Did or do you practice any unwritten traditions?

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 14:10:32 -0500

It wasn't until I was a Platoon Sergeant planning a promotion for a couple Lance Corporals to be promoted to their first rank of leadership, Corporal, an NCO, the backbone of the Marine Corps when a new Gunny to our unit said that we will be draping blood stripes around their necks during the promotion.  Ever since I was exposed to that, I continued this unwritten tradition.<div><br></div><div>There were some traditions I was exposed to early in my career like blood pinning, earning your blood stripes and rank in a more physical manner, wet downs, etc but most of those are considered hazing and something I do not condone.  I don't mind the wet down, free booze and food but even that has to be approached with caution.  </div><div><br></div><div>Know of any unwritten traditions?  Share...</div>

Response by SFC Robert Trodahl made Jan 22 at 2014 2:27 PM

SFC Robert Trodahl — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 14:27:46 -0500

As a Cavalryman, this is an excerpt from one of my favorite websites:

As the Army was modernized and horses were traded for tanks and helicopters, the Cavalry was reluctant to relinquish its distinctive traditions. They became a reminder of the Cavalry’s glorious past and tended to set apart the Cavalry Trooper from his more traditional brethren. The Spurs evolved into a source of distinction to recognize the best of the Cavalry.

Today, Cavalrymen are still distinguished by their unique hats, or “Stetsons,”
as they are now called. The Spurs, however, are awarded to only a deserving few.
These few represent the best of the best and embody all that has been, is, and
will be great about the U.S. Cavalry.

It is not known exactly when the tradition of awarding Spurs was started
in the U.S. Cavalry. When green troopers first arrived at their new
cavalry assignments they were assigned a horse with a shaved tail.

This led to the nickname “Shave Tail” for newly assigned, Spurless soldiers.
Upon arrival, they were in need of extensive training, especially in the area of
swordsmanship from atop a horse. The horse with a shaved tail was given extra
space in which to operate since it’s rider was marked as an amateur. During this
phase of training the troopers were not allowed to wear Spurs because this would
only serve to compound their problems. Only when they were able to prove their
ability to perform with their horse and saber were they awarded Spurs.

Once assigned to a Cavalry unit, Troopers had to undergo rigorous training and
professional development before being considered for the awarding of Spurs.
Earning Spurs was not optional. Troopers would sometimes spend an
entire month’s pay to purchase distinctive and original Spurs, often engraving
the name of his steed or his sweetheart on them.

When worn, the Spurs indicate that the trooper has demonstrated cavalry
and leadership skills greater than those expected of the common soldier.
Today’s Spur Programs are Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer
leadership development programs.

The program focuses on the individual trooper’s physical, technical,
professional, and communicative abilities. All Officers and Non-Commissioned
Officers are usually required to participate. If it is an Officer’s or NCO’s
first Cavalry assignment they will be required to complete the Squadron’s
induction requirements.

Paying for the Spurs and the certificate is voluntary in some units, other units
provide them for free after the Spur Ride is completed. In some units, the

Trooper will be “sponsored” by his or her NCO or mentor, and the sponsor buys
the Spurs for his or her pledge. Nearly every Cavalry unit offers soldiers the
opportunity to earn their Spurs, either during peacetime or combat.

Stetsons | Cavhooah

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 2:40 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 14:40:28 -0500

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71tOBbR_g_4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMawm8W1ihI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1iyPeA6UZ4

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Response by LTJG Robert M. made Jan 22 at 2014 6:41 PM

LTJG Robert M. — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 18:41:12 -0500

Had my first set of "Crows" physically tacked onto my left arm,
Became a ShellBack aboard a USS Waddel DDG-24, I was OIC of USCG seven man LEDET on ship of 350.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 6:47 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 18:47:28 -0500

Prop Blast

SSgt Fair, thanks for striking up a conversation on this topic. Beyond camaraderie building activities and overtly showing care and concern for fellow members of your unit, these unwritten traditions are essential to building and keeping esprit de corps.

Prop Blast, in the 82nd, was a great event, except for the one blastor who decided we blastees should sing non-Army songs. To sum it up, we started with a history test, then a PT test, a long road march, team-building exercises, a humbling reminder of paratroopers lost to war, and finished by a fun/humiliating initiation ritual and a party. It is certainly one of my fondest memories of Fort Bragg and the 82nd, even if I wasn't so fond of it at the time!

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 6:58 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 18:58:55 -0500

SN Anthony Harb, USS Gunston Hall, Emerald Shellback, 21MAR10... Also received a black and blue left arm from when i made third in summer of 2011

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 7:03 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 19:03:21 -0500

yeah every time someone makes me sing the Army Song...

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 7:04 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 19:04:29 -0500

I'm not sure if tacking on stripes would fall into this category or not. It's something I've seen practiced through my career, though not always consistently. Hickam has made it official in a way, incorporating it into the monthly base promotion ceremony. They go so far as to point out that it's intended as good-natured, not supposed to cause harm, and shouldn't be considered hazing; we've seen people who hit too hard be counseled for it.
I had SrA, TSgt, MSgt, and my selection for MSgt all tacked on (CMSgts hit pretty hard :P).

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 7:05 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 19:05:10 -0500

2LTs not saluting 1LTs.

