How can I avoid nervousness during military ceremonies where high-ranking Service Members are present?

FN Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 07:07:23 -0400

Today I have a ceremony in front of The Admiral of Carrier strike Group 2. (Not sure if he's going to there but he called for this day) Any tips on how to over come the rapid shaking while holding the rifle at present arms. I've been doing this since last year and I would hope I'm done trembling.

Response by FN Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2015 7:08 AM

FN Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 07:08:58 -0400

I'm trembling now, I put "ant" instead of "At"

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Jul 5 at 2015 7:14 AM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 07:14:38 -0400

Take a deep breath and be confident that you will do your best, and go do it.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 5 at 2015 7:48 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 07:48:58 -0400

FN Private RallyPoint Member, remember that the Admiral is a human being too, and he puts his pants on one leg at a time just like the rest of us.

Relax and focus on your task. Imagine you're practicing in front of your mirror and don't even look at your audience.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Jul 5 at 2015 10:50 AM

SGM Matthew Quick — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 10:50:07 -0400

Breathing technique...Diaphragmatic Breathing - breath IN and expand your stomach; exhale OUT slowly as it contracts.

http://tweakfit.com/simple-deep-breathing-relaxation-exercises

Simple Deep Breathing Relaxation Exercises | TweakFit

Take 10 minutes out of your day to really focus on breathing. Breathing has been shown to reduce stress and promote full body relaxation and awareness. You

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jul 5 at 2015 10:50 AM

SN Greg Wright — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 10:50:52 -0400

Flag officers are to be respected, for sure. But unless one is being an asshole, there isn't any reason to be so nervous that it affects you physically. They're just people too. S(he)'s gonna go home that night and eat dinner and argue with the spouse and get exasperated at unruly teenagers, just like you do, or will. If you perform your duties as you're trained and expected to, and salute like you're supposed to, then you've done everything you're supposed to, and needn't fear.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2015 11:52 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 11:52:47 -0400

This is a very good question and one of the best ways is to imagine they are a friend. You do not treat them like friends but imagine them to be, just to get over the butterflies. Working in media you have to find a way of not having stage fright.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2015 11:53 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 11:53:07 -0400

Good officers often view junior service members with pride and admiration, not unlike a parent might, and only want to see you have success and great experiences. I'm sure the admiral is no different. Just do your thing and make the Navy proud.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2015 11:59 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 11:59:02 -0400

Senior ranking members are just people, be respectful and remember bearing.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 5 at 2015 12:17 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 12:17:52 -0400

Last time I checked, I still put my pants on one leg at a time. Enjoy the tradition and show.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jul 5 at 2015 1:52 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 13:52:02 -0400

Lexus, in my experience, CG Group commanders tend to be pretty down to earth people. They're out there at the tip of the spear with you. Remember that we all put our pants on one leg at a time.

If you know how, do some meditation exercises before the ceremony - lead up to it for several days even. As SGM Matthew Quick notes, cleansing breathes are great for calming as well.

Maybe get up a little early that day and get a strong workout in. The endorphins from the workout will help keep you calm.

Whatever you do, DO NOT use substances to relax. No Benadryl, no Booze, nothing. You'll be a zombie and it will turn out worse...

If you need to, go see the Chaplains on the ship. I am sure that one of them can help you with some guided meditations to calm you down...

If not, contact me off line, and we can work over Skype a little bit on it...

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Jul 5 at 2015 1:57 PM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 13:57:58 -0400

Focus on your task. It doesn't really matter who's watching (or not). You will know that you did it right afterwards. Nothing else matters. Works for EVERYTHING in life, shipmate.

SNIPES RULE!!!! (Officers Drool...)
(Maturity is over-rated!)

