Do you feel that is it true that reservist get more awards than active component Soldiers?

2015-04-16T12:38:23-04:00

I have heard that some feel that reservists are awarded more medals than their active component counterparts. What are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Invite others to respond by typing @name

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 12:40 PM

2015-04-16T12:40:34-04:00

I got 4 rows in 5 years based almost exclusively on the command I was in.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 12:46 PM

2015-04-16T12:46:49-04:00

I can only speak for my own experience but while I was stationed at the NOSC (Navy Operational Support Center) the only time I ever saw reservists receive NAMs was either for funeral honors or Sailor of the Year. Now they did receive more campaign medals but while they were deploying and earning those, myself and fellow staff members were supporting them from the good ole USA. I feel my reservists (yes I said MY, because I treated everyone the same, they were MY guys and gals) deserved every medal and award they got and some deserved recognition they would never be put up for.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 1:15 PM

2015-04-16T13:15:16-04:00

Looking at myself as a reservist/NG and a buddy of mine that is Active Duty we both have roughly the same amount of awards just in differing catagories. While active duty soldiers earn Good Conduct Medals most reservist earn either a reserve medal or in some areas a state medal. Active duty deploys more then guard/reserves so they recieve more awards in that aspect. Most Guard SM's are lucky to deploy once or twice in a 6 year contract but mobilize for state emergencies or the like and are awarded based on the actions there.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 2:11 PM

2015-04-16T14:11:57-04:00

I think this all depends on command, but not necessarily even, so I said "Other." Of course, RC have their own flair but most of those are awarded for length of service (like GCM, but for officers too) or overseas training. However, from what I've seen of USAR the levels of responsibility are rewarded vastly differently than Active. For instance, in the AC a successful company commander is most likely going to rate an MSM and a successful brigade commander likely an LOM. My former brigade commander received an MSM, and I've never seen an MSM awarded to an outgoing company commander. I know plenty of O-5s and O-5(P)s receiving their first MSM, while in the AC their MSMs are so thick with accoutrement they could stop a bullet.

Still, this is a command and, more importantly, approval authority driven process than Service Component-specific issue. Anyone who is getting flustered by this needs to reevaluate their priorities. Ask not what your Service can do for you...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 2:13 PM

2015-04-16T14:13:39-04:00

Our unit hardly ever handed out awards. In fact, we never even got the "entitled" awards like the ARCAM (basically the USAR "Good Conduct Medal") until we changed units. When I mobilized for a tour, our AC folks downgraded the awards for the end-of-tour because "you don't have enough AAMs to justify an ARCOM".

Then the next tour, everyone got the same thing...regardless of performance...and then we started handing out awards from there.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 2:44 PM

2015-04-16T14:44:49-04:00

In my current unit (Army Reserve), I've only seen a handful of ribbons/awards handed out over the years. In general, it is harder for the Reservist to "shine" or stand out for awards when there are only a handful of opportunities to do so. In most cases, they are handed out after an Annual Training (AT). Beyond that, there is little opportunity to stand out for even an AAM. I also advise my soldiers to "ask" for details that involve other commands -- as it usually at least ends with a CoA, and sometimes an AAM. ARCOMS (and higher), on the other hand, are rare indeed...but might be seen following an AT.

Of my 13 ribbons, only 2 are associated with my time in the Reserves. The ARCAM and AFRM w/ M device. Sure, the AFG campaign medal and NATO were during my time in the Reserves, but are more "service" freebies.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 2:49 PM

2015-04-16T14:49:40-04:00

Not a chance. From a Navy perspective, officers typically get an end of tour award for active duty units, and occasionally a mid-tour award. Junior enlisted usually get Letters of Commendation, and senior enlisted might get a medal. On the reserve side, you almost never get medals; officer or enlisted. I've seen reserve commanders without even a Navy Achievement Medal.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 3:01 PM

2015-04-16T15:01:15-04:00

When I went from Reserves to Active Duty, I went with a whopping 3 ribbons (Army Service, NDSM, and an AAM). That was after 3 yrs in the Reserves. After many a year on Active Duty, I ETS'd with a whopping 4 ribbons (add the Overseas Service Ribbon). I'm now up to 12 ribbons after 16 yrs total service. So, I would have to say that it is all based on your command.

Response by MSG Brian Breaker made Apr 16 at 2015 3:38 PM

2015-04-16T15:38:15-04:00

I've been in both active and reserve and they are about the same. They both have a good conduct and overseas ribbon. It really depends on the unit when it comes to Army Achievement Medals.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 9:31 PM

2015-04-16T21:31:09-04:00

the only medal that AC is excluded from is the armed forces reserve medal. the army reserve components achievement medal replaces the good conduct medal. and End of Tour awards are about the same.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 9:33 PM

2015-04-16T21:33:17-04:00

My husband and I were both active. I am now guard and he is still active. He has almost 3 times the amount of awards than I do but he got seats for everything. I only got awards for my deployments and my guard unit hasn't given any awards in the 2 years that I have been there

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2015 9:15 AM

2015-04-17T09:15:16-04:00

In my 23 years I have served with many AC units even though most of my time has been in the reserves. It has been my experience, and expressed by many others, the Reserves are horrible about giving out awards. Reservists do not PCS so quite often we will leave even long time posts with nothing more than a pat on the back or a coin. The only time Reservists typically get awards are for Annual training which is usually only a few soldiers per unit once a year, or deployments. In dealing with AC units, especially as a commander, I got major push-back from AC unit commands as personnel section in even trying to put in soldiers for awards. When they do process them ours are pushed to the bottom of the pile after they take care of their own. I have seen soldiers leave the Army altogether because they show up from Active duty looking like Patton and can't understand my reservists are never recognized. In 4 company commands I have always tried to push for recognition for my soldiers. I have spent many long nights only to end in frustration getting told by higher of max numbers of soldiers they are willing to reward, regardless of whether they deserve it. On deployment I commanded a Route Clearance Company with a very tough Deployment in RC-E. We had to fight for every single award including submitting a soldier 5 separate times where he had been in direct contact with the enemy and even received a Purple Heart (from a separate command) just to get him recognized with a CAB. Out of 185 guys I put in 35 BSM's after this combat heavy deployment. 5 were approved. The other 30 were down graded to ARCOM's, even one ARCOM with Valor instead of giving a guy a BSM. Only recently can we put in Reserve Soldiers for the Good Conduct medal. The Reserve equivalent would stop during deployment and then would start all over from zero after deployment before this change. Without a doubt AC soldiers are recognized far more often and get more decorations than Reserve soldiers. If for no other reason than AC soldiers work with their units 365. Reservists work with their, on average, 48-60 days a year. Sometimes only 2 days at a time. This alone affords greater opportunity for recognition.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2015 10:11 AM

2015-04-17T10:11:11-04:00

Good question, sir. I have to add, that I couldn't care less. Shiny is nice, but not the goal. Makes for great stories though...lol

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Apr 17 at 2015 10:16 AM

2015-04-17T10:16:33-04:00

I think that STATE GUARD may receive more.... but many of their awards are state level awards and if the member goes active duty, they cannot take them along. Reserves are Federal, so they would have access to the same thing as the AD. I would suspect that they may receive fewer due to weekend/2wks a year.....

Response by SGT Neil Chandler made Apr 17 at 2015 12:49 PM

2015-04-17T12:49:59-04:00

I voted no, I've been in the Reserves going on 5 years and only received one ribbon.......everything else gets shot down by battalion

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2015 1:52 PM

2015-04-17T13:52:35-04:00

From what I can tell it's very much dependent on the command.
I've seen Soldiers do the same task, and get different awards, or no award.
The only difference has been who is the Commander.
I think overall awards are given too freely, but to all the Officers and NCO's who don't put Soldiers in because they want to be stricter about it, I feel you are doing a disservice to the Soldier.
If the generally accepted standard is an ARCOM for an E5 who accomplished the mission during a deployment, and you award an AAM, or no award, when the Soldier transfer they are behind their peers and it leads to their leaders thinking they did something wrong as to not get the award. I've seen people get AAM's for drill weekends, 2 week AT's and schools, when another company didn't award and reduced awards for E5's and E6's who had multiple deployments, it lead to multiple people leaving the unit or not re-enlisting.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2015 2:09 PM

2015-04-17T14:09:03-04:00

NO...It all depends on Leadership.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Apr 18 at 2015 6:51 PM

2015-04-18T18:51:16-04:00

No. They should follow the same criteria as active component. Earn those medals by doing your job and going above and beyond. Deploy and earn campaign medals. Don't hand out medals like medical hands out Motrin.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2015 10:04 PM

2015-04-18T22:04:08-04:00

I can't speak to the Active Component Award system.

I can say that the Guard and Reserves (in my experience) are strict about awards. They also tend to be very strict on the award criteria (which is good) because of the approval process.

In all, I wish we could get more of our Junior Soldiers awards that they have earned and deserved. The key is recognizing their achievements and making the case.

With deployments winding down for the Guard and Reserve components I think this is going to become even more important.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Apr 19 at 2015 10:46 AM

2015-04-19T10:46:43-04:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member, I totally agree with LTC Private RallyPoint Member.

