Awards, Medals, COA's vs Self-Satisfaction...what motivates you?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 11:12:40 -0400

The other day I was talking with the Civilian at my shop, he used to be an O-5 in the Air Force. He is always telling me, if you do this you might get an award, if you do that you might get a COA, etc. I told him that I wasn't doing it for the awards because if all my motivation comes from just getting an award, what will happen if I don't get it? Or if I get it, what's next? Then I would need to find another motivation. I told him that my motivation was knowing that I got a project in X level and I brought it up to standards. He told me I was wrong, he told me that in his Commanding times, he used Awards to motivate his Airmen to do what he needed to be done.

As we were talking, a NCO got to the conversation and gave me another POV. He told me that awards are important to keep record of what we have accomplish. He told me that if he were to be my NCO, and he doesn't know me, he will check my ERB and have an idea of what kind of Soldier I am. I got that point better.

What does motivate you? Is getting awards your fuel? Is knowing that you fixed or improve something that needed work what moves you?

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 26 at 2015 11:15 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 11:15:36 -0400

I'm for doing the right thing. I didn't notice for a long time but there got to be a bias towards Mils who didn't have the right fruit salad mix. All part of the salad mania we've moved into.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Jun 26 at 2015 11:17 AM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 11:17:10 -0400

I think there are two types of people - those who need recognition to stay motivated and those who don't - both are equally important. A good leader will recognize ALL their people regardless if they want it or not - especially if they deserve it!

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 26 at 2015 11:21 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 11:21:24 -0400

My drive and motivation is usually the end result. I hate the journey, but after seeing the end result, I realize that it's all worth it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2015 11:24 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 11:24:48 -0400

The care and welfare of my Soldiers is what motivates me.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jun 26 at 2015 11:33 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 11:33:49 -0400

As you said, you don't do it for the recognition, however that recognition will help your career later on. There is nothing wrong with keeping track of your accomplishments, AND your failures. You should keep a "track record." Repeat successes, avoid repeated failures.

As the NCO said, many things are made at a quick glance, or a first impression, therefore there is nothing wrong with receiving recognition.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2015 11:43 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 11:43:12 -0400

Where I work there are no real rewards for extremely hard work. I got Maintenance Employee of the Month once at my shop, which comes with a parking spot. Yep, that's about it. After I spend about six more months in Honor Guard duty, I'll get a Navy Achievement Medal, but that's not why I do it. I do it because, all my life, I've watched movies of servicemen and women firing rifles in the air to honor a fallen man or woman, and I always thought what a great honor that would be. So, here I am, having been a part of four or five active duty funerals (21 Gun Salute) and countless Retired and Veteran funerals. I'm not in it for the NAM, a NAM wouldn't be worth the common twelve to fifteen hour days several times a week, but rather that in my heart I know these men and women died for a cause. Let me tell ya, folding that American Flag for the last time, it's special. There isn't a thing in the world that equates to it. These men and women receiving their final honors is something that is infinitely important to me. That's what motivates me.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jun 26 at 2015 11:57 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 11:57:57 -0400

While awards of any kind have the effect of "showing" others what you have accomplished, at the end of the day if you become an award-chaser, are you really performing your tasks for the right reason? I treasure each and every award I received over the course of my career because in the end they to a certain extent, "validated" my service for that time frame, that action or with that unit. I will tell you that a lot of the times a simple pat on the back or a "Good job Swartz!!" went further in my mind than anything else. I have cautioned my son, a young SPC that is still trying to prove himself, not to try and measure himself against me as far as awards and accomplishments, be your own Soldier and in doing your job to the best of your ability, the recognition will ultimately come your way. Some units I was in seemed to hand out awards like candy or "participation" items, while other units seemed reluctant to recognize anyone for anything, so I would caution against using a Soldiers "rack" as an indicator of what kind of Soldier they really are.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 26 at 2015 12:08 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 12:08:51 -0400

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member I always enjoyed presenting and giving out the awards to my soldiers that did an outstanding job. It was a motivator for me to see them get recognized for a great job or for extremely meritorious acts. I found very few soldiers over the years that were just medals chasers. I'm sure they were out there, but they didn't raise their ugly heads in my direction. I've had some very wonderful soldiers that worked very hard and deserved to be recognized for their achievements. Building tomorrow leadership through award recognition and honor motivates me the most!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 26 at 2015 12:17 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 12:17:34 -0400

Winning the war

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2015 12:25 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 12:25:16 -0400

I do it for the rare and random "Good Job, SPC Quigley" I get from my CoC for doing more than most and getting things done for other sections so our Unit functions.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2015 12:44 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 12:44:47 -0400

I'm one of those rare people in the military with personal awards (medals) for my job well done. I have a couple CertComs and LOA but that's it. My satisfaction comes from my FitReps and taking care of my subordinates.

