Retirees request the type of ceremony to be held and the location at which it will be held. The command should grant this request whenever possible. Remember, retirees have definitely earned their “day in the sun.” Use your influence, as required, to ensure their wishes are granted. Persuade all retirees to request a retirement ceremony. Your  involvement  with  retirements  will  vary according to the size and type of command. Some commands have an assigned retirement coordinator, while others have their command career counselor and command  master  chief  (CM/C)  share  retirement ceremony responsibilities. Who is responsible isn’t as important as making sure the ceremony is handled with the importance and attention it deserves. Most command CM/Cs or career counselors use a retirement ceremony checkoff form, which contains the information they need to prepare for the ceremony. This form identifies the type of ceremony desired, the date and location of the ceremony, the name of the presiding officer, and the ceremonial uniform required. Most commands observe the practice of presenting retirees with a command plaque and a flag box. In many commands, the crew might also choose to present retirees with a retirement gift. The funding for these plaques and flag boxes usually comes from mess dues paid by mess members. However, in the case of small units, you might have to “pass the hat.” Either way, make sure the retiree has an appropriate “send off. ” Be creative! As for awards, all retirees should receive a letter of appreciation from the command. Many deserve greater recognition, such as an end-of-tour award (usually a Navy achievement award, Navy commendation, etc.). If retirees deserve this recognition, then push for the command to recommend them for the award. Often times, commands project the attitude that personnel who are retiring don’t need to receive awards. However, they do need to be recognized for a job well done, especially at that time in their lives. Again, don’t just pass out medals like candy, but do try to see that the command presents awards to those personnel who deserve them. Remember,  the  retirement  ceremony  is  a  direct reflection upon the command, so take care of your people as they prepare to retire! MISCELLANEOUS PERSONNEL FORMATIONS As CM/C you will be involved with various command formations, such as personnel inspections, captain’s call, award ceremonies, and quarters. The procedures for these formations vary from command to command. Usually you will escort the commanding officer to the assembled formation. You will often assist the commanding officer with passing out awards. At personnel inspections in air squadrons and small commands,  the  CM/C  may  act  as  the  chief master-at-arms and precede the commanding officer through the ranks. Some commanding officers use captain’s call and quarters as open forums for questions and answers. The captain will probably expect you to take brief notes, write down questions that require further research, and provide feedback to the individuals who ask the questions. CHIEF PETTY OFFICER INITIATIONS Remember your chief petty officer initiation? It was a unique ceremony in which you were welcomed into the fraternal brotherhood of chief petty officers (CPOs). Each year the master chief petty officer of the Navy (MCPON) reminds us to keep these initiations in good taste. If we don’t, they could be eliminated and become a thing of the past. As the CM/C of your command, make sure these ceremonies continue to be conducted with pride and dignity. Provide your fellow CPOs with guidance and encourage their interest in and support of all phases of the ceremonies-not just the initiation portion. Remember, the newly initiated chiefs should reflect on this event with understanding and pride, not bitterness and disgust. (Ensure hazing of the new selectees takes place in the chiefs’ quarters and messes, not in view of the crew.) The main events involved in a chief'’s “putting on the hat” are the frocking ceremony, the initiation, and the pinning ceremony. These ceremonies must meet the following  guidelines: • Frocking ceremony. This ceremony cannot take place before the first advancement increment. The commanding officer determines the location of the ceremony.  All  chiefs  should  attend  the  frocking ceremony. • Initiation. All chiefs should support and take part in the initiation. All chiefs have the responsibility to maintain order and good taste and to be intolerant of excessive alcohol use throughout the initiation. Firm control by the chiefs in charge of the initiation is the key to a successful and honorable initiation. The CM/C has overall responsibility for conduct during initiations. 7-9