Commissioning

[Perrotfish]

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This came up in another thread. Did any here do any sort of ceremony for their commissioning? What´s normal here?

 

[AFmedic2PAC]

This came up in another thread. Did any here do any sort of ceremony for their commissioning? What´s normal here?

My commisioning for HPSP was at the NRD San Francisco Office in Mountain View, CA. They did a formal commisioning ceremony for me including oath, speeches and pictures. My family, Program Director and involved Officers and Enlisted Navy attended. 👍

 

[psychbender]

My father is retired Navy, so I had him commission me. No ceremony, no speeches; just the oath, paperwork, and some pictures that my mom insisted on taking. My recruiter wasn't even there.

 

[Milamber]

My father is retired Navy, so I had him commission me. No ceremony, no speeches; just the oath, paperwork, and some pictures that my mom insisted on taking. My recruiter wasn't even there.

So you can get anyone who was an officer in the military commission you? When they do, do they need to be in uniform. I'd like my dad to do it he was in the National Guard for 24 but he no longer has his uniform.

 

[elderjack21]

I don't think that a Uniform is necessary. When I was commissioned into the IRR after active duty I was given a form that said I could go to any public "officer" and be sworn in. So I am sure a uniform is not necessary.

 

[Founder]

I was commissioned by my dad in a ceremony with just me, my recruiter, him and my mom. It was in a chapel in the navy dress whites, which was nice.

He also made a little speech to the 3 of us. 🙂

Then we went outside and did the first salute. And some tourists from one of the E. European nations were there and they wanted a picture with me. 🙂

 

[AFmedic2PAC]

My understanding is that if they still hold a commission then they could swear you in if they were/are an officer. Retirement is just a change in status I guess, it does not mean you resign your commission.

I wanted my father to swear me in but they pulled my date too late for him to fly across country in time. Fiscal year closeouts are a thing to reckon with...lol.

I just found out about the first salute tradition (prior enlisted). Guess I will have to wait until after ODS when I have uniforms.👍

 

[AFmedic2PAC]

My recruiter wasn't even there.

😱😛😉

 

[psychbender]

So you can get anyone who was an officer in the military commission you? When they do, do they need to be in uniform. I'd like my dad to do it he was in the National Guard for 24 but he no longer has his uniform.

He was not in uniform.

I just found out about the first salute tradition (prior enlisted). Guess I will have to wait until after ODS when I have uniforms.

Ahhh, the first salute. I had my first salute driving onto Ft Belvoir while in civilian clothing. The soldier at the gate saluted me after presenting my Reserves ID card, and I was like "Errrr, right, umm..." and returned the salute. Like most other firsts, it was awkward, characterized by a general flailing of limbs, and over almost before it began. It also left both us of, I think, feeling a little embarrassed, but such is life.

 

[Milamber]

He was not in uniform.





Ahhh, the first salute. I had my first salute driving onto Ft Belvoir while in civilian clothing. The soldier at the gate saluted me after presenting my Reserves ID card, and I was like "Errrr, right, umm..." and returned the salute. Like most other firsts, it was awkward, characterized by a general flailing of limbs, and over almost before it began. It also left both us of, I think, feeling a little embarrassed, but such is life.

So when you do the HPSP you get your ID card after you are sworn in?

 

[FutureNavyFP]

So when you do the HPSP you get your ID card after you are sworn in?

Yes. After you are sworn in you will get the paperwork to take to your local reserve center and get one made (at least that's how it worked for me).

 

[Miss Mab]

Ahhh, the first salute. I had my first salute driving onto Ft Belvoir while in civilian clothing. The soldier at the gate saluted me after presenting my Reserves ID card, and I was like "Errrr, right, umm..." and returned the salute. Like most other firsts, it was awkward, characterized by a general flailing of limbs, and over almost before it began. It also left both us of, I think, feeling a little embarrassed, but such is life.

ah, quite the deja-vu.....thanks for the memory.(salute only, TYVM)

Heads up, turns out you also don't want to be holding your cell or your diet pepsi at the same time. Just for example.....

BTW, that "public official" idea is a pretty wide one. Any notary public can administer also. Now you guys are making me nostalgiac for my mail boxes etc. guy.

 

[elderjack21]

Ahhh, the first salute. I had my first salute driving onto Ft Belvoir while in civilian clothing. The soldier at the gate saluted me after presenting my Reserves ID card, and I was like "Errrr, right, umm..." and returned the salute. Like most other firsts, it was awkward, characterized by a general flailing of limbs, and over almost before it began. It also left both us of, I think, feeling a little embarrassed, but such is life.