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2015 4:22 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 16:22:46 -0400

Don't lock your knees, take relaxed deep breaths, stand tall but don't stiffen your muscles, and concentrate on your task and how proud you are to be a sailor in the Greatest Navy in the world. Its a great honor to be part of the honor guard or color guard. Focus on that thought too.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2015 7:22 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 19:22:55 -0400

Most of them were in your shoes in a similar position at some point. Most of them remember that time too. Concentrate on your duties and screen those nervous thoughts out. Treat ceremonies like the best practice you've ever had, and also remember once it's done, it's done. Even the Blue Angels make mistakes. They review afterwards, state they'll do better next time, and keep pressing. Finally, remember you've passed the test and been selected for the duty. You belong there and will do fine.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jul 5 at 2015 7:51 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 19:51:41 -0400

You can't avoid it, but you can control it

Response by PO2 Joseph Reid made Jul 5 at 2015 7:53 PM

PO2 Joseph Reid — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 19:53:22 -0400

For God's sake don't lock your knees....lol Just breath....relax...ask yourself this question..."What is the worst they can do to me if I mess up"? Nothing....because you're not gonna mess us....Hang in there ship mate...

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 5 at 2015 8:05 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 20:05:39 -0400

The Admiral is a person; just like you are. He is no different than you are; except that he is higher ranking. I've talked to two civilian Generals. They were both exceedingly nice; and down to earth. They did not act at All like they thought that they were any better than I. I even joked around with one. In your situation, just respect the Admiral. And don't think about him as being any better than you are.

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Jul 5 at 2015 9:02 PM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 21:02:01 -0400

Think of all the encouraging words some pretty high-ranking officers here have given you. I'm sure the Admiral would be no different. S/he likely has a daughter your age and would be proud for her to be doing the job you are. Try to have fun with it...and remember...every experience is a sea story in the making, a potential fond memory to share with your children, other vets, and shipmates in the future!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2015 10:21 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 22:21:06 -0400

An admiral, general, congresseral, NOT a dictator. NOT a judge or jury. Just there for a ceremony. Take pride of REPRESENTING a ceremony, NOT bowing-down at his feet. Most importantly, enjoy yourself and make some great memories, shipmate!

Response by SPC George Rudenko made Jul 5 at 2015 10:52 PM

SPC George Rudenko — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 22:52:36 -0400

Breathe, just breathe

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2015 12:04 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 00:04:59 -0400

Don't fret about it, just be respectfully and have great military bearing, do that and you won't be an easy target.

FYI, It's not the high ranking officers that you have to worry about anyway; the dust cloud of up-and-comers that seem to waft around them that are the mean ones.

Either way, if you do screw up royally, the worst that usually happens is they make a face at you in public then tell your boss to "square that soldier away".

Mistakes happen, don't worry about making mistakes, that usually just leads to making more mistakes. It's kind of a self fulfilling prophecy...

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jul 6 at 2015 5:56 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 05:56:51 -0400

They are the same as you. The only difference is that they get paid more and have more responsibility. They are human!!!!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2015 6:27 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 06:27:29 -0400

I find that using controlled breathing works for me.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Jul 6 at 2015 6:53 AM

CPT Richard Riley — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 06:53:42 -0400

Regardless of who they are (high ranking military, Presidents, Heads of State, etc) they're still just "people" and are human just like you. Several here have given you suggestions and techniques to deal with the nerves. In the end, they breath, eat, walk and talk the same way you do ... so you respect the rank or the office - the person is on your same level. Hope you're able to enjoy the ceremony.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jul 6 at 2015 11:26 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 11:26:49 -0400

The old advice is "imagine them naked"

Response by PO2 Brad Colonna made Jul 6 at 2015 5:34 PM

PO2 Brad Colonna — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 17:34:45 -0400

Focus on what you can control (your rifle, uniform appearance and military bearing). Everything else is out of your control. When you focus on what you can influence, you will rise to the occasion and perform.

