Is it required to have a promotion ceremony for a SPC?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 14:30:12 -0400

I really don't want a ceremony and my platoon ssg is saying it's mandatory. I cant seem to find it in the regs stating its mandatory. Not trying to make too many waves , if i can get some solid feedback I would appreciate it.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Mar 17 at 2017 2:36 PM

SFC Stephen King — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 14:36:16 -0400

Although not required it is a good opportunity to establish connections. Tradition however is that a small ceremony is good for the unit. I had a small ceremony and went home to the house for a nice dinner with my wife.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2017 2:39 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 14:39:07 -0400

This is what I'm seeing per the AR 600-8-19 Enlisted promotions and reductions

"1–24. Promotion ceremonies and certificates
a. Promotion ceremonies [WILL] be held on the effective date of promotion. Early promotion ceremonies may be held when the effective date of promotion is on a nonduty day.
b. The promotion certificate is not the official instrument for promotion. The promotion order will be used as the source document for rank, effective date, and DOR for all record and pay purposes.
c. A Soldier who is reduced one or more grades will receive the appropriate certificate when again promoted.
d. Promotion certificates for Soldiers promoted to SPC and above will be prepared by the unit or BN HR activity for signature by the SGT and/or SSG promotion authority. Any higher level CDR may direct that signature authority be held at his or her level, but the certificate will still be prepared by the unit or BN HR activity."

Unless the word "will" is being used as a definitive term I don't see a problem with declining the ceremony, perhaps those with more experience here can give you a better answer.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2017 2:40 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 14:40:06 -0400

Nope, not mandatory but then again, at your level it's a "Jump"/"How High?" relationship with leadership.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2017 2:45 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 14:45:32 -0400

Why do you not want a ceremony?

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Mar 17 at 2017 3:00 PM

CSM Thomas McGarry — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 15:00:28 -0400

I doubt it is required but I always felt that public recognition of any accomplishment is warranted. If you are nervous about being in front of a formation for the promotion you need to get over it because if you stay in long enough you will become an NCO and be expected to take charge and lead soldiers.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2017 3:44 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 15:44:54 -0400

I declined every promotion / reenlistment ceremony I've ever had. I don't like presentations in my honor it feels weird and I'd rather not. Just speak with your commander.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Mar 17 at 2017 5:10 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 17:10:38 -0400

Required? No.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2017 5:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 17:11:58 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member I understand your resistance to a ceremony since it's an automatic advancement, but is it really such a big deal? or necessary to argue with your leadership about this? Let them have their 5 minutes of speeches and congratulations and then carry on with the rest of your day.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2017 5:20 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 17:20:52 -0400

I think technically it is an "advancement" ceremony until you make E4, then "promotion" to E5 and beyond. But aside from that, there is nothing wrong with your desire if it is out of modesty or not wanting to draw attention to yourself. But keep in mind promotions and awards are for the people around you too. There is probably a private who looks up to you/hates your guts, who will see you get promoted and say "I want to be like SPC Szafarski" or "They promoted him?!? I know I can do it then." If you want to be humble, when you get the floor after you have the sham shield affixed to your chest, thank everyone you can think of, attribute your success to your teammates (it is true to a degree no matter what you may think) it is not a burden, it is an opportunity. Trying to find a regulation that says "In accordance with establish regulations, I don't have to." might not be wise. At some point you might turn in a leave form a day after the suspense, in a normal world, your PSG will process it anyway, but what if he says: "I'm sorry, in accordance with posted policy, I don't have to."? Don't make waves, get promoted, be happy. (Oh and if you are not using tuition assistance, start now.)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2017 12:32 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 00:32:31 -0400

It's mandatory because your commander commands it. Promotion and award ceremonies aren't for you, they are for the people watching. They highlight performance and show the other Soldiers that good things come when you do good work. They're also for the families who watch their dad or spouse getting pinned.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Mar 18 at 2017 9:45 AM

SFC J Fullerton — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 09:45:11 -0400

Some military traditions are not mandated by a regulation. As Soldiers, we have a duty to conform to military customs and traditions whether we like it or not. To me it's a form of selfless service to participate in traditions and customs at the wishes of your unit and leadership, even if it is something I don't particularly care for. It is not costing you money or personal time to be recognized in front of your peers. Besides, I would have more respect for a chain of command that recognizes achievements and advancements of all of its Soldiers than one who fails to do so. Just realize that its not all about "you", its also for your peers, your unit, and your leadership to be recognized for your achievement. Even if you feel that being advanced to SPC is unimportant, it being important to your unit is actually a good thing.

Response by 1SG James Lampe made Mar 18 at 2017 11:10 AM

1SG James Lampe — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 11:10:27 -0400

I believe that you've been given a lot of good information to think about, but one word that stands out among them all is "tradition", mentioned by SFC Stephen King.
One of the many duties of a NCO is to uphold the traditions and customs of the Service he or she is in. And "bucking" your PSG is never a good idea.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Mar 18 at 2017 12:53 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 12:53:06 -0400

That's how I felt when I was in BUT you have to realize that your promotion has a impact on the whole unit and your 1SG and CO probably want the ceremony to show others in the Company that if they perform like you, they will get promoted as well. So it is kind of like they are using you to set a positive example and reinforce good discipline in the unit. Imagine how it would be in the Army if there were no promotion ceremonies and folks just appeared with advanced rank. It would suck in my view. Remember you belong to a Company of Soldiers and more than you should be happy you got promoted in a team environment.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2017 5:35 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 17:35:12 -0400

Mine was like 5-10 min tops. I don't like having ceremonies either but getting the SPC rank pinned on in front of my peers was awesome and soon I will get SGT which will be even more awesome....I guess its just my competitive side. I like the competition aspect as who will get the next rank first which I believe will motivate others to want to achieve that rank.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2017 1:11 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 13:11:07 -0400

I truly appreciate all the advice given. It definitely put things into perspective for me. It also gave me the realization that I lost some of my Army values. But I can't let that happen now.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2017 11:51 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 23:51:20 -0400

Sometimes you just have to roll with the dog and pony show. In the long run you'll understand. I felt the same way when I got promoted to SGT. Didn't want to make a big deal out of it, I was proud of myself and that's all I cared about. But other people cared more. Senior leadership was proud too. It gave them something to claim.

Response by TSgt Tommy Amparano made Mar 21 at 2017 1:32 PM

TSgt Tommy Amparano — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 13:32:17 -0400

You did not earn the rank on your own. No one ever does. A ceremony is for those that helped you get that promotion as much as it is for the person being promoted.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2018 11:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 23:07:06 -0400

Look at AR 600-8-19 Para 7-13 (f): a Soldier’s promotion will not be held up awaiting a ceremony (that is word for word)

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jul 12 at 2018 11:12 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 23:12:45 -0400

If your PSG says it's mandatory, then it is mandatory. Don't rock the boat. Normally all promotions are given /held at Company or even Battalion level so ensure all will know how important it is, and what a large step it is.

Response by SFC Bill Snyder made Feb 16 at 2021 8:06 AM

SFC Bill Snyder — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 08:06:58 -0500

When I made E-4 (waaaay back in 1956(?), I came to work one morning and my boss (CWO-2) told me I was out of uniform and walked away. I asked the Pers Sgt what was going on and he told me I was no longer a PFC. I asked why I got busted and he said not yet, unless you get the new "eagle "on. Got the hint.