Individual/Group Commissioning Ceremony FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Where can I have the commissioning ceremony?
A: The best location is at the host university at CU Boulder, Detachment Lounge. You will be allowed to
show-off to your family and friends the hard work invested and the legacy you leave behind to become
the world’s greatest 2nd Lieutenant, especially coming from Det 105. However, UCB is not your only
option and you can seek your own venue on or off campus, but it is at your discretion/own expense.
Q: When is the best time to schedule a commissioning ceremony? [Individual]
A: Monday-Friday, mid-mornings from 0900-1200 is the best day/time and when Cadre is available to
support.
Q: How long is the ceremony? [Group]
A: Plan for 1.5-2 hours for a group commissioning ceremony—depends on class size.
Q: Where will my family/friends sit?
A: There will be designated seating for the Commissionee’ s family nearby the stage to ensure efficient
flow of travel and report to the stage when the commissionee is called for the pinning on.
Q: Will there be a reception?
A: A reception is welcomed and at your discretion/own expense, or you may request commissioning
funds from the Det 105 Booster Club. [Individual]
A: A reception will be prior or following the Spring/Winter commissioning ceremony depending on the
planning efforts. [Group]
Q: Is a Commissionee “After Call” Celebration party required? Do I need to attend?
A: It is the Commissioning Class’ discretion to plan/hold such an event with limited budget and may
require out-of-pocket expenses. Note: When choosing a location, ensure to discern/cater if the party
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will be ‘Adults only’ and or ‘Family-oriented’. Your attendance is at yours and Commissioning Class
discretion.
Q: Can I wear my AF uniform at the “After Call”?
A: When off base eating at restaurants where most diners wear business attire or at establishments
that operate primarily to serve alcohol, do not wear utility uniforms such as ABUs, BDUs, etc., or the
flight duty uniform. (AFI 36-2903, Para 1.4)
Q: When do I take my QFR?
A: The QFR must be taken NET 30 days prior to your DOC. You may conduct a height/weigh-in the on
the same day of the QFR. UOD: AF PTUs. Note: Cadets are authorized only one attempt at the QFR.
Cadets who fail the commissioning QFR will receive a CE and be investigated for disenrollment,
regardless of the number of CEs. (AFROTCI 36-2011, Para. 12.8.11.1)
Q: Will there be a pre-commissioning appointment?
A: Yes; at least 30 days prior or on case-by-case basis only. Please arrange an appointment with TSgt
Johnson to begin your commissioning paperwork.
Q: Will there be a post-commissioning appointment?
A: Yes. Please arrange an appointment with TSgt Johnson to finalize your commissioning paperwork for
active duty.
Q: Will there be a rehearsal prior to the ceremony?
A: As needed to “walk-thru” certain parts of the script at least 15-30 mins prior. [Individual]
A: Yes; required 2 times with COC and with Det/CC. [Group]
Q: Do I need to memorize the Oath of Office?
A: You should be familiar with the language of the Oath. It is the most important part of the ceremony.
Q: Will there be a commissioning program?
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A: Programs were printed for the May commissioning ceremony only. There will be no program for
print for individual commissioning ceremonies. The order of the ceremony is quite short whereby there
will be a meet & greet of family/friends with the commissioning official; the commissionee and the
commissioning official will stand before the audience and the national/service flags in the background
for a 60 second Oath of Office; following a couple of presentations and photo opportunities
before/during/after the ceremony at an estimate timeframe of 15-20 mins. Printing of your own
program is welcomed and at your own discretion. [Individual]
Q: Will there be a commissioning invite? How many can I invite?
A: Yes. See attached sample. No limit to your invitations; allow for room capacity for safety reasons
and consider limiting invites if there are additional facility usage costs.
Det 105
Commissioning Invite_summer.pptx
Q: Will there be an invocation/benediction?
A: An invocation/benediction is welcomed and at your discretion/own expense. If there is an opening
prayer, please provide the name/relationship of the person offering a prayer in order to be introduced
in the program.
Q: What should be concerned about the content of a prayer?
A: The content of the prayer follows the guidance below from the AF Chaplain:
- Assume that everyone who will be in attendance will be Christian.
- If there is a chance persons from other religions will be in attendance, here are a couple things
to always keep in mind when praying in public at an Official AF function.
