May 6, 2020
FOB Westbrook, NM
Promotions are always a positive thing in the Army. Commander’s enjoy the opportunity to promote Soldiers in front of a formation of the entire unit. It’s not a requirement, but it is tradition, and the Army is big on tradition. The orders will be read, the commander rips the velcro rank off your chest and flings it over his or her shoulder, puts the new rank on, and you are presented to the unit at your new rank. It is also traditional to give your old rank insignia to someone two ranks below your new rank, as they will hopefully soon be able to use it soon.