Why do some soldiers pin a higher rank inside of their covers?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Feb 2019 13:48:13 -0500

While I was on a mission last year, there was a Sergeant/E-5 who had a Staff Sergeant/E-6 pin on the inside of his cover? Is that some tradition or was he expecting a promotion sometime soon?

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 2 at 2019 1:52 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Sat, 02 Feb 2019 13:52:35 -0500

It's a goal. OCS candidates in my time wore a LT bar inside their cover. I gave a Naval air cadet as set of gold wings to wear inside his. It's just something to look at when the going gets rough to remind you of your goal.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2019 9:12 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Feb 2019 21:12:09 -0500

It's setting your personal goal and reaching the next step. When I was a SPC, I wore SGT under my collar and the same thing with SSG rank when I was a SGT. Personal motivation.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2019 12:30 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Feb 2019 12:30:55 -0500

The pin on that I carry was given to me by a good E5 when he pinned his E6. He claimed that that same pin came from his SGT after they had pinned their SSG. It's a little worn from the years but it's still serviceable and I'd like to carry on the tradition.

Response by LTC Gary Earls made Feb 5 at 2019 9:54 PM

LTC Gary Earls — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 21:54:45 -0500

Prior to going to Infantry OCS, a group of us were told by a Lieutenant to get a "second lieutenant bar" and when we got to OCS, to pin it on one of the straps in our helmet liner. He said when we take our liners off, to look at the bar and realize what our goal is. It worked for me. :-)