Response by SSG Dave Rogers made Apr 19 at 2015 12:37 PM

2015-04-19T12:37:30-04:00

I received many awards as an active duty soldier, but when I worked with the Reserves and the National Guard the only time I saw soldiers receive awards was during annual training and even then it was just a hand full. Since they only came in one weekend a month there was not enough evaluation or observation to warrant an award. There are also a lot of reserve and national guard units that don't like giving awards for doing their jobs, they feel awards should be reserved for something special. For the National Guard some state don't give out Active Duty Awards unless the soldiers are on active orders, or serving in a time of emergency.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2015 5:14 PM

2015-04-19T17:14:24-04:00

As long as you know you've rightfully worked for and earned yours then who cares? I worked hard for mine and no one can take that away from me...

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 20 at 2015 12:04 AM

2015-04-20T00:04:24-04:00

I have never heard this. I believe the AC has this down to a science, and the USAR and ARNG suffer in this regard. No empirical data to support that, but just my feeling.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Apr 20 at 2015 9:28 PM

2015-04-20T21:28:48-04:00

I think Reservists and NG have more opportunities "created" to be given awards - showing up to drill, annual training, special events. I have not seen them given out like candy - though close to it. I've seen way to many awards given out for close to nothing - an O-4 getting an MSM for narrating a change of command, like, seriously??

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 1:40 AM

2015-04-21T01:40:20-04:00

I think there's a significant disparity between the active and reserve components. My wife had 2 ARCOMs and 2 AAMs after 4 years of active service. In 8 years in the RC I received 1 award, an end of tour award for my deployment. I received my first ARCOM this month, at close to 9 years in service. I'm not going to type out my service record, but it's not because I've been a substandard performer. I can honestly count the times I've seen an Officer in the RC receive an award on one hand.

I think we do a little better on the enlisted side, but it's still hit and miss. I had an excellent E6 in my Platoon overseas who after 6 years had not received a single award. I have NCOs in my current formation who still have the same amount of ribbons they did when they completed OSUT.

With state awards there are certainly more a Soldier can earn, but we seem to habitually neglect awarding these. My 1SG with 24 years TIS had never been awarded the ARCAM or state service ribbons. While I've since corrected that, it's rare to see a RC troop with all of the RC awards they rate. We also typically don't do "PCS" awards when a troop changes formations. That in itself is where a lot of the disparity comes from.

Response by SGT John Beardsley made Apr 23 at 2015 8:54 PM

2015-04-23T20:54:22-04:00

I received three awards during my first year in the National Guard, it took me fours years in the regular Army to get my first merit award (three years serving under a CO who didn't believe in awards "because everybody works just as hard as the rest"). Strangely he had no qualms about receiving them himself . . . .

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 7:20 AM

2015-04-25T07:20:09-04:00

The recognition of Soldiers through the award process is very dependant on commands, leadership, and taking the initiative to write a doggone award. AC is much better at awarding service through PCS. The Reserve Component in my experience rarely recognizes Soldiers as they are promoted or transfered to other units, even after 5-10 years service in a unit. Annual training and Soldier of the year competitions may be the only opportunity to receive awards in the reserves. I have heard multiple comments that many do not serve for awards but for mission accomplishment. This is to be commended in the Soldier, but not in the Soldier's Leaders. A leader must recognize service and accomplishment through awards or you have done your Soldiers a great disservice at promotion time when they are not as competitive. Anyone can recommend a Soldier for an award. Leaders must lead and take care of Soldiers in this critical administrative way.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 26 at 2015 10:06 PM

2015-06-26T22:06:58-04:00

I worked with the Alabama Guard for two years and they said I had to write my own award. I told them no thank you. There is no joy in giving something to myself.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jun 26 at 2015 10:49 PM

2015-06-26T22:49:40-04:00

In 2.5 years at my Reserve unit, perhaps 20 or so got awards...AAMs mostly. Active was a bit more generous for actions during field training or for leaving-ARCOMs for PCSing/ETSing if the powers-that-be like you; AAMs if they tolerate you; and if they lose the paperwork for your AAM...oh well, too bad so sad for you. After all, its not owed to you.

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made Jun 28 at 2015 7:26 AM

2015-06-28T07:26:56-04:00

Who cares? I was grateful to get awards for what I did, but I wasn't obsessed with them. I knew what I had done, and if I got recognized great, if not, that was ok too. There are some people who need gold stars to validate themselves, then there are others who don't need awards to be validated. Both are ok.

Response by CPO Gregory Smith made Jun 28 at 2015 9:13 AM

2015-06-28T09:13:11-04:00

I think on either side (AC/RC) it's more rank dependant than anything. Junior troopers for the most part have to go way above and beyond to get awards while senior NCO's and officers get awards for showing up.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Aug 3 at 2015 6:32 PM

2015-08-03T18:32:34-04:00

Really it gets down to the command. I have seen some folks come in the Guard from Active duty with all sorts of salad and are E-4's. I have seen Guard soldiers who look like Patton. More so as they move from State to State. Keep in mind, it is a lot harder to keep people in the Reserves, so an award costs what in the grand scheme of things? A few dollars, keeping a fully qualified soldier, worth the expense.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2015 2:23 PM

2015-10-22T14:23:02-04:00

There are more awards available, but I don't think they are awarded more often.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2015 1:01 PM

2015-11-24T13:01:24-05:00

It all depends on who is signing the awards. I'm in the reserves, and have a decent amount of awards. I have also heard nothing back for about 4-5 that were submitted for me over the past 4 years. Reguardless, all I care is that my Soldiers get there awards and most of he time they do because I fight for it and stay on top of the S shop for making sure it's squared away.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 24 at 2015 1:51 PM

2015-11-24T13:51:39-05:00

I heard of a NG Battalion that issued Bronze Stars to the nerds in the TOC, while those going outside the wire received ARCOMs.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jun 14 at 2017 6:54 AM

2017-06-14T06:54:41-04:00

Reservists? No, not really. The National Guard with those silly state awards? Yeah.... I only dislike state awards because they're generally awarded for criteria for which other awards would already suffice, so essentially it's double dipping...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2017 9:00 AM

2017-06-14T09:00:50-04:00

Considering that I've spent most of my time in the Guard, been on two deployments and half a dozen state activations, and I've got a rack comparable to someone at the Pentagon, yeah, I'd say so. We as Guardsmen, depending on the state, have anywhere from a half dozen to 2 dozen more ribbons and awards available to us that AC SMs can't get.

Response by CW4 Scott Hyde made Jun 14 at 2017 4:34 PM

2017-06-14T16:34:01-04:00

What do you hope to gain from the replies?

Response by SSG Brian G. made Jun 14 at 2017 4:40 PM

2017-06-14T16:40:46-04:00

It really depends on the command and also on the soldier as to the awards and which gives more. I started out as Army Reserve initially when I enlisted. I enlisted under the split training option as I was still in HS at the time, so that meant I did basic training and Airborne school one summer then went back to complete my senior year of Highschool. The unit I was drilling with in between was a Maintenance battalion and in the short period of 9 months I accrued 4 medals from my Unit Command. At the time I was young and dumb and simply a still wet behind the ears E-3 so I just stood at attention, saluted and shook the hand of my commanding officer and took the shiny bits of medal and ribbon and marched on. I had to have my NCOIC explain what each one was and meant. Did I deserve them? I didn't think so but someone did.

Going into AIT, day to day you don't see what awards everyone else you are training with has and really you don't have the time between training and other assigned duties. It was not until our first Class A inspection that you got to see the difference. Here I was a little skeeter wing with a baby parachute and I had more medals than 98% of my classmates and some E-5's.

Later my unit got called up when we invaded Panama so there were more ribbons added. By the end of that I had enough of a taste of Army life to realize I wanted to go RA and so 18 months before the buildup in Saudi Arabia began there I was touching down in Ramstein Germany on my way to my unit. I was a young Spec4 walking tall with a combat patch and a chestful of ribbons coming into a command where NCO's with twice my rank and 8 years on me did not have most of what I had. That changed quick enough.

In peacetime an RA unit, in my experience is slower to hand out medals unless a troop truly distinguishes themselves in some way and I mean truly. I think in that 18 months I saw maybe 3 medals handed out to an entire company. But go into war and the medals seemed to flow like skittles.

Response by MAJ Daniel Buchholz made Jun 14 at 2017 5:02 PM

2017-06-14T17:02:31-04:00

Funny story that is somewhat related to this. During a Division WFX I was doing the standard thing toward the end and getting the awards written for the people in my section (S6) when one of our First Army counterparts looks over my shoulder and exclaims "You guys get active duty awards? I though you guys only got State awards". Sometimes all you can do is shake your head and roll on. One also interesting bit is that while I am on my 4th row now (after 12 years and 1 deployment), only one of those is a State award (I swear these things are harder to get than the regular Army awards, I never see them get awarded (twice in my time in have I ever seen them awarded, a State Bronze Medal and the State Active Duty award (for doing the NG thing of disaster relief))).

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Jun 14 at 2017 5:13 PM

2017-06-14T17:13:00-04:00

Having served in the Guard, Reserves and Active Army I would say that the Guard and Reserves give out much fewer awards that the AD Component.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Jun 15 at 2017 8:53 AM

2017-06-15T08:53:21-04:00

Doesn't seem to be a problem in the Marines...

