Hail and Farewell Stupidity (At least in my opinion)

2015-12-08T08:41:27-05:00

So, here I am today looking at my emails and I get the Unit SOP for Hail and Farewells and calendar for those events. First I open the calendar with the names of personnel for the next event and I see someone missing (SPC), so at first I think that it was just a oversight in the S1 part. Then, I open the SOP and realized that someone decided that the only personnel that will get H+F in this unit are SM in the grade of E7 and above. Immediately after I went to my 1SG and voiced my concern regarding this, to me at least it tells junior enlisted and junior NCO's that your contribution does not really matter and you do not deserve to be welcomed or waved goodbye. This is a pretty small unit, in my last unit as a AIT PSG there were times that I had more Soldiers than this whole company. So, the reason for my rant, is that I would like for someone maybe in command or higher rank than me explain why would someone would make a decision like this. This unit is pretty top heavy, so by adding a few PFC's or SGT's would not extend the event that much more if that was their concern.

Response by SGT David T. made Dec 8 at 2015 8:48 AM

2015-12-08T08:48:50-05:00

Looks like elitism to me. Same way every E-7 and above gets a Bronze Star on deployment even if they were fobbits and spent more time getting out of work than doing any. I put one of my PFC's in for a Bronze Star during my last deployment, and look what do you know...downgraded lol. Admittedly, I did that on purpose with the hopes that if they gave it to him (he deserved it) great or if not he would at least get an ARCOM (which he did).

But as far as your specific situation, you could organize something on your own after duty hours.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 9:22 AM

2015-12-08T09:22:45-05:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member that's the way they do it here too, I thought it was a tradition within the Army.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Dec 8 at 2015 9:49 AM

2015-12-08T09:49:07-05:00

On active duty, I never went to H/F for junior enlisted. That being said, if they are a small part of a top heavy unit, they probably did all of the hard work and deserve recognition. I also know that units often give a gift to outgoing members who often pay for that in advance. That may be a reason to not combine events for junior and senior people.

Response by SSgt Thomas L. made Dec 8 at 2015 9:57 AM

2015-12-08T09:57:38-05:00

You were told flat out, in that many words that the contributions of E6 and below doesn't really matter? That's rather repulsive. I'd run that one up the flag pole until you reach someone in your chain who has some sense in their head.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 10:07 AM

2015-12-08T10:07:55-05:00

In my experience, Hail and Farewell's were only for PSG level and above. They usually consisted of going to a more pricey restaurant and had no childcare provided (because the events were planned out by single, brand new 2LT's).
Is this necessarily right? No, but the Hail and Farewell shouldn't be a symbol that the unit doesn't care about them. How comfortable would your Soldiers really feel hanging out with the Senior Leadership anyways?
Maybe you or task one of the Junior Soldiers to organize a Junior Hail and Farewell. It can be used as not only a celebration of their accomplishments, but as a teaching tool on how to organize an event or ceremony, especially if they plan to make this a career. You all could decide who is invited (Suggest that the BN Command Team is invited). This idea might become so successful that it could be implemented into your all calendar. Worst case scenario, nothing happens but it sounds like to me your Soldiers already know that their acomplishments matter to at least one person, You. That alone will keep your Soldiers moving forward. Good Luck Battle

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 11:47 AM

2015-12-08T11:47:25-05:00

Including those Junior Enlisted/NCO's in those H+W might, just might, show that the unit actually cared about them and valued them and possibly boost their morale of the unit and Army as a whole. But that is just me.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 8 at 2015 12:03 PM

2015-12-08T12:03:56-05:00

You are right. Receiving a new soldier and sending off soldiers are two important events to them. How you do it is probably up for debate.

Response by SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres made Dec 9 at 2015 9:38 AM

2015-12-09T09:38:30-05:00

Hold one at the Platoon level if you can....It sucks, i disagree with it, but I suffered the same fate. My PSG was an honorable man and allowed me to have a a speech before i left and handed me a unit award etc.