Can I pin myself if I’m on PCs leave? Or should I wait to arrive at my new unit?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 07:09:00 -0400

I recently made the promotion list for E-5, I was just wondering if it was even a thing to promote yourself on PCs leave. My brother told me he would pin before heading to my next unit.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 16 at 2021 8:13 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 08:13:29 -0400

The Army may do things differently but in the Marine Corps you are promoted by your Command. Plenty of stories are told of the guy/gal who promoted themselves on leave and showed up with rank they had not been formally promoted to yet.

Response by MAJ Samuel Weber made Apr 16 at 2021 8:26 AM

MAJ Samuel Weber — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 08:26:20 -0400

I’d advise you wait until you arrive at your unit. In the mean time, let your sponsor know you made the cut off and to inform your COC. If you a copy of your promotion orders that would be helpful and you should send a copy to your sponsor or gaining unit S-1. I would definitely advise against pinning yourself. The transition from SPC/CPL to SGT usually comes with an NCO induction ceremony. You really don’t want to start off on the wrong foot with your new unit CSM. Good luck and congratulations.

Response by SSG Paul Headlee made Apr 16 at 2021 8:33 AM

SSG Paul Headlee — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 08:33:51 -0400

Congratulations!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2021 8:38 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 08:38:02 -0400

Congrats!
Now the real work begins.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2021 9:25 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 09:25:45 -0400

The orders are what matters. The ceremony is just a tradition. Being on the list doesn't mean you are promoted yet as well. If you have promotion orders and it is past the date of rank, then throw it on. If you are still just "promotable" then continue to wait for points.
I pinned SFC without a ceremony. Ceremonies are nice and all, but it is the orders that actually promote/award/assume command

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Apr 16 at 2021 9:29 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 09:29:46 -0400

You can't wear it until your line number comes up.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Apr 16 at 2021 10:03 AM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 10:03:08 -0400

Contact your new unit and ask them.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2021 10:50 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 10:50:02 -0400

If it shows up on your ERB pin it on brother.

Response by SGT Bobby Ewing made Apr 16 at 2021 11:09 AM

SGT Bobby Ewing — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 11:09:11 -0400

If you have a copy of the Promotion orders, pin them on! That would be up to you. If you don't have orders yet, wait until you arrive and make sure during processing in to your new unit that you have made the cut-off. Your orders may already be at your next Duty Station.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Apr 16 at 2021 11:29 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 11:29:04 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Congratulations on making cut off for Sergeant.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2021 11:40 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 11:40:08 -0400

It’s a matter of timing. Traditionally we wait for the pinning ceremony when in garrison. But like you I was between units for my promotion to SGT and to CPT. I had orders that were already backdated and I just changed my uniform rank myself. I scheduled an appointment at ID facility and got new CAC with the orders.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2021 12:22 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 12:22:41 -0400

If you don't have orders in hand and iPermed, then do not pin. If you do have orders iPermed and in hand, contact your new unit to see if they'll want to pin you or if you can walk in wearing. Some units are very big into the tradition if pinning in front of the unit.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Apr 16 at 2021 3:10 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 15:10:14 -0400

In line with MSG Private RallyPoint Member and MAJ Samuel Weber, I would advise against doing so without gaining unit permission. Some folks get SUPER touchy about it.

I picked up SFC while I was in school. Technically, I was TDY from Florida to Fort Huachuca. However my assignment in Florida was actually a detachment from a parent company in.... you guessed it, Fort Huachuca. My parent unit pinned me on a Friday evening after the schoolhouse was done with me. The schoolhouse unit was PISSED and the 1SG ripped off my rank when I showed up with it Monday morning. I explained that my ACTUAL unit had pinned me, not just me pinning myself, and not my TDY unit (the schoolhouse). He refused to find that an "acceptable answer" and threatened to make me wear SSG for a week as "punishment."

To be clear - that was completely unprofessional of the 1SG, and there is no way he could have enforced his threat. But it didn't stop him from blowing a gasket. Even though I didn't pin myself, that 1SG *still* felt like I was trying to "cheat him out of my promotion" (his words). Not sure how he was entitled to *my* promotion, but that is how he felt.