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Jun 15 at 2017 6:11 PM

2017-06-15T18:11:59-04:00

I think it depends on the unit. I completed two tours in Iraq but since I was aircraft maintenance we were told right away we will not be awarded any medals no mater what who puts us in for them. The only exception was the two crew chiefs that saved the north command staff for the war. They both received commendation medals for evacuating the command center and calling in EOD. During the same time one of the air refueling squadron commanders who never deployed received a bronze star for sitting at his desk at home station for what his deployed troops did. We were mortared daily and I was almost taken hit by sniper fire while the refuelers are never in harms way.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2017 8:15 AM

2017-06-16T08:15:58-04:00

I've been a fulltime member of the Air Guard and have 9 deployments in 19yrs. The first 10yrs I received alot of ribbons and medals from my first unit. I got transfered 9yrs ago to a new and have one received 1 AF commendation medal for saving 7 peoples lives in a bad car crash. Not one ribbon or medal awarded to me since I've been in this unit and even deployed and received no recognition for it sucks. The unit I was assigned to in the middle East awarded me NCO of the month for my leadership out of 100 other NCO assigned to the unit. I come home after being coined twice by two different commanders while deployed and my home unit doesn't even put me in for at least an achievement medal. I've been home two years and still rehabbing injuries I got well deployed. I think the only thing I will get is walking papers in a Year. I just want to deploy one more time before I'm done.

Response by PO3 Michael James made Sep 3 at 2017 3:47 PM

2017-09-03T15:47:48-04:00

Honestly, the Navy receives DENIED, Exposure Related Cancerous Diseases for our awards... we just can NOT ware them on our chest, because of Related Heart Disease, also Denied !!!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2017 1:46 PM

2017-09-11T13:46:21-04:00

Once you are out of the military, awards do not matter to a potential employer. It would be useless info on a resume. But they look great in a shadow box.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2017 2:17 PM

2017-09-11T14:17:35-04:00

A E4/SPARKS have more dam metal on their chest then a E7/SFC in Active Duty. He'll it take an act of Congress to award active duty soldier with a ARCOM metal. In my unit, Zip have a E7/SFC got award four dam ARCOM every year during our Two Weeks AT. I confronted it and it stopped.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2017 2:34 PM

2017-09-11T14:34:47-04:00

I can say that barring a deployment (NG) they only time I have seen awards given was after an annual training and it is usually only 2-4 soldiers depending on the commanders wish and NONE are more than an ARCOM and usually only 1 is an ARCOM. I have in the past seen some senior people O-4 and up and E-7 and up get some MSMs for sitting behind a desk and doing their jobs. Those were usually written by that person or his/her good buddy. Regarding getting more than the AC it is strictly and completely a command based issue for the majority. Like anywhere else there are good and bad commands and like anywhere else there are selfish soldiers and that type is found in all levels/ranks and branches.

Response by PFC Charlie Bias made Sep 11 at 2017 2:34 PM

2017-09-11T14:34:50-04:00

I can tell you this...in my service in the Army Reserve, I received NOTHING...not even the Army Service Ribbon. I was promoted once, to E-2, and that was only because it was an automatic promotion. When I had the temerity to ask about being promoted, I was told if I asked again, I would be put into a duty slot that would guarantee I would never be promoted. about 18 months later, I was discharged due to height and weight standards. No counseling, no weight loss or PT program, and no career counseling prior to discharge. The single biggest mistake of my life was not going Active Duty...at least I wouldn't have gone through my enlistment looking like a boot camp graduate.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2017 2:50 PM

2017-09-11T14:50:23-04:00

If anything I've seen active units give out AAMs like candy for mundane stuff like passing a required inspection or successfully running a range. Depends on the command and who they're trying to push forward.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2017 3:03 PM

2017-09-11T15:03:42-04:00

I spent 8 1/2 years in the Reserves. Got one promotion and was the brigade's soldier of the year. I did not receive any other awards.

Response by TSgt Denise Moody made Sep 11 at 2017 3:31 PM

2017-09-11T15:31:48-04:00

It depends. In my four years of active the only awards I saw given were the automatic ones. Maybe because it was a hospital squadron, maybe because officers and supervisors didn't know (or care) about putting people in for them. In the guard, some units were more likely to give awards than others, probably for the same reasons. But if a Guardsman was put in for an award we would sometimes get more than one...the active award and the guard equivalent. I didn't get a full time job with the guard once because the TSgt I was up against had more awards. We had almost the same time in service and time in grade. But, she had been active for 8 years to my four and hand been in a command unit to my hospital unit. Yeah, the unit/command you're in means a great deal when it comes to awards. Or at least it used to.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2017 3:46 PM

2017-09-11T15:46:29-04:00

The only award that comes to mind that Reservists can get that AD cannot isvthe Armed Froces Reserve Medal. As for the actual award process, my experience is that AD receives far more than Reserves. As mentioned before, AD gets awards when they PCS (unless they're a total dirtbag), whereas a Reservist may go 5-6 years without an award. I've also had the pleasure of being deployed with AD forces, and being told that: "probably nobody will get an award for this, but everyone should write themselves for one just in case... except the Reservists." We weren't even considered, even though we were doing as much or more than our AD counterparts (this was a combat ER in Iraq).

Response by CSM William Payne made Sep 11 at 2017 6:03 PM

2017-09-11T18:03:10-04:00

The Reserves do not have a selection of Reserve specific awards unlike their Guard counterparts with their state awards.

The one unique award from active duty is the Reserve Components Achievement Award, which is basically the Reserve version of the Good Conduct Medal, which Reservist don't qualify for unless they are on active duty and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

As noted in another posts, if a Reservist doesn't actively persue unit movement, has a MOS that calls for movement, is at the rank level that requires movement or is an AGR Soldier, they will not recieve the opportunity for PCS awards as their active counterparts.

Add that to that the higher possibility of being deployed or absent the opportunity stationed overseas and it's not unusual to see junior NCOs come off of active duty into the Reserves that have racks that make those of career senior Reserve NCOs and officers pale in comparison.

It's not a slight, it's the nature of the duty and the opportunities available.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2017 7:34 PM

2017-09-11T19:34:00-04:00

At least in the Marine Corps. We have some equivalent medals. After 13 years in, I still wear the 4 I earned proudly.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2017 10:50 PM

2017-09-11T22:50:39-04:00

I disagree if we are talking about federal awards, at least for the National Guard. I have seen guardsmen in the service for many years not get awarded anything until they got federalized to active duty. Now, obviously part of this comes down to your command/unit. However, it should be noted that most states (if not all of them) have state versions of awards for guardsmen. Problem with that is that you cannot wear them when on federal active duty (Title 10) orders, so many do not consider them as truly counting (at least active duty does not recognize them). But, if an active duty/regular Army Soldier sees a guardsmen wearing all these state awards, he/she might think, "wow they give out a lot of awards in the guard" not realizing this fact. In any case, many of us in the guard only wear our federal awards anyway.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2017 11:24 PM

2017-09-11T23:24:41-04:00

The further we get from being a wartime army, the more these conversations take place between active and reserve components.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Sep 12 at 2017 6:24 AM

2017-09-12T06:24:03-04:00

All the ribbons I received corresponded with time in service, and that's it, I have a total of six ribbons and one unit citation, I am allowed to wear the cold war ribbon since I'm no longer an active member, so that brings me to seven.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2017 10:39 AM

2017-09-12T10:39:18-04:00

It may or may not be true, it matters not. ANYONE who feels that way about that one minor aspect of their individual service to the nation is definitely in the military for ALL the wrong reasons. Period.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2017 3:01 PM

2017-09-12T15:01:45-04:00

We had a fellow in my WOCS class a few years back, guy was an old-timer. 20+ years of service reservist, so he was already an outlier but the rules are different for Warrant candidates for reservists and guardsman. Anyway, he was prior air force reserve, navy reserve, army reserve, and was currently in the national guard, all in the same state. He had a rack of ribbons that was 4 wide and 7 tall, guy looked like a third world General. Best part was, no one else had any idea what any of the ribbons were.

So... yes.

Response by SSG(P) Brian Kliesen made Sep 12 at 2017 3:44 PM

2017-09-12T15:44:11-04:00

I am a reservist, and have spent my entire time in the Army Reserve where I am now a Staff Sergeant. I have been in for 12 years, have mobilized twice, and will ETS this next year. I have organized countless trainings, ranges, AT's, programs, ceremonies, worked with other branches of the military, other nations and civilian organizations. I have spent weeks preparing for courses, contacting soldiers for their required online training, medical updates, phone calls, counseling, and have travelled to visit my soldiers who do not live in the local area. I am available at all times and have helped my soldiers as an advocate, instructor, and job reference. I have been singled out by various commands, Officers and CSM's for doing an outstanding job and have received more than two dozen coins. In the 12 years I have been in the Army Reserve, I have received no awards. None. All my awards were from my two, one year mobilizations. I have submitted over 40 DA Form 638, Recommendation for Award, to my higher to recognize my soldiers and officers and had exactly six approved. 4 ETS awards and 2 AAM's (downgraded from ARCOM). I didn't join the military to receive awards, but I would very much like to recognize some of my soldiers for their hard work, to build an esprit de corps, to show that their efforts are appreciated. Depending on your command, some make awards easy and there are always those stories of soldiers getting ARCOM's for organizing the unit Christmas party. But No, in general it is almost impossible to get an award approved in the Reserves.

