Posted on May 6, 2017
As a MSG, is it a good idea to contact my son's 1SG at BCT to let them know I'm coming to the graduation?
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Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 33
Posted 7 y ago
They typically ask the trainees if any family coming are military. I wouldn't specifically reach out as there really is no purpose, but your son can inform them when asked. I had told my son to keep his mouth shut throughout training until they asked as the cadre planned for graduation.
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MSG (Join to see)
7 y
I gave him the same advice. No reason for the special attention. This was just a suggestion to me as I am a newly promoted 8.
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SGM Mike Barbieri
7 y
MSG (Join to see) - Congratulations on your promotion and to your son upon his graduation. Tell him thanks for stepping up.
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MSG Robert Greco
7 y
I was in HS when I went to Boot Camp and a dependant to a E7. Dad said to keep that to myself.
Then one day someone had money stolen. Being it was required to keep track of our cash by SN. D/S checked everyone's SN's. That's when he saw my dependant ID card, I couldn't move fast enough to hide it.
D/S Carter took my wallet, pulled out said ID and asked "WTF is this!?" Which I replied "D/S, your married, you know what that ID card is."
He handed me back my wallet, without checking my SN's. So, I asked "D/S. But, you didn't check my SN's?" He replied "If I can't trust the Son of an E7, then who the Hell can I trust?" And he just walked away.
As for as I know, D/S Carter didn't tell the other D/S's, keeping my secret. I've been retired for 6yrs now (E8) and still reflect back on the Boot Camp and how it changed me, made me, always remembering D/S Carter.
Then one day someone had money stolen. Being it was required to keep track of our cash by SN. D/S checked everyone's SN's. That's when he saw my dependant ID card, I couldn't move fast enough to hide it.
D/S Carter took my wallet, pulled out said ID and asked "WTF is this!?" Which I replied "D/S, your married, you know what that ID card is."
He handed me back my wallet, without checking my SN's. So, I asked "D/S. But, you didn't check my SN's?" He replied "If I can't trust the Son of an E7, then who the Hell can I trust?" And he just walked away.
As for as I know, D/S Carter didn't tell the other D/S's, keeping my secret. I've been retired for 6yrs now (E8) and still reflect back on the Boot Camp and how it changed me, made me, always remembering D/S Carter.
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MSG Dennis Lane
7 y
As a private, I followed the concept of keep your head down and do as you're told. That worked. As a Drill Sergeant, I always welcomed the Dads, regardless of their experience, and I would think your son's drill sergeant would feel the same. That your rank is higher will probably not be a factor in your interaction, and I sincerely believe that the First Sergeant will welcome you as a colleague as well. No need for advance notice.
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Posted 7 y ago
When I was an SF instructor, We would only ask if family relatives of the rank of CSM or General officers were attending graduation. As an E-8, we're a dime a dozen.
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MSG Dan Castaneda
7 y
MSG (Join to see) - That's great man. I can't wait until the day I show up to my boys Q-course graduation. He's only 14 but already getting molded to be "Special." Congrats.
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Posted 7 y ago
As a USMC DI and Recruit Training Co 1st Sgt we always asked recruits if they had family in the military. Also any E-8 and above were given special seating at Graduation. If nothing else I think that any 1st Sgt would be pleased to know you were coming so he could display professional courtesy to you and your family.
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MSG (Join to see)
7 y
1stSgt Harless, with much respect, there are vast differences in the respect and protocol given to Marine Corps E-8's, compared to Army E-8's. An Army E-8, currently not wearing a diamond, receives similar customs and courtesies, as a Marine Corps Staff Sergeant would, at best.
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