Promotion Ceremonies

It was a cool summer day out at Camp Pendleton, California, and this made the Marines that stood outside thankful. The Marines of Hotel Company were assembled, sorted by platoon, on the Parade Field. The Company Commander, Captain Klemens, stood at perfect attention as he faced his company with pride. Beside him was Gunnery Sergeant Tanner, who would be handing the Marines their promotion warrants.

"COOOOOMPAAAAANY," roared the Gunnery Sergeant's voice, "ATTEN-HUT!"

Boots clicked together simultaneously and over one hundred Marines hit the POA. The Company Commander, with the Gunnery Sergeant beside him, began marching. They pivoted to the right and moved in front of Second Platoon before halting in their spots. The Company Commander looked down and grabbed a clipboard from the Gunnery Sergeant and read the list of names on the clipboard.

"Sergeant Hobbar, Corporal Walker, front and center!" Klemens barked and the two Marines fell out of formation and marched up to the two senior Marines and stood in front of them, anticipating the words that would exit their CO's mouth. "To all who see these presents, greetings: know ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the fidelity and abilities of Sergeant Michael Hobbar and Corporal Matthew Walker, I hereby promote these Marines to the ranks of Staff Sergeant and Sergeant, in the United States Marine Corps."

The two Marines had their rank pins taken off and their new, fresh pins, stuck into the collars of their camouflage uniforms. The Gunnery Sergeant then handed both of them their certificates and dismissed them to return to formation.

After another hour on their feet, the promotions were completed and the company was told to fall out.

After the ceremony, Adam walked up to the two Marines from his platoon and gave them both congradulations. He'd been in the Corps for some time and everytime someone got promoted, he'd made it a habit of giving them congradulations. Adam held out his hand and gave both Marines a firm handshake, promotion means increase pay grade...which means fatter paycheck. "Good job you two." Adam said, "You damn Careerists..."

Adam grinned. He knew he'd only be in the Corps for a few more years. He was in for his contract then planned to get out. Of course, he could change his mind if the right thing persuaded him...

After the ceremony William walked around doing what he had been doing the whole time after the promotions were given. Just walking around trying to find a way out. He was happy that the two were both promoted, they were both good men, who really showed a lot of good leadership in the mock battle. They impressed William quite a bit, and another thing he liked about them getting the promotions was they got more responsablity pilled on their shoulders. William was supposed to be promoted to Sergeant 2 years ago, he refused on the grounds he wasn't ready for it. In a way it was true, he was afraid of the added responsbilty of more lives being put on his shoulder. He had seen a lot of good sgt's break on the field when they lost one of their Marine's. He was deadly afraid of that happening. To much so he had refused two offers for a promotion, but he was basically forced into leading a fire-team due to him showing some good leadership. All in all William just wanted to stay at his current rank to be able to hangout with his team, and get to know them a lot better, and gain a few brothers. He couldn't help but smile for two of his fellow Marine's going up in rank. In all respects William was in his final year. Like Adam he was thinking of leaving, he had been in for far to long, and had been through to much, he was done now. One more tour was all he could stand. He finished asking one of his friends to help him find a job outside of the military. So far if he was to stay it would be to protect his friends, and make sure they got out in one peace.

William began to make his way through the crowd of his fellow Marine's. As he did he ran into the two Marine's who were the main guests here. William flashed them a friendly smile, before walking up to them. "Congrats you two on your promotions. Hahaha!" William congradulated the two in friendly tone.

Lieutenant Garber approached newly promoted Staff Sergeant Hobbar and Sergeant Walker after the ceremonies had ended and everyone had been dismissed. Due to the promotions, he would be doing some changes to the roster and handing them new billets. He smiled as he approached the two individuals, having had witnessed just how well they worked during the MOUT exercise.

"Staff Sergeant, Sergeant," the lieutenant began, nodding his head at the both of them, "congratulations on your promotions. Gunnery Sergeant McClowsky was transferred to another unit who'll be serving in Afghanistan. That makes you my new Platoon Sergeant, Staff Sergeant." The lieutenant then turned to the other Marines who were approaching the steadily growing group of Leathernecks and gave them a wave. While he was a rather formal individual, he didn't mind some informalities. After all, after having accomplished the MOUT mission with nearly flying colors, they deserved a little relaxation.