Response by SPC Corbin Doades made Sep 14 at 2017 5:14 AM

2017-09-14T05:14:40-04:00

In my 9 years of service with the Indiana National Guard, I rarely saw or heard of anyone receiving any sort of award/medal. During my second deployment, we received various awards for different things we did through out our deployment but nothing too spectacular.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2017 12:28 PM

2017-09-14T12:28:15-04:00

Ahh the awards discussion. Such a crazy topic. From my 13 years, I have seen that it's not that RC gets more than AC or the other way around, it's that we have too many "feel good" medals and ribbons. Awards such as GCM, OSR, NCOPDR, guaranteed PCS and EOT awards, and even the ASR. Why? The NCOPDR is useless, especially with the STEP program, as you must have the corresponding level of NCOPDS to attain the rank. If you're a SSG, you must already have BLC and ALC, so the ribbon is redundant. The ASR (Army Service Ribbon) should be given as you exit service, not just for joining. Overseas ribbon is also useless, especially considering Alaska and Hawaii count, why should you get a ribbon for simply being stationed somewhere, that's called being in the Army. The Good Conduct Medal is equally a waste, we should not have to award someone for not getting an Article 15 or worse. If anything it should be a "Bad guy ribbon" required to be worn if you messed up - all black. To make it easier for selection boards to recognize those that have not adhered to the Army Values. As for guaranteed PCS and EOT awards, they have eliminated all value for an AAM/ARCOM, and many were given for just "being deployed" which, once again, is called being in the Army.
The reserve have the Mobilization devices and stuff, this can go either way. As a Reservist, you have accepted that you may be activated and it should just be part of the job, but it's also recognizing those who have had to sacrifice the civilian life they signed up to keep in service of the country.
I feel we need to completely overhaul the entire awards system, too many feel good and useless awards, too much rank taken into account for awards that should mean something, and too many Officers forcing a recommender to downgrade because they don't want to click the check box that says "recommend downgrade"and push it higher.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2017 11:30 AM

2017-12-30T11:30:06-05:00

Yes & no. Now a days command hands them out cause they want everyone to get an award for doing their job. No cause to get an actual award for doing something it takes a lot longer to do it. Yes we have more awards that are available to us so it's easy to work around to get them. Most awards require time to get so it's up to the soldier & his ncos to get the paperwork done

Response by MSgt Dan Calhoun made Dec 30 at 2017 12:34 PM

2017-12-30T12:34:13-05:00

In my experience no. I have seen people who have served in a reserve component for 20+ years and not receive any kind of decoration (achievement medal ect) until retirement...even then sometimes no. There are some reserve equivalent decorations to the active components. For example, the Air Force reserves award the Air Reserve Componant Meritorious Service Medal...fancy name, reserve equivalent to a Good Conduct Medal with the same requirements. ARC members are not eligible for the GCM (in the Air Force anyway, cannot speak for the other services) since it is an AD award.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Dec 30 at 2017 1:33 PM

2017-12-30T13:33:07-05:00

I think this obsession with medals, ribbons, badges and do-dads is ridiculous

Response by Sgt Sean Mac made Dec 30 at 2017 5:52 PM

2017-12-30T17:52:33-05:00

I was an active Marine that did 8 years. I just hit my 7 year mark in the Army National Guard. I have received more awards on active than reserve.

Response by SSG Michael Raysses made Jun 14 at 2018 9:01 PM

2018-06-14T21:01:57-04:00

Ya know something here guys/gals ????... we all DID NOT join our respective branches to RECEIVE AWARDS/MEDALS... so can we just stop putting the active side and the reserve side AGAINST one another... ???... it's been 11 years since I hung up my boots, put my old uniforms in a box, and bid a tearful farewell to my 25 years... but I'll be DAMNED if I did it for all my awards.... sure I racked up a few rows... who gives a shit about that.... I CARED when I served... and I sure in the FUCK didn't care if I was getting an award or not!!! So can we just dispense with these retarded questions about "What we got" when we served????... HOOAH?... SSG Mike Raysses, USAR, Ret...(92G-30)..

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2018 9:47 PM

2018-06-14T21:47:19-04:00

Nope. The worst offender is the USAF. They put themselves in for awards and then have so many automatic ones that it’s crazy!

Response by SSG Paul Strobaugh made Jun 14 at 2018 9:50 PM

2018-06-14T21:50:40-04:00

My wife is a NG officer and she hasn't received any awards, even those that she's rightfully earned; including two state activations, over 8 years TIS, and numerous training mobilizations. She'll soon be leaving the service and it infuriates me that none of her command have even made an effort to help her catch herself up on the awards front.

Response by SGT Gregg Pimental made Jun 15 at 2018 1:15 AM

2018-06-15T01:15:14-04:00

WGAF? Didn’t enlist for medals.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2018 7:30 AM

2018-06-15T07:30:33-04:00

From my experience so far as a reservist, i only see awards handed out after annual training. Honestly, i don’t really care to see more of them either. Sometimes these awards feel like they’re meaningless and they’re earned by just being there, not for going above and beyond the bare minimum.

Response by SFC Douglas Welch made Jun 15 at 2018 7:40 AM

2018-06-15T07:40:46-04:00

Though it's nice, I've seen both sides. soldiers get awards they shouldn't and soldiers not get awards for excellence. I'd rather be respected by my peers, subordinates and leaders. I Didn't serve for awards.

Response by SFC Michael Arabian made Jun 15 at 2018 9:16 AM

2018-06-15T09:16:00-04:00

I was in the reserves for two year and active duty for 26 years. I never receive one award while in the reserves, but while on active duty was referred to as a PX Ranger for having more awards than most NCO ( I was a SPC/E-4, second time active duty). My platoon Leader made me bring in all my awards ( the ever popular ‘I love me book’) to prove I earned every award I was wearing and some that I wasn’t

Response by MAJ Keith FitzPatrick, CPIM, CSCP made Jun 15 at 2018 9:49 AM

2018-06-15T09:49:27-04:00

The Guard does have a whole bunch of State awards that are not available to RA and Reserve units and there are a couple of awards available to the Guard and Reserve the AC troops can’t get. (Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon for example), but AC forces have a much greater opportunity to earn multiple awards of the same medal.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2018 10:34 AM

2018-06-15T10:34:29-04:00

Hell no.

Response by SGT John Justice made Jun 15 at 2018 11:06 AM

2018-06-15T11:06:57-04:00

Our National Guard motor sergeant would get ARCOMs for our work and printed out “Atta-boy” certificates on his home computer rather than put any of us who actually did the work in for anything. They couldn’t figure out why we all left for other units.

Response by CWO4 Steven Strehle made Jun 15 at 2018 11:09 AM

2018-06-15T11:09:22-04:00

I was active Navy, then went to the Coast Guard Reserve. One Monday morning I reported in for my two weeks of active duty at a Marine Safety Office to find two state ferries had collided over the weekend. The active duty CWO was going out for surgery. That left the bulk of the research up to me. A year later the active duty CWO received a Commandant’s Letter of Commendation. He turned around to me telling me I would also receive one. NOT! I was not even mentioned.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2018 11:14 AM

2018-06-15T11:14:21-04:00

This picture is misleading. The names of the medals that you show are stupid. The “Army Reserve Componets Achievement Medal” or the “Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Sevice Medal” are really Army Reserve and Air Force Reserve Good Conduct Medals. Yes, active components can’t earn them, but reservists can’t earn the active duty ones either. There is one medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, originally awarded for 10 years of service. In the 1990’s, that was amended to also be awarded if you were put on title 10 orders for an activation (mostly into CENTCOM). So really it’s one award reservists get the active duty doesn’t. BFD

Response by Sgt Trace McCracken made Jun 15 at 2018 11:16 AM

2018-06-15T11:16:26-04:00

Napoleon said, “Give me enough ribbon, and I can conquer the world.”

Response by CPT Derial Bivens made Jun 15 at 2018 11:55 AM

2018-06-15T11:55:58-04:00

Reservists seldom get medals unless they are on active duty. Then it is about the same as everyone else. True, they have two medals that the active component doesn't get, but the are some that that the active component gets that they aren't eligible for. Many National Guard units get NO federal medals unless they are on Federal active duty. In that case, most states have state- level ribbons (but no medals) that correspond to the Federal medals. For example, Individual Achievement Ribbon, State Commendation Ribbon, etc.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2018 12:01 PM

2018-06-15T12:01:49-04:00

I don't know about the reserves, but I have been in the guard for several years and my uniform looks like I'm a buck private. We got guys coming to our unit from the Active Duty my same age and experience looking like Audie Murphy.

One time we got a unit citation. One time they gave AAMs to like three guys. That's literally it. We get activated for disaster relief literally every year. We outperform the whole Battalion every AT.

Our reward is some beer and stories to bitch out on the internet later.

Response by CPT Derial Bivens made Jun 15 at 2018 12:27 PM

2018-06-15T12:27:33-04:00

One disparity between the active and reserve components is that on active duty, soldiers get a medal every time they change units. Not so in the Guard and Reserves, where soldiers stay in the same unit, sometimes for their entire careers. No ARCOM at the end of every station, no GCM every 3 years, etc. Most Guard and Reserve commands have (what I think) is an unfair policy. E-4 and below and 0-1 and 0-2 are only eligible for the Army Achievement Medal. E-5, E-6 and 0-3 are eligible for the ARCOM, E-7, E-8, O-4 and 0-5 are eligible for the MSM. The Legion of Merit is only available to 0-5s completing a successful battalion-level command and a handful of CSMs (but typically not SSMs). During the first Gulf War, the official policy in my command (I had a written copy of it up until a few years ago) was that only company commanders and 1SGs, one junior officer, and one NCO, E-6 or E-7 (with preference to E-7) from each company-level command were eligible for the Bronze Star Medal.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2018 1:57 PM

2018-06-15T13:57:41-04:00

Really depends where you are because I've seen guys blatantly not get awards that they qualified for.