Response by PO1 Sojourner "Chancy" Phillips made Jul 6 at 2015 6:53 PM

PO1 Sojourner "Chancy" Phillips — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 18:53:33 -0400

Concentrate on your duty in the ceremony. Do your part and be the best at it. Breathe and recognize that you are part of making that ceremony look sharp.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2015 6:14 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 06:14:08 -0400

For the record since that one leg at a time thing..... I do both legs at one time now.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Jul 7 at 2015 6:31 AM

PO3 David Fries — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 06:31:33 -0400

I don't know how much I can help. My first command after A school was Naval Medical Center San Diego. First off, it was a hospital, so there wasn't a lot of pomp and circumstance. Second, I worked in the OR where rank really didn't mean much. My department head was a Captain. Joking around was the norm. It kind of alleviated most of my junior enlisted fear of high ranking officers. You just have to view them as normal people.

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Jul 7 at 2015 6:56 AM

MSgt Wayne Morris — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 06:56:03 -0400

As a young E5 I worked on an Emergency Actions Team at the National Military Command Center (NMCC) at the Pentagon and heavy brass in and out was normal routine and even more if a crisis was ongoing. I learned that flag rank officers are less a PIA than most field grade officers as they have made it and are too busy for pettiness. I also learned that they mostly always took a minute to talk to us worker bees while the strap hangers hovered. Just relax, do as you were trained and enjoy the moment.

Response by SFC Rick H made Jul 7 at 2015 9:51 AM

SFC Rick H — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 09:51:22 -0400

To Trembling- I spent 24 years of my life in uniform- retired U.S. Army now. here's a thought for you!? Remember a couple of important facts- this person who seems to make you tremble, well, he / she is only human- just like you. they eat, sleep and bleed red just like you. Oh, and they will be going 6 feet deep when God calls them home- just like you. If you ever have the occasion in actually meeting with and conversing with one of these good people, I'm sure you will find that they are no different than you are and no better of course. Try not to place them so high on your Royalty list because they probably do not deserve that anyway! God bless you and thank you for your service!

Response by PFC Austin Jewell made Jul 7 at 2015 5:39 PM

PFC Austin Jewell — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 17:39:15 -0400

U just know that even if u mess up ( hopefully u don't ) that it's not the end of the world, ur not gana get in trouble as long as u stay in line. He's human too dude just relax and Charlie mike

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2015 9:09 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 21:09:43 -0400

FN Private RallyPoint Member , I am interested to hear how your experience went. Was the advice on here helpful and do you have any good takeaways you can share with the group?

Response by CPO Glen Gassman made Jul 8 at 2015 2:51 PM

CPO Glen Gassman — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 14:51:35 -0400

Over the years, I found that high-ranking officials attending ceremonies were always very down to earth, approachable. Though they may seem over the top or extremely intense in a training or operational environment (or disciplinary proceeding), that face is replaced with a much kinder one when it comes to ceremonial situations. CAPT. Ball nailed it; they are just like you and I, only they are traveling a different path in life. HOOYAH.

Response by PO2 Johnathan Kerns made Jul 8 at 2015 9:11 PM

PO2 Johnathan Kerns — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 21:11:05 -0400

Here's what I use to do. Approach it like I didnt give a shit, even though I did care. I do that with interviews now :p

Response by PO1 Scott Cottrell made Jul 23 at 2015 5:32 PM

PO1 Scott Cottrell — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 17:32:36 -0400

I am retired Navy and an Army contractor, so it's a little different for me now. Also, we are on a remote Island in the middle of the Pacific. And yes, there is a time for Protocol, But, other times where everyone is just a person. Two nights ago, I was sitting drinking Beer with a 2 star General. And the base Commanding Officer always stops and talks with me whenever he sees me. Mainly because he cares for the people on the base. Remember, they are just people too. I meet Admiral Boorda before his passing (I was an E-5 at the time), one of the nicest and funniest guys you would ever meet.

Response by SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA made Jul 23 at 2015 5:35 PM

SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 17:35:46 -0400

Think of this whenever you start to get antsy.

They go to the bathroom like you do.

They wipe just as you do.

We're all humans after all. It worked for me.