Ceremony of the Brotherhood

The Brotherhood is a sacred tradition, stemming from the founding of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment at Camp Toccoa, Georgia on 20 July 1942. That "Band of Brothers" constituted one of the finest fighting units the world has ever known. It was made of men who wanted to be there, sacrificed for their country, and most importantly, for each other. The men of the 506th looked out for each other and were a true team. They were the first class of Airborne students to graduate as a unit. They trained, sweat, hurt, fought, killed, bled, and died together. They were a true "Brotherhood." That tradition has carried on from World War II to present day. Today we celebrate our own "Brotherhood" among the officers of the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry (Currahee). Keep the tradition alive.

For those brothers that read this, the ceremony is made up of three phases: Preparation, Ceremony, and Clean up. Very simple in theory, but dedication on all parts must be done to ensure that the ceremony is not bastardized.

Preparation

The Keeper of the Spirits and the Lieutenants of Delta Company are responsible for the preparation of the Brotherhood. First of all, you have to know who is getting "Brotherhood-ed" in at the next ceremony. The officer's full name and date of arrival are the only information needed. The only difficult part in this area is that a new officer may come in the battalion a couple of days before a ceremony. This is where the Keeper of the Spirits and the appointed officer from Charlie company (Keeper of the Plates) cannot drop the ball. Usually the S-1 (Keeper of the Spirits) will make sure that the Keeper of the Plates is informed so that he can prepare for another officer. However, even the S-1 is busy, so the Keeper of the Plates needs to check with the S-1 on his end to ensure all is well. Every officer gets brotherhood-ed in gets a plate, coin, bug, belt buckle, and canteen cup. All of this amounts to about $60. (Note: New officers to the battalion immediately give $50 to the S-1 at part of in-processing). The Keeper of the Plates can take care of all of this with the tailor. Just tell him the name and date which goes on the plate, the name and # that goes on the coin, the name that goes on the canteen cup (need to bring him a cup), and that you also need a buckle (nothing on the buckle). While you are dealing with the tailor you also need to square away those people who are getting brotherhood-ed out. All you have to do is get with the S-1and find out which people will be having their last ceremony this time. Take their plate off the wall of the inner sanctum, and have the tailor put their DEROS date on it. Before the ceremony you should have a plate, coin, buckle, canteen cup, and bug (get from S-1) for the officers being brotherhood-ed in. For those being brotherhood-ed out, you should just have their plate with a date of arrival and departure. This takes care of all hardware preparation.

The next area to square away is the preparation of the Fiery Spirit for the ceremony. Depending on how many officers are being brought into the brotherhood, you need to have enough tomato juice, Jim Beam, and a pinch of dirt from Currahee Mountain at Camp Toccoa. Dirt from Currahee Mountain will be kept in an expended ammo can, appropriately labeled, at the NOTRI Club. All ingredients will be combined in the Sink Grail in a ceremonial fashion. Once all brothers are present and those being inducted are positioned outside, a brother from Delta Company (The Keeper of the Fiery Spirit) will prepare the concoction. As each ingredient is added to the Sink Grail its significance and meaning will be stated. The number of officers being hailed and the number of officers being farewell-ed will determine the amount of each ingredient. (Note: The officer of Delta company who buys these supplies at the PX must keep their receipts to be reimbursed). From these recipes it will be easy to work out what supplies are needed. At least one bottle of Jim Bean is needed for each ceremony; it is better to have two just in case challenges and cleansings get out of hand. All supplies, including the plates and coins can be kept in two lock boxes, which are kept at the NOTRI. The combination is secret and is passed on from one Keeper of the Spirits to the next. Delta company officers are responsible for providing the necessary ingredients for the ceremony. A list of necessary items will be put out to Delta Company the day prior to the Ceremony. All items must be brought up to the NOTRI two hours prior to the ceremony.

