Military Ring: commerative or tradition?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 17:22:04 -0500

I purchased my HS graduation ring for $385 from Jostens. It was stolen from me.
I purchased a cheap USMC military USMC ring and lost that as well?

Do you have your original military ring?

I just read it is a tradition that USMA graduates wear their military ring...that is pretty cool.

Do you think the military service should provide a retirement ring once retirement is accepted.

In short, I miss my rings, but one thing I have come to recognize is that I hate big gaudy rings. So not sure how much use it would get, replacing the ones I lost.

I would imagine the military ring is always allowed in uniform, one wedding ring and one military ring?

One last note: I've been told you should display your military ring in your DA photo...true, not true?

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2015 5:22 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 17:22:51 -0500

West Point USMA Ring...traditionally are worn.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2015 5:59 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 17:59:07 -0500

I have one - but the pic won't post.

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Jan 3 at 2015 7:24 PM

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 19:24:19 -0500

As a West Pointer, I wear it on my ring finger with my wedding ring, tradition for academy grads. We are also called ring knockers (will tell the story later). You get your ring the beginning of your firstie or senior year with the class crest closest to your heart. When you graduate you switch the ring so the school crest is closest to your heart.

Anyway the reason we wear wedding rings on the left ring finger is back in the day people believed the vein from that finger went to the heart so hence "wedding" ring. Academy grads wear it on there for generally the same purpose although not everyone does it. We we wear our rings in DA photos.

I would insure your ring if you get a new one. USAA has great rates and I think even if you lose it they will cover it. Having a ring is great since it reminds you of your service and also proudly display your affiliation with your high school, college, or military. It can be a great conversation starter! If you become a SGM, you can get a ring from the Academy.

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2015 9:01 PM

CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 21:01:51 -0500

I worked for two different Jostens Sales Reps prior to joining the Army. Jostens will replace lost or stolen rings for a deductible depending on the length of time post-purchase. They usually keep a record of purchase/design in the computer for about 10 years out. Paying the deductible beats paying for a whole new ring.

You may try contacting the company and seeing if they have a record/print of the specific ring you ordered and if you can get it remade.

Good luck!

Response by TSgt Jackie Jones made Jan 4 at 2015 10:02 AM

TSgt Jackie Jones — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 10:02:17 -0500

I bought the cheaper silver ring when I was in boot camp in 1999. I just started wearing it last month. I forgot I had it tucked away. I was actually thinking of buying a newer, nicer one from Jostens! I am proud to be an AF Veteran, and the blue stone is really pretty! Lol. Thanks for making us think.

Response by SFC James Verdejo made Jan 4 at 2015 11:38 AM

SFC James Verdejo — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 11:38:48 -0500

Actually I have 3, one for each deployment. I rotate wearing them but the one I wear the most is from my 2011 deployment because that one represents when we closed Iraq.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Jan 4 at 2015 12:23 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 12:23:14 -0500

I got done with high school and have not worn that one since..... have never really felt compelled to get a military ring.... I don't really wear jewelry.... wedding band, yes. Dog tags, yes. other chains/necklace, nope. additional rings, nope. I have had a pierced ear back in the 1980's when it was the thing to do....holes are still open even after not having worn an ear-ring in over 16 years. my watch is a simple black plastic band digital watch....

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2015 12:43 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 12:43:13 -0500

I believe it is up to the person!!..I wear mine from time to time...Its just like our shadow boxes ..I feel the they are a reminder

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2015 1:48 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 13:48:29 -0500

When graduated, I got my HS ring; it's in a box in my nightstand.
When I qualified Submarines, I got a Silver Dolphins ring; it's in a box in my nightstand.
When I was initiated into Sigma Pi, I got a Fraternity ring; it's in a box in my nightstand.
When I graduated with my first BA, I got my college ring; it's in a box in my nightstand.

I think there's a pattern there...

Maybe when I rejoin the service by the end of the year, I'll wear my college or Fraternity ring on my right hand and my wedding ring on the left. The reg still allows 2 rings, right?