Is it common for a person with 17 years in the military to not have a personal award?

GySgt Bill Smith — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 12:48:26 -0500

I did 8 years active duty in the Marines as a 0311 with 3 combat deployments. I am currently serving in the National Guard as a cook (E-7) and have 3 years till my 20. I have never had a bad fit rep or NCOER and my PT scores are high 280-300. I have never received a personal award, or letter of recommendation. I just don’t want to leave the military with a bitterness in my mouth thinking my years of service were not good enough.

After following this post, I have gathered some interesting opinions. 1. The awards system is "jacked up" 2. I should speak up and let my command know and ask how I can stand out.(the most constructive answer) 3. People get awards based on rank, mos, duty, unit, timing, and mission. (not always based on personal effort) 4. Don't worry once you retire they don't mean anything anyway. (which I don't believe) 5. Not all believe they deserved an award even if one was given, some believe they deserved more than what they got, then you have the haves telling the have nots why they are not worthy.

Thank you all for the advice and service.

Best,
Jason Sakowski

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 12:54 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 12:54:45 -0500

Sounds like bad units with bad leaders. I'm in the same boat as you. At the end of the day it is what it is.

Response by SSgt Donnavon Smith made Feb 18 at 2016 1:16 PM

SSgt Donnavon Smith — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 13:16:16 -0500

I agree, in the AF it is common for people to retire (in Aircraft Maint) as an E-7 with only one or 2 AFAMs, and then usually they will get the post mortem AF Accommodation Medal. It comes down to management that is too concerned with minutia to care about the troops. Go to the Pay office and every E-3 has a fist full of personal medals. Hell at this point write your own medal and submit it to your supervision, what could it hurt. For what it is worth I think My father was a Gunny when he got his first NAM and that was 15 years after spending 4 years in THE 'NAM

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 1:18 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 13:18:33 -0500

I saw a LTC's DA Photo. The highest award he had was an Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (this is below an AAM). This was consistent with the performance and leadership that I observed. The left me with the question: How does someone get promoted to LTC with such poor performance?

To answer the question, Its uncommon.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Feb 18 at 2016 1:21 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 13:21:12 -0500

I've seen this happen, and sometimes those service members have much higher awards but not a NAM/AAM. I think it's because unfortunately awards are often associated with rank (which I highly oppose, but it's the reality). Therefore once you make it to a certain level, people will not look to give you an AAM. For example, a Sergeant Major is much less likely to receive an AAM than a Specialist in my experience.

If you make it past your junior years without an AAM/NAM, most leaders may assume you already have it, and wouldn't think of awarding it to you. They may notice it at a ball or a time when you wear a formal event, but their mind is often not on professional development at that time. I believe they would look to remedy it however if they knew about this gap when they were in the right mindset. Then again, who's going to be the guy to go to his unit leader and say "you know, I've never received this award. Can I have one?" That's obviously a no-go for many reasons.

My suggestion would be to speak with your Sergeant Major and have a conversation like this:

"As you know, I did 8 years of active duty with 3 combat deployments and have a total of 17 years. I've been looking back at my career, and I've never had a bad FITREP/NCOER, which is something I'm very proud of. As I look at my next few years before retirement, I want to make sure I give the military everything I can give. As I've never even received an AAM during my service, so I'm concerned that perhaps there is more I can do. How can I approach the next few years to make sure I perform at my full potential?"

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 18 at 2016 1:24 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 13:24:52 -0500

On the USMC side, we tend to be more "tight fisted" when it comes to the awards. It's a product of approval authority (ours used to be one rank higher than the Army). We also tend not to have "end of tour" awards below SNCO (if then).

I can't speak to the NG side.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 2:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 14:49:18 -0500

Unfortunately awards need someone to write them, I have been in units that higher command expect awards to be written and submitted by mid Oct. and I have been in units where no mention of awards was ever made. If someone does not sit down and submit an award for their soldiers it is not going to happen.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 18 at 2016 4:15 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 16:15:03 -0500

3 combat deployments and no personal award?!?!? I know the Marines are a bit more austere in their philosophy when it comes to giving awards, but that is taking it to the extreme IMHO.