"Also guys, words coming down the wire that something big is gonna happen soon. Nothing official yet, but I heard we might be getting deployed," Garber stated, noticing the Marines' expressions change almost immediately. "Just keep your ears to the ground and standby. I'll give you the official word when the Captain gives it to me. Oorah?"

God, was that torture. Corporal Marcus Patterson cracked his neck as soon as the order to dismiss was issued. He hated promotion ceremonies that happened to involve an entire company because mainly, they took too damned long to accomplish. He was sick and tired of having to stand like a fucking robot every time someone got bumped up in pay grade. He was a trained killing machine, not some desk jockey POG that was paid to stand around and look pretty all day.

Although when he thought about it, that didn't sound so bad. He shrugged to himself and approached the newly promoted members of Second Platoon, noticing that everybody and their brother were converging of them. They must have been awe struck by the shiny (not really) new collar devices the Marines had been issued and pinned onto their cammies. He chuckled as he caught wind of the Lance Corporal insulting the two of them, jokingly, about being lifers.

Reminded him of how stupid he was for signing a contract for another two years in the Marine Corps. He could have gotten out within the next four months and be a stupid ass civilian again, going out and getting a college education while banging chicks left and right and living large on his GI Bill benefits. But nope, he had to sign away another two years to good 'ol Uncle Sam.

And under the leadership of President Obama? He wasn't sure he would be able to handle it. He might go ballistic and start killing bitches left and right. Well, no, not really. But he'd make sure to complain about it as much as possible without annoying the fuck out of his peers. Something that he had grown exceedingly good at.

When the lieutenant trudged over and informed the Marines of the new assignments, Marcus grinned as he approached Sergeant Walker. That meant that Walker would be replacing Honeysett as his squad leader, since Honeysett was also apparently transferred out to another unit. "Welcome to Fifth Squad, Sergeant," Marcus chimed with a grin, "guess I get to annoy you now, huh?"

Smiling broadly, Corporal, correction, Sergeant Walker marched up to the Company Commander. Being further to the right in the platoon formation, he reached him before Hobbar. He waited for the click of Hobbar's halt before smartly executing his right turn, facing Captain Klemens. Taking a step forward, he exchanged a salute, on behalf of both himself and Hobbar, and stepped backwards.

He felt a tinge of sadness as his weather Corporal's chevrons were removed, but this was quickly replaced with pride as the Sergeant's ones were put on. It may have just been his imagination, but they felt heavier. The two NCO's marched back to the platoon, both grinning as the ceremony continued.

Upon the dismiss, just about every Marine around him approached Walker. Shaking hands and slapping backs, he made his way through them towards Lieutenant Garber. Listening in, he smiled at the possibility of action. "Oohrah, Sir!" he called, his enthusiasm at a high.

"Sergeant Hobbar, Corporal Walker, front and center!"

Michael smartly fell out of formation and marched to the front in front of the Company Commander. He hadn't expected this promotion, but it was nice. The promotion warrant was read; it was the same warrant that was always used, it wasn't anything new, but for some reason, this promotion meant more than those prior, maybe it was because he was now promoted to a Staff Non-commissioned officer, the next tier in ranks.

Michael stood in a rigid POA as the warrant was read then as his chevrons were pinned onto his collar. The Gunny took his fists and slammed the freshly pinned Staff Sergeant chevrons down on Michael's collar bone. Michael flinched as the pins stabbed him. He smirked at the Gunny.

After the ceremony, Michael and Walker were congratulated from all the Marines in their platoon. "Thanks guys" Michael simply replied, he appreciated the new position, but he didn't want to become a dick SNCO like some of the ones that he had before. He'll be the same jokester that he was before.

"Staff Sergeant, Sergeant," the lieutenant began, nodding his head at the both of them, "congratulations on your promotions. Gunnery Sergeant McClowsky was transferred to another unit who'll be serving in Afghanistan. That makes you my new Platoon Sergeant, Staff Sergeant." The lieutenant then turned to the other Marines who were approaching the steadily growing group of Leathernecks and gave them a wave. While he was a rather formal individual, he didn't mind some informalities. After all, after having accomplished the MOUT mission with nearly flying colors, they deserved a little relaxation.

