Air Force Commisioning traditions, help??????

[ladyviola]

When a new officer (2nd Lt. or Warrant Officer) is commisioned in the Marine Corps they carry a US Silver Dollar. They then give that dollar to the first enlisted person who salutes them. A fun and time honored tradition amongst many, many that the Marines observe.

Are there any traditions that surround commisioning we new Air Force Officers? The Air Force is the youngest service but we continue to build upon our history and traditions that help build our Esprit de Corps. Please help if you can.

[athena55, BSN, RN]

Ladyviola:

Now hold on onedoggoneminute I KNOW it was the ARMY that originated that wee bit of tradition.... HOOAH...and not the Devil Dogs! [teasing you!]

athena

[Staczse7]

In the Army Officers Guide by LTC Bonn, It is listed that it is a ARMY custom the silver dollar salute that a newly commissioned officer, the lieutenant presents a silver dollar to the first enlisted soldier who salutes him or her. The coin symbolically acknowledges the receipt of respect due the new rank and position.

When I was commissioned, earlier this month, my recruiter handed me a silver dollar to carry on this tradition. I am still waiting to pass it off.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

It's an old post I've resurrected, but I felt compelled to point out - this is a SERVICE tradition, not tied to any one branch.

I have a brother who's retired Navy, a brother who's retired Army, my father was a retired Navy corpsman who spent ninety percent of his career with the Marines, and I grew up just down the road from a Coast Guard base - they ALL do it.

So if any of my fellow COT/other service, commission-bound RNs need to know - get your silver dollar ready!