I am not saying that reaction is routine or to be expected - but I am not saying he is the only 1SG who ever had that thought process, either. Better to be safe. If you want family to be there, participate, or even do it themselves, most of the time the unit - gaining or losing - will be happy to accommodate. Just don't leave them in the dark.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 16 at 2021 6:17 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 18:17:57 -0400

If you made the list while on leave between units you should not show up wearing your new grade.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2021 3:56 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 03:56:11 -0400

I would wait until the promotion populates in your iperms, and even then sometimes the unit wants to actually have the ceremony of promoting you in front of everyone. As long as you're getting paid correctly, waiting a bit longer to actually pin on the rank shouldn't be too bad.

Response by SGT Robert Wager made Apr 17 at 2021 11:44 AM

SGT Robert Wager — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 11:44:45 -0400

The Department of the Army has imposed special trust in the patriotism, fidelity and valor and demonstrated leadership ability....

He is therefore promoted from SPC to SGT with a date of rank of...

If you have a piece of paper that says that, with a DOR Before your report date then that is your rank upon reporting

Response by SPC Robert Hendrickson made Apr 17 at 2021 10:24 PM

SPC Robert Hendrickson — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 22:24:37 -0400

it is best to wait till the move to the next unit.. also have orders in hand and make sure your orders state Sgt .. ..... ..

Response by SGT Debra McDonough Travis made Apr 19 at 2021 11:01 AM

SGT Debra McDonough Travis — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 11:01:54 -0400

I pinned myself years ago on leave. I was checking into HAAF as a E-4 and orders were there for my promotion. I was taking leave and the admin told me I could do it myself and report in as an E-5 instead of E-4 but I better have my new rank on my uniforms.

Response by SGT Jeffrey Thompson made May 19 at 2021 3:52 AM

SGT Jeffrey Thompson — Wed, 19 May 2021 03:52:29 -0400

Your brother was very wise! Leaders take control never let your future squad see you as a specialist!

Response by SSG Natalion Seymour made May 19 at 2021 8:00 AM

SSG Natalion Seymour — Wed, 19 May 2021 08:00:38 -0400

If you have orders and the date has passed, do it you will be received much better at your next unit.

Response by CSM Rik Williamson made May 19 at 2021 1:35 PM

CSM Rik Williamson — Wed, 19 May 2021 13:35:39 -0400

Congratulations on making the promotion list first. I have to agree with MAJ Weber's comments below. CSM's get a bit ruffled when young Soldiers mess with traditions. Wait for the NCO Induction Ceremony...it's a big moment in your NCO career.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2021 4:29 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 May 2021 16:29:54 -0400

I made made rank and had my loosing unit email me the promotion orders and I pinned myself enroute to my gaining unit. As long as you have the promotion orders. No one can do shit.

Response by MSG Dan Kilpatrick made May 19 at 2021 7:31 PM

MSG Dan Kilpatrick — Wed, 19 May 2021 19:31:48 -0400

I see both sides of the coin and I made the E5 Cutoff while on PCS leave and made the E7 Cutoff while on PCS leave. In both cases, I had a little ceremony in front of the mirror and promoted myself. And in both cases, no one cared. Now these were several, several years ago, but I say do what you feel is right. If you have the orders, you are legal and either way it is up to you. Congratulations and I hope you make the NCO Corps proud either way!

Response by CW3 Joseph Lawrence made May 20 at 2021 9:45 AM

CW3 Joseph Lawrence — Thu, 20 May 2021 09:45:12 -0400

I was promoted from SP4 to SP5 the same month I was do to leave Vietnam. All my shipping orders that had me going home on leave and then to Germany has E4 on them, When I got to Germany I was told that I was not an E5 because there were no orders in my 201. Thank heaven I kept a few copies of the orders and straighten things out. This is for all you young ones out there as a learning experience. Keep a file of everything that happens to you in the military and it may save your butt one day.

Response by PVT Alejandro Rivera made May 20 at 2021 1:41 PM

PVT Alejandro Rivera — Thu, 20 May 2021 13:41:45 -0400

Keep a close eye on your records do not trust anyone, don’t turn them in without making copies

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2021 2:56 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 May 2021 14:56:36 -0400

If you're PCS is going to be a short period of time, print your promotion orders, contact your new units 1SG and find out if they can pin you "upon arrival". Make sure you're clear with that so they don't jerk you around and delay your promotion. If they give you anything other than "absolutely, look forward to your induction to the NCO Corps," have someone else promote you first. Pin yourself only as a last resort. But you really want to give your new unit that opportunity.

