I'm writing my pcs award and I'm having trouble writing a bullet for being BN CDR's driver. Anyone care to help me out?

2020-07-22T05:01:08-04:00

I'm in a non deployable strategic signal battalion. We don't even go out into the field here. I found a few example bullets online but it was mostly field related. Anytime he left the installation for business I drove him. Sometimes I'd be with him 3-4 days TDY. I also managed his calendar and scheduled all his meetings. Very exciting stuff I know. I'm just having trouble writing a bullet point in army words.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2020 8:06 AM

2020-07-22T08:06:51-04:00

I just have to say, pretty crappy on your leadership's part that you are having to write your own pcs award.... But from what it sounds, you were more than just a driver, more like executive assistant.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Jul 22 at 2020 11:21 AM

2020-07-22T11:21:55-04:00

WTF is a PCS award ?

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jul 22 at 2020 11:31 AM

2020-07-22T11:31:32-04:00

First, kick your NCO in the pants for not doing their job. Then kick THEIR NCO in the pants for not delivering said kick themselves and failing in THEIR job. But that doesn't help you with your actual presented problem, so....

I don't know, I wasn't there. But.... Here is a general bullet format that is exceptionally helpful for starting out...

(Name) performed/served as (action/position) (regularity /scope). (To what standard). This action resulted in (results - make sure you tie results to approving authority mission).

For instance:
(SPC Wyatt) was selected to serve as (the BN Commander's driver) (on frequent occasions). (His performance exceeded expectations and was considered invaluable by the BN CDR.) His service in this capacity (directly enabled the BN CDR to liaise with peers and Senior Commanders in order to secure mission critical resources for current and future missions.) - bonus points if you can name a specific mission, (e.g.Operation Noble Eagle, BN COMMEX, etc.).

The key with ALL award bullets is that you have to show the approving authority how you impacted his/her unit mission. If you are writing a DIV level award, but only have Company level bullets - even if you personally saved the lives of 8 Soldiers in your Company - you will likely be downgraded or disapproved (or sent back for re-write).
As the BN CDR's driver, I am guessing that you are writing a BN-level award (I.e. AAM), so it should be relatively easy to show the CDR who you personally worked for how you impacted his/her mission.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Jul 22 at 2020 1:15 PM

2020-07-22T13:15:30-04:00

While it is easy to point out how wrong your leadership is for making you write your own award, I am going to go out on a limb and say, this is a professional development and teaching situation. The next step for you is going to a board and becoming a Non Commissioned Officer as such, you will be required to write awards for the Soldiers you lead.

So, to assist you in writing a Bullet, How many hours of driving, accident free, did you do, and was it enough to earn the Drivers Badge?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2020 1:22 PM

2020-07-22T13:22:27-04:00

You know what............. SPC, look me up on mil.mail and I'll write it for you. Send me what you have and what you have done, and what your APFT scores were during the duration of time (I wont be able to do this if you are Flagged). I will NOT sign it of course but I'll fill out part III of the DA638. Don't give me personal info like SSN.
************
#1) Sounds like a nice situation to be in if you want it (non deployable and not going to the field). I'd focus on the managing the BC's calendar, and scheduling meetings. Also mention (if your billet is for a higher grade) that you succeeded in tasks above your rank.
#2) Pretty weak to have a SPC write their own award. That's set up for failure. Usually there is an unwritten threshold one has to achieve to get awards approved, but that is dependent the chain of command that signs off on said awards. It doesn't matter what is written down on the award. It matters who signs it. But anyway, you really need guidance from your chain as to what the expectation is for each bullet point, how many are needed, and how substantial do they need to be, and how much fluff needs to accompany the verbiage.
#3) Since you are writing it, put yourself in for a Legion of Merit.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2020 11:01 PM

2020-07-22T23:01:52-04:00

Find out the number of soldiers in your BN that are the rank of SPC and below and put "SPC Wyatt was hand selected over *720 junior soldiers in his BN to serve as the BN command teams administrative assistant. Something along those lines.

Response by SSG Paul Headlee made Jul 23 at 2020 8:15 AM

2020-07-23T08:15:38-04:00

Don't be too hard on yourself. Sure, its a dick job but there's obviously a need for it. Additionally, situations like this can turn into gold. When I was a field recruiter I knew a guy who made SSG in 3 years as a result of being his CG's driver. He was intelligent and very squared away, motivated, etc and he turned it into a big win. I'd rather be a Team Leader or a Squad Leader in the field but needless to say there were no similar opportunities for guys embracing that notion. Moving forward, you might mention that you coordinated (transportation and lodging, communications and meals or whatever fits your situation); were responsible for accurate navigation and safe, timely delivery (of the Colonel, his belongings and equipment); security of the Colonel, communications, perhaps his laptop which possibly contained classified information and any other thing of value such as the rental vehicles (they're not cheap). Don't sell yourself short. You helped him accomplish his mission, which he was compelled to do by whomever he reports to.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2020 12:52 AM

2020-07-24T00:52:14-04:00

Forced to write my own award once.

Didn’t get it.