Response by SPC David Fulmer made Feb 18 at 2016 7:00 PM

SPC David Fulmer — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 19:00:44 -0500

I can recall when I was in the ILARNG and was making up a drill weekend, the Unit Clerk had me going through files looking for soldiers who qualified for awards/ribbons and I actually wrote the paperwork for him to submit to the leadership corp for evaluation. I always thought it was odd how those in leadership positions always had the awards/ribbons as if at some point in time they took care of their own. I agree that a strong leadership corps and a desire to recognize your troops for a job well done, help eliminate gaps in recognition such as yours. Thank you for your service and dedication to our great Nation.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 7:56 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 19:56:41 -0500

I know it's no help but it's likely the Army would have given you 10+ personal awards by now. 0 in 17 years seems a little too stern but it says something about the Marine award system.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 18 at 2016 10:31 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 22:31:42 -0500

LTC Yinon Weiss gave you some good advice. Another thought. Has your unit had a ball or holiday social where ASUs/evening mess are worn in recent history? If one is coming, go to it. Make sure you hit the receiving line. Ensure you introduce yourself to the BC and CSM. If they are light on awards, that may be telling. One of them will notice. It may spur the requisite conversation with your supervisory chain.

GySgt Bill Smith have you tried competing in a Connelly Food Service Competition? That could produce an opportunity to train/recognize your soldiers and you at the same time.

That is how I ended up (unbeknownst to me at the time) getting my first AAM. My Squadron Commander saw me at Thanksgiving, looked at the XO and asked her why I didn't have any awards, especially since I just finished two of his special projects.she wrote a one bullet AAM and viola.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 1:34 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 01:34:54 -0500

I had a SSG a few years back that had been in the military some kind of way since 1977, and had somehow managed to be in most of the components at some point.
AC USMC.
USMC Reserve.
Navy Reserve.
Air National Guard.
Army National Guard.
And finally USAR.
And he didn't have a single award to show for it, which I thought was pretty much impossible in the Air National Guard.
He wasn't the best Soldier, nor was he a particularly good leader. He was not assertive at all, and his Soldiers didn't respect him. I spent a lot of time trying to get blood from this turnip, and I am pleased to say that over time he was able to grow and contribute to the unit in a meaningful way.
In 2012, he went to NTC as on OC/T and really did a nice job giving feedback and evaluating the performance of the CA Team he was observing. It was an easy AAM to write. When he got it pinned on, you would have thought that he'd gotten the Legion of Merit. It was a very big deal to him to be recognized after all of those years, and I think it meant a bit more that it came from me... but he earned it.

In order to get awards, you need to have an opportunity to excel. Seek those out, and recognition will follow.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 11:21 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 11:21:30 -0500

I was a GySgt before I got my first NAM. Not for nothing though, the Combat Action Ribbon you're wearing is a personal award, and personal awards just make service/dress uniforms more expensive. Ribbons alone run me almost $50.00........I miss being a LCpl with only a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

Response by SGT Ronald Bacon made Feb 23 at 2016 11:46 AM

SGT Ronald Bacon — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 11:46:35 -0500

When sitting down going over your NCOER have you even asked what they would need to see to recommend you for an award? At least put it in their mind you want something while you learning what they expect from someone in your position to receive one. I seen a few responses and one the stuck out is from MAJ Yinon Weiss and I have seen many times a Private or specialist getting AAM's while the NCO did not when I see all the work and time they put into the same project. As a SFC they expect more from you but there is still that above and beyond you put into your work each time and that should be noted.

Response by Sgt Tammy Wallace made Feb 23 at 2016 11:55 AM

Sgt Tammy Wallace — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 11:55:46 -0500

I understand everyone else's response about how it is possible to not even receive one personal award in 17 years...I'm sure it's also possible to receive 17 personal awards in 17 years...my point is, just because it is possible doesn't make it justifiable or right...SSgt "Ski", you should have gotten at least one in your 17 years of exemplary service.

Response by MSgt Blake Fairchild made Feb 23 at 2016 12:01 PM

MSgt Blake Fairchild — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 12:01:53 -0500

Without knowing you personally, it is hard to say why you haven't received any personal awards. The Marine Corps is the tightest branch of the Armed Forces for giving out awards. Just look at other branches when we are all in our uniforms that rate medals and ribbons.
In my career I have noticed that you have to start early to stand out from the crowd. Your PT scores are part of that, but it goes much further. Being a complete Marine requires you to expand your horizons into the community; at least outside of your unit and close associates. If you performed your duties in an exemplary manner, then your superiors are at fault for not recognizing your dedication and competency at work. Volunteering for additional duties at your unit, special assignments, and working with charities helps get you recognized in the community and by your command. For instance, as a young PFC going to avionics school at NAS Millington, TN, my class leader organized a group of us to go to St. Jude's hospital and rebuild wheelchairs for the kids who were patients there. We did that every other Saturday for about 4 months or so. The administrator at St. Jude's wrote a very nice letter to our Commanding Officer showing his appreciation, and pointing out how much money we saved the hospital by fixing the wheel chairs, and we also visited and talked to the kids, boosting their morale and attitude. Everyone involved got a Letter of Appreciation, and the Class Leader received a Meritorious Mast. I realize that this was not a NAM or a NCM, but it was a personal award, it gets you recognized by your command, and it's in your SRB.