The last area to be prepped is the inner sanctum of the Brotherhood. This is done the day of the Brotherhood at least an hour before the ceremony. The three most important people for this are the Keeper of the Spirits (S-1), the Keeper of the Cups (appointed officer from Baker Company), and the Keeper of the Door (appointed officer from HHC). These individuals are assisted by the brothers of Delta Company. Appendix A details how the inner sanctum should be prepared. The three previously mentioned work together to square this away. The Keeper of the Spirits post is in front of the hearth. Behind him are placed the National and Regimental Colors. To his front is placed the table with the sacred block of granite. On the same table is placed the sacred book for the ceremony, the Currahee Spirits, Tabasco sauce, the bayonet, and the oil of Bastogne. Another table is placed on the left, which holds the cups of those to be brotherhood-ed in and out, and the collection plates for the Grand Eagle's tithe. To the Keeper of the Spirits rear right against the wall is another table with the plates, buckles, coins, and bugs of the officers coming into the brotherhood. The plates of those to be brotherhood-ed out are kept on the same table. A 3 X 5 card should be given to the brother candidates by the Keeper of the Door on which they should write, their name, school, major, hometown, and hobbies. After the card is filled out, it should be given to someone in the officer's chain of command and should have the candidates "real hobbies" put on the card. The officer's "real hobbies" should be something funny about the new brother. The 3 X 5 card is placed on the table with the plates so that the Grand Eagle can introduce the new Brother to the Brotherhood.

A row of tables is placed in the middle of the inner sanctum. In the middle of the table is placed the Sink Grail. Around the table are placed the canteen cups on the brothers, in order of seniority. In order to make sure that the order is correct, the Keeper of the Cups places them in the same order as the table are champagne glasses for those officers being brotherhood-ed in and out. The reason for this is that their canteen cups are used for the spirit that they drink in order to come in and out. Lastly, the Keeper of the plates must make sure that all plates are rotated when brothers DEROS. "New Dick Row" should always be open at the start of a ceremony.

Ceremony

The ceremony has a very regimented schedule, which is outlined below:

Assemble

All Brothers step into the inner sanctum and take places along the wall underneath their respected plate. Some shifting occurs due to space, but the brothers are placed in seniority from the Keeper of the Spirits, left to right. (Note: Most junior near "New Dick Row" to most senior near "Short Timers Row") The Keeper of the Door mans his post by the door (shut), the Baby Grand Eagle stands on the side by the bell, and all brothers are at ease. Baby Grand Eagle announces, "Assemble the Brotherhood (Attention)." At this time, the Bugler sounds "Attention." This is the call for the Grand Eagle to enter the Brotherhood. The Keeper of the Door opens the door for the Grand Eagle; he enters and takes his post to the right of the Keeper of the Spirits. The Grand Eagle calls "at ease," and then speaks (whatever he wants).

Making of the Fiery Spirit of the Imjin

Once all the brothers are assembled the Keeper of the Sprits will call forward the Keeper of the Fiery Spirit. Keeper of the Spirits announces, "The Keeper of the Fiery Spirit will now combine the sacred ingredients that represent the traditions of our Brotherhood." The Keeper of the Fiery Spirit will then state the significance and meaning of each ingredient as he pours it into the Sink Grail.

• Tomato Juice - "The red color of this solution represents the blood spilt by our brothers in defense of the nation."
• Coffee Grinds - "This represents Currahee Mountain, an obstacle that challenged the will and determination of the original band of brothers and later became a symbol of their unification."
• Jim Beam (fiery spirit) - "This solution represents the 506th Infantry's initial Airborne training because it is just like the Airborne soldier- smooth, strong, and full of fight."

If there are officers being inducted into the Brotherhood who do not drink alcohol, then the Jim Beam will be poured into a canteen cup placed next to the Sink Grail and added to the Grail after those officers are inducted.

Hails

Baby Grand Eagle tells Keeper of the Door, "Have (soldiers name) report." Officers are hailed most senior officer first, most junior officer last. If there are a lot of incoming officers, they can be brotherhood-ed in groups, such as two 2LT's together. Candidate knocks (tries to knock door down), and waits for permission to enter from the Baby Grand Eagle. When given permission to enter, soldier enters, takes a couple steps forward, executes a right face, and reports to the Keeper of the Spirits. Candidate states, "LT Snaplink reports to Keeper of the Spirits." Keeper of the Spirits salutes back and Baby Grand Eagle begins introduction of candidate. Baby Grand Eagle usually describes the officer and concludes with the famous saying, "We shall hope that the candidate is knowledgeable of Currahee History and is quick of wit, or we shall surely find out if he is strong of body." Baby Grand Eagle asks for challenges, beginning with most senior Company Commander, such as, "Destroyer 6, do you have a challenge?" Commander answers "yes," steps forward, and challenges the candidate with a question on Currahee history. The candidate answers. Baby Grand Eagle then asks the commander if the answer was correct and if not what the correct answer is. If the candidate replies with the correct answer, the Baby Grand Eagle will tell him to take a step or two forward, depending on how generous he is. If the candidate gets it wrong, he will prove strong of body and will be given an exercise to do. Baby Grand Eagle will say, "Brothers, what say ye?" Brothers call out for either the pushup, flutter kick, mountain climber, 8-count pushup, crab walk, duck walk, Currahee Choo-choo, or any other exercise. Baby Grand Eagle chooses an exercise and states (for example), "The pushup, start position, move, we count the cadence, you count the repetition, begin." Candidate does ten repetitions of the exercise while brothers shout the cadence and stops. After candidate is done, the Baby Grand Eagle tells him, "Position of Attention, Move." The next senior commander gives another challenge. The process repeats itself until the candidate moves forward to the front edge of the center table. The officer should be couple of paces from the bugler. At that time the Baby Grand Eagle will give the candidate, "Execute a left face, take two steps forward, execute a right face, report to the Keeper of the Spirits." (Note: If a candidate obviously does not want to be a part of the brotherhood or just sucks on Currahee history, the brothers may get upset and begin to chant "To the river." The Baby Grand Eagle can make the call to have the candidate low crawl out the door to think about what he is doing. The candidate will then be brought in last in order for the night.) The candidate reports and is given the following Narrative (see the Sink Grail):

