Ceremonial Guard ~ Should I take it? NO!!!

Craig · 02-12-2012, 05:07 PM

In boot camp you may be asked to volunteer for the Ceremonial Guard. Should you take it? NO!!!!

Sometimes new sailors don't look at the big picture, they only look at the "here and now". If you want pride, then the Ceremonial Guard is the place to be.
Here is the official instruction for the Ceremonial Guard:
http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-np...s/1306-907.pdf

However, if you want earning rate (rank), and advancing and being promoted $$$, to do you college education, then the Ceremonial Guard isn't the place to be. To me, it absolutely sucks. The sailors are in limbo for 2 years and while all of your shipmates in boot camp are going to "A" and "C" school, getting E4 & E5 after two years. However, you will be stuck at E3 because you don't have a rating (HM, IT, CTM, MM). You cannot promote someone without a rating. The others sailors (the ones you went to boot camp with) are already deep into their careers, and you will just be beginning yours. You will be more like the "Toddlers and Tiaras" tv show, by this I mean, yea you will look good but where is it taking you?

Remember too, the rating you original went in for is gone. The chances of you getting that rating after your 2 years of Ceremonial Guard is up will be very rare. If you get into a crappy rating that is overmanned and doesn't advance after your time is up for Ceremonial Guard, then he will be given the boot after 6 years due to High Year Tenure.
http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-np...s/1160-120.pdf

This CTR made Chief (E7) in 5 years 5 months. Would the same guy that was in the Ceremonial Guard make it in the same time? I know alot of Chiefs are ticked off because they don't think this guy "Served his time". But guess what, the Navy says he did, and I must beleive in the Navy. http://www.soundpublishing.com/index...family_affair/

So, don't get me wrong, I think it an honor to be in the Ceremonial Guard. The sailors look awesome! However, in todays Navy, it doesn't put the same food on the table as someone that's rated and has advanced. By food, I mean Steak and Potatoes, and not a bottle of Cheez Whiz.

Just my thoughts...

02-12-2012, 05:07 PM	#1
Craig Administrator Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Centennial, Colorado Posts: 2,767 Rep Power: 285	Ceremonial Guard ~ Should I take it? NO!!! In boot camp you may be asked to volunteer for the Ceremonial Guard. Should you take it? NO!!!! Sometimes new sailors don't look at the big picture, they only look at the "here and now". If you want pride, then the Ceremonial Guard is the place to be. Here is the official instruction for the Ceremonial Guard: http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-np...s/1306-907.pdf However, if you want earning rate (rank), and advancing and being promoted $$$, to do you college education, then the Ceremonial Guard isn't the place to be. To me, it absolutely sucks. The sailors are in limbo for 2 years and while all of your shipmates in boot camp are going to "A" and "C" school, getting E4 & E5 after two years. However, you will be stuck at E3 because you don't have a rating (HM, IT, CTM, MM). You cannot promote someone without a rating. The others sailors (the ones you went to boot camp with) are already deep into their careers, and you will just be beginning yours. You will be more like the "Toddlers and Tiaras" tv show, by this I mean, yea you will look good but where is it taking you? Remember too, the rating you original went in for is gone. The chances of you getting that rating after your 2 years of Ceremonial Guard is up will be very rare. If you get into a crappy rating that is overmanned and doesn't advance after your time is up for Ceremonial Guard, then he will be given the boot after 6 years due to High Year Tenure. http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-np...s/1160-120.pdf This CTR made Chief (E7) in 5 years 5 months. Would the same guy that was in the Ceremonial Guard make it in the same time? I know alot of Chiefs are ticked off because they don't think this guy "Served his time". But guess what, the Navy says he did, and I must beleive in the Navy. http://www.soundpublishing.com/index...family_affair/ So, don't get me wrong, I think it an honor to be in the Ceremonial Guard. The sailors look awesome! However, in todays Navy, it doesn't put the same food on the table as someone that's rated and has advanced. By food, I mean Steak and Potatoes, and not a bottle of Cheez Whiz. Just my thoughts... __________________