Leadership Symbolism- Proud Traditions or Forgotten Folklore?

GySgt John O'Donnell — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 22:43:08 -0400

In the Marine Corps there is a strong sense of pride when promoted to the rank of Corporal (Non-Commissioned Officer/NCO). Not only are you gaining more rank/pay, but the expectations of leadership as the "Backbone of the Corps" is also greatly increased. Symbolism of the increased expectation and responsibility is represented in the Corporal (and above) wearing the red stripe/"blood-stripe" on his/her trousers and the ability to carry the Non-Commissioned Officer Sword.
In the past I've heard stories of other services NCO traditions (i.e. Vietnam Era, WWII), and I know there are leadership traditions in other services for the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO), but I am unaware of such traditions "today" for other service NCO ranks that are commensurate to the Marine Corps.
Our young leaders in all services are the foundation of our Armed Forces, and I look forward to hearing how this "foundation" is set for our sister services.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 25 at 2015 11:06 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 23:06:22 -0400

IN today's PC military I wonder how many traditions have been done away with for fear of offending a small percentage of the troops....

Response by CPL Richard Flagg made Aug 26 at 2015 12:27 AM

CPL Richard Flagg — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 00:27:19 -0400

SSG Robinson, this whole PC movement just astounds me; I mean the military's number one job in wartime is to kill the enemy not be some Seasame Street playground where no one gets hurt or offended. Shit back when I was in PC stood for Patrol Cap nothing less nothing more.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 12:51 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 00:51:27 -0400

Being in the Reserve components for my career I really haven't seen any tradition regarding leadership, at least not any practiced in the units I've been in. I was even surprised that most NCOs I've served with have never heard of an Induction Ceremony either. I remember during an assignment with another Reserve MSU at Camp Shelby in 2012, that it took an active duty 1SG to initiate this among an entire unit with many NCOs, SGT to even SFC, that had never been formally inducted into the NCO Corps. I remember reading about this in literature and manuals, but I've never seen one done and this would be the first and only one I've seen to date.

I do see promotions to NCO ranks happen with some recognition, but my experience has been that it's not so significant as it should be. There may be a formation, the rank is put on, some words are said or an applause but not much more. It almost seems there is no transition when the unit resumes the daily business and that promotion is more about pay than assigning additional responsibilities that commensurate the rank they earned. That's what is missing. Really acknowledging that someone has made it and distinguished themselves above others to begin leading the way. What goes along with that is holding them to higher standards than just plain Joe, which I don't see enough of today either.

Most recent example of how leadership tradition in Reserve units is disappearing? I made to SFC. The unit leadership didn't think it was necessary to let COL/CSM know someone made it to a senior rank. It was treated with same enthusiasm as a PFC making SPC.

Response by MSgt Steve Miller made Aug 26 at 2015 1:43 AM

MSgt Steve Miller — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 01:43:11 -0400

I've been retired for 15 years, but I wish a person luck wiping that blood strip off a Marine!!! It is in fact an important tradition, and a stepping stone in leadership. Simper Fi!!!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 2:50 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 02:50:41 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member makes a valid point. GySgt John O'Donnell , do you think that when a Marine picks up Corporal he/she should have to recite the NCO creed the same way SNCOs need to swear in?

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Aug 26 at 2015 6:22 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 06:22:45 -0400

I think these traditions matter at least in the Marine Corps. I still have my NCO sword hanging on my wall today. My son was recently promoted to Sergeant in the Marine Corps and it was done with some fanfare at a formation with warrants being read, stripes being pinned on etc. It was true when he picked up Corporal too. Both he and I took a Corporals course some 30 years apart. The course material was pretty similar. Continuity from generation to generation is important. Understanding the history and traditions is important.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Aug 26 at 2015 10:59 AM

SSG Warren Swan — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 10:59:21 -0400

I can only speak for my time in, but the moment you made CPL or SGT, you were treated differently and expected to perform as a NCO. You were taken to the NCO indoc ceremony where the Creed was displayed and you had to recite it in front of your NCO peers and superiors. You also said the charge and signed it acknowledging your role in maintaining the Corps and the standards inherent with that role. Times have changed and before I retired Indoc wasn't happening as often as it was due to OPTEMPO and mission needs, but it still happened.

Response by SSgt Donnavon Smith made Aug 26 at 2015 12:18 PM

SSgt Donnavon Smith — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 12:18:26 -0400

You are not an NCO until E-5 in the AF, but my first day as an E-5 was no different than my last day as an E-4 except for the fact I now had a Tan sticker on my car instead of a red one

Response by TSgt Terry Hudson made Sep 21 at 2015 12:13 PM

TSgt Terry Hudson — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 12:13:12 -0400

Today's Air Force is to touchy freely.