Michael looked at Gunny McClowsky, "Well, I guess we'll see you around then Gunny." Michael extended his hand, "Stay well and Semper Fi." The Gunny returned Michael's shake and then bid his fairwells.

"Also guys, words coming down the wire that something big is gonna happen soon. Nothing official yet, but I heard we might be getting deployed," Garber stated, noticing the Marines' expressions change almost immediately. "Just keep your ears to the ground and standby. I'll give you the official word when the Captain gives it to me. Oorah?"

"Roger that Sir." Michael responded, he groaned slightly, he didn't really want to deploy all too much, but he would if they had to. "Standby to standby...aye-aye sir." Michael said jokingly.

Michael chuckled and pat the Staff Sergeant on his shoulder. Personally he wished he had more information now than what was given to him. Knowing he was in the 'loop' was an annoying concept to grasp, especially when his platoon was going to be involved in whatever it was the brass had planned.

It didn't matter though. Garber just shrugged it off and went about his business. He noted that Sergeant Walker was a bit more enthusiastic about getting deployed than his new Platoon Sergeant, but that was perfectly alright. At least he knew he could trust the man to get his Marines prepared in case they did get deployed. If anywhere he had in mind, it was probably going to be Afghanistan. The fighting had intensified in the last few months and plenty of Marine units were getting deployed to try and combat the rising number of insurgency attacks and operations.

Suddenly, something that was wholely unexpected occurred. Captain Klemens approached the platoon and immediately the lieutenant barked for everyone to come at attention. He stood and snapped a crisp salute, which was returned just as crisply by the captain. "At ease, gents," he droned, causing everyone to relax in posture.

The captain's eyes scanned the mass of Marines in front of him, sizing them up as it seemed. His face was expressionless as his eyes darted from one Marine to the next. A minute later a smile finally creased across his face and the skipper visibly relaxed in posture. "I decided it was time to let you boys know about what's going on."

Michael's head perked up as he heard this, much like a dog hearing its name being called by its master. He didn't say a word, but listened closely to what the Company Commander had to say. "The regiment is being mobilized for combat operations in South America. Some rebel movement has seized the Brazilian government and is holding them hostage. They are threatening to execute the president and the entire country has gone to shit. So, of course, they've asked for U.S. intervention."

Brazil? While Michael was excited to hear he would finally be getting deployed, he was admittedly disappointed that is wasn't somewhere in the Middle East. He had been wanting to head out there since he had gone through OCS. He wanted to experience what it was truly like over there so that he could understand all the Marines who had served there and came back. Either way, at least the unit would be seeing combat.

"Now while Congress deliberates over the usual horseshit, our very own Barack Obama has ordered that the Marines be sent in to handle the situation." Quite a few of the Marines who overheard what the captain said cheered and shouted "oorah!" is celebration. Michael chuckled slightly, but chose to remain quiet.

"So we're being sent in with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Recon units have already been deployed and I've heard some scuttlebutt that the Army is prepping an infantry division and a Ranger battalion for the operation. Don't quote me on it, though, as you know they need congressional approval from the big wigs up top," the captain explained, his eyes shifting from one platoon to the next in the company. Most of the platoons had remained where they were to do what Second Platoon had; to congratulate their newly promoted.

"Get your gear packed and stowed away. By 1600 tomorrow we'll be boarding C-130s for South America. Oorah, Marines?"

"I decided it was time to let you boys know about what's going on."

Michael stood attentively, he knew what came next. He'd gone through this all before when he deployed for the first time. Only last time it was a bit more of a surprise because he was in the Reserves. Now he was expecting to get shipped off overseas to fight since he was in active duty now.

"The regiment is being mobilized for combat operations in South America. Some rebel movement has seized the Brazilian government and is holding them hostage. They are threatening to execute the president and the entire country has gone to shit. So, of course, they've asked for U.S. intervention."

"Now while Congress deliberates over the usual horseshit, our very own Barack Obama has ordered that the Marines be sent in to handle the situation."

