Corporal George A. Caraballo, data technician with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Manhattan, N.Y., gets his new rank pinned on his collar during a promotion ceremony here, Nov. 1. The unit adds two unique elements to the Marine Corps’ traditional promotion ceremony in order to highlight the importance of becoming an NCO. To reinforce the responsibility of the new rank, the NCO’s Creed is read, which states the role of NCO leadership, and a 1-inch red stripe is draped over the necks of the new NCO’s. Dating back to 1849, NCO’s and officers have worn this stripe on the outer edge of their trousers. When the creed is finished, the Marine’s mentors remove the rank of Lance Corporal and promote the Marine to Corporal. BLT 2/4 recently completed a three month tour of the Asia-Pacific region, which included bilateral training with the Australian Defense Force. They are now preparing to return to their home port, Camp Pendleton, Calif., after a successful tour as the 31st MEU’s BLT.