Military Wedding Sword Arch

[usmctwinkie]

I'm an NROTC midshipman--can I have a sword arch at my wedding?

[Billyd]

Originally Posted by usmctwinkie

I'm an NROTC midshipman--can I have a sword arch at my wedding?

Why don't you research the regulations and find out? I would expect a future officer wannabe in HairyEyeball's beloved Corps would understand the need to engage in some basic research prior to posting a question such as this.

[txb&b]

I can't tell from your post if you're just asking a question in general or if your nuptials are pending. If the latter, congratulations and best wishes for a long and happy marriage.

Many things need to be considered and addressed when having a military wedding, including whether or not swords are even allowed in the chapel being used. You would also want to make sure your bride doesn't mind being swatted on the butt with a sword. Here's one link that's very informative, but doesn't address whether or not it's proper for an NROTC midshipman to have a military wedding. I would suggest that you google: Marine protocol sword arch "military wedding" and read up on all the dress regulations and wedding protocol.

[HairyEyeball]

If you have any intention of becoming an officer in my Marine Corps, it might not be a bad idea to begin thinking with your 'big' head: As mentioned, the regulations are readily available to those with the initiative to search for them. Additionally, you claim to be a senior, which means you - and probably many of those in the wedding party - will theoretically shortly be commissioned officers. That means that you get to wear real uniforms (rather than playsuits), with all the 'accessories' thereunto appertaining: Q.E.D.

[SlightlyCatholic]

This should clear things up:

Navy & Marine Corps - The Arch of Swords

The arch of swords for weddings is authorized for commissioned, warrant, staff noncommissioned officers, and noncommissioned officers only. The arch of swords ceremony is an old English and American custom, which gives a symbolic pledge of loyalty to the newly married couple from their Marine family. Only the newly married couple is allowed to pass under the arch.
The ushers normally form the sword detail, however other officers, warrant or staff noncommissioned officers may be designated as needed. Customarily, six or eight members take part in the ceremony. The ushers form at the bottom of the chapel steps, in two equal ranks, at normal interval, facing each other, with sufficient room between ranks (3 to 4 paces) for the bride and groom to pass. The senior usher is positioned in the left rank furthest from the chapel exit.

The swordsmen, usually ushers, seat the guests, and after the mother of the bride has been escorted, will hook on their swords, wearing them until time to form the arch.

It is virtually the same as the Arch of Sabers except for the command "Officers, Draw Swords" when the swords are drawn from their scabbards in one continuous motion, rising gracefully to touch the tip of the opposite sword. Then, at "Invert Swords" there is a quick turning of the wrist so that the cutting edge is up.

From: http://www.weddingdetails.com/lore/military.cfm

[HairyEyeball]

OK, Timmy, perhaps you'd care to explain either why you didn't bother reading the preceeding prior to posting, or what, having read it, you failed to comprehend about the 'suggestion' the twinkie do his own homework?

[JohnP]

Tim will make a great shoe clerk someday.

[HairyEyeball]

Originally Posted by JohnP

Tim will make a great shoe clerk someday.

A celebate Al Bundy with a seminary education? The mind boggles.

[usmctwinkie]

Originally Posted by HairyEyeball

OK, Timmy, perhaps you'd care to explain either why you didn't bother reading the preceeding prior to posting, or what, having read it, you failed to comprehend about the 'suggestion' the twinkie do his own homework?

It's actually her own homework, which I did, but found conflicting information and could not open the PDF files I found for the Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies Manual. Seeing that I needed as quick an answer as possible because my wedding is this Saturday, I decided to ask here to find out more. I figured with the plethora of current and prior military personnel, maybe someone would be able to give me a definite answer.

Thanks Seminarian_Tim, I see now that what you cited is from the Drill Manual.

I thought you were supposed to use spell check on this forum Hairy?

[MP_Girl]

Originally Posted by usmctwinkie

It's actually her own homework, which I did, but found conflicting information and could not open the PDF files I found for the Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies Manual. Seeing that I needed as quick an answer as possible because my wedding is this Saturday, I decided to ask here to find out more. I figured with the plethora of current and prior military personnel, maybe someone would be able to give me a definite answer.

Thanks Seminarian_Tim, I see now that what you cited is from the Drill Manual.

I thought you were supposed to use spell check on this forum Hairy?

Okay first off, good luck with your wedding, but if you intend on staying on this forum, NEVER and I repeat NEVER call out another Senior Member such as HairyEyeBall, one whom is well respected on this forum. Just thought I'd throw my two sense in..