opportunity to Command - I was a Bde In-House Recruiter,and too good at what I did; they wouldn't let me take Command of one of the two available Commands because they didn't want to lose me as the guy that kept the unit afloat... So, yes - it is a VERY IMPORTANT step in your career - to be SHARED BY ALL!!!

RLTW, HOOAH!!!

Response by CPT Robert Boshears made Jan 24 at 2017 12:33 PM

2017-01-24T12:33:15-05:00

Any promotion is noteworthy. You earned it, be proud of it.

Response by CPT Tom Parr made Jan 27 at 2017 6:39 PM

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Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2017 11:18 AM

2017-01-30T11:18:27-05:00

If it's significant enough to you and your family then yes.....
If it's not significant enough to you and your family then no....

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Jan 31 at 2017 8:50 AM

2017-01-31T08:50:05-05:00

I would say any promotion is reason for family unless it is without formal recognition. My promotions were battle field based Vietnam.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2017 12:55 PM

2017-01-31T12:55:27-05:00

Yes.

Response by CPT Jenn Dory made Jan 31 at 2017 1:09 PM

2017-01-31T13:09:25-05:00

I think only you can determine if you would want your family and relatives to share in that accomplishment, but I would say that it is, irrespective of whether you're active duty, USAR, etc. I always wanted to do my promotions privately because I felt it was part of what I was expected to do -- that I was successfully executing the job/role I was assigned; however, a beloved 1SG reminded me that it wasn't for me at all. The ceremony is for the soldiers who had a hand in it, who helped make me successful, and it was an opportunity for them to celebrate our accomplishment as a group. Once I had that distinction, I took every promotion ceremony (mine or others) in a much bigger light.

My thought? Celebrate like you won the lottery. Invite people who matter to you, thank your soldiers for their part in getting you there, and be proud of yourself. It's NOT just another thing you're expected to do. It's a testament to your hard work, dedication, long hours, and mentoring and developing those under you to accomplish what you ask them to do, and in my opinion, that job is (or can be) that much harder in the reserves, where people aren't soldiers 24/7.

Congratulations!

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Feb 3 at 2017 2:22 AM

2017-02-03T02:22:46-05:00

Sp4 Byron Skinner The best place to get a promotion in rank was in a night Ladder where just comingboff our day mission, a sweep in the free fire zone were operation in. we where not staying in the Laudder that night was a few mortar rounds was not a chance but an sure thing. My Platoon Sgt. next words me. Then the next words out of his mouth was you have a night patrol will be and then unfolded (the old 8 fold was the SOP for maps then, out a map. We were to try a nail a couple important VC that cam out of Cambodia. I didn't even have time to think about becoming a Spc 4. The next morning when we came back we were greeted by our Platoon Leader and he addressed me a Sp4, and ask about what wet were suppose to, Mission Accomplished as I handed him a fe papers we took of the bodies. Not all the ceremony with family and dress uniforms but with you guys, they were happy for me. My celebration meal was a cold field ration breakfast, we got back about two hours after chow time. A brick if baked scrambled eggs, sages of unknown origin and two hour cold pancakes, the best breakfast I every had.

Response by PFC Francis Ramseyer made Feb 8 at 2017 9:53 AM

2017-02-08T09:53:24-05:00

Yes, definitely !

Response by LTC Seymour Vladimer made Feb 28 at 2017 4:37 PM

2017-02-28T16:37:21-05:00

Each and every promotion is an EVENT to be celebrated by and with family.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Apr 15 at 2017 6:31 AM

2017-04-15T06:31:23-04:00

Should be a very proud moment in that individual career to have family present to share in the accomplishment.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2017 6:35 AM

2017-04-15T06:35:33-04:00

Absolutely! I believe any promotion is worth inviting family, especially to CPT. Be proud of your accomplishment and let your family take part in as many Army traditions as possible. My family has not made it to any of mine due to circumstances but I have always wanted to include them. It's a great opportunity to thank the ones who have stood by your side along the way.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2017 8:46 AM

2017-04-15T08:46:31-04:00

Promotion from PVT to PV2 is significant enough. so yes.

Response by Maj William W. 'Bill' Price made Apr 15 at 2017 9:37 AM

2017-04-15T09:37:09-04:00

Judging by the length of time since your initial post, CPT Private RallyPoint Member, I hope promotion day has come and gone and that your family was at your side. God bless you in the service of our Armed Forces. Happy Easter.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Apr 15 at 2017 9:52 AM

2017-04-15T09:52:29-04:00

Any promotion is cause for celebration.

