How to do a Commissioning Ceremony?

The Little Greek · Sep 9, 2009

First, congrats to you!

My commissioning ceremony wasn't really much of a ceremony actually. I was sworn in by an Army Major in my recruiter's office with only my two little boys there to witness. Based on that, I'm probably not the best person to ask about planning a ceremony!

Clearly I'm not much help. I just thought I'd let you know that it doesn't have to be a big production unless you want it to be. I'd also ask your recruiter how much time s/he has and what they've done for others in the past.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Sep 9, 2009

My recruiter has sworn people in in the parking lot of a Brugger's - and yes, that did happen, and I think that's pretty sad, really. I was actually in her office one day when the folks there were running around trying to find an officer to commission some people - I thought that was really poor management.

This is a huge moment for you and it will only come once. If you want to make a big deal out of it, you should. If you don't want to, or can't, you don't have to.

I wanted to be commissioned on my hospital floor so my friends and coworkers - who have supported me from day one and who have mentored me into the kind of RN the Air Force must have wanted - could be there. My recruiter was FLOORED. They decorated the conference room in red, white, and blue and got me a huge cake with the American flag on it, and my husband sent up a bunch of stuff I have from when I was enlisted - pictures of my K9 class in tech school, pictures of me on duty as an AF police officer with my K9, and awards I'd gotten. They put sheets on the tables with decorations and set all my stuff out. When I walked into the conference room, I almost cried.

Bottom line is, it's your day. Make it any way your want.

Cursed Irishman · Sep 9, 2009

Do it in the back of an ambulance running code.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Sep 9, 2009

Do it in the back of an ambulance running code.

At rush hour.

Better yet - ONBOARD LIFE FLIGHT (or your hospital's equivalent)...

BartC_RN · Sep 10, 2009

Do it in the back of an ambulance running code.

That's awesome! LOL.

Miss Mab · Sep 10, 2009

I did mine at a Mail Boxes, etc.(UPS Store) with just me and the tie-dye wearin' notary guy that works there.

It was exactly appropriate for my purposes and, in retrospect, has served to suit my subsequent service experience fittingly.

OP--Mark the occasion in the way that is most fitting for you. It's highly individual(clearly) and almost impossible to get it wrong.

Enjoy your moment and congratulations!

LT mab

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Sep 10, 2009

I love it - the tie-dyed wearing guy behind the counter - oh, the irony of it all... :)

markisrn · Sep 10, 2009

Just make sure that it is meaningful and memorable to you. Mine was a simple, outdoor ceremony with friends and family.

rghbsn, BSN, RN · Sep 11, 2009

I plan on having my father at mine...preferably in uniform so that he can be the first one to salute me, LOL. I'll make sure to give him the dollar he's supposed to get for it.

I agree that it's very individual, but some people that have no military experience should get a bit more support IMHO. One of my co-workers was commissioned in the "family conference" room (i.e. bad news room) of a busy ED by the Emergency MD (also a LtCol in the AFR) while she was working. A few years later it was a source of frustration for her because she really didn't know what it meant, or how much importance and tradition can be connected to it. Look at the ceremonial history of most militaries, the fact that officers are not only leaders in rank but also in example. As an officer you will be part of and may even be in charge of various ceremonies that are steeped in tradition and ceremony. Some research and appropriate help from willing friends, family and co-workers can go a long way to make the experience one you will never forget.

ladyviola · Sep 22, 2009

working with my recruiter: i am being accepting my commission at the air force memorial in washington dc. my husband is a retired marine officer and he is administering the oath of office. my father, who is a retired air force master sgt, is helping "pin on" my butter bars. i have my silver dollar, a 2009 new silver dollar, for the first salute i accept and return. i am wearing my dress blues and i am stoked to the max. my recruiter's wife is taking the pictures.

i believe that your own personal memories are born of cherished history and traditions. our air force and our us military customs and courtesies are time honored, forming the foundation, in part, for the way we will act as officers in the united states armed forces. any version, from a single officer reading the oath to an elaborate parade and music is fine as long as you respect that oath upon which you place your hand and heart and swear your allegiance. what a cool adventure we are all embarking upon.

jentrump29 · Sep 22, 2009

I've noticed alot of you are prior military. Can non-priors commission in uniform? Or do you have to wear civilian clothes? I know we'll learn about all the rules at COT, but I figured between my recruiter and the military clothing store, maybe I can get one of the uniforms right! Sorry for the ignorance...