If he is allowed to graduate but not commission, he will participate in everything, including Commissioning Day/graduation - except he will not take the oath. All his paperwork would be different too, as it would be a discharge and separation. He would be a member of the class same as any classmate he went through 4 years with, would come back for reunions, etc. It is bittersweet, but he would have the support of classmates. It happens.
Thank you Capt MJ- I was hoping you would respond. He is still unsure where his future lies as his medical issues are still not rectified...it is a work in progress. I can only pray that he is getting the best care possible. It is very difficult being so far away and only receiving limited information from him.
Gut-punch is the perfect way to put it...and it has been 5 years with a year at NAPS.No kidding. Best wishes for a successful outcome. That's a real gut-punch after spending four years training to become an officer.
Here's your diploma and here's your DD-214.
The silver lining is that he'll have a diploma from The United States Naval Academy. He won't be looking for a job very long.
I am going to post an image that has stayed with me for years, always helps me get perspective. MIDN Kevin Hillery graduated with the class of USNA 2012 but did not commission. He has gone on to a successful life. There was not a dry eye in the stadium that morning.
wow!! just read about him online - he is an inspiration for sure!!!
your Firstie will be able to attend all Commissioning Week Events, it is also Graduation, and they’ve more than earned their place at the celebrations planned throughout the week. On Graduation Day, If Commissioning is delayed, your Mid will be with their Company, on the field, wearing their Dress Whites (even if they are pursuing a USMC Commmission.). When the Ensigns-to-be rise to take the Oath your Mid will remain seated, and if they’re pursuing the Marine Corps route, your Mid will remain seated during that oath. FYI, Your Mid will not be the only person sitting. (At my Mid’s Commissioning, there were many who remained seated, as their Commissioning was delayed). How many I couldn’t say, but more than I thought there’d be for sure. I noticed only because I was aware of the circumstances for a few of them. I wish your Mid good luck with whatever decision they ultimately make. But if they’re serious about fighting for their Commission, they can choose to pursue that route and if granted, can have their Commissioning ceremonies performed privately or en masse with the others who were also delayed.
Wouldn’t some of those that remain sitting be foreign exchange students? They wouldn’t be commissioning into the US Navy or Marines, correct?
Yes, the international students receive their diploma but do not take the oath. You will often see senior military/naval attachés in full dress uniforms doing private oaths with them afterwards. Most return to military service in their own country, some go into civilian govt service, some are allowed to continue to grad school on a student visa.
Marine graduates started wearing Marine uniforms to Commissioning some years ago. It shows the true nature of the dual-force class. A great decision. You can also see the classic woman’s bucket cover.
Diploma, DD-214 AND Lobster Rolls?
yes same during our Ceremony, but the Mid who chose to graduate and continue to appeal Medical waiver in pursuit of earning their Commission to USMC had to wear dress whites. they were a Naval Academy graduate but not a Commissioned officer in either branch.
