Three members of the Tennessee Air National Guard were punished this week after a video of a reenlistment ceremony featuring a dinosaur puppet went viral.
The video shows the Senior NCO taking the oath using a dinosaur puppet to recite the words.
According to a statement from MG Terry M. Haston, The Adjutant General-Tennessee, the following actions were taken against the three individuals involved in the video:
The Colonel (O-6) administering the oath was immediately retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (O-5).
The Senior NCO taking the oath has been removed from her full-time position with the Tennessee Joint Public Affairs Office and other administrative actions are underway.
The Senior NCO who recorded the event has been removed from his position as a unit First Sergeant and has received an official reprimand, but will be retained in the Tennessee Air National Guard.
“I am absolutely embarrassed that a senior officer and a senior NCO took such liberties with a time-honored military tradition,” Haston said. “The Tennessee National Guard holds the Oath of Enlistment in the highest esteem because that oath signifies every service member’s commitment to defend our state, nation and the freedoms we all enjoy. Not taking this oath solemnly and with the utmost respect is firmly against the traditions and sanctity of our military family and will not be tolerated.”