AROTC Commissioning ceremony

[Roxymom]

Aside from boxes of Kleenex, do I need to bring anything to the ceremony? I saw something about coins for the bars? What is the ceremony like? Any preparedness tips welcome.
DS has had all his ASU stuff for months from Marlow White.

 

[cb7893]

The night before, practice pinning on the bars in either dim light, while blindfolded, or both.

Have needle-nosed pliers handy for adjustments...during the night before practice, not during the ceremony.

Have fun and best of luck to your DS!

 

[txpotato]

Don't forget a silver dollar for the first salute! I can't believe it's five weeks from today for us!

Congrats!

 

[Roxymom]

The night before, practice pinning on the bars in either dim light, while blindfolded, or both.

Have needle-nosed pliers handy for adjustments...during the night before practice, not during the ceremony.

Have fun and best of luck to your DS!

Thank you!

 

[Roxymom]

Don't forget a silver dollar for the first salute! I can't believe it's five weeks from today for us!

Congrats!

Thanks! 6 weeks for us but graduation is in 4 and they may be in uniform for that- not sure.
Is the silver dollar given to them at commissioning or to go with them to IBOLC?

 

[NavyHoops]

A silver dollar is given to the person who salutes them first as an officer.

 

[Jcc123]

It is normally your DS/DD's responsibility to procure the silver dollar. There are types that are more commonly used used than others - like a Morgan silver dollar, for example. I can't recall specifically what it was, but I know there was some special significance to the coin my son chose to give to his NCO and he selected it carefully.

 

[KarenH]

I get to watch the DH Sergeant Major (10 days before his retirement) salute the DS. Tissues for sure, and DS better have one awesome coin to hand over!

 

[AROTC-dad]

Is the silver dollar given to them at commissioning or to go with them to IBOLC?

This may clarify how it is done: (At least at @clarksonarmy 's battalion)

 

[sheriff3]

I am for sure going to lose it watching my AD AF daughter saluting her newly minted brother. [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

 

[clarksonarmy]

This is a silver dollar salute from Clarkson 7 years ago. Grandfather Karboski was one of the Rangers who assaulted on DDay. Not the most graceful first salute, but pretty cool

 

[goirish1]

Does the silver dollar apply to AROTC or all branches. I have a NROTC commissioning in May.

 

[MohawkArmyROTC]

Does the silver dollar apply to AROTC or all branches. I have a NROTC commissioning in May.

All branches.

 

[Capri120]

Does the silver dollar apply to AROTC or all branches. I have a NROTC commissioning in May.

I would expect it would be across all branches. 30+ years ago, when AF OTS was still at the Medina Annex, Lackland AFB, when I was commissioned, my father, a retired AF MSgt, gave me my first salute; I gave him my silver dollar.

 

[AROTC-dad]

Does the silver dollar apply to AROTC or all branches. I have a NROTC commissioning in May.

Okay..here is a Silver Dollar ceremony for NROTC folks...

And the AF...

 

[jbm02]

Thank you for posting those clips. My recently retired BIL will be saluting DS (AROTC).
What is the typical schedule at a commissioning? I'm clueless, DS started to explain but I'm not sure I caught everything, and I know better than to call the cadre office to ask! Hope someone here can give us an idea of what to expect... Are active duty (or Guard/Reserve) family members expected to wear uniforms?

 

[MohawkArmyROTC]

The wearing of uniform by attendees is by their personal preference. However, if one of the attendees comes in uniform and is an O6 or above, you should give the ROTC detachment a courtesy call to let them know.

 

[Roxymom]

This is a silver dollar salute from Clarkson 7 years ago. Grandfather Karboski was one of the Rangers who assaulted on DDay. Not the most graceful first salute, but pretty cool

Thank you for sharing! So glad I asked.