Posted on Dec 29, 2015
Is a tracking system or RFID embedded panel issued by the unit appropriate for awards?
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The Battalion or Brigade S1 who is worth a darn needs to take the time to go through his/her Soldier's records and not only review what's in there to see that they are correct and accurate as to dates, but then needs to start looking at the longevity type awards too.
Army (Regular w/ no Reserve time) are easier, because we usually just have to look at things like the good conduct medal. For the Reserves, we have the Army Reserve Medal, the State Awards which are usually equivalent to the GCM, long service medals to States, etc. Most States have a very good checklist and their OTAG can provide it to assist.
Now that we have quality checked all of the awards; all need to be permed and placed into the hands of the member so they have a clue as to how to put their uniform together at official functions.
I really wish there were a better and cleaner method out there of displaying our ribbons than what we're using. The AUS ribbons at Military Clothing Sales and other AAFES outlets are VERY 20th Century. There is also nothing to stop me from going in and buying say a Silver Star for my uniform even though I never earned one. The stolen valor act is still pretty toothless, and catches very few cheaters. I'm thinking our answer may be technology -- print a high quality "ribbon rack" through the Battalion or Brigade level "1's" which has a tracking code or RFID embeded in it. That ensures quality control (i.e. Soldier gets the awards in the right order) and cuts down on cases of stolen valor.
What do you think?
Leaders -- is a tracking system or RFID embeded panel replacement issued by the unit for awards appropriate? How often would it need to be replaced? Sensitive item?
Human Resources Professionals -- Is this viable or a bridge too far? Would we need to bring say a GS9 on board to manage this program?
Army (Regular w/ no Reserve time) are easier, because we usually just have to look at things like the good conduct medal. For the Reserves, we have the Army Reserve Medal, the State Awards which are usually equivalent to the GCM, long service medals to States, etc. Most States have a very good checklist and their OTAG can provide it to assist.
Now that we have quality checked all of the awards; all need to be permed and placed into the hands of the member so they have a clue as to how to put their uniform together at official functions.
I really wish there were a better and cleaner method out there of displaying our ribbons than what we're using. The AUS ribbons at Military Clothing Sales and other AAFES outlets are VERY 20th Century. There is also nothing to stop me from going in and buying say a Silver Star for my uniform even though I never earned one. The stolen valor act is still pretty toothless, and catches very few cheaters. I'm thinking our answer may be technology -- print a high quality "ribbon rack" through the Battalion or Brigade level "1's" which has a tracking code or RFID embeded in it. That ensures quality control (i.e. Soldier gets the awards in the right order) and cuts down on cases of stolen valor.
What do you think?
Leaders -- is a tracking system or RFID embeded panel replacement issued by the unit for awards appropriate? How often would it need to be replaced? Sensitive item?
Human Resources Professionals -- Is this viable or a bridge too far? Would we need to bring say a GS9 on board to manage this program?
Army Reserve
Army National Guard
Awards
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 10
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I honestly think that this is a solution in search of a problem, SFC Jeff Granger. "PX Warriors" are very easy to catch in the event that they are stupid enough to wear store-bought stuff in uniform.
I think that your solution, while simple, would be expensive and would expose once again that battalion S-1 shops are not squared away when it comes to updating records. I think that this would rapidly turn into a self-licking ice cream cone.
I have been in the Army a minute, and have quite a few awards and decorations, and I have never found it difficult to maintain awareness if what I should be wearing.
I think that your solution, while simple, would be expensive and would expose once again that battalion S-1 shops are not squared away when it comes to updating records. I think that this would rapidly turn into a self-licking ice cream cone.
I have been in the Army a minute, and have quite a few awards and decorations, and I have never found it difficult to maintain awareness if what I should be wearing.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
I think the biggest issue I ever ran into was missing a star/oak leaf, and that was with "auto award" type things.
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Honestly, I believe that it is an NCO's job to verify their records and inspect quality before letting their soldiers out into any setting where it is required that they wear their ASU's. That being said RFID is not a way to go, can you immagine going to a place like deers spending all day so you can have rack built for you. It seems like adding an element of complexity into the mix when there is a 10 minute solution to the problem. Just my thoughts.
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COL (Join to see)
Buddy system also works well. Buddies inspect one another, Squad Leader inspects the squad and PSG/1SG inspect last, if they don't trust Sqd Ldr or just want to teach D&C.
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You can buy almost any ribbon online. Most are available through civilian distributors.
As for "wear & tear," it really depends on the ribbon before you start seeing fraying on the edges. Your highest and lowest awards are going to see the most wear (they are on the outside of your rack). As an example, my Navcom, and my Sea Service (iirc). Depending on usage, I would be looking at replacing them 2x a year. We're taking $2 item, tops. Do we need a GS9 to manage a $2 item? Even the medal (anodized) is only $15.00.
All you are going to do is drive regular users away from the base, and normal supply channels, because "bureaucracy" cannot keep up with the certificates which have already been awarded.
As for "wear & tear," it really depends on the ribbon before you start seeing fraying on the edges. Your highest and lowest awards are going to see the most wear (they are on the outside of your rack). As an example, my Navcom, and my Sea Service (iirc). Depending on usage, I would be looking at replacing them 2x a year. We're taking $2 item, tops. Do we need a GS9 to manage a $2 item? Even the medal (anodized) is only $15.00.
All you are going to do is drive regular users away from the base, and normal supply channels, because "bureaucracy" cannot keep up with the certificates which have already been awarded.
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