I was listening to my Drill Sergeant about how he had received so many officer coins from past cadets... I dont know if i remembered correctly. its been a long time.
2007-07-26 06:36:04 · 4 answers · asked by luvisuzu 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
The tradition is that a newly commissioned officer is to give a silver dollar to the first enlisted man to salute him.
When I was commissioned, I got enough silver dollars to give one to each of the NCOs in my ROTC unit. They all stood in line as we came off the stage to salute us, and each one got a coin.
2007-07-26 06:42:52 · answer #1 · answered by Dave_Stark 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is traditional in the Navy and Marines for an officer to present to the first enlisted person who salutes them a silver dollar. At the graduation and commissioning ceremonies, a Drill Sgt would place himself strategically so as to be the first to salute these newly commissioned officers and be presented with the coin. You see this at the end of the movie "An Officer and a Gentleman".
I do not know if this tradition is practiced in the Air Force or Army.
2007-07-26 13:50:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think he's referring to the military custom of presenting the first person to salute a newly commissioned officer with a silver dollar.
Mine went to a very surprised gate guard at a Coast Guard facility, as I was an Army Lieutenant. I was on the way to see a good friend's commissioning, which took place a very short time after my own.
They are just ordinary silver dollars. I should think a career enlisted trainer at an Officer School would attach some sentimental value to them. The gate guard probably had a beer.
2007-07-26 13:45:34 · answer #3 · answered by open4one 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You give a silver dollar to the first enlisted man to salute you when you get your commission.
2007-07-26 14:26:44 · answer #4 · answered by joby10095 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