Response by SSG Christopher Freeman made Jan 22 at 2014 7:30 PM

SSG Christopher Freeman — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 19:30:51 -0500

The only traditions I can think of is the punching of the rank and saying the NCO Creed after being promoted. I remember being pinned SPC while we were at NTC and after the ceremony, myself and other promotee were put in the push-up position. Every member of the PLT had filled their Camelbak up and doused us while we pushed. Afterwards we rolled around in the mud. I wouldn't trade that for anything. The picture is after the "celebration."

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 22 at 2014 8:01 PM

SFC James Baber — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 20:01:46 -0500

Blood stripes when I made E5 just before DS from my 1SG, hit me so hard the pin was stuck in my collarbone. It hurt but I wouldn't pass it up even now.

Also running the gauntlet after being pinned was another unwritten tradition. That is old school and I haven't seen anyone do it since about '97, it is where after you pin all your fellow NCOs line up on both sides of a line path and you as the newly promoted/pinned NCO run through as fast as you can while everyone tries their damnedest to nail you as you are running.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 10:37 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 10:37:13 -0500

I don't know about Marine regulations but you will not find standing at parade rest for an NCO in Army regulations. My 1SG in basic told me it was an unwritten tradition but after being given a direct order to do it the first time it will always be followed.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Jan 25 at 2014 5:47 AM

Cpl Glynis Sakowicz — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 05:47:16 -0500

Unwritten traditions abound in the Corps, and most of us just consider them a part of our Corps just as much as any piece of the uniform.<div>You meet another Marine, of the same rank, the first thing they discuss, is who made rank on what date, so you have a clear picture in your mind of who is going to be in charge should the need arise.</div><div>Then of course, you have the habit of ANY Marine in uniform, feeling the need to walk up to another Marine in uniform and demand they straighten their uniform, or get their hands out of their pockets or whatever it is, that is Wrong.   I have seen PFC's do this to Sergeants, and Lord knows, a Marine Sergeant is proud creature, unwilling to stand down to anything, but when they've been caught being "Un-sat" they know it, and few even open their mouths to answer when it comes to the pride of the uniform.</div><div>One more thing, I have noticed since I retired, is that you can literaly spot another old Marine anywhere, and there is this instant eye-lock, nod and tight smile that we give each other in passing.  Given the chance, such as waiting in line for Coffee or paying for your groceries, you may spare a few words on MOS or duty station, but all that is pretty much unnecessary really, its the knowledge you KNOW who they are and that seems to be enough.</div>

Response by CMC Robert Young made Jan 25 at 2014 9:46 AM

CMC Robert Young — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 09:46:52 -0500

Until a few decades ago when some genius recommended a change to the uniform requiring us all to wear the same hat, USCG chiefs (E7 & up) along with officers wore the combination cover with their uniforms while junior members wore Dixie Cups or overseas caps. At the conclusion of CCTI (the initiation for newly minted E7s), the new chief would have the new combination cover placed on their head by their sponsor (a seasoned chief) signifying the transition from petty officer to chief. Although, the uniform has been standardized and there is no longer a difference between junior and senior members' covers, the Chiefs' Mess still practices placing the hat for newly advanced chiefs at the end of CCTI. It is both a solemn and joyous event. It recognizes the heritage of chief, and celebrates what is the most significant promotion most enlisted Coast Guard members ever enjoy.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jan 28 at 2014 12:10 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 00:10:36 -0500

I think there is something to be said about all of these "unspoken traditions". It goes beyond what people outside can ever understand. The pratice of blood wings or blood rank isn't an excuse for us to beat up on someone. During the process of earning those wings or that rank, you give a lot of yourself. You bleed on the training field so what is wrong with the last act of earn that rank or wing being you bleeding some more? To me it was never a bad thing.

Through these traditions, you grow closer to those that have gone through the same thing.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2014 12:30 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 00:30:48 -0500

Hey brothers. I remember when I got promoted to Sergeant my Platoon sergeant hit me so hard the chevrons got stuck in my collar bones and needed a Gerber to pull them out. It was a great day. When I pinned on my Staff Sergeant since the Army has frowned upon our traditional hazing rituals, my wife had to do it. She grabbed our staple gun and stapled my rank to my chest. To me when you earn something, you feel proud on your accomplishments and love the corky traditions the military has.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2014 3:34 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 15:34:52 -0400

I understand these days in the kindler gentler military these types of events are called hazing; however, in my time in the military it was just what was done. I looked forward to receiving my initiation into the ranks of the have vs. the have-not. Most memorable was picking up Cpl-E4, earning the blood stripe and walking the guantlet was very painful, but I would not change it for the world. I was accepted into the ranks of all the NCO's who came before and I was glad for it. And I indeed ended up with very bruised and bloody calves as I walked the gauntlet as an MP attached to a wing, the entire wing's NCO lined up. As well "Pinning" on my MP badge and "Pinning" on my PSB, those bad boys have 3 prongs each, painful yes; would I trade the experience never.

I understand that these rights of initiation have gone to far in the past, and that in some instances people have been injured. However, we are not the Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts. We are/were instruments of war. If we cannot stand up to a little bit of pain during these moments, how should we fare against the deprivations of war?

Do I condone hazing? No not really, hazing is a label, it is the deliberate denigration of another. Do I condone initiation and acceptance into a brotherhood, absolutely.

Response by PO1 Kevin Goldston made May 28 at 2015 12:55 AM

PO1 Kevin Goldston — Thu, 28 May 2015 00:55:27 -0400

Does drinking your dolphins fit into this catagory?

How about showing the top of your socks so people knew you didn't use fuel oil on them to keep the ants from crawling up your leg to chew on your candy-azz?