Have you ever volunteered for additional duties, a "B" Billet, or charity work?? Are you working with any community charity organizations, like the local food bank, youth sports, or other community improvement project ? Being an active member of organizations like a neighborhood watch, emergency response volunteer group, or other community group gets you special notice as well.

You've still got time. Three years is a long time away. Explore ways for you to get involved in the military charity community. Is there a VA hospital nearby you? Sometimes they need volunteers to help drive the patients to and from doctors outside the hospital. The Red Cross is always looking for volunteers. Check around and I'm sure you'll find something, but most of all, make sure that you are standing out at work, and always go beyond what is expected of you.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 12:20 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 12:20:42 -0500

I'll say up front that our awards system is broken.

For what it's worth, I can count the times I've seen an Officer or senior NCO receive an award outside of a deployment on one hand. We seem to focus on SGT and below. While it's great that we take care of our junior troops, it can be disheartening for leaders who didn't pick any awards up along the way.

As others have said, some of it may be the unit you're in. The unit I "grew up in" was extremely tight with awards. We had troops hit with falling shrapnel overseas they refused to award CIBs. We also had rampant downgrading of awards. In my Company we had NCOs whose end of tour awards were downgraded to AAMs. PLs and PSGs also received lesser awards than the SLs they led. I left after 6 years with one award: my downgraded end of tour award from the deployment. Since transferring to a different Brigade things have changed dramatically. In 3 years of service I've received two ARCOMs and the Order of St Maurice.

It may be something you ask your chain of command. As a PL I had a SSG ask me if there was something he was doing wrong. After 8 years in service he had not received any recognition. He was an extremely competent NCO who was probably just overlooked. Unfortunately it happens.

Response by GySgt Moses Lozano made Feb 23 at 2016 12:44 PM

GySgt Moses Lozano — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 12:44:16 -0500

Don't worry too much about it SSgt. It seems that you just had crappy leaders who were probably the type to take all the credit for themselves rather than take the time to award their junior Marines for their work!

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Feb 23 at 2016 3:20 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 15:20:07 -0500

It would be hard to believe SSgt Sakowski that you didn't have such a letter in your file. But you know what? Some Senior NCO's and some Officers are just to damn lazy to write such a letter when a soldier, sailor or marine does his job in a way to honor himself and the unit he belongs too. While other units write these letters far to often and it cheapens the Award letter or recommendation. I would ask the records section to recheck your records and see if such a letter may exist and is simply missing from your records jacket. In the Army National Guard everyone receives Good Conduct awards every so many years and usually if your doing your job and going the extra mile you will earn an Army Achievement medal if your Section Chief thinks your doing an exceptional job. Army Commendation Medal are even possible when you have been doing your job way above and beyond your fellow soldiers. The Marine Corp however may be tougher to receive awards but you should qualify for something in the National Guard if you are nailing your PT test and getting great NCOER's.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 7:11 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 19:11:00 -0500

Your good cookie is a personal award, I can see it in your damn picture.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 9:00 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 21:00:14 -0500

I'm pretty sure there's a Terminal Lance comic about this. Anyways, don't think that way at all. You've seen combat, and as such have a CAR; most of the Marine Corps, to include the newest Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, will never see that ribbon. Don't worry about what's on your chest and know, unquestionably, that you've done more than your fair share for this country than most.

Response by SGT Beau Thomas made Feb 23 at 2016 9:42 PM

SGT Beau Thomas — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 21:42:46 -0500

A soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of colored ribbon -Napolean Bonaparte.. Most ribbons don't mean a thing, I've seen Bronze Stars for loading connex's. I even read the award my Lt received. The best reward/award you can get is your retirement letter. That's the best reward you'll ever get, and it's very rare lately.

Response by Cpl Ronald Scruggs made Feb 24 at 2016 4:49 AM

Cpl Ronald Scruggs — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 04:49:50 -0500

Yes the Marine Corps does not hand out awards like many other branches. Now I did 16 years in the Army National Guard I was GIVEN 3 ARCOMS 2 achievements that really don't mean anything. You don't give awards for don't he jod. So as far as your National Guard Unite goes it could be that they have a higher standard.

