Posted on May 24, 2016
Receiving my direct commission as a civilian (14+ yrs prior service w/ 2 yr break), is it still appropriate to do the "silver dollar salute"?
26.1K
116
46
7
7
0
I'm about to be direct commissioned into the Army's Medical Service Corps. I have more than 14 yrs of prior service, but I took a 2 yr break to finish the courses I needed to apply to the program. I've always liked the tradition of the "silver dollar salute" and I would like to my brother to be on the other end of the salute,however, I'll be in civies so is it still appropriate to render a salute?
Direct Commission
Prior Service
Customs and Courtesies
2LT
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 26
2
2
0
2
2
0
Yes sir! You are going to make someone feel pretty special when you choose them as your first!
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
Why wont you be in a uniform? Considering this is your commissioning moment.
(2)
(0)
CPT (Join to see)
At some point I know I'll have suck it up and buy my uniforms. Maybe I'll go ahead and do it prior to the ceremony. I still have my ASU's from my enlisted days, but they would need to be converted and let's just say they are a little sing these days.
(1)
(0)
CPT Joseph K Murdock
It would be awkward commissioning you without your uniform. Who will salute you in civies?
(0)
(0)
COL (Join to see)
CPT (Join to see) - Buy another set or convert your current set prior to the ceremony.
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
2
2
0
I just received a silver dollar from one of my NCOs that commissioned. Some of the enlisted that saluted were retired and in civilian clothes. Are you participating in a commissioning ceremony? If so, ask the SMI if it's appropriate. If you just want to give your brother the silver dollar, have your own ceremony with family.
(2)
(0)
COL (Join to see)
CSM (Join to see) - Photo of an Eisenhower Silver Dollar
The Army Officer's Guide, considered the standard for information concerning general officer knowledge and the Army's traditions, discusses the tradition as follows:
The "Silver Dollar" Salute. It is a tradition in our Army that newly commissioned second lieutenants present a silver dollar to the first enlisted Soldier who salutes them. The coin symbolically acknowledges the receipt of respect due the new rank and position. [p. 95, "Customs of the Service," Army Officer's Guide, 45th Edition, Lt. Col. Lawrence P. Crocker, U.S. Army (Retired), (Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, 1990).]
No one really knows the origins of the tradition, but the tradition dates back to the 19th century. Some hold that the tradition even comes from the British during the Colonial Period.
The coin dollar of old was either the gold or silver piece of currency at the time. After our coinage changed from silver in the 60's, the coin of choice became the Eisenhower Dollar. Though out of circulation, most new lieutenants prefer the "Ike dollar" because its large size makes it so profoundly and easily identifiable as a "silver dollar."
While non-silver Ike dollars are more readily available, please recognize that a pure traditionalist would select a pure Eisenhower silver dollar ... available at coin shops for about $12 to $15, American Silver Eagle dollar for about $20 or Morgan Silver Dollar for $20-$200
The Army Officer's Guide, considered the standard for information concerning general officer knowledge and the Army's traditions, discusses the tradition as follows:
The "Silver Dollar" Salute. It is a tradition in our Army that newly commissioned second lieutenants present a silver dollar to the first enlisted Soldier who salutes them. The coin symbolically acknowledges the receipt of respect due the new rank and position. [p. 95, "Customs of the Service," Army Officer's Guide, 45th Edition, Lt. Col. Lawrence P. Crocker, U.S. Army (Retired), (Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, 1990).]
No one really knows the origins of the tradition, but the tradition dates back to the 19th century. Some hold that the tradition even comes from the British during the Colonial Period.
The coin dollar of old was either the gold or silver piece of currency at the time. After our coinage changed from silver in the 60's, the coin of choice became the Eisenhower Dollar. Though out of circulation, most new lieutenants prefer the "Ike dollar" because its large size makes it so profoundly and easily identifiable as a "silver dollar."
While non-silver Ike dollars are more readily available, please recognize that a pure traditionalist would select a pure Eisenhower silver dollar ... available at coin shops for about $12 to $15, American Silver Eagle dollar for about $20 or Morgan Silver Dollar for $20-$200
(1)
(0)
CPT Joseph K Murdock
I highly recommend that you put on a uniform for this occasion. You will be commissioned in the US Army, not some civilian organization.
(1)
(0)
CSM (Join to see)
COL (Join to see) -
While no one knows for sure where this tradition originated, some suggest that it was passed on from British regiments garrisoned in the US during the colonial era. As the story goes, some of their traditions and customs were passed on to newly formed American units. New officers were assigned an enlisted advisor who showed them the ropes, taught them the regimental history as well as the ins and outs of the military profession. Lieutenants compensated their enlisted advisor with a small sum of money.
American second Lieutenants, in 1816, received $25 monthly base pay, a ration allowance of $3, and an allowance of $1 for their enlisted advisor. While the advisor's pay was eventually discontinued, the responsibility for mentoring the newly commissioned officer continued. This relationship is thought to be the basis for this tradition.
While no one knows for sure where this tradition originated, some suggest that it was passed on from British regiments garrisoned in the US during the colonial era. As the story goes, some of their traditions and customs were passed on to newly formed American units. New officers were assigned an enlisted advisor who showed them the ropes, taught them the regimental history as well as the ins and outs of the military profession. Lieutenants compensated their enlisted advisor with a small sum of money.
American second Lieutenants, in 1816, received $25 monthly base pay, a ration allowance of $3, and an allowance of $1 for their enlisted advisor. While the advisor's pay was eventually discontinued, the responsibility for mentoring the newly commissioned officer continued. This relationship is thought to be the basis for this tradition.
(2)
(0)
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google