Response by SSG Jim Parshall made Apr 15 at 2017 10:59 AM

2017-04-15T10:59:38-04:00

Sir, first of all, congratulations on the promotion. HOOAH

When I was told I was to be promoted from SPC to SGT in the USAR, I called my parents to see if they could attend the ceremony. They did, and Dad (retired USAF Col.) and our CSM pinned me. Dad glanced over to the CSM with a cat ate the canary look, got 'the nod', and proceeded to give one good pound on the pin. The formation laughed while Dad and the CSM just smiled. Mom was proudly looking on.

Went home after Drill to tell me wife.

Therein squats the toad. I never thought to call her. Dad, and Mom (by her many years supporting Dad's career, both stateside and while he was serving in SEA) both were part of a military family. My wife did not grow up with the military.

I messed up that day by not inviting her.

When I was promoted to SSG, I had no advance notice at all. I was standing guard at a meeting, checking names (if not on the list, not granted entrance). Our BG presented himself for admittance, not on the list. He smiled and effectively asked who was the signatory officer for the list (he was). The XO (was on the list) gently smiled and I admitted them both.

About 45 minutes later, one of the COLs who I had known for ages came out, posted a CPT to relieve me, directed me to stand at the back of the room. He stood next to me.

"Attention to orders, persons to be promoted, POST". Pavlovian response, I locked up before the word "orders" were finished. The COL nudge me and told me to "post".

The one star I had denied entrance pinned me and said something about the situation earlier.

I left the reserves as an SSG, never had the chance to ask my wife to attend again. My loss.

Sir, invite your family whenever you can.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Apr 15 at 2017 8:43 PM

2017-04-15T20:43:13-04:00

Absolutely. Although we within the service sometimes become somewhat jaded about such things, you'll be surprised by your families reaction, then perhaps you will realize it really is a big deal!

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 15 at 2017 8:49 PM

2017-04-15T20:49:23-04:00

Yes!!!! All promotions are significant. CPT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 15 at 2017 9:47 PM

2017-04-15T21:47:01-04:00

Why not?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2017 3:14 PM

2017-07-23T15:14:42-04:00

YES!!! every promotion is something to celebrate and respect!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2017 8:23 PM

2017-07-25T20:23:09-04:00

I went from civ (former USMC E-5) to Capt. in one go and only my wife came.

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Oct 16 at 2017 9:17 AM

2017-10-16T09:17:45-04:00

Promotions in military service is as significant as earning an award; every promotion of mine included important guides, mentors and coaches in my 'Rise to Fame'. My promotion from 1LT to CPT was done by a MAJ, whom I had a special respect for and with whom I would gladly go to war; a professional leader. My Command was my family and the Army was our backbone.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Nov 3 at 2017 10:38 AM

2017-11-03T10:38:36-04:00

I've seen family attend for a guy getting his "mosquito wings", so I'd have to answer in the affirmative.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Nov 3 at 2017 10:41 AM

2017-11-03T10:41:06-04:00

Yes, any level of rank is significant it means a lot.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Nov 3 at 2017 10:54 AM

2017-11-03T10:54:27-04:00

Don't forget your military family to include those you work with if they haven't been invited already. When someone is promoted its a time to show Appreciation, Congratulations, Adulation , Felicitation and any other "tion's" you can think of. Your co-workers will want to pat you on the back as well.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Nov 3 at 2017 10:57 AM

2017-11-03T10:57:22-04:00

Congratulations Sir on your promotion!

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Nov 3 at 2017 11:01 AM

2017-11-03T11:01:39-04:00

Yes, How many times in your career will you be promoted? It never hurts to invite those close to you and if they are too busy they might not be able to attend this one or the next one, and that is going to be a couple years from now? Give those close to you the chance to tell you how proud they are of you. You might better understand when you are a parent but no one is going to have a problem being invited to this big day in your career.

Response by LTC James McElreath made Jun 21 at 2018 7:49 PM

2018-06-21T19:49:37-04:00

Yes, tell everyone, you earned the recognition.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2018 11:48 AM

2018-11-27T11:48:38-05:00

Any and all promotions deserve family attendance. They are a big part of the Team as well.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2018 1:32 PM

2018-11-27T13:32:09-05:00

I may be a little biased and going against the grain here, but I believe that up to a certain point promotions are mundane and virtually meaningless. Let me explain, while every achievement should be celebrated, the first couple promotions are not that special since you didn't really have to compete for them. This might be different for officers, but on the enlisted side I didn't invite family to promotions until I became an NCO, and then again when I hit career status. Think about it, for enlisted there are three promotions in the first two years, let those be with coworkers and friends. If you have a spouse and/or children I would invite them, but the majority of servicemembers in the lower ranks are single so their family lives a decent distance from them.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2018 3:40 PM

2018-11-27T15:40:42-05:00

I would invite family. All promotions are significant. I definitely would increase the participation is such an event if persons like the 38th Chief of Staff of the Army GEN Ramond T. Odierno was attending...

