Should I have a big promotion ceremony for SFC and how would that look?

SFC Steven Rollison — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 16:55:58 -0500

I'm getting promoted to SFC coming up in March and I'm looking for advice as to whether I should try and have a big ceremony where we cater food and all that or just a simple ceremony for family and friends to attend and not serve food to a unit of people who may or may not even know who I am.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2025 5:02 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:02:59 -0500

Coin toss, really. Attainment of SFC is no small feat. If you're more inclined, have the smaller ceremony with the unit and have your family pin you then if you're so inclined, have a small celebratory gathering at another location where people are invited to share in food, drink and story.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2025 5:03 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:03:30 -0500

And congratulations on your attainment of SFC.

Response by SGM Jeff Mccloud made Feb 24 at 2025 5:10 PM

SGM Jeff Mccloud — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:10:34 -0500

First and foremost, if you are married ask your spouse for input.

Maybe a ceremony at your unit, with family and friends invited and short reception, followed by a separate lunch at another location, immediately following, where you have more time to catch up with those family and friends (including some close Army friends).

This is the idea my wife came up with that I never would have thought up on my own.

Response by MSG William Wold made Feb 24 at 2025 6:25 PM

MSG William Wold — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 18:25:09 -0500

At the time, I had left active duty and was in the National Guard. I personally was pinned in the Commanders office SFC. No formation, nothing. Same as my MSGT. No fanfare, nothing, not even recognition in front of the troops. It just happened because of 9/11 happened. Unit was activated, I was held back from deployment to be rear acting 1st sgt. At that time I was already waiving some VA disability at 30%, and the doctor suggested a sleep study in which they issued me a CPAP machine. When the unit returned, I was boarded and retired out being non deployable.

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Feb 25 at 2025 6:27 AM

CSM Chuck Stafford — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 06:27:57 -0500

Great comments in the forum already - my only question -> is this the endgame or just the next step on the journey; expectation management for bigger parties for MSG and SGM. Congratulations and do great things for our Army.

Response by Sgt Archie Horton made Feb 25 at 2025 2:53 PM

Sgt Archie Horton — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 14:53:15 -0500

Honestly, I've seen both big and small ceremonies. If you're tight with your unit and think they'd genuinely want to celebrate with you, then go for the bigger bash. But if you're not super close, a smaller thing with family and friends might be more meaningful. Either way, it's about what feels right for you.

Response by SGT Carl Blas made Feb 25 at 2025 5:15 PM

SGT Carl Blas — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 17:15:33 -0500

First off, Congratulations on your promotion.

Go for the gusto, a once in a life time memory, for you, family and friends. The celobration is not only for you, but also for those that are proud of your achevment.

My son just got his E-7 in 2024, there was a just family, as well as for all of his shipmates and firends.
On island, it's our trudisition to give leis, as to show the receiver our welcome and frendship. See photo

"All the way, Sargent" "SALUTE"

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Feb 26 at 2025 9:03 AM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 09:03:15 -0500

4th Fighter Wing does this, Promotion list for NCOs comes out, Promotion party at NCO club following Friday with oversize plastic tripes for new rank on sleeves. A good time is had by all, and AADD volunteers standing by to get them safely to their quarters after the party. I think it is kewl.

Response by MAJ Micah M. made Feb 27 at 2025 8:58 AM

MAJ Micah M. — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 08:58:44 -0500

Congratulations. I always advocate for ceremonies/celebrations. It's about the people who have been there and want to be there to support you and celebrate you. Allow them to show their support. Please don't feel obligated to host something, but don't discount how much it means to them to be able to.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 27 at 2025 11:20 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 11:20:21 -0500

People are all over the bell curve on this one. I found promotions humbling, hence didn't want to make a fuss of it... until my "buddies" demanded a Wetting Down. Then they demanded the promotion be in front of as many they could bribe with an open bar... one me. We all have our albatrosses.