Before you is the Sink Grail, in that Grail is the fiery Spirit of the Imjin, to which has been added all of the traditions of the Currahee Regiment. It is the elixir of truth and strength. The Imjin River stands as a barrier to deter aggression from the north, and represents our own isolation. When one consumes its Spirit, one is enlightened and given the courage to "Stand Alone" as a member of the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry. Upon the command "Execute," pick up the Grail, consume a sizeable portion of its contents, place the Grail back down on the block, salute, and repeat the words, "Stands Alone, Sir!" as loudly as you can. Do you understand the instructions of the Grail? Execute. (Candidate drinks, places grail back down on block, salutes) Report to the Grand Eagle.

The officer reports to the Grand Eagle and then takes commands from the Grand Eagle. The Keeper of the Spirits helps the Grand Eagle in any way. After the swearing in of the new Brother, the Grand Eagle introduces him to the Brotherhood. The Keeper of the Spirits hands the introduction card, plate, buckle, bug and coin to the Grand Eagle. The new brother takes his bug, coin and buckle, and the Keeper of the Spirits takes back the plate to hang it after the ceremony. The new brother moves out smartly to "New Dick Row." This whole process is repeated for all candidates that come in over the evening.

Bug and Coin

After the last candidate is hailed and takes his post on "New Dick Row," the Baby Grand Eagle describes the significance and rules of the coin. This is usually impromptu and relates to how important the coin is in keeping us strong when we are weak, warm when we are cold, cool in the summer heat, etc... The rules of the coin are like any other, when one is challenged and cannot produce his coin, he must buy a "tasty beverage" for the challenger. The spiel about the significance and rules of the coin can be to the point or very drawn out. Remember though, the brothers are always thirsty for a good monologue. The Keeper of the Bug (appointed officer from Alpha Company) describes the meaning of the bug (see the Currahee Bug):

The origins of the bug are shrouded in the mists of time (pause, clucking sound by the Brothers). The background is azure blue, which represents the infantry (pause, loud "hooah" by the brothers). Superimposed thereon is a parachute (pause, "swoosh"), which is symbolic of the airborne history of the regiment. A pair of dice (pause, "roll 'em") stands for the nickname of the 506th, the "paradise regiment," and these combined with the adjoining circle spells the numerical designation of the regiment "five-oh-six". The eagle stands for the exalted (fill in adjectives) Grand Eagle, poised and ready to strike.

When the Keeper of the Bug reaches "exalted", he usually fills in a couple of good adjectives to describe the omnipotent power of the Grand Eagle. Example: "The eagle stands for the exalted, special forces tab wearin', scuba divin', ranger instruction', flutter kickin', hockey goal scorin', omnipotent Grand Eagle, poised and ready to strike at a moment notice."

