Posted on Feb 6, 2014
Do you think this would be a good way to recognize people who stayed in for the long-haul?
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In the most recent edition of Army Times, a Sergeant First Class puts forth the case to create a "Retirement Award" for those who serve twenty or more years. <div><br></div><div>Do you think this would be a good way to recognize people who stayed in for the long-haul? Or do you think it just another award for "checking the block" like the Army Service Ribbon?</div>
Retirement
Awards
Army Times
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 32
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With the rest of the "freebie" metals the Army hands out I don't see a purpose behind developing a "US Service Retirement Metal" (or whatever name they would give it). As stated before, you get letters, and other things when you retire. If the military was to just give away more metals, you would see PVT's coming out of basic with 3 or 4 rows of ribbons before they even hit their first unit and retirees trying to figure out how to fit their fruit salad on their uniform without the metals going over their shoulder.
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It's to late for me now but I would be all for it. It should have happened long ago. I was Retired Last month with 31 years 10 months AC n RC and I left with a scanned set of orders only.
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SFC (Join to see)
Actual I do believe that you can still be submitted for an award. Most commands want to see these submitted at least 180 days prior to separation! Hope you receive one Big Sarge.
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MSA/MSM Already Exists in the Navy. Got mine from Commander Naval Security Group. Also unless things are changed when you retire you get a LOA signed by SECDEF at 20 and the President if you do 30. I did 21 my LOA was signed by Bill Clinton probably because I retired off his Flag Ship, USS Arkansas CGN-41.
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I like the idea. isn't some thing given to a Soldier after 30 years of Service? I think MSM should be automatic.
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I actually do not disagree with his recommendation for this to be an award and I do not view it as a check the block. Obviously this isn't being implemented yet, but as I see it, in the Army of the near future, it is going to be an accomplishment to have 20 years of service. This will especially hold true if we implement new retirement procedures for years less than 20. The Army is downsizing as we all now, and in the near future, if you are not progressing up, you are egressing out.
I do not know if I necessarily agree with the placement on the rack although the idea of closing out the rack makes sense, however, what do we do when awards are presented post military career for actions in service? I think this award would deserve placement not necessarily at the bottom, but not necessarily at the top. If you received standards awards it should be placed above them, but if you received awards with v device etc, than it should go below. Might complicate things a bit for people who can't navigate a reg. in no circumstances though should this be placed above MoH.
In the end it's all food for thought. I give the NCO credit for coming up with an idea to recognize people with a specific award. Other items that we give retirees do not denote retirement, without a placard or explanation, but with this award on the rack, everyone would know your achievement without question.
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I always looked at my retirement medal as the $$ that is going to be hitting my bank account while I am sitting on the beach somewhere, not working.
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I will just be like receiving a coin. Not worth anything but braggin rights.
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