Response by SFC Daniel Faires made Feb 24 at 2016 7:28 AM

SFC Daniel Faires — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 07:28:13 -0500

I understand your concern completely I had three MSM downgraded as a SFC to ARCOM's and one down to a AAM
I was at one time along with every SFC I knew concerned about awards , why ? Because they looked at them for promotion .

Now if you have three years until you have your 20 Are you retiring ?

If you are retiring then it's nice to see on a wall but that and 5 bucks will get a cup of coffee

My view on awards was tarnished when I was in and I ensured every Soldier that was below the rank of E4 understood you don't get an award for doing your job you get a personal award for going above and beyond
Best part !! The ones who wanted to be competitive and have that acknowledgment understood and did exactly that
I never wrote an award that was for someone doing their job they had to meet the criteria regardless of rank I even wrote a couple officers awards NOW back on topic be proud of what you have done. You have a great career you are doing what you enjoy. Just have fun these last few years

Response by CPL Luis Whetstine made Feb 24 at 2016 2:37 PM

CPL Luis Whetstine — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 14:37:45 -0500

In my almost 7 years serving in the Army I received 5 personal awards, however only 2 of them actually meant something to me. The other 3 were for just doing my job and/or leaving a unit. While at my first unit I received a AAM for going above and beyond what was asked of me to ensure a QTB was completed on time. Remember, in the late 80's, PowerPoint presentations were not that easy to complete and or create. And the second was a JSCM to which I received while attached to a unit in Desert Storm/Shield. So, lets just say, if you received an award (any award) while deployed to Desert Storm, I amongst 3 others were the ones who typed up the award. (Army awards). However, I know what I've said might seem like bragging, but I will say it wasn't uncommon in my time for many soldiers to not have received a personal award even with 17 + years. So, despite how many ribbons I might have worn on my uniform when I left the service, what I would like to say is, no matter how many rows of ribbon you have on your chest, in my eyes it means more to me how many strips you have on your shoulders and/or how many service strips you have on lower sleeve. And the pride you have in your service should means more than what's on your chest. To be completely honest with you, be it 4 years or 30 years, I'd rather have 1 award that means the world to me than have 20 that mean absolutely nothing.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2016 5:30 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 17:30:04 -0500

Can't answer that question directly, but I can give you my angle. I've been in 5 years active, got promoted fairly quickly (MOS and being as squared away as I can), took and kept a chief billet halfway through Cpl, had a few lateral billets and held them (like IMO), but I never got a personal award. I was told once by my GySgt (CommChief), that he had written me up for a NAM, but my current OIC shot it down, stating that he disagreed with the citation (Summary of Action), but agreed I was valuable.... only to find out later from another officer that my OIC was bitter he himself didn't have a NAM (only GWOT and NSDM).. I was asked by my Co 1stSgt and SgtMaj a couple of time's how come I wasn't written up/had a NAM/NAC for my contributions in my OccFld, to which I could just say 'SNM doesn't know, I'm just doing my job." while others that were in the other S shops were getting them left and right - CertComms, NAMs, NACs (albeit rare), etc. I just accepted that's the way it is, and what can you do - ask someone why I don't have a medal? Sounds crude, but that's how I felt, while others that I know didn't perform as much or superbly (aka deserved it), got NAM's. Then I started thinking I'm either doing something wrong, doing right or what message does that send (to me and others).... Ultimately my last OIC, due to circumstances, told me I deserve a NAM, along with a few fellow NCO's, after my last exercise, to which I said the same - I was just doing my job... and I would feel that if I said anything other/differntI would equate myself with those did less to get the same award and I definitely didn't want to do that. Well, some of those NCO's still got awards...... It is what it is.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2016 7:56 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 07:56:53 -0500

Praying for you. Many times, it depends on how your immediate supervisor sees your effort.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Feb 29 at 2016 6:16 PM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 18:16:15 -0500

Don't get wrapped around the axle about awards. I had pretty good career. No bad paper two tours on the Drill Field and my highest Personal award was a NAM (2 awards). Awards tend to be based on how close you are to the flagpole. I made it a point to aviod Staff Billets.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Mar 4 at 2016 6:19 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 18:19:58 -0500

Everyone getting a bunch of medals seems to be have started around the early eighties. In fact many of them weren't created until then. In the sixties I saw many people with nothing but a Good Conduct Medal and a National Defense Service Medal. If they had been to Vietnam they usually had two more. The Army Achievement Medal didn't exist. Neither did the NCO Professional Development Ribbon, The Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon and others. In over a year and a half in one company I only saw 3 ARCOMs awarded. A PCS got you a handshake. So did your ETS. During WWII my Dad served in Europe, N. Africa, the North Sea and on a sub chaser off the east coast. He had five including the Good Conduct Medal. Today I see people with more than many general officer used to have.