Next the Keeper of the Coin (appointed officer from Alpha company) steps forward and describes the meaning of the front and back of the coin (see the Currahee Coat of Arms):

Gentlemen, look at the front of your coin. At the top you see our unit's crest. A winged Swordbreaker surmounts a demi-roundel and a hub. The winged swordbreaker cleaves between two caltraps. Within a caltrap to the left is a bugle horn. Protruding from each of these caltraps are three spikes. Gentlemen, the meaning of our crest. The winged Swordbreaker stands for the impenetrable might of the United States Army Airborne Soldier. The two caltraps represent the enemy lines behind which he is dropped wreak havoc and accomplish his mission. They are two in number, representing our units two combat jumps. The fleur-de-lis, the heraldic symbol of French Kings, within the caltrap to the right is symbolic of our combat jump at Normandy). The bugle horn, from the Coat of Arms of Eindhoven, is symbolic of our combat jump during "Operation Market Garden." The spikes protruding from the caltraps stand for the unit's WWII decorations. The demi-roundel represents the town of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. Gentlemen, below our crest you will see our units shield. A lightning bolt bisects our Shield. Above the lightning bolt is a silhouette of a mountain. At the bottom of our shield is a scroll with the word "CURRAHEE" written upon it. Gentlemen, the meaning of our Shield. The lightning bolt stands for the modus operandi of the United States Army Airborne Soldier. He strikes with speed, suddenness and strength. The six parachutes stand for the fact that we were the sixth Parachute Infantry Regiment constituted in the United States Army during WWII. The silhouette of a mountain represents Currahee Mountain in Toccoa, GA where our unit was born. Just as that mountain stands out and above all other Mountains surrounding it, so do we the 1-506th stand out and above all other soldiers in the Army. Finally, the word "Currahee," is the Cherokee word for "Stands Alone."

Gentlemen, turn your coin over. The five geographical locations on the back of the coin denote the five Areas of Operation in which our regiment served. At Normandy, we seized the high ground and prevented the Germans from reinforcing the beach. At Eindhoven we captured the town and also helped to evacuate the British 1st Airborne from Arnheim. At Bastogne, we held the town of Neville, four miles north of Bastogne and helped to repulse the final Wermacht offensive. In Vietnam, we earned our third Presidential Unit Citation for gallant service at Dong Ap Bia. Now we find ourselves in Korea. Our selfless devotion to Duty and commitment to the defense of freedom against a totalitarian (ugh), cult of Personality (ugh), communist aggressor to the north, truly allows us to proclaim... Stands Alone!

Awards and Promotions

If there are any promotions or awards the S-1 (Keeper of the Spirits) prepares to call them forward at this time. Keeper of the Spirits tells recipient to report to the Grand Eagle. Grand Eagle tells officer to face about, S-1 calls attention to orders, and reads off award citation or promotion. Awards are usually given to those brothers that are also brotherhood-ed out the same night. The awardee should have it pinned on and then told to report back to his post. (Note: Grand Eagle can say words about brother at this time or later when he is farewell-ed). Brothers that are promoted can take cue from the Grand Eagle whether or not they will be allowed to speak.

Farewells

Keeper of the Spirit announces, "(Rank and name) report to the Keeper of the Spirit." The order that farewells are done is from most junior to most senior. The officer reports and is given his farewell spirit. The Keeper of the Spirit should ensure that there is enough Fiery Spirit remaining in the grail to conduct the Farewells. Farewell Narrative is said:

Before you is the Sink Grail. In that grail is the fiery spirit of the Imjin, to which has been added all of the traditions of the Currahee Regiment. It is the elixir of truth and strength. You are familiar with its contents. You have consumed it before and it has enabled you to stand alone while you have been a member of the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry. Your participation in this ritual will enable you to maintain the Currahee tradition wherever you go and in whatever you do. Do you understand the instructions of the grail. Execute. (Drink) Report to the Grand Eagle.

After the brother reports to the Grand Eagle he is told to face about and then the Grand Eagle says great things about him in front of the whole brotherhood. The outgoing brother is given his plate (Keeper of the Spirits hands it to Grand Eagle) and then his chain of command usually presents him with a plaque to take with him. The chain-of-command says a couple words and then the floor is turned over to the outgoing brother. After he says his peace, he reports back to his post and the next brother is farewell-ed.

Old Business

Keeper of the Spirit announces, "Now, is there any old business?" This could constitute a challenge that was never accepted, anything delayed by natural disaster, or anything that needs to be brought before the brotherhood that is old. Any brother who has old business makes a fist and puts his arm straight out into the inner sanctum. He is recognized by the Keeper of the Spirits and asked, "Yes, Rank and name, what is your old business?" Brother speaks his business. If it is something that needs to be brought up for a vote, the Keeper of the Spirits acts as the parliamentarian. All in favor? All against? The majority rules. However, the Grand Eagle holds all supreme power over the brotherhood court. The Grand Eagle can watch and let his vote count as one, or can step forward to overrule and be the unanimous decision maker. Whatever happens, the Grand Eagle has the final word. Keeper of the Spirits takes notes if there are any changes for the next brotherhood.

