How can one go through Basic Training and Tech School, get promoted to A1C, receive three (3) Service Medals, and get an Honorable Discharge?

2019-12-07T09:33:18-05:00

Served only a few months - with no assignment after Tech School.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2019 9:39 AM

2019-12-07T09:39:49-05:00

I can't answer for the honorable discharge, but I came in as an A1C and arrived at my first base with the same ribbon rack that's pictured.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Dec 7 at 2019 10:57 AM

2019-12-07T10:57:14-05:00

Typo?

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Dec 7 at 2019 11:00 AM

2019-12-07T11:00:16-05:00

It might be the case that her end of service date is a typo. If not, umm...

Response by MAJ Karen Wall made Dec 7 at 2019 12:12 PM

2019-12-07T12:12:12-05:00

Gosh I hope it is a typo!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2019 1:40 PM

2019-12-07T13:40:49-05:00

Entry level separation, it's probably a medical issue such as stress fractures or an injury sustained during training. It looks like she was separated in A school or just after.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2019 6:26 PM

2019-12-07T18:26:01-05:00

She was there for 5 months. I would gather it was a medical discharge. Why the concern?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2019 7:03 PM

2019-12-07T19:03:13-05:00

Probably medical or pregnancy.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2019 8:51 PM

2019-12-07T20:51:52-05:00

She got basically 3 participation awards and then either got hurt or had a medical issue and was separated for it which would be an honorable discharge. Happens all the time.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2019 8:21 AM

2019-12-08T08:21:47-05:00

Females have around a 25% attraction rate in the first year of service so this isn't uncommon. Most likely a medical issue.

National Defense Service Medal &
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal are for service durring a National Emergency and I think the other one is for weapons qual or something.

Response by Sgt Daniel Latch made Dec 8 at 2019 1:12 PM

2019-12-08T13:12:27-05:00

Typo ?

Response by A1C Laurence Maddelein made Dec 9 at 2019 3:11 PM

2019-12-09T15:11:22-05:00

Thanks to all for the many comments and interest regarding this Tribute post.
TSGT Joshua Duplin gave what I believe to be the most accurate answer:
"GWOT, National Defense, BMT graduation ribbon, came in as an A1C (E3). Completely normal."
Things sure have changed since I served in the early 60's.
The post "Veteran Tributes.....Honoring Those Who Served" shows she is proud. So be it.
THANKS AGAIN !!!!!!!!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2019 11:42 AM

2019-12-10T11:42:11-05:00

Well, the ribbons are (from left to right in the photo) National Defense Service Medal (NDM), Global War on Terrorism Service (GWOT-S), and BMT Graduation Ribbon.
BMT Grad & NDM are awarded upon graduation of BMT. Since she served during the designated time period provided for awarding of the Medal, she received it. Per AFPC's own website:
"Personnel supporting the Global War on Terrorism in a non-deployed status, whether stationed at home or overseas are eligible for the GWOT-S. Examples of this support include: maintaining/loading weapons systems for combat missions, securing installations against terrorism, augmenting command posts or crisis action teams, and processing personnel for deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism."

I have a friend in my unit that came back from BMT with 4 ribbons: NDM, Marksman, BMT Honor Grad, & BMT Graduation.