- Always use "God" rather than Father. Father is used in a couple world religions but God covers
a larger base of believers in all world religions. For example, use O ‘God, Merciful God, and
phrases like this.
- In closing, if praying at a retirement or promotion ceremony the chaplain should ask the
recipient what their preference is. If they are Christian, usually end the prayer in language
highlighting the "Son" of God, or In the Name of Jesus; which is scriptural teaching. However, in
a public setting as mentioned above, close with: In the Name of the Holy, or In the Name Above
All--this one particularly is used most often because that's a new AF focus to be "Above
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All". Taking into account Air Superiority but also thinking of the Supreme Deity pertaining to
God.
Q: Do I need a biography to submit for the ceremony?
A: Yes. Write a short bio on place of birth/where you grew up, college attended, major of study, AFSC
assigned, location of first assignment, goals in AF and thank you’s.
Q: Will there be photography or videotaping provided?
A: Photography and Videotaping is welcomed and at your discretion/own expense.
Q: Will there be a color guard?
A: No. However, you may request this service through the Honor Guard Flt/CC. The US and AF flag will
be positioned center back for the oath of office and pinning ceremony. [Individual]
A: Yes. [Group]
Q: Will there be a script to follow?
A: Yes. There is a short ceremony script to follow similar to the Spring/Winter commissioning
ceremonies. Attached is a sample copy. Note: Provide a list of names/relationship of the family /friend
to pin-on the gold bars on the shoulders and cover. [Individual]
Commissioning
Ceremony 2013 Solo Script v1.0_2 Jul 13.docx
Q: What ribbons should commissionees wear on their service dress coat?
A: National Defense and AF Ribbon only. GWOT (global war on terrorism) is no longer active. However,
prior service ribbons and badges are authorized for wear.
Q: What do I need to prepare on my uniform?
A: Have the following: Name tag, ribbons, 2d Lt rank (soft shoulder boards) for blues shirt, one extra 2d
Lt gold bar for flight cap/cover, officer sleeve braid sewn on service coat (see SSgt Slagle for a strand of
braid to be altered onto coat sleeve (3” from cuff edge)).
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Q: Can I wear special headgear (hat/cover or beret) based on my AFSC selection for the ceremony and
thereafter?
A: Special headgear to be worn like a beret is authorized when completing or graduating Initial Skills
Training (IST) (aka Technical Training School) or when issued or awarded by your functional unit.
(AFI 36-2903)
Q: Do I need to purchase a set of 2d Lt gold bars for the ceremony?
A: No, at this time. The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) “Gold Bar” program has
graciously been donating each year a set of gold bars to each commissionee at the time of ceremony.
Q: At the ceremony, do I hand the gold bars and “frogs” (bar clips) to my family who will be pinning
them on me or do I hand them from my pant pocket at the time of their arrival on stage?
A: It is your discretion to hand over the set of gold bars + 1 (for cover/hat) to your family as they will
come prepared or you can be efficient to have the gold bars in hand for the family to take when on
stage.
Q: Is it recommended that I have my family put the “frog” clips underneath the gold bar when pinned?
A: For the sake of time and efficiency during the ceremony, it is recommended to put at least one “frog”
to hold the gold bar in place onto the epaulette and when you return to your seat you can secure the
gold bars at your leisure.
Q: Do I need to purchase a U.S. Flag for the ceremony?
A: No, at this time. The time honored tradition of Det 105 receiving an American flag flown over CUBoulder has been provided by the Air Force Association (AFA) to each commissionee at the time of the
ceremony.
Q: At the commissioning ceremony, how should my uniform be prepared?
A: Ensure to have gender sized AF rank soft shoulder boards on the blue shirt/blouse. The service coat
should have the name tag, authorized ribbons (prior service ribbons may be worn), and officer blue
braid (sewn 3” from the end of the cuff) on the service coat sleeve. Note: No cadet or pinned rank on
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the shoulder of the service coat until commissioning ceremony. Flight cap should be readily available if
planning to have a family member/friend to pin-on rank on the cover.
Q: What is the history/background on the Silver Dollar Salute so that I can explain to the person I
choose?
