AROTC Commissioning ceremony

Roxymom

5-Year Member
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Aug 19, 2012
Messages
169
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.
 
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!
 
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!
 
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?
 
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.
 
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
 
Does the silver dollar apply to AROTC or all branches. I have a NROTC commissioning in May.
 
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.
 
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?
 
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.
 
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.
 
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