Response by SSgt Gerald Davis Jr made Jun 15 at 2018 5:40 PM

2018-06-15T17:40:14-04:00

65-74 Active Marine Corps - 4 medals, 5 ribbons
74-77 Marine Corps Reserve - 0
77-86 CA National Guard - 2 Federal medals, 4 State ribbons

Response by CSM Andrew Perrault made Jun 15 at 2018 7:21 PM

2018-06-15T19:21:56-04:00

I would think that they don't get enough recognition

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2018 9:25 PM

2018-06-15T21:25:23-04:00

I am a National Guard Soldier. During my last deployment my company was TOLD by our AC command that all Soldiers would receive a minimum of an ARCOM for their deployment. I pushed back as I felt those who did not go out on mission, rode sick call, or simply did not exhibit the effort their counterparts did did not deserve to be awarded for simply showing up. I refused to write awards for those Soldiers, and was basically ordered to do so. So I wrote bullets like “SM located chow hall on a regular basis” or “SM was able to safely navigate from his/her assigned tent on the FOB to the MWR tent and back for the duration of the deployment”. This went back and forth for about two months until the suspense date had passed for award submittals. Our BN commander attempted to chastise me for this to which I responded saying, “ Sir, this is not a T-ball game and not everyone gets a snowcone. These are grown men and women, and I am not about to recomend a Soldier who sat on their rumps for the same award as the Soldier who was out on mission every week. You can do what you want to sir, but in my unit we earn our awards.” He looked at me in disgust and gladly walked away with his BSM on his uniform. All this to say that every member of his AC BN received at least an ARCOM, and those that earned it received one in my humble National Guard company. Funny thing is, some of those that did not receive an award turned their act around when we got home.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2018 9:40 PM

2018-06-15T21:40:28-04:00

I have been in the service for a little over 19yrs, all of which has been in the reserve. The first 7 in the USMC and the last 12 in the USAF. Granted there are differences between services in regards to medals, ribbons, and badges; it’s the art of writing these awards that is being lost. Most people that have been in as long as I have may never even learned to properly write these decorations for their subordinates. The ability to look at someone’s hard work and accomplishments is difficult for many NCOs and SNCOs to put in a decoration. It is easier for them to write their own decorations once they get to SNCO levels because they know what work they have done. It is the duty of the SNCOs/NCOs in all branches to pass on this knowledge on to those below us and to stand by our Airmen, Marines, Soldiers, and Sailors hard work.

Response by SSG Grant Hansen made Jun 15 at 2018 10:24 PM

2018-06-15T22:24:57-04:00

First, National Guard troops have awards that active duty troops simply don't have access to. There are state service awards that are earned only for disaster recovery and recruiting as well as state awards for deployments that active troops cannot get. However, those are awarded in addition to any awards that active troops can get. So an active duty soldier might get an award for serving in Desert Storm, but a National Guard soldier will also get that one PLUS the one from their state. Then, a few months later they will get an award for providing emergency help during a flood or after a tornado or wildfire.

So it may look like the National Guard get awards easier, but the truth is they have to earn them just like the active duty troops.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awards_and_decorations_of_the_National_Guard

However, even though there are more opportunities to get awards in the National Guard, active duty troops quite often gain rank faster because they can get promoted into any slot available across their entire MOS anywhere in the world. On the other hand, National Guard troops can only get promoted when someone above them gets out and a slot opens. Then you have every soldier below them fighting for the one slot that opens up above them. So if an E-7 retires, then every E-6 in the battalion (let's say, 3 companies with 3 platoons each and 4 E-6s per platoon for a total of 36 E-6's) fighting for that slot. Then one E-6 slot opens and you have 72 E-5s trying to fill the one E-6 slot. Then every E-4 in the battalion trying for that one E-5 slot.

Get the picture?

That's why you have guys like myself that retired as an E-6 with 21 years and didn't get E-6 until 19 years in.

Awards and decorations of the National Guard - Wikipedia

Awards and decorations of the National Guard are presented to members of the United States National Guard and sometimes to members of the state defense forces in addition to regular United States military decorations. Each of the state governments of the United States maintains a series of military decorations for issuance to members of the National Guard, with such awards presented under the authority of the various state adjutants general.

Response by LTC Andrae Evans made Jun 15 at 2018 11:11 PM

2018-06-15T23:11:53-04:00

No, most NG and Reserve soldiers are in longer than AD for the same rank. The accumulation of awards are over time sometime 10 years longer.

Response by SFC Quinn Chastant made Jun 16 at 2018 12:31 AM

2018-06-16T00:31:27-04:00

After 6 years I left AD and went Reserves, as for the idea of one component getting more awards than the other, it is a matter of perception as much as anything else. On AD, I recieved a shit house load of paper attaboys. In the reserves, instead of the letters of commendation and accomplishment, my command took the time to evaluate the impact my performance had on the unit and then did the harder work of going for official recognition as opposed to a locally produced letter. It is a matter of how the command climate values the work you do. Some expect hard work and dedication without regard to the individual, and other units value the individuals for their hard work and dedication.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2018 7:44 AM

2018-06-16T07:44:54-04:00

This is a hard conversation due to how emotional people get about awards. Awards come down to leadership. And have little to do with component. Typically the awards don’t get written, they are turned in late, they are poorly written, they aren’t representative of the Soldier or they are inflated. I would say typically they just don’t get written and turned in. I had unit that the main complaint was they weren’t getting awards. When I asked for the awards they didn’t have anything to give me. Over the next few days we wrote and submitted awards. They all were approved. I have been in the National Guard and Active duty. My last deployment I had a reserve unit under my supervision. The awards were over a month late. The unit submitted 100 percent Bronze Star Awards. The awards were not representative of the soldiers. They just wrote one award and simply changed the names. They were so poorly wrote they ended up being complete rewrites. After a few weeks of no movement with the leadership, I rewrote the awards and submitted them. They were all approved just in time. Writing inflated awards causes the senior leader to make the hard call, when the author of the award should have written the right level of award to begin with. When a Chain of Command consistently submits good awards they will get approved and if there is an issue they can argue and typically get the right award. Awards also have to do with communication up the Chain of Command. You need to communicate the accomplishments of your Soldiers at every possible opportunity. You need to do storyboards and your end of the week roll ups. The award shouldn’t be the first time the senior leaders hear the names of your Soldiers. If you’re doing good routine counseling sit helps. If you back achievements up with storyboards, reports, updates, and counselings you’re good. So again awards come down to good proactive leadership.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2018 8:01 AM

2018-06-16T08:01:18-04:00

Yes I have seen a guy get a MSM for driving a bus and a female get an ARCOM for getting a general a sandwich for lunch.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2018 10:03 AM

2018-06-16T10:03:49-04:00

Never received any awards beyond: my pay, periodic promotion, my Honorable Discharge, affine CO and some lifelong friends. Did not expect or want more.

Response by SSG Michael Medeiros made Jun 16 at 2018 10:36 AM

2018-06-16T10:36:15-04:00

I received more awards on active duty. While in the reserve I received an AAM after 5 years and an end of service award when I retired. Yes we do get service awards also.

Response by MSgt Bryan Kaut made Jun 16 at 2018 10:47 AM

2018-06-16T10:47:05-04:00

Who gives a shit really! The idea is undermined by handing out Bronze Stars for meritorious service, and Purple Hearts for a few stitches. If it’s not a valor medal or campaign it is just salad for a job well done. Last I checked active duty doesn’t compete against reservist for promotion and the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines don’t compete against each other. The campaign medals that say where and when I served always meant more to me. I have my share of Amy, USAF, and Joint Achievement and Comindation Medals, and a couple of MSMs, so I’m not bitter. Still watching a CC or even NCO get a Star Medal because of thier proximity to a flag officer or their pay grade makes me want to puke! Every BSM I see make me look for a V device. I watched a Commader get called a warrior because of a Purple Heart from KOHBAR TOWERS? And a BSM for meritorious service in theater. Neither denotes valor or warrior hood! Instead of bitching about who gets more, question why they get them!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2018 12:03 PM

2018-06-16T12:03:23-04:00

This is VERY much a function of personality and command climate. I’ve seen units in all three compos who wouldn’t give Jesus an AAM for rising from the dead, because it “was His job.” I’ve seen the converse to that, as well.

What the real sticking point is is when you have an RC company levelnelemwnt attached to a AC BN or higher who refuse to process awards. They will tell that young Captain or 1SG that’s it is a function of their higher or state HQ, which is bull. For whatever reason, they don’t want to process them. When you try to make it right stateside, no one in the chain of command will believe you because it wasn’t awarded in theatre. So... nobody gets nuthin.’

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2018 2:20 PM

2018-06-16T14:20:03-04:00

There are a few awards designated just for reserve and national guard. Achievement medals and state service ribbons. I think guardsmen tend to stay in longer will deploy several times in a 20 year career. Four and five deployments is not unusual and is actually commendable considering they are part time soldiers with civilian careers outside the military.

Response by MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2018 3:50 PM

2018-06-16T15:50:11-04:00

Depends on the command. I received more awards on active duty than I did in a reserve component.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2018 11:30 PM

2018-06-16T23:30:46-04:00

I’ve been in both m. I feel that it is equal. Just my humble opinion though.

