Posted on Jul 20, 2023
SFC Senior Human Resources Nco (S1)
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Can a Soldier with an approved retirement order decline a retirement ceremony? Say, for instance, a Soldier who has no derogatory information in their OMPF and is not being separated for legal reasons, Soldier doesn't like the unit or command, they just don't want a ceremony.
Posted in these groups: Retirement logo Retirement
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Responses: 15
SGM Bill Frazer
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Its possible, but if the unit orders it you will have to attend.
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SFC Instructor
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>1 y
Not really
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SFC Casey O'Mally
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Can you decline? Absolutely.

Can the unit order you to attend anyway? Yes, yes they can. As long as you are still in, they can designate retirement ceremony as your appointed place of duty for that period of time.

Which is exactly what happened to me. They tried ordering me to have my wife there, too. She, unfortunately, had a "scheduling conflict" with her civilian employer.
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SCPO Yeoman
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>1 y
How freakin' sad that a command would not honor a retiree's request regarding having a retirement ceremony or not.
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SFC Casey O'Mally
SFC Casey O'Mally
>1 y
SCPO (Join to see) I agree. But I was just a lowly SFC. Those high and mighty CSMs must have had their reasons. And who am I to question the almighty CSM?
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SSgt CASS Test Station IMA Advanced Maintenance Technician, IMA
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The ceremony may be about you, but they are usually structured around being for the family. A way of officially saying goodbye. so if you dont want one you can just finishing checking out and walk off base. Officers and SgtsMaj get roped into having them wrapped into post and relief and change of command so a little harder to escape.
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