Did you give him/her a coin for being the first to salute you?

(and I don't mean pocket change)

 

[tulane06]

I thought you don't have to return the sentry's salute at the gate when you are driving in, I could be wrong though.

 

[elderjack21]

I thought you don't have to return the sentry's salute at the gate when you are driving in, I could be wrong though.

If they are putting forth the effort to salute you, you should salute back.

This wouldn't apply if you were actually in a moving vehicle as they saluted (I had a marine saulte me while I was driving by at 5mph, he saw my sticker and rank and saluted me...I didn't know what to do!). But if you are stopped at a gate, saluting is proper.

Not sure what the reg actually says on this though, I have always saluted.

 

[SF49ers Fan]

I thought you don't have to return the sentry's salute at the gate when you are driving in, I could be wrong though.

For the Navy, you will only salute if you are in uniform and covered. Most people don't drive around with their cover on, though. Also, you will only return the salute if you are not moving.

 

[BigNavyPedsGuy]

Like most other firsts, it was awkward, characterized by a general flailing of limbs, and over almost before it began. It also left both us of, I think, feeling a little embarrassed, but such is life.

I just want you to know that your hilarious inuendo did not fall on deaf ears. Here's my acknowledgement of a pretty hilarious simile.

 

[med145]

Ahhh, the first salute. I had my first salute driving onto Ft Belvoir while in civilian clothing. The soldier at the gate saluted me after presenting my Reserves ID card, and I was like "Errrr, right, umm..." and returned the salute. Like most other firsts, it was awkward, characterized by a general flailing of limbs, and over almost before it began. It also left both us of, I think, feeling a little embarrassed, but such is life.

This is hilarious and completely how I have imagined it is going to be the first few times.

 

[deuist]

A commissioning can be performed by anyone who is a current or retired officer. I don't think that people who have simply resigned after their obligation count. The person who administers the oath does not need to be in uniform. All that is required in this setting is an American flag, the person who administers the oath, and you. Anything beyond that is your decision. You can perform the oath in your house with a small gathering of friends, or you can make it an elaborate ceremony at turns into one big party. For mine, I showed up to a recruiting station with my graduate school advisor (who happened to be a retired AF pilot), said the oath, and then went home as if nothing major had occurred. Looking back, I wish that my family and my girlfriend at the time had been present. I never knew that I could make it into a ceremony.

 

[350011]

A commissioning can be performed by anyone who is a current or retired officer. I don't think that people who have simply resigned after their obligation count. The person who administers the oath does not need to be in uniform. All that is required in this setting is an American flag, the person who administers the oath, and you. Anything beyond that is your decision. You can perform the oath in your house with a small gathering of friends, or you can make it an elaborate ceremony at turns into one big party. For mine, I showed up to a recruiting station with my graduate school advisor (who happened to be a retired AF pilot), said the oath, and then went home as if nothing major had occurred. Looking back, I wish that my family and my girlfriend at the time had been present. I never knew that I could make it into a ceremony.

Maybe it's different in the Navy. My dad's a former Commander so he gave the oath--in a suit as he couldn't fit into his old uniform after nearly 25 years. My recruiter looked up my dad's service record and gave a brief intro to both my father's and my own background. For the Navy, a current officer had to be present to sign the oath of office as a witness and I think that is generally true. Still have yet to hand over a silver dollar though...

 

[psychbender]

Did you give him/her a coin for being the first to salute you?

(and I don't mean pocket change)

No, I didn't have a silver dollar on me.



BNPG and med145, glad someone appreciates my twisted sense of humor.

 

[elderjack21]

BNPG and med145, glad someone appreciates my twisted sense of humor.

I appreciated it as well. Oh...the first crooked sloppy salute...the Solider on the other end must have taken such enjoyment from it!

 

[AFmedic2PAC]

Well I guess I did have my first salute then. I was going through the gate at NAS Lemoore and the PO2 at the gate looked at my Green ID card for a few seconds and then popped up a salute. It stunned me as well which is strange because I was prior enlisted then went straight into HPSP with only a month break in service. I just thought that the First Salute tradition was done after ODS.

Interesting that we get the old green card instead of a CAC card like I had a few months ago.

I have gone back on base a few times since and have yet to be saluted again. This will do until ODS when I actually get a uniform and learn the Navy customs/traditions.😀

 

[psychbender]

Interesting that we get the old green card instead of a CAC card like I had a few months ago.