Response by CWO2 Robert Vasquez Jr. made Jun 17 at 2018 12:05 AM

2018-06-17T00:05:32-04:00

It is hard as hell to get an award in the Corps unlike the other services. No doubt and that's because by definition, you must got above and beyond. No one knows what the first 6 or 7 ribbons are for in an Air Force stack. It is common for sailors to have 8 NAMs by their tenth year and If you are an Army officer and been deployed, you might have an Admin Bronze Star. Just my $.02

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2018 12:12 AM

2018-06-17T00:12:14-04:00

Didn’t sign up to receive awards. Stop crying about it.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Jun 17 at 2018 1:43 AM

2018-06-17T01:43:10-04:00

I spent 8 years active & 4 active reserve back in the 70s & early 80s. I have 12 ribbons of which 6 are MEDALS. I have a friend who stayed in the Army Reserves. To quote him, "I have more medals than a South American Dictator. He said most were really meaningless and were given more as attaboys than for actually accomplishing something.

I've spent the last 13 years living overseas but have made two trips CONUS in that time. I have noticed there are active duty types with 2-3 years wearing more medals and ribbons and frankly, look like BX war Heroes. I have concluded the military has created a group of "feel good" and "participation" awards to make the rank and file feel like they have done something.

To be honest, it isn't how many medals or ribbons you have on your chest. It's how many that actually mean something like points for promotion.

Response by 1SG Rick Posey made Jun 17 at 2018 1:59 AM

2018-06-17T01:59:33-04:00

Well after 5 MSN and at retiring and to be submitted for a Legend of Merit at retiring as a E8 down graded to another MSN. The history usually goes to CSM or Officer.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2018 4:38 AM

2018-06-17T04:38:16-04:00

Awards are stupid and should be discontinued. All new military members should be awarded all the badges in the inventory and be made to work them off.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2018 7:55 AM

2018-06-17T07:55:16-04:00

I don’t care active or reservists if you earn it you should get it. The one thing I have seen in my career is officers getting awards they don’t deserve. It happens evertime an officer getting an award off the blood sweat and tears of the enlisted and all the enlisted guy get is a pat on the back. It really burns me ever tome I see that

Response by Luis Buentello made Jun 17 at 2018 8:21 AM

2018-06-17T08:21:53-04:00

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2018 8:28 AM

2018-06-17T08:28:38-04:00

Pressed wrong button. Reservists are NOT awarded as much as AC! Little recognition due to commands lack of attention to this detail!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2018 8:40 AM

2018-06-17T08:40:39-04:00

This is bullshit. I'm sick and tired of the comparison of reserve components to active components. It always assumed that active service counts for more, but with less recognition than a reservist member.
There are State medals. So, if a National Guard unit is mobilized to respond to a natural disasters, they clould be awarded a state activation ribon from both their home state and the state they oporated in, they are awarded ARCAM after three years of honorable service and whatever other ribbons the state awards throughout a person's career. Then, if they go to an Active Component School they have an opportunity to earn an AAM.

Response by CWO4 Frank Williams made Jun 17 at 2018 9:03 AM

2018-06-17T09:03:22-04:00

I think the Air Force gives far more awards than any other branch active or reserve. On the other hand the Army gives out Bronze Stars without combat V like candy.

Response by MGySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2018 11:59 AM

2018-06-17T11:59:40-04:00

As a prior voting member on the Reserve SNCO promotion board (selection of SSgt though MGySgt/SgtMaj) I can tell you that they Do NOT receive more awards that their AD peers. They do however have significantly more education and Volunteer service medals.

Response by CPL Chris Palmberg made Jun 17 at 2018 1:15 PM

2018-06-17T13:15:35-04:00

Most ofthe unique RC awards & ribbons are equivalent to a parent component award. The ARCAM and other service equivalents is awarded in lieu of Good Conduct Medals. The ARCOTR recognizes time outside of CONUS, like the Overseas Service Ribbon. The only one without an AD equivalent is the Reserve Component Medal, awarded after 10 years service or a mobilization. But one doesn't often see MSM or LOM in a reserve unit.

Response by Cpl Eric Maltais made Jun 17 at 2018 3:13 PM

2018-06-17T15:13:17-04:00

USMCR for 6 years. Unless you deployed you left with your fire watch ribbon and good cookie unless you got njp'd.

Response by SPC Matt Johnson made Jun 17 at 2018 6:22 PM

2018-06-17T18:22:05-04:00

after active duty for 7 and NG for 1 I saw big difference. on Active you have to do something way over the call of duty to get an award and even then you would be lucky. the only people to get awards easily are officers e-6 and above. saw a desk clerk get a bronze star for finding a lost piece of equipment that took him 3 phone calls to find while several of us had been doing mission got shot at with AKs, camel killers and RPG's and hit with IEDs and all we got was a fucking coin. then go to the NG and asked a medic for an IV because I was a dehydrated after sandbagging a levy for 8 hours and the dude gets an arcom. the award read like he ran through gun fire to get to me and saved my life from the clutches of death. I'm like "bitch! I'm a repeat heat injury that had walk 3/4 mile through swamp to get to you because you left us with no water and you didn't have a radio with batteries and your ass gets the award"

Response by SFC Freddie Porter made Jun 17 at 2018 8:17 PM

2018-06-17T20:17:19-04:00

Ive been active duty, supported the Army Reserves and served in the National Guard. Here’s what I believe. There are different awards for AD, USAR and NG during peacetime. They are the equivalent to each other; the ARCAM vs the ARCOM as an example. These awards can be given by equal awards authorities, ie Battalion and Brigade Commanders as well as higher awarding authorities. The difference may only be in the recommendations at the unit level, the awards boards being held and the understanding of leadership regarding how and why to award. PCS awards are fewer in the reserve/NG elements by their nature. There are fewer PCS moves. Leadership in the Reserves need to recognize achievements when appropriate is all it is.

Combat awards are another matter. This subject is covered extensively in this forum. Rankvs achievement vs valor and now AD vs RC status. I’ve seen the most outstanding acts of valor go unrecognized until I went to he CSM angry and I’m still mad because it was an ARCOM and not Silver Stars for four members of the Kansas National Guard in September, 2004 on Route Irish. This is a leadership problem in understanding regulations and exercising judgement as senior leaders. It is not exclusive to a particular component. It is a failure by senior leadership in the application of the regulations.

There is also the issue of properly writing up the awards recommendation. Is it done with a strong enough justification to sway the approval authorities? Do you know how to write a recommendation for an award so it approves itself? Think of all the instruction given on how to write an OER/NCOER. I wonder how much attention is paid to that issue at the unit level.

This is a multi issue problem that deserves more than a yes or no answer. Professional soldiers need to consider proper recognition of soldiers as much as evaluations. That contributes to their being professional soldiers.

Response by SSG Kenneth Ponder made Jun 17 at 2018 8:29 PM

2018-06-17T20:29:09-04:00

ASR OSR NPDR ACHIEVEMENT & COMMENDATION AWDS need to be abolished Combat awds & Campaigne medals is all that should be allowed

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2018 9:00 PM

2018-06-17T21:00:42-04:00

Reserve component is a mess. Like active O's get medals for breathing while enlisted guys can only ever hope for an AAM or 2. The real kicker is that the full time staff are rarely interested in putting in the work for the eady medals, so don't plan on a GCM or MSM...ever. in my experience, that is the truth for active and reserve.

Response by SGT David Carmichael made Jun 17 at 2018 9:24 PM

2018-06-17T21:24:20-04:00

It all depends on your command I spent time in armor reserves National Guard and active duty Some units were good about rewarding their soldiers others Just Why should we reward you for doing your job

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2018 2:40 AM

2018-06-18T02:40:56-04:00

I’ve been in the Guard 11+ years since leaving AD. Except for deployments and what I call “heartbeat awards”(GCM / time based awards) I’ve only received 2 merit based awards. Coins are extremely rare from my experience. My unit is really bad at writing awards. I’m trying to help them see how it could potentially hurt a Soldier as they look to promote, but I won’t write frivolous awards for just doing your job.

All that being said...I’m not bothered by awards...or the lack of them. I still ended up #1 on the promotion list. Awards are nice for chest candy, but the Reserves/Guard rarely wear our Class A’s / ASU’s, so no one ever sees them.

Just my two cents.

Response by SPC Rachael Verhoef made Jun 18 at 2018 6:45 AM

2018-06-18T06:45:36-04:00

Yeah reservists get way more rewards than active duty! ... that is if you’re counting fancy pens and stickers, there’s plenty of those they hand out!

Response by MAJ Bob Firth made Jun 18 at 2018 9:24 AM

2018-06-18T09:24:07-04:00

Depends on the unit. Some reserve component units give out a ton of awards and some never give them out.

Response by MSgt Barney Lee made Jun 18 at 2018 10:44 AM

2018-06-18T10:44:09-04:00

My last reserve unit was terrible about awards and decorations. My shop was noted as best in 22d AF but when I turned in award packages for my 2 Airmen they were turned back. Bring me, I got totally pissed off and challenged the board’s decision only to find the “board” went with the recommendations of a CMSgt. They never saw all awards submitted. The Chief retired soon after and my kids got their well deserved. All personnel are now reviewed every 3 years for awards. When I retired my CO wanted to submit an Achievement medal. She was reminded that I had several awards higher than that and that an AFAM was insulting.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2018 2:34 PM

2018-06-18T14:34:48-04:00

Only because many members of Reserve Components have been in for many years or decades and the average Active Duty Soldier is in for four years. As you move up, you achieve more and more and earn awards.

