Would asking a VADM to be my officer in my re-enlistment cause a problem?

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 14:20:35 -0500

I’m pcsing to San Diego so I’m being put into re-enlisting to fulfill the 3 year orders which I’m cool with. It’s my first re-enlistment so I was asked to pick an officer to do it.
I figured SECO would be cool but I’m not a big fan of my current one so I have no else to pick but I have a VADM that lives at the base I work, and I’m curious if that would be a big problem asking him to do it. Appreciate any feedback about the subject, worst case scenario I’ll just pick an officer I see regularly in the mornings.
Thanks!

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Feb 11 at 2022 6:23 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 18:23:46 -0500

Only if they said no.

Response by Col Daniel Runyon made Feb 11 at 2022 6:51 PM

Col Daniel Runyon — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 18:51:47 -0500

I was always honored to be asked to reenlist someone; as I got older and more grey, fewer folks asked me to officiate--it is likely the same with the VADM. Asking him may be difficult--you'll likely have to make an appointment via his staff.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Feb 11 at 2022 7:55 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 19:55:48 -0500

Can't hurt to ask. I pinned my niece Chief about two years ago and it was a RADM that conducted the ceremony.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Feb 11 at 2022 9:45 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 21:45:09 -0500

Whatever you do go through the proper channels to make the request. Don’t just walk up to him in the chow line or something like that. That won’t go well. But with that said you miss every shot you don’t take

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Feb 11 at 2022 11:27 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 23:27:27 -0500

Two of my proudest moments was reenlisting an airman and commissioning one of my friends. This ceremony is for you and you get to chose. Be mindful though that unless this VADM is retired, you are passing a lot of officers over to request this and it is a small military that most junior officers you may work with today will be senior officers when you are senior enlisted. Leaders should ask themselves, why isn't this sailor asking me to reenlist them and take a hard look at themselves but in 2022 with a generation of everyone gets a trophy, many are quick to get butt hurt. Just my two cents.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2022 4:17 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Feb 2022 04:17:29 -0500

Any United States military officer, CW2 or higher, Active, Reserve, or Retired, can administer a reenlistment oath.

I don't know what a VADM is but I hope that answers your question.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2022 1:25 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Feb 2022 13:25:33 -0500

Are you assigned to the VADM's command? Flag officers are usually pretty busy and you will need to give his or her staff plenty of lead time. As others have said, worst that will be said is "no". However, it is usually a good idea to use someone you know or is in your chain of command.
Often times Flag officers will do mass reenlistment ceremonies, perhaps you can get in on one. As others have said, it is an honor for any officer to perform a reenlistment.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Feb 13 at 2022 8:04 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sun, 13 Feb 2022 08:04:12 -0500

Senior officers, Officers in general appreciate the opportunity. Flag officers don’t often get to do it because someone else tells the service member that they are too busy. Ask.

Response by SMSgt Bob W. made Feb 16 at 2022 1:25 PM

SMSgt Bob W. — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 13:25:32 -0500

The VADM is a bit much unless you work with them. I always liked "O1s". Their plentiful and are eager to be photographed. Remember a "Zero is a Zero" when it comes to re-enlistment. I had one who signed his name on the form, we talked a little and I left. Give him a case of beer later in the day.