You really should have a CAC, but some places refuse to issue one. The first time I went to get my ID (at a reserve station), they stated that I was not eligible for a CAC, so gave me the green reserve card. The next time I was in northern VA, I just took my green card and a copy of my orders, and went in to the ID office at Ft Belvoir, and they gave me a CAC with no problems. It helps to have one before rotations, as it cuts down on things that have to be taken care of on inprocessing (though, they still managed to mess up all kinds of things at Womack).

 

[elderjack21]

Gotta have the CAC. Unless you don't plan on using a computer while on rotations.

 

[tulane06]

You really should have a CAC, but some places refuse to issue one. The first time I went to get my ID (at a reserve station), they stated that I was not eligible for a CAC, so gave me the green reserve card. The next time I was in northern VA, I just took my green card and a copy of my orders, and went in to the ID office at Ft Belvoir, and they gave me a CAC with no problems. It helps to have one before rotations, as it cuts down on things that have to be taken care of on inprocessing (though, they still managed to mess up all kinds of things at Womack).

Ah, good to know. The base I went to gave me the green card and told me I wouldn't be able to get the CAC until I'm on active duty. I guess they didn't know about the whole HPSP thing.

 

[psychbender]

Gotta have the CAC. Unless you don't plan on using a computer while on rotations.

Hell, I have a CAC, and hardly used a computer for the two months I was at Womack. First, they forgot to add the certificates to let me use it to log on to the system (took a few weeks to straighten out), then they never granted me access to AHLTA (which I kind of count as a good thing).

 

[deuist]

AF students aren't supposed to get a CAC. Our website tells us that we are only eligible for the green card. Heck, when I went through COT, I didn't even have a green card. I used my orders to get around base. Supposedly, there is some rule that we're only allowed green reservist cards---yet those can only be given out while we're not on an active duty tour (i.e., when we're away from the base!). If COT students shows up to the base ID processing station, we are told to leave. I'm hoping that when I do my externships I'll be able to get a full ID card.

 

[NavyFP]

AF students aren't supposed to get a CAC. Our website tells us that we are only eligible for the green card. Heck, when I went through COT, I didn't even have a green card. I used my orders to get around base. Supposedly, there is some rule that we're only allowed green reservist cards---yet those can only be given out while we're not on an active duty tour (i.e., when we're away from the base!). If COT students shows up to the base ID processing station, we are told to leave. I'm hoping that when I do my externships I'll be able to get a full ID card.

Getting a CAC (Common Access Card, the one with the chip) can cause problems with DEERS (Defense Eligiblility Enrollment Registration System(?)) enrollment. If you get one on AT and don't turn it back in at the end, you will be booted out of DEERS. This can cause problems when you go to apply for the next set of AT orders.

 

[Founder]

AF students aren't supposed to get a CAC. Our website tells us that we are only eligible for the green card. Heck, when I went through COT, I didn't even have a green card. I used my orders to get around base. Supposedly, there is some rule that we're only allowed green reservist cards---yet those can only be given out while we're not on an active duty tour (i.e., when we're away from the base!). If COT students shows up to the base ID processing station, we are told to leave. I'm hoping that when I do my externships I'll be able to get a full ID card.

I got mine while I was on Spring Break here at school. I just went to the Navy base personnel office/ID card place and got it without any hassle. It was the green reservist card, but it has no expiration date.

I don't see how it would be too difficult to get one. If HPSP is sending you money then you're in their system. I didn't bring any paperwork or anything.

 

[tulane06]

I got mine while I was on Spring Break here at school. I just went to the Navy base personnel office/ID card place and got it without any hassle. It was the green reservist card, but it has no expiration date.

I don't see how it would be too difficult to get one. If HPSP is sending you money then you're in their system. I didn't bring any paperwork or anything.

When I went to get mine the whole base was on FPCON DELTA. That was fun...

 

[elderjack21]

Getting a CAC (Common Access Card, the one with the chip) can cause problems with DEERS (Defense Eligiblility Enrollment Registration System(?)) enrollment. If you get one on AT and don't turn it back in at the end, you will be booted out of DEERS. This can cause problems when you go to apply for the next set of AT orders.

I still have my CAC card from active duty...I asked if I was supposed to turn it back in when I went into IRR...but they said I should hold on to it.

 

[fetch]

I still have my CAC card from active duty...I asked if I was supposed to turn it back in when I went into IRR...but they said I should hold on to it.

Probably thinking you'd be called up out of the IRR as soon as you went in...

Wherever you cleared from and whoever in the transition office counseled you screwed up. In theory, you were suppose to turn it in at the PMO same time you turned in your scraped off vehicle decals or mail it in once you left the installation for good. Then you were suppose to turn around and get your Green Card (and a new set of vehicle decals...🙄) while in the IRR. If anything, so you can continue with your commissary/AAFES privileges.

