What is the "typical" promotion ceremony for a SFC/Senior NCO?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 23:11:31 -0500

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2016 11:29 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 23:29:55 -0500

I have seen everything from the over the top cheesy formal ceremony complete with lengthy recitations of the NCO Creed with cake and punch, to seeing an E-6 being tossed E-7 rank while on a detail and being told by the ISG that he was no longer part of the detail, he was now in charge of it.

I suppose the "standard" would be a traditional promotion ceremony in front of a battalion. Orders will be read by the Adjutant, and the BC and CSM strip your E-6 rank off with a person of your choosing pinning your E-7 rank on.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2016 9:02 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 09:02:48 -0500

Unfortunately my unit was lame and did nothing for me and another that got picked up for E7.

Response by SFC Abram Barnes made Dec 8 at 2016 5:23 AM

SFC Abram Barnes — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 05:23:09 -0500

There isn't any. Only the records any picture go
before a board consisting of Senior NCOs.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Dec 8 at 2016 8:51 AM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 08:51:58 -0500

Depends on the unit leaderships, if you have a strong CSM he has a nice NCO promotion for all NCOs in your unit. Maybe ask local SAMC maybe they do something on the base, you never know. Re-reading the creed is a nice thing and presenting it in a really nice frame signed by all the seniors is nice as well. many things, nice your looking out for your soldiers NCOs brother.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2016 10:57 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Dec 2016 22:57:14 -0500

I made the list and was deployed two weeks later. Found out over SATCOM traffic another three or four weeks after the fact that I was promoted. No ceremony, didn't miss it.

Response by CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) made Nov 10 at 2017 6:37 PM

CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 18:37:48 -0500

LOL. I didn't have one. I was asked what I wanted, I said minimal fluff. I got pinned in a platoon formation by a buddy of mine. Maybe it was a company formation... It was in 1988. There should be more fanfare, pomp and ceremony as it is important - it should at least be offered with alternatives because not everyone wants that, but you shouldn't have to ask for a big promotion ceremony. You should have to ask for something less but some commanders won't give you the option.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2018 11:15 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 11:15:56 -0500

I have been in different commands where one unit will require a big ceremony with as much of the unit in attendance as possible, to include senior leadership. I have also been in units where they do it at first formation and move forward with the days mission. I think there is a fine line to walk. If you have the time and the ability a ceremony isn't the worst thing, but if it comes at the cost of the mission because someone wants to make a speech so they feel important (looking at certain CSMs) then lets move on.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Sep 16 at 2018 11:18 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 23:18:59 -0400

A division parade would be suitable for E-9s.