As an initiated Chief, I found that in addition to the silly (and fun) stuff, I also learned alot during the initiation. There is alot to be said for the shared common experience that "initiated" Chiefs have together. It makes for a stronger bond in the mess. The 1st and 2nd classes on here complaining have no idea how that bond works or how much can truly be accomplished through the mess. It is difficult to make Chief, and I'll bet those that are complaining about the mess, initiation, and Chiefs would give give anything to be one. Keep working hard and taking care of your people and maybe you will get there!

AMHC (AW) Retired

I can't believe what I am hearing. The Chiefs Rite of Passage is something to be part of a brotherhood. Just as crossing the line and becoming a Shellback. I just turned 51. I receive 100% disability from the VA. My Shellback 2 by 3 poster is up on my wall.
As a teenager I was in the Boy Scouts. We had our own stuff we did for leaders. I always took it in stride.
By having these Rites of Passage in life you tend to feel part of a unit, brother hood. Just like in Motorcycle Clubs, they have their own rite of passage and they all stick together.
What I found out in life is that those who complain are people who are out for themselves. They don't care about a brotherhood. They mostly come from the city and have no concept of brotherhood.
So long live ALL Rites of Passage. Look how long the Jewish rite of passage for a 13 year old boy/girl has been going on.
So what if some Senior Chief's refrig gets stocked with beer. Just remember, later on your will get stocked too. People complain about this will complain about anything. Just get a life and go through it. I remember being not able to move my arm when the Master Chief tacked on my crow, I laughed about it. A Lt asked if I wanted to signal out the Master Chief for hitting too hard. I told him, "Everyone goes through this and so will I. So what if my arm is black and blue. I don't care. I wear it as a badge of HONOR!" After that other rites of passage happen. Have Fun!

Say it isn't so!!