Response by SGT Don Matyja made Jun 26 at 2015 12:50 PM

SGT Don Matyja — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 12:50:54 -0400

When i joined the army i did it to get away from So Cal but by time i got out my way of thinking had changed i knew it was the right thing to do.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2015 1:11 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 13:11:23 -0400

Cold hard cash. Pay me!! (j/k) ;)

I do it simply and solely for service.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Jun 26 at 2015 1:30 PM

SSG Ed Mikus — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 13:30:51 -0400

I do stuff because that what is right or because i want it on my resume, Military awards are almost completely based on rank and offer no value to me.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2015 1:44 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 13:44:41 -0400

If you're doing it for the medal, award, or money.....you need not be in the military.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jun 26 at 2015 1:47 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 13:47:07 -0400

I've always been skeptical of awards hounds. In most cases doing your job to the the best of your ability and achieving the desired result is enough reward.

If your commander thinks you deserve an award, in most cases you will receive it.

Stay on the tank!

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Jun 26 at 2015 3:18 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 15:18:37 -0400

ANd the trinkets to hang off of my uniform don't look bad either. just saying.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jun 26 at 2015 4:03 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 16:03:29 -0400

I do it because it should be done. I do it for the money. I do it for the respect of people I respect.

Awards, COAs and LOA, coins and even most attaboys given to me make me grin wryly and shake my head if not scoff, because I usually get them from people I don't respect. And those I nominate are written honestly and with full respect and intent, and normally follow strong evaluations, hearty handshakes and multiple instances of verbal praise.

Response by SN Earl Robinson made Jun 26 at 2015 4:15 PM

SN Earl Robinson — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 16:15:25 -0400

I joined the Navy because I believed (and Still do) in my country.

Response by SSG Keith Cashion made Jun 26 at 2015 4:35 PM

SSG Keith Cashion — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 16:35:02 -0400

Different people have different motivations as to why they do their jobs, or join the military in the first place. I know people that joined just for the college or GI Bill. And when the War started it was..."Hey I didn't sign up for this...I want out." Then there are the ones that wanted to learn, to see the world, and better themselves. Though you think the recognition is great and all, and you do your job, because it is satisfying, keep this in mind. As most have said, award, COA's and other regcognition is great, and helps with career building, staying grounded and continuing to learn and know your job, and that of your next two higher in your chain (remember: One Down, Two Up) will make you the better Soldier, and because you want to be in their boots one day.. I learned a trick a long time ago from an old Vet. Keep your "I love me Book" together, and write down the things that you do, even if it is your daily duties. The reason for the latter is this...though you have supervisors watching what you are doing...they cannot watch everything. Ask yourself, "What did I do for myself, and My (Army, Navy, Air Force Marines, Whichever your are) today. So when it comes time for counseling, evaluations and recognitions, you can say, " I accomplished this." For yourself...get as much education as you can.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jun 26 at 2015 5:54 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 17:54:22 -0400

Napoleon once said he could conquer the world if he had enough ribbon. He might of been right. Having said that if we do things only for a medal or ribbon than what does that say about us? We are a very shallow force if that is all we are about.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Jun 26 at 2015 6:19 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 18:19:35 -0400

I did my job because of the sense of duty, it was the right thing to. Along the way, I received awards but for most of those, it was the normal awards such as PCS awards, etc. that just about everyone received. There is one ARCOM and my DMSM though that are special to me because with those, I received special recognition for doing what I was called to do. I was motivated to work hard to get them but I really appreciated being recognized over my peers for the work I had done.

Response by CPL Richard Flagg made Jun 27 at 2015 10:06 AM

CPL Richard Flagg — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 10:06:02 -0400

Awards we a nice bonus for us when I was in; however what means more to me than any ribbon or medal was the fact that others knew that I was proficient in my job. Getting feedback from others like my first PLT SGT with the SCOUT PLT at JRTC really mean more to me words like, "Flagg I knew I didn't have to watch you like my other guys" because "you just came from the Jungle (Panama) so I knew you knew your Shit." That really meant quite a lot to me knowing my LDRS and others felt that way about me and my skills.

Response by MSG(P) Rafael Aguilera made Sep 19 at 2015 9:51 PM

MSG(P) Rafael Aguilera — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 21:51:21 -0400

I do it to ensure my Soldiers go home every night.
When your heart is in it and you do the right things - your evaluations write themselves.