Response by SGT Richard H. made Nov 27 at 2018 4:34 PM

2018-11-27T16:34:19-05:00

You're moving to a rank where you can now triple the amount of lives you're in charge of. I'd say that's significant.

Response by 1SG Tom Conner made Nov 27 at 2018 5:06 PM

2018-11-27T17:06:46-05:00

My promotion to Master Sergeant came through when our Major Command CG was on station. My entire chain of command: MACOM, Brigade, Battalion, Company, Platoon was there. My daughter helped the Major General pin on my rank.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2018 11:33 PM

2018-11-27T23:33:30-05:00

Well, if we don't invite families to promotions when they happen in a manner that makes it possible for them to attend, we may as well just cease to form FRG committees, marriage counseling, worrying about the spiritual realm of the whole soldier, and referring to ourselves as an Army family altogether.

They make sacrifices that contribute to those promotions. They deserve to be there to see the investment bear fruit.

Response by Cpl Clinton Britt made Nov 28 at 2018 10:52 AM

2018-11-28T10:52:26-05:00

Any achievement is an honor and should be witnessed. Just my humble opinion

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2018 12:19 PM

2018-11-28T12:19:30-05:00

I did not have a ceremony to Captain but I did invite my family for promotion to Major and to Lieutenant Colonel. I was in the inactive ready Reserve when I took my promotion to Captain. I have been selected to captain in 2003 but I did not take it until the spring of 2006. I was in two different mobilizations that I was not in a captain slot. Neither unit would promote me one rank over. Either way, I didn't get passed over. All it was was an email from HRC announcing I was now promoted. In my opinion, invite the family. It's more for the family. Don't throw away the opportunity! Not everybody makes it to Captain! Or the enlisted, it doesn't matter what rank of Sergeant you make, invite the family! It is an accomplishment no matter what!

Response by MAJ John Collins made Nov 28 at 2018 10:31 PM

2018-11-28T22:31:10-05:00

All promotions are significant!! Families support each other. I invited my family when I was commissioned from Sergeant First class to Second Lieutenant. Because that is the way we roll. I wish my Dad was alive when I was promoted to Major!!

Response by MAJ Rene De La Rosa made Nov 28 at 2018 10:52 PM

2018-11-28T22:52:46-05:00

Of course. This is a family event that will make all involved proud.

Response by SGT Philip Keys made Nov 29 at 2018 4:50 PM

2018-11-29T16:50:19-05:00

When I was promoted to SGT my Grand Parents drove to the promotion. My Grandfather was a WWII veteran that fought at the Battle of the Bulge. After he helped the Col put my stripes on everyone just talked with him. His stories even impressed the old Vietnam Vets we had. I was so proud to be the grandson of such a great man. Seeing my Grandparents was better than the new stripes.

Response by COL Rich McKinney made Nov 29 at 2018 4:58 PM

2018-11-29T16:58:38-05:00

Promotion from 2LT to 1LT was in the field. The Bn Commander used a black magic marker to paint my bars black.

Response by CPT Jeff Robinette made Nov 29 at 2018 9:41 PM

2018-11-29T21:41:44-05:00

I lead a bus trip or two for the MCL deatchment here in town every year. I am an Associate member of this detachment. A few years back in lead one to the National Museum of the Marine Corps at Quantico VA. As several of us were leaving the museum Atrium we inadvertly walked into a Promotion Ceremony. A Marine CPT was being promoted to MAJ. I recognized what what happening and stopped our group. The Major showed a great amount of class he greeted us several of our group congratulated him.

Just my opinion but if your promotion is in a public venue anyone can be there.

Response by SGM Gregory Tarancon IV made Nov 29 at 2018 10:02 PM

2018-11-29T22:02:12-05:00

Of course it is, sir! Your family will be very proud!

Response by PO3 Art Bralick made Feb 6 at 2019 10:24 AM

2019-02-06T10:24:29-05:00

Absolutely.