Response by MAJ Jim Windham made Jun 18 at 2018 9:28 PM

2018-06-18T21:28:02-04:00

I've been on both sides of this and from what I've seen it's 45% to 55% in favor of AC.

Response by CW2 Larry Loughlin made Jun 19 at 2018 9:57 AM

2018-06-19T09:57:34-04:00

There are more awards available for the reserve components.

Response by SSG Ron McLane made Jun 19 at 2018 10:04 AM

2018-06-19T10:04:09-04:00

If they like you and you suck enough ass you can get awards in any military branch

Response by SSgt Holden M. made Jul 2 at 2018 12:45 PM

2018-07-02T12:45:47-04:00

What I have seen it seems more like the opposite way around because active duty are always on so if you do something and get put in for it then it's yours. But I can see it the other way around to though because some active duty don't really care. For instance myself when I was deployed I got a NATO because of my time performing the NATO mission and being technically under ISAF. But I didn't really care that it wasn't on my list of medals for a couple years after until one of my supervisors noticed my deployment and asked about the NATO medal with the ISAF thing on it and made sure that I did what I had to for it to be put on my records and now I'm glad I did because even though it didn't count towards any points or anything now my boys will see my ribbon rack being complete

Response by TSgt Andrew Harper made Jul 3 at 2018 2:06 PM

2018-07-03T14:06:14-04:00

Don't know, their choice

Response by Kaye Siragusa made Jul 16 at 2018 1:54 PM

2018-07-16T13:54:07-04:00

My daughter is a combat medic and saved a fellow soldier's life in an accident that occurred on the civilian rather than military side. NO recognition even though her commanding officer, his commanding officer and the chaplain all put her in for a citation.

Response by LTC Ben Chlapek made Jul 19 at 2018 4:25 PM

2018-07-19T16:25:17-04:00

I spent a total of 36 years as either a reservist or active duty soldier. I can tell you I received awards on active duty but as a reservist, it was rare that anyone got a reward. I submitted awards but most of them were trashed by the commanders - - one more than others. Here's my retirement from the USAR: walking down the hall at drill, the PSNCO says "Sir, we can't pay you this weekend." I grinned and said "yeah, right, MSG XXXXX." She said "No Sir, seriously, I can't pay you. I just got a notification you have over 30 years of commissioned service plus enlisted time and you are retired effective immediately." I said "MSG, if you aren't paying me and I'm retired, I'm going home to watch the Chiefs game." I went upstairs, the commander was gone, and I left. No award, no ceremony, no thank you. However, I thought it was priceless. My only regret was that I was no longer around to look out for my soldiers and the NCO's, specifically. I served with some wonderful people and I only wear the awards I have due to the hard work of those I served with. I would give them all to my guys if I could. My "reward" was getting to serve our country with some lifelong friends.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2018 10:58 PM

2018-07-26T22:58:30-04:00

I have served more time in a combat zone than some active duty enlistments. The only time I have received an award was end of tour. The same as active duty. However, I am now the old grumpy guy when it comes to awards because they want to give it out for weapon qualifications, APFT Scores, and our Annual Training. I can see the point on that end of the argument.

Response by SGT Paul Casteel made Jul 27 at 2018 11:23 PM

2018-07-27T23:23:39-04:00

I served three years USMC Reserve, and received one NDS ribbon, and nothing else. I served a year in the Army Reserve, and 3 years in the Army NG, and received an Oak Leaf Cluster for my NDS Ribbon, and a Reserve Component Ribbon. I have 4 rows of ribbons because I served in an active Army unit for 3 years, and deployed once. I was allowed to peek at a list of awards submitted for me while I was in the Guard, all 7 of which were denied without further comment. Anecdotal? Sure. But my guess is my experience is a common one.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2018 9:34 PM

2018-07-28T21:34:42-04:00

The Navy reserves gives them out like candy. I have seen E4 admin types with Meritorious Service Medals (MSM) on more than one occasion. They serve less than 10% of the time as AD sailors but expect Navy and MC Achievement Medals (NAM)for completing a correspondence manual. They also expect a Navy and MC Commendation Medal (COM) for coming in on annual training and building a shelf in the geedunk. There are some very dedicated reservist but they are the exception not the rule. Mostly they come in drink coffee and botch about PFA coming up.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2018 7:03 PM

2018-08-12T19:03:23-04:00

Not a chance, I've served in the National Guard, Army Reserves and on Active Duty as both an Enlisted Soldier and an Officer - Active Duty Soldiers are far better awarded than Reservists. There are a couple of reasons for this - one is that they seldom if ever get an award wen they change units. While on Active duty, I got some kind of award when I PCS'd. As a Reservists, I generally got a firm handshake and a "we'll see you later". A second cause for the lack of awards for Reservists is the universally poor job higher headquarters do processing the awards. A third (and vicious cycle) reason is that "...I didn't get an award when I ... so why should they...".
Where Reservists tend to do better is at the completion of a mobilization, when there is both time and resources to get an award processed in a timely manner. Active component units also seem to do a good job taking care of Reservists who support them. It may seem that Reserve units give out a lot of awards to Active duty Soldiers but it's probably because they only see them the one time they actually do it right (at the end of a mobilization).

Response by SFC Thomas Howes made Aug 13 at 2018 6:25 PM

2018-08-13T18:25:35-04:00

I think the AF does more then any other service.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2018 10:26 AM

2018-08-17T10:26:50-04:00

I served active for 13 years and reserve for 3 years now. I don't see a difference. If anything I would say active duty receives decorations slightly more often than reserve component members. It really depends on if your leadership is taking care of their people and writing up for what they deserve.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Aug 21 at 2018 11:25 AM

2018-08-21T11:25:51-04:00

Just my experience; I served 25 years in the Army in all three components without a break in service. Most of my awards were awarded to me, while on Active Duty or Mobilized/Deployed in the Reserves/National Guard.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2018 11:26 AM

2018-09-02T11:26:49-04:00

Military awards require two variables with a third being optional: An awardee and an approved award recommendation are required whereas actual service or accomplishment that deserves recognition is optional. I spent 38 years in uniform as an enlisted soldier, NCO and Officer, in all three components (Active, Reserve and National Guard) and can attest to the miserable award system in the Reserve Components, let alone the inherent differences between the Active and Reserve Components.

If we accept the statement about the two required variables, then receiving an award requires an awardee, who is deemed acceptable for award presentation, and a chain of command that supports soldier recognition. I add the qualifier for the awardee because there are many soldiers, who meet the optional requirement of accomplishment but their leadership fails to recognize these individuals as 'award worthy.' The observation is true for all components. Leadership favors some soldiers over others and the award system is a means of showing this.

As a result, we find badge hounds and ribbon heroes, who seek and often receive schools and recognition by their mere presence and ability to remain alive. While there are others, who truly perform duties and service, who rarely get any recognition. So, recognition requires leadership to understand that the award system exists to promote behaviors, reward service and enhance unit cohesion. It is not meant as a system of favoritism, which tends to degrade unit cohesion. Napoleon knew this and used the system well.

Additionally, the awards for service, tend to require unit transfers or years of service. Since many soldiers in the National Guard, often spend their entire careers in the same unit, there is no recognition for unit transfer, just for longevity. The longevity medals (Good Conduct, ARCAM, AFRM, etc.) merely require the leadership to process the awards. But many receive these awards upon discharge or retirement via the DD214 process because the leadership failed to perform their jobs. It is one of the reasons the AFRM eligibility notice is included on the monthly Commander's report.

I can also personally attest that the retirement award process is quite different between the Reserve Components and Active Component. Although, as an NCO and Officer, I made certain to take the time to draft a retirement award recommendation for every one of my soldiers to be recognized upon retirement, not every leader does this. On active duty, the preparation for retirement (briefings, final counseling, retirement packet preparation, flag, letters from POTUS and retirement award) are all coordinated through a formal process, which does not exist in the Reserve Components. As a result, individuals either perform this on their own or it doesn't get accomplished.

For my part, as I was approaching my 38th and final year in uniform, I requested letters from my Governor, POTUS and Congress, submitted my retirement/pension packet to HRC and drafted an award recommendation to recognize my 38 years in uniform. Everything was accomplished, except the final award. This would never happen to a Colonel retiring from Active Duty after 38 years but it most likely happens often in the Reserve Components.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2018 12:18 PM

2018-09-02T12:18:26-04:00

On the flip side of several comments on this topic already posted is that of being in a Reserve component that is admin-ed by active duty people whom you see only ONCE a year during a two-day MOBEX. Ribbons, medals, and such were the very last thing on their mind. As I was preparing to EOS from the military, specifically the USCG, my assigned pre-retirement detailer at the PPC in Topeka, KS, sat down with me and we went over my record, from 1969 to 2002, to make sure that every T was crossed and I dotted. In the process of that review, it was discovered that I had not been duly awarded some dozen or so medals and/or ribbons, each rightfully earned during my twenty-years in the Coast Guard. Granted, that included several small bronze stars to my previously un-awarded Reserve Good Conduct Medal, but the point is I never had an officer in my chain of command who was tasked with awards for enlisted reservists. That was coupled with the highly abortive organizational nature of CGIS during that timeframe. It was virtually impossible to identify an admin-type who was specifically tasked with the appropriate collateral duties which included individual training or awards. We were simply out of sight, out of mind. And that, people, is a fucking true story. And I didn’t even mention PAY!!!