*Note* Do not pin without orders. Period. Impersonating an NCO is punishable by UCMJ

Response by SSgt Dusty G made May 20 at 2021 10:33 PM

SSgt Dusty G — Thu, 20 May 2021 22:33:15 -0400

I would strongly recommend booking a celebrity to pin you at your unit. Get a hold of their agent. My unit got Eddie Money to pin a whole row of E-7's. Hail to the Chiefs.

Response by 1SG Harold Piet made May 22 at 2021 7:39 AM

1SG Harold Piet — Sat, 22 May 2021 07:39:02 -0400

Everything will be smoother for you if you show up wearing SPC/ CPL. If you have Sgt Orders, they will promote you right away. This happened with me, for E-8. PCS from AK to KY.

Response by COL Dave Sims made May 22 at 2021 12:10 PM

COL Dave Sims — Sat, 22 May 2021 12:10:57 -0400

Maybe I'm old school - but I think it is very important, if not essential, to have a formal ceremony when you get promoted.. It tells everyone that you have succeeded in your career - your peers, your bosses and most important your family. Having this happen after you get to your new unit is a big plus..it sends a message. On a personal note- after enlisting and eventually going thru OCS my Dad "pinned" me for all my promotions - and the one he missed he was the hospital after open heart surgery. We took a lot of pictures of that one.

Response by SPC(P) Brandon Jenkins made May 22 at 2021 1:46 PM

SPC(P) Brandon Jenkins — Sat, 22 May 2021 13:46:26 -0400

You're already getting paid for the increase in rank. I'd just wait to actually wear it. Don't want to risk upsetting the wrong people if they care a lot about ceremony.

Response by SSG Ken Potts made May 22 at 2021 7:06 PM

SSG Ken Potts — Sat, 22 May 2021 19:06:26 -0400

E-2 through E-4, pin it on. NCO ranks wait.

Response by COL George Antochy made May 23 at 2021 11:09 PM

COL George Antochy — Sun, 23 May 2021 23:09:37 -0400

Getting pinned is a unit thing. I can see this both ways. As a Reservist I got my LTC orders in the mail. My unit was in MO and I lived in TX, and performed my Reserve duties in TX, so I pinned myself. When I was promoted to COL I was between units, meaning my promotion was effective after my last drill at my old unit and before my first drill at my new unit. I pinned myself, so that most Soldiers wouldn't know that I was a newly promoted COL. When I arrived at the unit the CG told me to put on my LTC rank and that he would promote me in the unit formation the next day. Luckily I decided to bring my old rank with me. Bottom line, since you are enlisted contact your new 1SG and ask for permission, that way you start off on the right foot.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2021 8:22 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 May 2021 08:22:45 -0400

In 24 years, I've only had one "Promotion Ceremony".
The rest, I pinned myself.
If the orders are printed, you are a Sergeant.
Introduce yourself as Sergeant and make sure you include copies of those orders when you in-process with S1.
(If the orders are already in your OMPF, then this isn't even a question.)

Response by SPC Andrew K. made May 24 at 2021 10:15 AM

SPC Andrew K. — Mon, 24 May 2021 10:15:49 -0400

As the Major told you, wait. That way they know it is done in the way they want.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2021 1:10 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 May 2021 13:10:15 -0400

As a current Troop 1SG, I would have a problem with you doing it yourself. As a "new" NCO there is a right of passage with your promotion ceremony that you need in order to completely understand what putting those stripes on means. Just my two cents from my foxhole!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2021 10:45 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 May 2021 10:45:57 -0400

the first thing you need to do is verify it with your ERB and copy it so when you get to your Unit you can produce verification which is why every Soldier needs to keep is ERB updated and take care of all corrections. Your promotion will appear on your ERB.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2021 5:48 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 May 2021 17:48:15 -0400

As soon as I saw that I had been promoted I put the new rank on. Showed up to drill wearing the new rank and my 1sg was kinda bummed that he didn't get to pin me. Since you are going to a new command where no one knows you or cares enough (yet), I would say pin yourself and show up to the new unit with the new rank.

Response by CDR Tom Davy made May 28 at 2021 7:07 AM

CDR Tom Davy — Fri, 28 May 2021 07:07:53 -0400

Let you new COC publicly promote you. Leaders love to promote their people and it is a great way to start your new posting.

