Promotion Gifts for O-3

Stealth_81

Stealth_81

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Does anyone have suggestion for a gift for promotion to O-3? I know it isn't a huge deal like the higher promotions are, but we would like to at least recognize our son for the accomplishment. We won't be seeing him at all so it would have to be something that we can ship.

Stealth_81
 
Depending on price range
A nice watch
Something for a personal hobby
Gift card to a nice restaurant near them
Cold hard cash
 
USAFA grad? Then perhaps something with the Academy crest.Or cuff links or tie tack with class crest. Whatever company made his ring usually offers other pieces. I gave my husband the cuff links as a promotion gift; major marital points for that pick.

Or one of my go-to's: a nice engraved box, maybe with initials, for uniform insignia, shirt studs, etc.

Or airline gift card!
 
Honestly, I don't think you really need to give a "promotion gift." It's a nice thought but not entirely expected, especially at that level.

Or…… did I miss out on the promotion gifts!?!?!


A nice subscription to something (such as Foreign Policy magazine) or Netflix. A good book…. a ticket to 3D Avengers movie this weekend...
 
If you go to the Johnny Walker site you can order a personalized label for the scotch. Otherwise I would buy some nice cigars for him to enjoy with his buds.
 
If you want to get your DS a gift upon the occasion of his promotion that's fine. I don't remember getting anything but I am sure I would have liked to!
I like the idea of a fine whiskey, cocktail glasses and cigars!

I don't know if this is a tradition in the other branches, but in the Naval tradition a newly promoted officer throws a "wetting down" party where he traditionally spends the difference between his old pay and his new pay. Yes, he hosts and pays for his own party. When several officers are promoted at the same time they will group their funds and throw one heck of a great party! Perhaps this is something your DS might want to consider.
 
Is he into firearms? Maybe a bit pricy for the occasion but it is a gift he'll have and use for many years to come.
 
USMC,

That is also the tradition in the AF, but usually for O4 and above. Typically all of the officers on the promotion list will get together and throw a huge party at the O club on Friday night.

The only thing that might be different is the AF does it when selected, not their pin on. Thus, you can land up paying out several hundred bucks and not see the pay increase for 6-9 months.

I recall when Bullet pinned on O3 he bought the 1st round at the club that Friday night.
~ In the AF most will wear their flight cap with the new rank into the bar. By doing so you automatically have to buy the bar. Or they will throw their cap on the bar, same deal.

I don't recall Bullet getting any gift from his folks when he pinned on O3.
 
Thanks for the suggestions. It sounds like it isn't really necessary to get him anything. He isn't a drinker or cigar smoker so those wouldn't work. I'll probably just buy him something he wants for his plane (since I likely would have bought it for him anyway).

Stealth_81
 
USMCGrunt said:
If you want to get your DS a gift upon the occasion of his promotion that's fine. I don't remember getting anything but I am sure I would have liked to!
I like the idea of a fine whiskey, cocktail glasses and cigars!

I don't know if this is a tradition in the other branches, but in the Naval tradition a newly promoted officer throws a "wetting down" party where he traditionally spends the difference between his old pay and his new pay. Yes, he hosts and pays for his own party. When several officers are promoted at the same time they will group their funds and throw one heck of a great party! Perhaps this is something your DS might want to consider.
Click to expand...

Yes, that's the tradition in the Army too. If you don't want to host a party you're at least supposed to have a big food spread. I did the latter for my promotion last year and had quite a feast.
 
A simple "captain?"

Hmm...a "so, you didn't get an Article 15 and they promoted you to Captain...woopdeedoo..." card would work! ;-)
(too harsh?)

Or...I'm partial to 21 year old Glenlivet....

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
Stealth_81 said:
Thanks for the suggestions. It sounds like it isn't really necessary to get him anything. He isn't a drinker or cigar smoker so those wouldn't work. I'll probably just buy him something he wants for his plane (since I likely would have bought it for him anyway).

Stealth_81
Click to expand...

What does he have to buy for his plane? Doesn't the military get everything he needs? Or does he personalize it?
 
Many guys get personalized items, such as visor covers or their flight bag, the AF doesn't pay for that. For xmas we just got our DS a new flight bag.

I just remember what Rich got for his O3. He had blood chits put into his leather flight jacket. He also had them rework the outside pockets. Believe it or not the pockets opened from the top, so he had them open from the side.
 
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