I am seeking guidance in writing up an award for one of my NCO's. Does anyone have any advice?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 15:36:26 -0500

I am new to the Army Reserves and have not finished my training. I have yet to attend BOLC. I commissioned as a 1LT and recently became OIC of S3 in my company and have lots to learn. I have an NCO who does outstanding work and I want to recognize her for it. I am seeking guidance for award writing preferably something I can look up myself, go to as a resource and learn from. Any opinions and advice is welcome.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2019 6:29 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 18:29:41 -0500

Good for you. Seriously, nothing makes me prouder than seeing anyone take initiative and the time to produce an award for a deserving individual.

Response by CPO Nate S. made Dec 4 at 2019 6:42 PM

CPO Nate S. — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 18:42:37 -0500

Sir, I am just an old US Navy Chief. Here is my humble advice:

- You might do a simple search in Google Images using this language (sample military award citations)
- Then click on a number of them to get a sense of what different citations say
- Then make your own notes about the members you are thinking about writing the awad(s) for

Here is the most important recommendation seek out your SNCO and have coffee them. Tell them what you have observed of the NCO in question. Tell them you need their help and then explain the top 7-10 things you observed about this NCO. Based on your observations and he write ups you have studied, write 1-3 lines about observed positive behavior before that meeting. Tell your SNCO that you'd like to email your draf to them. Ask them to make any edits they feel are appropriate, add, change what is needed to help get this NCO the award you want him to have. In this way you allow the SNCO to know you have done your homework.

It is NOT often when a JO takes the time to engage with a SNCO in this way. When they send their edits backs, ask why they made the changes they did?

Once you both agree on the final write-up to go up the CoC do this:

Tell the SNCO that you value their leadership and would like to seem more soldiers rewarded for their efforts. You want their help to make this happen of the time you are at the command. You are not promising awards at this point, you should explain that your goal is to make sure your people are rewarded for outstanding efforts. A great write-up during evaluations can also build sustained superior performance over time and build your case for higher awards, that could well be warranted.

The art of leadership is about engaging your team. Your people will work hard to make you look good, when you twice as hard to help know how to be good, very good at what they do, especially when what they may be asked to do is difficult if not impossible!

Finally, If you trust an Old Navy Chief, I am happy to take any note you have and if you'll tell me he award you are looking at and a little about the soldier (I don't want to know sex, race or age). I simple want to know facts and impact, I'd be happy to put my skills back to work. You might be surprise what an old guy remembers.

I do have a FT job, but I am always available to help a JO!!!

Chief

PS Read everyone else comments too!! Oh, my complements to you for having the INTEGRITY to reach out! I don't know you, but I already respect you!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2019 7:01 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 19:01:26 -0500

Sir, you can research the awards regulation of AR 600-8-22. I also recommend you look at ArmyWriter.com as that website has excellent example of award bullets. Also, get with your NCOs that have experience writing them.

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Dec 4 at 2019 7:26 PM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 19:26:08 -0500

LT I would follow the recommendations already provided. Check the Army Reg and the recommendation from BN, BDE, Najor Cmd S-1. Fun facts from me is to name tfe Component Army ‘Reserve’ Vice Reserves. Good luck and please count on me to help you with further guidance throughout your career.

Response by SSG Dale London made Dec 4 at 2019 10:11 PM

SSG Dale London — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 22:11:45 -0500

Looks like you're getting some stellar advice here LT but I would add one practical bit myself. Talk to the 1SG. He won't think less of you for asking (he'll actually think more of you) and he'll keep you straight with regards to established command policy and which award might be the most suitable. He'll also have experience writing up awards and can help you with that -- or at least steer you in the right direction.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2019 10:26 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 10:26:42 -0500

Focus on the actions and especially the impact they had on the unit.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 5 at 2019 10:50 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 10:50:41 -0500

Much like Evals, be concise, demonstrate quantifiable impact, and make sure the scope of that impact is commensurate with the award being recommended. Company level accomplishments aren't great for a Meritorious Service Medal, for example.

Stay 50 miles away from ArmyWriter.com Their bullets are fluffy garbage and sure to get kicked back...

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Dec 5 at 2019 11:48 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:48:07 -0500

Good points. One is missing though. Good Commands should have an awards plan. You were told to get the SEL weigh in. Good. However this stuff goes up the officer side. Find out what flies/dies. It's really a matter of if it deserves something other than an EOT. Either way, it counts as one bean. If the SEL is buying off on the idea, rest assured, he/she has a good pulse on the XO and Skipper. Your contribution that will say something about you is the quality of the writeup. It will be noticed. You don't want it to require heavy massaging going up. People forget that awards are a reflection of the awardee and those who push it along. Don't confuse wanting to do something with proving something merits it.