Melanoma and getting your rank "pinned"

[Sgtusmc]

Not an April fools joke.

Anyone here that is or was in the military get "pinned" after a promotion ceremony? It's where they put your rank insignia pins through the collar and the underlying material of your blouse/jacket. Then they work the pins into your flesh and start punching and pounding.

I have a melanoma spot right where this happened that had to get burned off with liquid nitrogen a few years ago and it's back along with a larger spot on my back. Just wondering if anyone with pinning experience knows of or has the same problem...cancer from a hazing ceremony.

 

[BehindBlueI's]

Got pinned, no ill results.

 

[1775usmarine]

nothing yet for me

 

[HoughMade]

Really, really doubt the 2 events are connected.

 

[hoosierdoc]

This page suggests basal or squamous cell, but not melanoma from scars.

What You Need To Know About™ Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers - National Cancer Institute

Other Risk Factors for Both Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers

The following risk factors increase the risk of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers:

• Old scars, burns, ulcers, or areas of inflammation on the skin

I googled it and came across this

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/break-room/340491-melanoma-getting-your-rank-pinned.html

 

[Naptown]

I had a melanoma surgically removed (twice) from my chest. No pinning for me though. Make sure to watch your other spots, Melanoma is a heartless killer.

 

[scoutsniper]

Pinned like a SOB when I got Corporal. bleed through my cammies lol. but no infection or cancer yet lol. I just made Sergeant so i get to have fun agian real soon! lol.

 

[IndyGunworks]

I got "pinned" at least 3 times, possibly 4, I would have to think about it to remember for sure. My unit was messed up to because EVERYBODY got to "pin" you, not just the ones who had something equivalent or higher. Had to use pliers to pull out my corporal rank to. No melanoma for me. No scarring either, just good memories.

 

[rex soldier]

I got dimples / scar from where I got pinned.

 

[caulfieldian]

No ill effects other than pain and bleeding from mine. I think it's just a coincidence.

 

[Lectric102002]

Got pinned from PFC all the way up to SSgt. No ill effects other than bruised arms.

 

[rockhopper46038]

My only experience was getting my Airborne wings "pinned", and nothing there so far...

 

[Sgtusmc]

Alright, cool guys. Thought it may just be coincidence but had to ask. Had Lcpl and Cpl pinned. Nobody touched me when I got Sgt.

 

[CitiusFortius]

Wow, sorry to vear off from cancer, but as a civilian, whats the deal with this pinning thing? Right of passage? Macho men proving how macho they are? That sounds like a terrible tradition...

 

[Sgtusmc]

We don't pick no daisies

 

[Jarhead77]

5 times, no melanoma. Still scarred though!

 

[horsehaulin]

No problems here, pinned twice. Corporal mad Sergeant.

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

I had a melanoma surgically removed (twice) from my chest. No pinning for me though. Make sure to watch your other spots, Melanoma is a heartless killer.

We'd ALL do well to heed this.

Weird to think that a tiny little "mole" on your back / leg / neck can kill you - but it can.

It took my wife's grandmother 4-ish years ago.

 

[singlesix]

Wow, sorry to vear off from cancer, but as a civilian, whats the deal with this pinning thing? Right of passage? Macho men proving how macho they are? That sounds like a terrible tradition...

You can add macho women also, like a female Bn Cdr said .. "act like you have a pair .. balls or ovaries, your choice"

 

[patience0830]

Unnatural act, allowing someone to hurt you on purpose. Like fraternity hazing, it serves to cement your loyalties. "It was worth getiing hurt for so it must be good!" Same thing applies to getting beat into a gang. It's stupid and childish and unnecessary. I'm ex military too. Pinning is just more stupid hazing. You can be a loyal member of the group without it.