How does someone recommend for an award?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 20:41:56 -0500

So, I’d like to recommend some people for the Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM). I asked my leadership and they told me ok, write it up and we’ll go over it and send it up. They really want me to do this on my own. So I looked in AR 600-8-22 and the Code of Federal Regulations. I can’t find anywhere how to submit the award just the criteria you need to meet to be awarded it.

Is it a narrative; does it go on a DA 638, is there something else? I don’t know what I don’t know and could really use some help.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2020 8:59 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 20:59:41 -0500

What would be your reasoning for them getting the medal?

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Nov 25 at 2020 9:01 PM

SSG Robert Webster — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 21:01:40 -0500

Yes DA Form 638 would be the form to use. Now, the interesting part what was the significant action deemed as such by the theatre commander? And you were the one that witnessed the act? And there is no other award that might be applicable?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2020 9:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 21:07:49 -0500

I've never put up an AFSM, but for all of the achievements and commendations that I have the DA638 is the backbone. Basically you fill out the SM info and past awards (still fuzzy as to why this genuinely matters shy of padding awards that aren't merited or keeping higher awards away from the juniors that truly earned them by achievement if not station, but I digress) and on the back place the bullets that support the award. Your command might have particular rules they want followed in regard to the bullets (one bullet for an AAM but no less than 2 for an ARCOM, et cetera). Beyond that you submit that up for review, revision and recommendation (or lack thereof). DO NOT accept any rejection from anyone who cannot sign or deny the award. Your PSG or 1SG can not recommend all day or put you through tons of recommended revisions but unless this award is different than the ones I've seen, it cannot be rejected by anyone other than the signing authority (CO or BN CMDR, so on). I don't mean to be salty or discourage though; it might go through easily, but take any set backs and revisions in stride as it sounds like your people are trying to force you into completing a vital role of a leader in looking out for your people. The efforts and struggles you endure to get that approved may well mean more to that service member than the award. Remember that. Good luck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2020 9:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 21:22:45 -0500

Lol I admire your enthusiasm but first you'd want to recommend them for an award that they're authorized. The AFSM is a medal not an award for merit. Medals are awarded for campaigns and such. To quote Wikipedi: "The AFSM is a deployed service medal that is presented to those service members who engage in "significant activity" for which no other U.S. campaign or service medal is authorized. " Awards like this are automatically granted when you fulfill the requirements, there is no writeup. Basically, you either warrant the award or you don't, there's no recommending it.

If you think a Soldier or Soldiers deserve an award for their meritorious accomplishments then look at recommending an AAM or even ARCOM for them. Your S1 will have a templat for you, and it gets turned in to your S1 for routing and approval. Remember that the approval authority for an AAM is your BN CDR and the approval authority for an ARCOM is your BDE CDR.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2020 10:58 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 22:58:40 -0500

It doesn't look like this is a DA368 award. I'm too lazy to look it up, but I suspect it can be awarded by memo from a LTC+ in charge of the operations and all they need to do is validate service members actions were in support of CV-19 operations while on orders for 30+ days according to the memo requirements.

Too bad, because such an award would be an easy reach to motivated staff to get in front of the Commander for a blanket authorization to staple to a set of orders. I've seen peers get ARCOM's for Virtual Annual Training exercises. The Armed Forces Service Medal is just another participation award.

Hang onto your orders, and the memo, and maybe some time in the future you can get an O5 to sign such a memo.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2020 11:38 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 23:38:42 -0500

I have run into similar issues. My unit back home is saying we don't get the AFSM or HSM......yet I have 2 NCOERS with multiple COVID-19 bullets and a continuity award template with COVID-19 bullets.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2020 2:21 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 02:21:13 -0500

I was awarded the AFSM for covid-19. It was a memo signed by an O6

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 26 at 2020 10:10 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 10:10:48 -0500

I’m not an Army guy. All the folks in this string that provided guidance are Army correct. I did serve on an Army awards board at the MACOM level as a DAC. I always looked for the nominees definite accomplishments that met or exceeded the requirements for the Medal or award. Without a clear statement of those the nomination didn’t get my vote.

Response by SMSgt David A Asbury made Nov 27 at 2020 2:56 AM

SMSgt David A Asbury — Fri, 27 Nov 2020 02:56:12 -0500

Thanks for sharing