Posted on May 13, 2014
GySgt (Other / Not listed)
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I saw a post of somebody getting promoted and saw a few things that the Corps would never allow and that interested me in asking how you were promoted or how your branch of service conducts promotion ceremonies.

For Marines, promotion to Sergeant and below typically have the entire platoon and sometimes company formed up to promote the Marine (even if it's to PFC). These Marines typically do not get any say in how they want to be promoted. SNCO's (Staff Sergeants and above) and Officers typically get promoted with just SNCO's and Officers but this varies and many times it's up to the SNCO/Officer what they want, and Ive seen them be very seclusive especially for more senior ranks.

Our rank insignias are made of metal and we wear one on each collar. Marines are typically given the options of selecting up to two individuals to pin them on. Your'e not suppose to smash the spikes (hazing) of the rank into the collars of the newly promoted Marines, but it's a very common practice.

I was always told (by tradition) that the rank should not be readjusted to conform to Marine Corps orders until the following day and that if it's tacked on crooked, it remains that way until tomorrow.

Wet downs anybody? Promoted in combat? Ive been around a few promotion ceremonies involving other branches of service and even had the honor of promoting an Airman. Some have velcro patches, sewn on patches, some type of sleeve that's fixed to the chest, etc... Some do it outside, some inside. Some need flags posted and there are ceremonial things that are required. Tell me!
Posted in these groups: Star Promotions72918f9c PromotableAfp getty 511269685 Ceremony
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SGT(P) Delivery Driver
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Edited 10 y ago
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My promotion to SPC and SGT were in front of a unit formation and I was pinned (SPC) and velcroed (SGT) by the commander.
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MSG Visual Information Operations Chief
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This is how my SGT promotion was like downrange. My SSG promotion I had my wife pin me.
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GySgt (Other / Not listed)
GySgt (Join to see)
10 y
Looks fun but that could never happen in the Corps, too many old Marines would die by heart attack lol
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Col Regional Director, Whem/Ssa And Congressional Liaison
Col (Join to see)
10 y
Very true SSgt Fair, and if you'd like to take the culture shock up a notch-or-two, just try attending a U.S. Air Force awards ceremony. lol
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LTC Operations Officer (Opso)
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As a company commander I hold formation and do all my promotions in formation then put the company at ease and we give them round of applause. The platoons then congratulate that individual when 1SG turns it over to the PSGs. When I was in a brigade headquarters as the HHC Commander I pinned E6 and below and the CG pinned E7 and above. I personally was told to just pin myself when I got promoted to 1LT. I was pinned in Afghanistan in a formation. The only downside of that was I was in the TOC and my Soldiers could not come as they were working. I wanted it in the TOC as those were my Soldiers and I wanted to share it with them, but I was instructed by the G1 otherwise.

I think if they have any special requests they should be given that option if reasonable as many get to do that for their reenlistments.
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