Can you receive multiple MOVSM?

2017-05-29T11:33:41-04:00

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2017 11:38 AM

2017-05-29T11:38:19-04:00

Yes, but for separate instances of significant and enduring volunteer work. Check the regulation. Don't lose sight of the purpose of volunteer work while medal hunting. I saw a story in the Army Times a couple years ago about a Specialist that had the MOVSM with like three silver oak leaf clusters. At that point, you're either a fraud or you're neglecting your job so much that you should get chaptered out.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2017 12:03 PM

2017-05-29T12:03:54-04:00

Yes you can earn more than one. Additional awards of the MO VSM are noted by service stars, not Oakleaf clusters.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2017 1:22 PM

2017-05-29T13:22:14-04:00

You should Google your service's awards manual for the specific rules, but in general, yes. While there was no minimum "hours served" or "years of effort," the idea was that it was a sustained action over 2-3 years (standard tour length). You can absolutely get one-per-tour if you keep up sustained effort.

Although there is typically no requirement to log or document your hours, it's a good idea. I recommend http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov as a simple and easy way to track your hours. Not only is it smarter than a spreadsheet or word doc, but it's more "official" since it is sponsored by the White House. Additionally, you can easily print or download the spreadsheet, and it's accessible to update your service from the internet.

I volunteer A LOT in the Civil Air Patrol, and typically log over 500 hours per year (which does not include regular meetings, per the MOVSM reg). It's very simple to log in and jot down my service while headed home. At the end of your tour of duty with a command, you can ask your chain of command to submit you for the award, and have an easy reference of service. You can do this with every command, including reserves. I have a friend (in CAP and the Air Force) who got like 5 of these over his career.

www.presidentialserviceawards.gov

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2017 6:46 PM

2017-05-29T18:46:35-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member yes. It is denoted by service stars.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2017 6:06 PM

2017-05-31T18:06:40-04:00

Google an article on Army times from a while ago was about a SFC who was just awarded her ninth or tenth award as she hits a 100 hours every few months. so yes you can but each command is different. I had 280 hours and my unit required 100 and it still took a year and a half to receive because they wanted the time as well as hours.