A: It is an honored tradition that a newly commissioned Second Lieutenant proudly hands a silver dollar
to the first enlisted soldier who salutes him/her. The exact origin of this custom is arguable; though it is
believed to have begun before the US Armed Forces were organized. British regiments stationed in
Colonial America brought with them a number of customs and traditions that were retained by the
newly formed American Armed Forces.
It was part of a custom for newly commissioned British officers to be assigned to an enlisted soldier who
trained them, taught them the regiment’s history and traditions, and ensured that their equipment met
appropriate standards. Grateful lieutenants often showed their heartfelt gratitude, by informally
compensating the enlisted soldier with a small sum of money. The present day tradition is thought to
have its roots in this relationship.
Authorized by Congress on 2 April 1792, the silver dollar traditionally is the only coin given in exchange
for the first salute. The silver dollar rep-resents significantly more than its monetary value. It represents
the symbolic receipt of respect due the newly earned rank and position. It signifies the deep sense of
appreciation felt by the new officer for the knowledge that enlisted soldiers, especially NCOs (noncommissioned officers), have passed on to them during their training.
The values and ethics, that are passed on to the newly commissioned officer are the backbone of the
United States military. Whatever the origin of “silver dollar salutes,” it is a symbol of all soldiers’ love of
duty, and their respect for one another. It is a promise from the young officer to the enlisted member
that they will lead courageously, learn daily, and that they will help carry the torch of freedom.
Q: Am I required to have my First Salute be conducted during the ceremony or can it be deferred on
Active Duty?
A: Do the right thing. Refer to the background/history. Your First Salute is to recognize and say ‘thank
you’ to the enlisted member you believe trained and led to your achievements. Should you defer to
Active Duty, it is likely/probable that you may be saluted by the first enlisted member in contact (i.e.
security forces at the base gate, Airman walking by or approached at your duty station) and it may not
be worthy of significance to you based on tradition/custom.
Q: Where can I purchase Silver Dollar coin?
A: Coins can be purchased at your local banks, US Mint.gov website, or at local gold & coin dealers.
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Silver Dollar Coin
First Salute Tradition.msg
Q: Does the enlisted member I choose to First Salute have to be on active duty?
A: It would best that the enlisted member be of status to wear a uniform (active, reserve/guard,
separated, retired) if feasible for appropriate protocol. However, it may not be the case where the
member chosen may no longer wear/fit in a uniform, therefore civilian attire is appropriate.
Q: Can the enlisted member who was chosen as my First Salute wears his/her uniform?
A: Honorably discharged Air Force personnel (including service with an air component of the Army
before the Air Force was established and other than retired, Reserve or ANG with war time service,
during a declared or undeclared war), may wear the authorized uniform prescribed at the date of
member‘s discharge or any of the uniforms authorized for current active duty personnel, including the
dress uniforms. However, Discharged Air Force personnel (other than retired, Reserve or ANG without
war time service) may wear the authorized uniform from place of discharge to home, within three
months after discharge. The member will wear the highest rank authorized on date of separation. Do
not mix uniforms. (AFI 36-2903, Para. 12.6) Note: Ensure to check other military service uniform
requirements.
Q: Where can my family and guest park on CU?
A: There various parking locations to park nearby. Please refer to CU’s parking website for details.
Parking Info:
http://www.colorado.edu/about/visiting-campus/parking-transportation
Campus parking map:
http://www.colorado.edu/pts/sites/default/files/attached-files/UCB_ParkingMap2012-13_WEB_1.pdf
Q: Is there elevator access for the disabled/handicap at Folsom Stadium?
A: Attached is Folsom Field facility map. Go to/thru Tunnel 9 (east side) whereby there is an elevator on
the right that would lead you to the 2nd floor and you must travel through the stadium tunnel hallways
to gate 5, through the Navy ROTC Wardroom (aka lounge) and into our Det 105 lounge at the final stop.
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Folsom Field Facilty
map.pdf
Q: Can I purchase my uniforms I was issued in AFROTC?
A: Yes. You can purchase all, some at half price or none of the uniforms. All other uniform items will be
returned upon commissioning. For details and accurate pricing, please contact SSgt Stacie Slagle—see
attached pricing sheet example.
Uniform Half-Price
purchase sheet
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