New Business

New business is taken care of in the same manner as old business. Keeper of the Spirit asks, "Now, is there any new business?" New business usually constitutes brothers leaving and not being able to fulfill their additional duties in the inner sanctum anymore. If the Keeper of the Songs is brotherhood-ed out, he should bring up new business that someone must be elected to take his place. It is well within his jurisdiction to nominate someone to take over for him. Someone usually seconds the nomination. Keeper of the Spirits again controls the voting process, with the final outcome approved by the Grand Eagle. Sometimes a brother is elected to post while he is on leave, and not able to defend himself. This is a common practice and is sometimes shunned by the Grand Eagle. Keeper of the Spirits makes the necessary notes to change the orders for the next Brotherhood.

History

After all challenges have been taken care of, Keeper of the Spirit announces, "We will now have a reading from the Currahee History." Keeper of the Currahee History (appointed officer from Baker company) steps forward and reads an excerpt from the history of the 506th. The excerpt is something out of the mists of time, a story, narrative, or first hand account of something from the 506th past. It must enlighten the brothers and their bond to the Brotherhood. After the reading, the Keeper of the History ends with, "so ends the reading."

Prayer

Keeper of the Spirit announces, "The Spiritual Master will now conduct an offering prayer and collect the Eagle's tithe." Chaplain steps forward and asks for all brothers to bow their heads and pray. All brothers pray. Grand Eagle then asks the chaplain, "Chaplain, what number of bill night is it." The Chaplain makes the call on the number of bills that must be placed into the two offertory plates. The number of bills denotes that whatever you have in your wallet, you must place that number of bills into the offertory plate. It behooves all brothers to get at least seven to ten $1 bills before a brotherhood. For the collection, the Chaplain takes one offertory plate and goes one way, while the Keeper of the Spirits goes the other way. Offering is combined and taken to the head table by the Keeper of the Spirits.

Cups & Song

After the offering, the Keeper of the Spirit announces, "Gentlemen, secure your cups." All brothers move toward table and take their cups. Keeper of the Spirit moves to head of table and hands the Grand Eagle his cup (it is placed at the head of the table). The Keeper of the Spirits also distributes the champagne glasses to the outgoing brothers and the new brothers. They do not have any canteen cups because they were used on the block. Canteen cups are usually left over because people are on leave. The Keeper of the Spirits picks up each cup separately and reads out the name and rank. The senior person in that persons' chain-of-command steps forward and gives the reason for that persons' absence. "He is on leave." The Keeper of the Spirits then takes that cup and empties it into that brother's cup. Example: A platoon leader is on leave; his commander takes his portion of champagne. After the cups are all dished out, the Keeper of the Spirits announces, "The Keeper of the Song (appointed officer from Charlie company) will now lead us in a rousing rendition of We Stand Alone." The Keeper of the Song has a tape player that either has the music or the song. Wherever he places the jambox he will step forward and start the tape (see the Currahee Fight Song).

Toasts

After the song, the toasts are automatic. Preparation for the toasts include that the most junior brother to be brought in for the ceremony know that he makes the last toast of the evening.

Taps

Immediately after the toasts the bugler plays Taps.

Conclusion

After Taps is finished, Grand Eagle announces, "Bugler, sound to the plates." Bugler plays To the Plates. Grand Eagle exits the inner sanctum (Keeper of the Door should open door). Baby Grand Eagle declares, "FALL OUT!" The brotherhood is finished.

Cleaning Up

Everything that was brought to the brotherhood ceremony must be cleaned up or put back where it came from. The lieutenants from HHC along with the newly inducted brothers will be responsible for cleaning up. The national colors, grail, canteen cups, and jambox are all taken care of by the brothers that brought them. Newly inducted brothers will wash the canteen cups and return them to the Keeper of the Cups. The Keeper of the Spirit has the most to do after the brotherhood. The money from the offertory is counted and any receipts for tomato juice, plates, cups, coins are taken out at that time. The Keeper of the Spirits and Keeper of the Door should be the only brothers to have receipts because they usually handle all preparation. The rest of the money and receipts go to the S-1 with an explanation and dollar amount. He will place it in the Battalion safe. The Keeper of the Spirits locks up all supplies in the lock boxes and places table and block back in the closet room. Take notes of what must be gotten for the next ceremony and if any positions have changed. Write the orders up and have them signed for the next brotherhood. Everyone should have a beer in his hand by this time, so join the fun.

Key Positions within the Brotherhood