Block 5 on a DA Form 638

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 15:06:12 -0400

Its safe to say that some of us agree that the current awards system process is somewhat broken, what I see over and over is rank going hand in hand with awards, not just for combat service but small things such as a AAM or ACROM, why have we as a military built it up based on rank? I have heard the storys, an example is of a Specialist going above and beyond facing the ememy but reciving an ARCOM w/ valor, and was told that a BSM was undeserving becuase of he was an E4... Block 5 on the DA from 638 (RECOMMENDATION FOR AWARD) is for rank of the SM, do you think when a reviewer is looking over a recommendation that they look at the rank and has a decision already made up before he reads the achievments? if you had a say, would you have block 5 removed completly? possible moved to another form that is not viewed with the recommended award and build up that Bias?

Response by MAJ Steve Sheridan made Apr 25 at 2014 3:18 PM

MAJ Steve Sheridan — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 15:18:22 -0400

Unfortunately rank has impact on awards. The Silver Star & Medal of Honor doesn't take rank into account.

The frustrating part I see is that there is such a big gap between MSM and LOM. For my retirement, I won't even be considered for a LOM because of my rank. I've gotten so many MSMs, it makes for a sad retirement award.