How do you process an ARCAM?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 14:27:44 -0400

The Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (ARCAM) also known as the Reserve Good Conduct Medal is awarded to the Army National Guard and the Army Reserves.

A lot of Soldiers in my formation are missing theirs including the multiples they should have and it seems like S1 is slow to fix the issue.

Does anyone have a good template or advice on how to process this award and backdate it for the many who never received theirs over the years? Additionally how do you work around deployments that interrupt the time period for the award?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2021 2:57 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 14:57:41 -0400

These can easily be backdated as the award is processed via a signed memo indicating the dates used for qualification of the award and the number of the award given (1st, 2nd, 3rd etc.) Ultimately though it is an S-1 issue that has to be addressed by your Adjutant and have pressure applied by the command team.

In regards to working around the deployments, HRC has an excellent guide interpreting the reg and assisting with processing the award/indicating when the break in time is too great and requires starting over. There is also a link to a template for the award memo.
https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Army%20Reserve%20Component%20Achievement%20Medal%20ARCAM

HRC Homepage

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Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jul 15 at 2021 3:02 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 15:02:56 -0400

Example Template in section 2.

https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Processing%20Guides%20and%20Templates

HRC Homepage

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2021 3:15 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 15:15:16 -0400

Pen and paper for a start.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2021 4:57 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 16:57:20 -0400

LTC Stephen C. Ever see one of these in 20th? 12th never heard of it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2021 6:04 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 18:04:30 -0400

It is something that the unit should track but a lot of time they don't really notice it. This is where your leaders come in. When I was overseas I submitted my own memos and 4187s for squad. We were taken care of. It is hard to say that the Readiness NCO is responsible for everyone in the unit.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2021 7:51 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 19:51:12 -0400

Here is the thing about the ARCAM that not everyone is aware of. Yes, it's for 3 yrs of good service....the caveat is that IOT qualify for it, the Soldier has to have 3 GOOD years. As in, they met all the points required for the year. They attended every BTA or at least made it up with RST. If they don't have a GOOD YEAR of points, they don't rate the ARCAM.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2021 11:42 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 11:42:27 -0400

AR 600-8-22.
You will find the blurbs that explain how a deployed reservist is entitled to the ARCAM if they have served 2 years of GOOD service prior to being on deployment orders.
Once the active duty orders turn on that time will count towards the AGCM. 1 year of AFS is required for the 1st award of the AGCM.
After the SM redeploys and is back in a TPU status, their clock starts over for the next ARCAM.
If the SM had less than 2 years of GOOD reserve service prior to deployment, upon redeployment the 3 year clock continues.

These two awards are very tensions to track but as a reservist, it can be difficult to get the AGCM and a lot of times COC doesn’t want to process the awards.

Response by SSG Kenneth Ponder made Jul 16 at 2021 8:27 PM

SSG Kenneth Ponder — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 20:27:21 -0400

EVERY 3 YRS NO EXCEPTION

Response by 1SG Charles Hunter made Jul 18 at 2021 11:15 AM

1SG Charles Hunter — Sun, 18 Jul 2021 11:15:40 -0400

Addressing the last issue first, why would a deployment interrupt the time period?