"So we're being sent in with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Recon units have already been deployed and I've heard some scuttlebutt that the Army is prepping an infantry division and a Ranger battalion for the operation. Don't quote me on it, though, as you know they need congressional approval from the big wigs up top," the captain explained, his eyes shifting from one platoon to the next in the company. Most of the platoons had remained where they were to do what Second Platoon had; to congratulate their newly promoted.

"Get your gear packed and stowed away. By 1600 tomorrow we'll be boarding C-130s for South America. Oorah, Marines?"

"26th MEU?" Michael questioned, "Any reason why not the 11th, 13th or 15th MEUs which are based here in Camp Pend?" Michael didn't really care, he just wanted to know because to him that was kinda weird. "Also, are we packing woodland or desert cammies?"

The Captain turned his attention to Staff Sergeant Hobbar as he stated his questions. He had a specific answer to the second question. "Obviously Woodland, Marine."

He then thought about the next answer. He was never given a specific reason why the unit was being attached to the 26th. The brass had just informed him that was who they'd be rolling with for the remainder of the operation in Brazil. "As for your first question, that's above my pay grade, Staff Sergeant."

"Damn it!" Adam cursed. He'd been in the Marine Corps for quite some timea and he had never been deployed to a combat zone, he didn't want to and now...just his luck. They're going to see some action in God knows in Brazile.

"Obviously Woodland, Marine."

"Woodland means wooded areas, wooded areas mean it's going to be fucking hot!" Adam started bitching to himself. "Sir." Adam asked to the Captain, "How much opposition do you expect? I mean, is this going to be a quick operation? Is this going to be like Call of Duty where we fucking run into a larger than expected enemy opposition then get fucking raped by nukes or what?"

ooc. thats right, i included modern pop references =P

The lieutenant grimaced as he heard Lance Corporal Booke's question. While it was done mainly jokingly, at least from what he surmised, it was still inappropriate. Garber glanced to his new Platoon Sergeant and shook his head. "Cool it, Lance Corporal. We'll get a full brief when in-country, I'm sure."

He looked back at the Captain, who nodded at Garber. He then said, "Get your shit packed and ready boys. At 1400 you'll be shipped to a Chair Farce base and then shipped off to South America." With that, the captain walked off and left the platoon to themselves.

"Alright Marines, listen up," the lieutenant began, attracting the platoon's attention. "I want you to bring only essential gear and pack heavy. We're not sure how long we'll be in-county and I'd rather be prepared for anything. Tomorrow we'll assemble back here at 1000. From there we'll check our weapons out of the armory and prepare to board the buses that'll ferry us to the Air Force base. That means take extra care in organizing your materials when you get back to your barracks. Fireteam leaders, inspect your fireteam's gear to make sure they've got everything. Walker, make sure your fireteam leader's are also squared away. Good to go, Marines?"

William wasn't quite shocked to hear they were being shipped off again. He just shrugged it off, he'd already been in enough Tours to know what the fuck was what, and what he had to do. He'd do what he could to make sure his team was ready for wha was going to be their first time in a shit hole, or as south america is concerned, another Vietnam kind of battlefield. William shook his head, and walked up to Marcus before patting him on the shoulder. "Can you believe this shit? We have to go into a Vietnam kind of battlefield. Its going to be fun, hey?" William pointed out sarcasticaly. He wasn't at all happy to know they were going somewhere just as hot as the Middle-east, but to make things worse it rained none stop there. At least the water, and rain was going to be warm. Another good side to it was he could see them getting a nice base somewhere near a beach. Sadly though he knew better than that. They were most likely going to get a shitty half assed base that looked like it was going to fall apart. William just looked at Marcus one last time with a sarcastic smile, before walking away to join his team.

