How good does an MSM (Meritorious Service Medal) look for an E-4 with 3 years of service with no airborne, air assault etc.?

As a Spec4, a few AAM's is very good. The MSM is an award normally given to an E-6 and above for something exceptional. Having said that, I did not say a Spec4 could not earn one. I would not worry how you look in your class A with ribbons. If you did have the MSM medal as an E-4 this would reflect very positively. However, having "just a few" AAMs is nothing to sneeze at...hoooah!

I fail to see why having airborne or air assault etc., would have anything to do with the soldier having an MSM. What about the training and or expertise the soldier may have obtained prior to his\her service, which allowed for him\her to excel or stand out in the performance of his\her duties. This would seem to be similar to a E-2 or E-3, returning from a 12 month tour of combat and be awarded an MSM. As for how good it may look, a leader may want to hear from the soldier him\herself, about the achievement of the medal. Keep in mind, when such medals are awarded, the actions which led up to the award, is documented along with statements from those who may have knowledge, maybe part of the unit and soldiers records.

the MSM is the token medal given to all who PCS. in most cases it is regardless of job performance at previous post.

I tell you one thing about ribbons and medals; when you either get out or retire, they don't mean crap. The only other time anyone will see them is when you are laying in a casket.

You did your tour and didn't screw up! I used to have discussions with the Marines in my office and MSMs always came up as examples of medals that were meaningless. I disagreed, always saying that your time, effort and superior performance deserve an end of tour award and for most services that is the MSM.

If you earned an MSM would you like it questioned? Why do we judge individuals? The individual earned it on merit....we don't know what he did, as a matter of fact the narrative would explain what he did... It's time to stop this thing. Are you jealous you didn't earn one?

Congratulations...I'm sure the person, whose life you saved, probably thinks the MSM looks good on you. Well done!

Be proud of yourself and your achievements, but never let the adrenaline rush up into your head; stay grounded and continue to aim high, achieve success and enjoy your earnings, and advancements. Be Proud, Remain Transparent, Enjoy the Rewards and Stay Grounded Always.

haha well it sounds like you knew the right people because the broken fucking piece of shit that is the US Army's awards system usually doesn't like to let people less than an E6P get it. Awards are worthless at this point, a bronze star is a joke at this rate. oh look you're an E7 that sat in his room an entire deployment while assigned to S1....Bronze star for you hero

First good job on earning an MSM...secondly dont go into a new unit expecting anything based on a previously earned award. The leadership there will judge you based on your performance there so whatever you did to earn an MSM keep doing it and you will be ok.