Then again, I still have mine too. Ah, well - it expired last May anyways. At least Green Cards don't have an expiration date.

 

[elderjack21]

Probably thinking you'd be called up out of the IRR as soon as you went in...

Wherever you cleared from and whoever in the transition office counseled you screwed up. In theory, you were suppose to turn it in at the PMO same time you turned in your scraped off vehicle decals or mail it in once you left the installation for good. Then you were suppose to turn around and get your Green Card (and a new set of vehicle decals...🙄) while in the IRR. If anything, so you can continue with your commissary/AAFES privileges.

Then again, I still have mine too. Ah, well - it expired last May anyways. At least Green Cards don't have an expiration date.

Decals aren't really even used anymore at the installation I was at (they have a 100% ID card check at all times and don't even look at your decal, your card is scanned at the gate and checked against their database though). As far as the CAC card goes, there really is no practical of getting rid of it as I needed it up to my last day at work to access the programs I was working on. I did ask several people along the out-processing trail if I should turn it in to anyone as I was driving into the sunset, but given the new requirements to "muster" each year in IRR (in some cases in person), it probably seems like the right thing to hold on to it will make it easier when I get the free ticket to Iraq in the next couple months. I read that the Army is calling up 1,800 from the IRR by the end of September...good times, great places!

 

[73BARMYPgsp]

I was on active duty-->then the guard-->then HPSP and I have had a CAC card the whole time. I hope the "getting kicked out of DEERS" thing dosen't happen to me, as my wife has a low threshold for Army crap like that. I will never hear the end of it.

 

[FutureNavyFP]

I was on active duty-->then the guard-->then HPSP and I have had a CAC card the whole time. I hope the "getting kicked out of DEERS" thing dosen't happen to me, as my wife has a low threshold for Army crap like that. I will never hear the end of it.

When does your card expire? I had one issued to me that expired earlier this year. I found out when I went to get a new card (the green one) that I had been booted out of DEERS about the time of the expiration. I'm not sure if there is any coorelation but I did have to make a phone call to the HPSP folks and get put back in the system before I could get another ID card. 😳

 

[73BARMYPgsp]

When does your card expire? I had one issued to me that expired earlier this year. I found out when I went to get a new card (the green one) that I had been booted out of DEERS about the time of the expiration. I'm not sure if there is any coorelation but I did have to make a phone call to the HPSP folks and get put back in the system before I could get another ID card. 😳

Expiration date is 04MAY10. It has my correct rank (0-1) and no info on the chip (I tried to log into a CAC reader and it did not work). The reason I was able to get it was I went straight from Guard to HPSP. I was at Camp Roberts (California National Guard Post) when I was sworn in. Then I walked over to the ID card facility with my DA71, and they made me a new one that says "0-1 2LT" on it. I have used it to access Travis AFB (nearest Active Duty Facility) so I could go to the PX and show my wife and step son what an active duty base is all about. It was cool when the gate guard saluted me for the first time.

 

[elderjack21]

Expiration date is 04MAY10. It has my correct rank (0-1) and no info on the chip (I tried to log into a CAC reader and it did not work).

Generally a CAC card will only work on the installation computer network if it has been registered through the computer administrator guys at that specific location. Doesn't take more than someone signing a piece of paper for you and approving your account.

 

[fetch]

Decals aren't really even used anymore at the installation I was at (they have a 100% ID card check at all times and don't even look at your decal, your card is scanned at the gate and checked against their database though). As far as the CAC card goes, there really is no practical of getting rid of it as I needed it up to my last day at work to access the programs I was working on. I did ask several people along the out-processing trail if I should turn it in to anyone as I was driving into the sunset, but given the new requirements to "muster" each year in IRR (in some cases in person), it probably seems like the right thing to hold on to it will make it easier when I get the free ticket to Iraq in the next couple months. I read that the Army is calling up 1,800 from the IRR by the end of September...good times, great places!

I'm sure since things do change and we all know there's no continuity from one military installation to another, right? Or maybe that's just "us" since we can have duty station assignment to an Army/Navy/AF/MC installation and still adhere to anything put out by the Department of the Army at all times as well as whatever the Commander we're "tenet" to puts out (usually).

Just putting out there how it should've gone as I understood it. Or at least how it went a year ago at one of the larger CONUS Army installations. Shoot, they wanted me to scrape my decals before I was ETS'd... Good thing my POV wasn't in the parking out front or they would've; I had to show them I was in a GOV like I said.