Response by MCPO Rob Roy made Sep 2 at 2018 9:34 PM

2018-09-02T21:34:17-04:00

In 1993 I became the CMC of a reserve unit. One of my first tasks was interviewing a new reservist who had just left active duty. He told me he had been in desert storm. I noticed no indication on his chest and remarked on that. He said, they didn’t bother because he was getting out. I checked his service records at at the next monthly quarters, he receive three new medals. I then started reviewing the records of every man and woman I had. Took me a year, but we were passing out. Medals like water, and 90% of them were ones earned but never given while the reservist were on active duty. These men and woman had served four years honorably, and joined the reserve to continue their service, but the active duty view was to cast them aside.

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Sep 4 at 2018 2:26 AM

2018-09-04T02:26:32-04:00

Who ever said this is either jealous of some one in the reserves or is bull talking you into jealousy.

Response by MAJ Montgomery Granger made Sep 10 at 2018 11:53 AM

2018-09-10T11:53:35-04:00

Yikes! Hardly! Often times Reservists are attached to AD units, in those cases, given comparable mission and active duty time, yes, my experience has been that things are equal. However, off of Active Duty, I feel that the opportunities for Reservists to earn awards is very limited, and usually only takes place on leaving the unit or service, or after summer training.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2018 5:36 PM

2018-09-19T17:36:23-04:00

It varies on experience. I have generally found AD soldiers will get more awards, but then again they are AD - that is your full time job, so for me it’s to be expected. Many reservists will never deploy in their careers, so the ARCAM does serve as a recognition of honorable service. Performance awards are limited too outside of the few given for AT activities or state emergencies if you are NG. Command positions may grant more award opportunities but that’s about it really.

I think the bigger issue is “are awards being adequately awarded?”, to which I say no. I have seen great AD and reservist soldiers get s*** for recognition, even after pulling well above their weight.

Response by SGT Mark Saint Cyr made Oct 15 at 2018 8:53 AM

2018-10-15T08:53:01-04:00

Yes, there are more awards available, but often under different criteria. For example in Arizona one award is for when you get activated for a state emergency. Some are really silly...like serving 3 years and another if you re-enlist.

Those are just the ones at state level. There's a service medal, federally recognized, the "Long Service" medal, which you have to have 10 good years of service in either the NG or AR units out of a 12 year period, no mean feat, especially if you end up moving around a lot, but I somehow managed to get that one.

They do serve a purpose. Many National Guard and Army Reserve soldiers, who do not serve full time, often can't do enough to get recognition for actions performed. Without some of these 'wannabe' ribbons many might get out. A couple of the ones I call silly, are just this type, but are designed to give these soldiers something to wear.

Is it fair? Perhaps not. But I think in the grand scheme of things, if it helps to make recruiting & retension even a little bit easier, then I say go for it.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Oct 15 at 2018 5:23 PM

2018-10-15T17:23:53-04:00

Can't say for sure. I think the whole award system needs to be redone and enforced from top to bottom. There should be no such thing as "automatic" medals because your rank is higher. Likewise there shouldn't be soldiers who get downgraded because they were nominated for a medal that was higher than someone in their chain of command. My personal thorn in my side was I was nominated for a Silver Star. CoC busted it down to an ARCOM.

As far as Guard/Res vs Active, there is plenty of overlap in awards. Active Army can get awards the Guard can't and vice versa. And both components are guilty of not doing or not knowing how awards work. By the time I separated, I found 3 medaals on my paperwork I didn't even know I was awarded.

Response by CSM David Porterfield made Mar 20 at 2019 7:29 PM

2019-03-20T19:29:38-04:00

Theres two additional federal medals reservists qualify over active duty. One is the Reserve Component Achievement which is a Good Conduct Medal equivalent which reserve officers also qualify for. Reservist only get the GCM when on active duty tours. They also qualify for the Armed Forces Reserve Medal for 1. Deployments and 2. For 10, 20, 30 years of service. So Reservists qualify for two awards active duty dont get. With that said active duty have the GWOT service Medal and Good Conduct Medal reservists only get when called to active duty. The National Guard has state medals in some states that aren't authorized for wear outside of that state. The two I mentioned are for all branches and are federal awards. So.... active duty has two reservists cant get and active Army has two reservists cant get whil in reserve duty.

Response by CPT Stephen Stout made Oct 2 at 2019 2:13 PM

2019-10-02T14:13:38-04:00

No. I've served 9 years in the National Guard, including a tour overseas and this is the trend that I have seen.
1. In drilling status AT is the only real opportunity for enlisted soldiers to get awards, which normally amount to max a AAM. I have never seen a commissioned officer get a award for AT.
2. The reserve components do not give out PCS or ETS awards for soldiers on drill status. The exceptions are for outgoing commanders, and retirees.
3. Reserve component soldiers can have the opportunity of getting an end of tour award for a deployment. My only "real award" was a ARCOM for a deployment.
4. ARCAMs are not freely given out nor are state service ribbons. These reserve components awards are up to your commanders and the S1.

Response by SFC Hal Jeauxdevine, BSM w/"V", MSM, PH, Arcom w/“V” made Oct 11 at 2019 12:38 PM

2019-10-11T12:38:28-04:00

In 34 years total service time, I served in the NVARNG, MAARNG, PAARNG, AZARNG, USAR, and the Active Army. I can tell you this: the National Guard is the most free at giving out awards as a way to keep soldiers in. I’ve seen on multiple occasions deployed officers writing Bronze Stars and Air Medals for each other even though the awardee never left the wire.

Response by CW4 Joan Dickerson made Nov 5 at 2019 3:08 AM

2019-11-05T03:08:40-05:00

National Guard has State Awards available not available to Active or Reserve

Response by SCPO Frank Carson made Dec 18 at 2019 11:29 AM

2019-12-18T11:29:57-05:00

Didn’t get a NAM until year 16 of my 32 years.... AF now they get a lot of candy

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2019 2:46 PM

2019-12-18T14:46:49-05:00

I know of a handful of national guard units that give aam’s for their one weekend and arcoms for their two weeks for whoever shows up

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2019 11:50 PM

2019-12-18T23:50:49-05:00

I know plenty of E-7s, 8s, and -9s with 20 years or more but only Air National Guard time whose highest award might be an Achievement Medal. They’re top notch performers, and would be wherever they go. Some units just don’t do the awards thing. Other units do and recognize some of their people for barely meeting the minimum. And for clarity, the awards pictured are the Guard or Reserve Good Conduct Medal equivalents.

Response by SFC Dean Simons made Dec 19 at 2019 3:48 AM

2019-12-19T03:48:16-05:00

Individual states have awards that active component can’t receive ac awards are actually harder to achieve for reservists

Response by SSG David Verdoorn made Dec 19 at 2019 9:40 AM

2019-12-19T09:40:28-05:00

Active duty receives far more awards.

Response by MSgt Ann Marie Wells made Dec 19 at 2019 7:36 PM

2019-12-19T19:36:15-05:00

The National Guard and Reserves spend most of their time in the same unit - which means supervisors know their people and what they do and have done. Active Duty moves every couple of years hence they never really get to know their people

Response by CPT Robert Holden made Dec 19 at 2019 10:39 PM

2019-12-19T22:39:59-05:00

I’ve heard is usually the most bs line I’ve heard in the military. At least according to Jody .

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2019 4:36 AM

2019-12-31T04:36:37-05:00

I never gave it much thought. However, Reserve service has been much more dislocating to my family than deployments were when I was Active duty.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Nov 4 at 2021 4:05 AM

2021-11-04T04:05:10-04:00

Active duty normally get awards after PCS from a routine assignment. Reservists normally only get them after mobilization or other major mission.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2022 11:56 PM

2022-01-02T23:56:17-05:00

My experience is "it depends".
While working strictly as a reservist, I have seen far fewer awards given out. There is little reason to give an award for people who come in 1 weekend a month and basically sit through classes or similar activity. During the Annual Training, I have seen Commander's issue a small number of awards such as the AAM. This means the bulk of Soldiers seldom receive Achievement awards under these conditions.
Most Reservists did not receive an award for changing units unless they held a leadership position. For many, their MSM for retirement was the highest award they received.

When my unit (Battalion) was mobilized for 10 years (OC/T training mobilizing Soldiers enroute to combat zones), the Soldiers were mobilized for 1 year at a time with some opting to remain mobilized for 6-8 years. They were sent on numerous missions a year as a Unit, Team, and Individuals. Typically, if the entire unit was involved, a small number (3-5) could receive ARCOMS and (2-3) per team could receive AAMs. If a team or an individual was sent on a mission, it was up to the Team OIC/NCOIC to decide whether to put the individual in for an award (BN CDR's guidance was only a small percentage could receive an award).

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jan 3 at 2022 11:04 AM

2022-01-03T11:04:58-05:00

Although some awards are only available to Reserve or Guard Members, I think this is balanced out by the nature of reserve service where commanders don’t always look for ways to reward service members. Example: Navy Reserve medical personnel were sent to hospital built inside Javits Center, NY, during height of COVID. They were there about 8 weeks plus another 4 weeks Quarantine going in sand out. They qualified for the humanitarian service medal. Nobody was willing to recommend them for it. So far as I know they received nothing for their service