There is probably no rank in the Army worse than second lieutenant.  When an enlisted Soldier is a private, he or she has no responsibility and leaders have little or no expectations.  Just show up and stay out of trouble, and you have earned a promotion. 

Not so for second lieutenants.  As an officer, albiet the lowliest of all officers, they are expected by enlisted Soldiers and other officers, to be a leader.  They carry on their chest a rank insignia with a solitary gold rectangle — the infamous “butter bar.”  Commanders and NCOs know their responsibility to second lieutenants is to mentor them, and keep them out of trouble while they develop their leadership skills.   It’s a lot of pressure for a young officer — probably akin to treading water while studying for final exams.

The happiest day for a second lieutenant is probably not the first day they pin on their rank and initially join the ranks of officers.  Instead, it is alm0st assuredly the last day at that rank — the day they complete this rite of passage and are promoted to first lieutenant, hopefully never to return that rank. 

1LT Joseph Larrew shares a proud moment with two of his Peruvian friends at FOB Prosperity.

For 2LT Joseph Larrew that day was today. 

1LT Larrew has a leg-up on many of his fellow first lieutenants because he served five years as an enlisted Soldier, rising to the rank of specialist.  Ask any NCO and they will tell you that an officer with enlisted experience is an officer who knows why NCOs are the backbone of the Army.

On December 17, 2007, SPC Larrew graduated from Austin Peay University in Clarksville, TN, with his degree in Computer Science.  He left behind his former rank, but not his knowledge of the pride and potential of enlisted Soldiers.  Today, standing in the audience were NCOs who previously stood in formation with him when he work the rank of an enlisted Soldier.

Shortly after lunch, the combined staffs of the 314th Public Affairs Operations Center and the 222nd Broadcast Operatons Detatchment (and even a few Triple Canopy guards) gathered in the CPIC. At slightly after 2 p.m. (Baghdad time) on June 19, 2009, the audience witnessed the reading of the promotion orders as LTC Ignacio Perez removed the infamous butter bar from the lieutenant’s uniform and replaced it with a new one with the black rectangle of a first lieutenant.  The crowd erupted into a cheer as it became official.

As they exited the room, each person shook 1LT Larrew’s hand, some joked about his new rank and the added responsibility, but all shared the excitement, pride and relief that he felt.