If you get called up is one thing. If you don't, an AD CAC may cause you more headaches than it's worth in the long run. Notably because, as I said, it expires (every three years still, right?). Secondly because the reg says you turn it in and some Reserve Center high-speed SFC will probably freak if you whip it out during a muster if you're required to attend one and confiscate it as a result. There are no CACs for IRR, which is asinine IMO since it would make everyones life in this day and age much easier if we did already have CACs issued. But that resembles common sense too much, silly me. 😛

AFAIK and experienced, musters are only for those residing within 50 miles of a designated Reserve Center. Takes about an hour if you're on top of your reserve OPMF and have your Reserves ID card (Green) already in your possession (it's what they wanted me to have). They'll pitch to you joining the active Reserves, you'll fill out a couple forms and watch a message from the Commander and that's about it.

If you have the time, there is a heyooge thread about the IRR musters at http://www.militarytimes.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1559339. Haven't read it personally since I just found it so I don't know if there's any pearls buried in it.

 

[NAVYdoc07]

I will be finishing my last rotation requirement one month after graduation (June). I was told that since I wouldn't have completed all of my requirements with the other students in May I cannot participate in the commissioning ceremony with my classmates. Does any one have anything to add to this? I was disappointed b/c all of my out-of-town family will be in town for graduation, and they won't be able to fly down again for my commissioning just one month later... dunno who will be there for my pinning now!!!

 

[DrChimRichalds]

Like most other firsts, it was awkward, characterized by a general flailing of limbs, and over almost before it began. It also left both us of, I think, feeling a little embarrassed, but such is life.

You've just described every encounter I had with a girl in high school.

 

[deuist]

I will be finishing my last rotation requirement one month after graduation (June). I was told that since I wouldn't have completed all of my requirements with the other students in May I cannot participate in the commissioning ceremony with my classmates. Does any one have anything to add to this? I was disappointed b/c all of my out-of-town family will be in town for graduation, and they won't be able to fly down again for my commissioning just one month later... dunno who will be there for my pinning now!!!

There's noting more than I can think to add. The rule for commissioning to O-3 is that you must finish all of your school's graduation requirements. Some people get through 4th year early and can be commissioned earlier.

 

[Perrotfish]

Follow up question: can I buy a uniform in between signing the papers and comissioning? I´m going to need the uniform for ODS a week later anyway (I think I need a uniform for that), and If I´m going to do some sort of ceremony I´d rather not do it in a suit.

 

[NavyFP]

Follow up question: can I buy a uniform in between signing the papers and comissioning? I´m going to need the uniform for ODS a week later anyway (I think I need a uniform for that), and If I´m going to do some sort of ceremony I´d rather not do it in a suit.

Usually all in one fell swoop. Talk with your recruiter, you may be able to obtain a uniform prior.

 

[NatashaRachell]

how much does the uniform cost? Is there a uniform allowance or is it all out-of-pocket?

 

[Jolie South]

Follow up question: can I buy a uniform in between signing the papers and comissioning? I´m going to need the uniform for ODS a week later anyway (I think I need a uniform for that), and If I´m going to do some sort of ceremony I´d rather not do it in a suit.

My "ceremony" was pretty casual as it took place at my house. I wore business casual attire and the whole thing lasted 45 minutes. I wouldn't worry about being decked out unless you really want to.

 

[deuist]

how much does the uniform cost? Is there a uniform allowance or is it all out-of-pocket?

Altogether I spent several hundred dollars on uniforms at COT. There is indeed a one-time uniform allowance of $400 that is given to officers. However, this money usually comes late, nor is it enough to cover all of the purchases that you will make.

 

[futrdvm]

Ahhh, the first salute. I had my first salute driving onto Ft Belvoir while in civilian clothing. The soldier at the gate saluted me after presenting my Reserves ID card, and I was like "Errrr, right, umm..." and returned the salute. Like most other firsts, it was awkward, characterized by a general flailing of limbs, and over almost before it began. It also left both us of, I think, feeling a little embarrassed, but such is life.

OMG!!! i think i used to date you!! that's the perfect description!! ROTFLMAO!!!

 

[Squiddie]

He was not in uniform.





Ahhh, the first salute. I had my first salute driving onto Ft Belvoir while in civilian clothing. The soldier at the gate saluted me after presenting my Reserves ID card, and I was like "Errrr, right, umm..." and returned the salute. Like most other firsts, it was awkward, characterized by a general flailing of limbs, and over almost before it began. It also left both us of, I think, feeling a little embarrassed, but such is life.

So I can expect it to be like all of high school and college (that I've experienced so far)?

This made me laugh like I was 12 again and having sex-ed WITH THE BOYS for the first time.