Response by LtCol Dennis Ivan made May 30 at 2021 12:26 AM

LtCol Dennis Ivan — Sun, 30 May 2021 00:26:59 -0400

No you may not. You "made the list" just means you are eligible to be promoted. A commander cam still withhold promotion.
Further, your promotion is not official till you are pinned and you have the promotion warrant.
Putting the rank on yourself is invalid.

Response by MSG Bob S made May 31 at 2021 1:28 PM

MSG Bob S — Mon, 31 May 2021 13:28:13 -0400

Simple answer…. What contour orders say? Being promotable is not the same as being promoted.

I pinned myself MSG without the a formation or ceremony.

Response by Sgt Jeff M. made Jun 7 at 2021 11:43 PM

Sgt Jeff M. — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 23:43:51 -0400

Been out of it for a while, so I'm not sure what "Pinning yourself" means. I do know that, once I attained Sgt.; late that night, I literally sewed on my own stripes. The Gunnery Sgt in charge saw the new stripes and laughed and said, "Nice attempt; but very crude; take it to the people who sew for a living; and get it done right." I did, indeed, have to go through a gauntlet of all Sgt and higher in the platoon punching me "in the stripes;" as part of what I guess was my "pinning ceremony."

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Jun 8 at 2021 2:56 PM

SSG Bill McCoy — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 14:56:52 -0400

Seme think kind of happened to me. My PCS order was transmitted just before I made SGT/E-5. When I arrived in Okinawa, a SP4 was my assigned sponsor and found me in Temporary Housing with my family. I was assigned to Field Station Sobe (ASA), but the main MP unit tried to claim me. The SP4 reported that I was a SGT and immediately, a SGT was assigned as my sponsor. Thing was, I was "pinned" at my last duty station (Walter Reed) a month before I went on leave.
When I reported in to Sobe with the SGT, the FIRST question was, "We need your promotion orders," so it was no problem. A bit different for you ... if you have your promotion orders, you CAN put your stripes on; BUT you might want to contact your gaininig unit's 1st Sergeant as a courtesy and let him advise you.
CONGRATULATIONS BY THE WAY.

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Jul 9 at 2021 10:59 PM

SPC Chris Ison — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 22:59:15 -0400

I would NOT do this. Not as an E-5 at least. Now if you are being PAID as an E-5, I would show up with stripes period. Once yoau re paid for it, you're actually advanced.

Response by 1SG Chad Mcdaniel made Jul 13 at 2021 3:20 PM

1SG Chad Mcdaniel — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 15:20:37 -0400

I just want to add my story. I received my orders for SPC (1993) via mail while on PCS leave from Korea. I pinned myself and reported to duty at Fort Hood, TX as a SPC. There were no issues with this but it got weird when my S1 (after maybe 6 months on Fort Hood) told me they had my promotion orders for PFC. I laughed said I'll show you my orders for SPC, I also explained my entire story. My initial enlistment contract in 1992 stated I was a PFC (college before enlisting). But somehow there was a mistake and for almost my entire first year in the Army my LES said E1 (yes I tried to fix in Basic and AIT). It was a good payday when it got fixed. it's an interesting story and I know too late to help but if you had orders pin if not wait.

Response by CPL Joseph Elinger made Jul 22 at 2021 5:56 PM

CPL Joseph Elinger — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 17:56:09 -0400

I don't know the regs on that, but, first impressions, it would seem rude to me. Then again I ETS'd in 99.

Response by SGT Erick Holmes made Aug 31 at 2021 2:23 AM

SGT Erick Holmes — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 02:23:08 -0400

I personally would wait. Trust me getting pinned from SPC to SGT is a big deal. Don't pin your self. Communicate, communicate, communicate with your new sponsor in your new unit. Inform them that you got promoted. Every unit is the same with a traditional E-4 to E-5 promotion but different. Some just do an in ceremony. Others will do a company wide ceremony. Plus all units that I have been in doesn't matter what rank you were going too it was mandatory to have at least 1 family member there pinning you (that was when we actually wore pins not velcro). Trust if you start off on the correct foot, people will remember that and go to bat for you. If start on the wrong foot. It will take you FOREVER to gain the respect of others. Remember you want the respect from person to person not respect of person to rank