Do you think this would be a good way to recognize people who stayed in for the long-haul?

Awards are one of the most broken systems in the military. I have been to too many JRTC's where guidance is given to pick two E-4 and below for AAM's and one NCO for an ARCOM. Not because it was particularly earned, but those were the numbers given. I have seen senior NCO's get that same ARCOM given for 3 years of good and faithful service to a unit. 3 weeks vs. 3 years, no balance. I know there is a difference between service and achievement but there's just no balance. Like Sam Baker said. Soldiers with 30 years receiving ARCOM's. I was handed on of those for 3 years service in the infantry. How is that equal to 30 years? How does ones rank justify their service? I've seen too many awards get kicked back for truly amazing individuals because the award did not match their rank.

I had the honor of serving in a DUSTOFF unit. I have seen pilots, crewchiefs and medics land to hot LZ's and run into fire to save someone several times a week. At the end of the day, they're told "That's what dustoff does." no award. PCS from DUSTOFF after two tours of "facing the enemy." AAM. I have seen privates get a CAB for "facing the enemy." because an IDF landed in their corner of the FOB ~250m away. He was in his room, watching a movie with headphones on. Completely unaware but fell within some arbitrary circle. I even watched the rules get changed on the go. In 2005, Iraq, too many CAB's were being given out for returning from flights with bullet holes in aircraft. (Because they always shot at us!) So, the rules changed. You had to have a grid and sworn statement of exactly where the fire came from to qualify for a CAB. If not the enemy, who shot the aircraft with 7.62x39? What happens when you fly through a complex ambush and wind up with no holes? No CAB. Meanwhile, your peers in another unit stands in formation as the entire unit pins them on. Once again, no balance.

So true and I feel what you are saying.  What is worst is that soldiers (specially high ranking) that do not earn the CAB but get one, talk as if they were in real combat.

LTC I left with a scanned set of orders after 31 years 10 months AC & RC.

that makes sense! Why waste money on making new ribbons...

I feel that I need a retirement medal just about as badly as I need the Cold War Medal that was talked about a few years ago... My retirement award is my DD214!!

DD214, paycheck, and PX rights.  That's all I need.

Maj Nelson, there are a surprising amount of people who are genuinely upset about the lack of a cold war medal. It means a lot to some..

I tend to agree with the "nay sayers".  I do not see a need to invent a medal that says I have retired.  I will have the retirement certificate framed, along with a shadow box on display which will be the "proof".  If they do go ahead with it, will there be numbers for 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 30 etc?  I would tend to think it should be roman numerals if traveling that road.

Not sure about every service, but in the Army I have never seen anyone retire with just the certificate.  The medal would relieve the S1, supervisors and many others who just don't put effort into writing, preparing or caring about the award that retirees receive for their service.  Not saying it is total commonplace but after 26.5 myself, sure seems if you left, that no one went out of their way to research your last decade of service to write an accurate recommendation. It is tough for a supervisor who knows you less than 24 months to write you an award for 20 plus of service.  I think this award would just help. Roman numerals would be appropriate.