How do I earn an AAM?

I would like to add that you could do all the right things and still not be recommended for an AAM.

In fact, not getting one is the most likely outcome.

Work hard, show initiative and offer solutions . After that you will see award coming your way. To get a waver however is much more competitive, score 300 on your next APFT and you go to the Soldier of the month board; that should place you above your peers.

Find ways to fill in voids with productive work that is not necessary in your wheelhouse. Just make sure your work is squared away including PT before taking on anything extra or beyond your MOS responsibilities. Check with your BN's of company's armorer - they always need help in cleaning especially after qualifying - may be a way to get some bling.

Have you been to Basic Leader Course (BLC) yet? Go to that and earn honor graduate & then they'll probably put you in for an award I would think. Like my old Brigade Commander told us, awards are for what you have done well, promotions are for the potential you have to serve at a higher rank and responsibility.

Just keep doing well, doing things without being asked & be the best Soldier you can be & then awards will come.

Are you looking for an award for the AT that y'all still be doing or are you just asking in general how do you very an AAM? My advice if you really want one compete and win a soldier of the quarter board.

IF YOU WANT SOMETHING IN THE MILITARY AND YOU WANT IT BAD ENOUGH WORK YOUR TAIL OFF TO GET IT THAT IS HOW YOU GET REWARDED NOT BY HAVING ANYTHING GIVEN TO YOU YOU HAVE TO EARN IT SAME WITH RESPECT YOU DON'T GET IT OR HAVE IT YOU HAVE TO EARN IT

Seeking awards is not the way to get them. I earned every award I ever got but I was never trying. Just strap up, be a hi speed soldier and work your ass off. Awards and promo6follow.

If you are looking to be awarded for every single success, you’re in he wrong business

Normally when I went to AT which was normally in another state, the unit we were assisting would write up and present the COAs and awards. But I guess your Unit can recognize you aswell. Honestly, my advice would be to just enjoy what your doing. Because you may bust your ass because you want the AAM and it never comes, then you’ll be ticked off bro. And remember....anyone who witnesses an act can put in a 638, so it doesn’t have to be your PSG. It could be your battle buddy.

Aside from what everyone else has already said, realistically it depends on your leader. I've unfortunately known VERY lazy leaders throughout the Army who will avoid recommending a stellar Soldier for award, because they don't want to put in the effort to write the DA 638.

Now if it's a circumstance where the Battalion Commander puts out "send me X number of names for AAM/COA/Coins" then the chances are even higher, because the award has basically been pre-approved, its just a matter of which write-up reads the best.

That being said, be that Soldier who doesn't need to be worried about. Be that Soldier who can be assigned a task, and the PSG knows without a doubt you will get it down quickly and accurately, and without him having to watch your every step. Be that Soldier who does't wait to receive a task, but asks, "SFC/SSG, what can I take off of your plate so that you can focus on something else?" Be that Soldier who takes initiative to identify gaps, but ALSO develops and presents a complete plan of action to fix it (quoting regulatory guidance helps). Lastly, be that Soldier who accepts and completes the task without complaint; there are things even your PSG doesn't want to do, but when you have a team of Soldiers who understand that and get it done, it helps boost the PSGs morale, and hopefully they will return the favor. That doesn't mean not to ask clarifying questions, or make tactful recommendations; there is a difference between "Sergeant, why can't we just do it this way other way" and "Sergeant, I was reading through regulation XYZ, and I think I've found a way to quickly accomplish your task using fewer personnel. I'll take the lead on it, and those we don't need can take a break."

All of that requires YOU to take it upon yourself to further learn your job from regulations, training manuals, and SOPs so that you can display a level of competence above that of your peers and what's normally expected of your paygrade. This doesn't mean going around snapping at other PFCs or SPCs, its a personal display of competence and leadership.