When Adam was being a smart ass William facepalmed. "Damn it Booke's..." William thought. As William listened to their Lt chew him up a bit, he mearly walked over to Booke's side. "Trust me Booke's its should be like Mod 1. Its going to be more like conflict Vietnam. Really though Booke's you have nothing to worry about. It's not going to be as bad as Iraq... trust me, after a good number of tours there I should know." William joked. In way though booke was right. What if they misjudged the enemy force. Sure he knew they could handle them, but what if they have some weapons that they'd expect to see on their side rather than the enemies. William just shrugged it off, and would worry about such a thing later. Right now he'd have to get his shit together, and make sure each of his Marines' were ready to kill, and destroy the enemy in less than a few short days. If anything it should only take them a year if they do have a larger force than what the reports say. William just hoped this didn't turn out to be like Iraq or Afgan. He would at all like the fact if the enemy hid themselves within the population. It would just make things harder, and deadlier for the Marines. In anycase William had orders to get his Marines ready to board the transports and head to the Chir force base. William knew a few guys there that would make sure they'd get a good seat in the transport planes. William chuckled at this thought as he left Booke's side.

William then began to make his way towards Walker. Once there William looked into his eyes. "Segeant Walker, I'll have my Fire-Team ready in less than a few minutes, and out the doors ready to board transports." William reasured his new Sgt. William hoped Walker was ready, because William was hoping he himself was ready for SA. Afterwards William turned towards his Lt, gave him a Salute, before clicking his boots together and turning away. "13th, get your shit together, we have orders to move." William finished.

David wondered whether he had heard the Captain correctly. A deployment? That was excellent. He would finally have a chance to see some real combat. David had thought that he would never see real combat, especially as the situation in the middle east had steadily degraded from warfare to a near defensive posture against the continuous guerilla attacks of the people they had invaded. Instead they got to go too Brazil and shoot up some rebels. It sounded like fun, especially with the might of a Marine expeditionary force behind them. It might finally give David a chance to call in something pretty, for real, unlike the simulated arty in training missions.
"Oorah Marines. Huh? Oorah..." He called, then wandered off towards the barracks building, to ready his gear and prep for departure.

Washington liked the idea of going to Brazil. He looked up girls on the internet like any other teenage boy. The Brazilian chicks were hot. "Alright," said under his breath with a smile. After they were given the order to fall out he congratulated Hobbar on his promotion and talked with the other Marines. He heard Siegfried's order to gear up, so he ended his conversations and headed towards the barracks with the rest of his fireteam.

The Captain turned his attention to Staff Sergeant Hobbar as he stated his questions. He had a specific answer to the second question. "Obviously Woodland, Marine."

"As for your first question, that's above my pay grade, Staff Sergeant."

"Yes sir." Michael responded as the Captain responded to his question.

"Alright Marines, listen up," the lieutenant began, attracting the platoon's attention. "I want you to bring only essential gear and pack heavy. We're not sure how long we'll be in-county and I'd rather be prepared for anything. Tomorrow we'll assemble back here at 1000. From there we'll check our weapons out of the armory and prepare to board the buses that'll ferry us to the Air Force base. That means take extra care in organizing your materials when you get back to your barracks. Fireteam leaders, inspect your fireteam's gear to make sure they've got everything. Walker, make sure your fireteam leader's are also squared away. Good to go, Marines?"

Having been deployed once before, Michael decided to give a bit of advice to his platoon. "Alright guys, listen up!" Michael spoke in a steady and confident voice. "Now, we may not know much about what we're facing, but don't under estimate these rebels. Any armed group has the potential to become the worst of enemies, just look at the Iraq insurgency, we didn't expect much, but they ended up being a major problem."

As for equipment, Brazil was a different place than many of the Marine were probably accustomed to. "Remember Marines," Michael warned, "Brazil is in the southern hemisphere, that means summer for us is winter for them. Now, Northern Brazil is going to be pretty warm so be sure to pack some good moisture wicking gear; underarmor, get it. If you don't have any, go to the MCX and get some. Now moving into southern Brazil, it could get real cold so don't forget to bring that Gortex (Field Jacket). As for equipment, bring: a camelbak or hydration pack of some sort, when humping, its so much easier to drink from one than from a standard canteen, again if you don't have one, head to the MCX. Bring a good day pack too, you all got one issued, but if you want some, the MCX once again has good gear to grab. Set your loadout on your MTV how you please, but try to remember that we probably want to have some mobility, so don't load your armor too much."

Michael thought for a moment if he forgot anything, no, alright, "Alright Marines, good luck and rally back at 0945."