PCS/ETS gift

It's interesting that we only address this for Officers and NCOs.  When I was a Squad Leader in Germany, every soldier who PCS'd/ETS'd from our Squad received a gift.  We'd just pass the hat.  It was generally something small, practical, and always engraved.  Steins, flasks, knives, solid brass Zippos, etc.  I'm sure some sensitive types will be disturbed that the gifts were usually alcohol or tobacco related.  But they can pound sand.

In my experience, we (the royal we - anybody who wanted to contribute) pitched in and purchased a plague for the departing member. It has become fashionable in the seagoing services to present an ornamental boat oar which typically cost between $50 and $100. Getting folks onboard for a couple of dollars each usually isn't difficult.

Been a part of a couple of different types of programs for "departure gifts"' have done the monthly voluntary donation thing as well as the pass the hat type. Depends on the unit and the individuals involved as to how well each works. I have always felt, since I was a young NCO, that a valued member of the unit, that has done a good job while assigned there, should never leave empty handed. I have had the displeasure of this happening to me personally as a member of the cadre at the NCO Academy at Ft. Stewart; we had a monthly fund that I paid into religously for the first 18 months I was there, it was enough to "buy" my gift, an engraved saber with a nice wooden mounting plaque. But after 2 turnovers of the person in charge of the funds, we were suddenly at a zero balance and unless I contributed again, I would leave empty handed; I did not contribute from that point forward and left empty handed after 2 1/2 years as an SGL and Sr SGL. Even was called into the 1SG's office and was told it could affect my NCOER in loyalty or some ridiculous manner because I "wasn't supporting the unit"; I respectfully informed the 1SG that I had fully supported the fund and had purchased my gift 2 times over and now was being told that oh well; I also informed him, again respectfully, that if there was any hint of this on my NCOER we would be having a discussion with IG. The matter was dropped, and 2 months later when I "PCS'd" back to a line unit on Ft. Stewart, I did so empty handed. I made it a point from then on that noone under my supervision/leadership would ever leave without a token of esteem/appreciation from the unit(PLT/section, etc.) and this continued until I retired last Oct.

If they have to purchase their own, it isn't a 'gift', it's a 'purchase'.

Air Cav Troops are relatively small. Our fridge fund was the major money maker for end of tour awards. Everyone got the same from the Troop, regardless of rank. The Officer Corps and NCO Corps took care of their own within the Squadron. We all put in $5 a month to take care of the bulk of the cost. The command group got 1911's with our unit signature unit hand guards. Air Cav!

If the individual has positively impacted the unit and showed some good leadership skills , then he/she better be getting something lol. Its always a nice feeling when you're recognized for job well done.

That is what the cup and flower fund is used for.  Although, this is not the case.  I have been in a unit where the outgoing CSM was given gifts from each section, the command group and then individuals.  The correct answer is ask JAG.  Each unit is different.

I am retired but have to chime in on this, I have a desk and corner of the room filled with plaques, banners and pictures of my time in, even if it was only 3 months at a post that was closing, there are also a lot of framed certificates and plaques that my wife received. It makes for lots of memories. I at one time did tell the NCOIC of my shop that I was not interested in a painting for a farewell gift, as that was the traditional farewell gift, I had picked up many of them for previous outgoing soldiers. Anyways any unit that I had been in and when a soldier was leaving regardless of his rank received a gift of some sort, the only ones that didn't were those that were being kicked out, Take care of the soldiers and they will take care of you, it is a rather small world and you will see them again sooner than you thought

In my company all soldiers leaving receive the same farewell gift regardless of rank, which is presented to the soldier from the company, if the section or team the soldier is assigned to wants to get together and purchase a different plaque as well they have all the freedom to do so. The only exception was the company commander who received a large framed guidon. We utilize our "cup and flower" fund to purchase them.