Response by Cpl Christopher Bishop made Mar 5 at 2016 12:41 AM

Cpl Christopher Bishop — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 00:41:35 -0500

They have already been handing out the glorious Administrative Bronze Star award (eyeroll) just as a "Hey thanks for chilling out with us for 20 years" probably to settle this issue, on paper anyway...leaving Vietnam Valorous Bronze Star recipients turning in their graves.

Response by Cpl Shawn B. made Mar 9 at 2016 12:25 PM

Cpl Shawn B. — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 12:25:47 -0500

The awards system is definitely flawed in some senses, being a fellow combat vet I can relate I have no personal awards either per say, I do have a Combat Action Ribbon that says I did my job I guess but no NAM's or anything like that, I probably should have at least one for a couple of situations while on deployment in Fallujah Iraq but the NCO's and or the Officer that were present must not have felt it worthy of their time to recommend it. While it seems like others may have NAM's with V's for seemingly trivial things. Mainly because a couple of them got to gather and wrote each other up for it. Hate to say it but like everything else there is a lot of politics and buddy buddy involved even in the military awards system. Even worse than that is knowing some of your brothers that did very heroic things under fire and were even accredited with saving an Officers life yet they got an award (post posthumously because said Marine died later on that deployment before ever receiving any award for it.) that was less than it probably should have been or you feel others have may have gotten for the same type of actions.

Response by Sgt Robert Novotny made Mar 11 at 2016 1:03 PM

Sgt Robert Novotny — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 13:03:45 -0500

That's tough. It took me 8 to get my NAM. I did a lot of lat moves in my 8 though, performed outstandingly, was written up for 2 Navy Commendations, 1 NAM. It left a bitter taste in my mouth. When I was getting awarded, the dang thing fell off too... go figure. The awards system is flawed. I've seen Gunnery Sergeants filling Lance Corporal billets to (1) get their first deployment in and then (2) return with a Navy Com. We all know a Lance Corporal wouldn't have gotten a Navy Com. That's what makes it flawed. The same work done by different ranks earns different awards. The only way to fix it is with Commanders Intent with Awards. X amount of Achievement, Commendation, or higher medals awarded.

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Mar 27 at 2016 2:50 AM

SGT Aaron Atwood — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 02:50:39 -0400

A personal award is someone else's acknowledgement in writing and a nice-looking decoration that you did a good job or exceptional job at whatever task is mentioned in the citation of said award. I know many good Marines and other servicemembers who don't have much for fruit salad, but that didn't make them any less stellar than those who had racks comparable to those of North Korean generals.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2016 2:18 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 14:18:19 -0400

Anyone can write an Award, including you! Next AT write an AAM for yourself stating how in quantitative terms how many meals were served enabling the Whole BTN/BDE to perform its mission. On another note after you retire, unless its a Bronze Service Medal or a Purple Heart, it is mostly bragging rights. Sorry you have had such poor leadership, that after 17 years of service, no one has seen fit to write an award for you.

Response by Cpl Mark Gray made Apr 22 at 2018 6:32 PM

Cpl Mark Gray — Sun, 22 Apr 2018 18:32:03 -0400

NOt even a "Goodie Ribbon".?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2018 2:49 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 May 2018 14:49:30 -0400

I would not believe this to be common as you put it, especially today. I have however seen multiple instances of this during my service. A lot of the time (but not always) they have a superior who either doesn't wish to be bothered or has a personality conflict with the service member. Really bad officers are not common, but occasionally avoid the axe by keeping a low profile.

Response by CSM Stuart Fuller made Jan 29 at 2020 10:40 PM

CSM Stuart Fuller — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 22:40:32 -0500

Awards dont mean more retired pay. A cook has a better chance in the civilian world than a infantry guide.

Response by BG Mike Bridges made Jan 29 at 2020 11:57 PM

BG Mike Bridges — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 23:57:23 -0500

You have really bad leaders. By now you should have at least an MSM, a couple ARCOMS, and several AAM, and if in the ARNG, some State equivalents of each. Either that, or you are a bad Soldier and not telling us.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2020 4:53 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 04:53:59 -0500

Drilling reservists often will never get a personal award unless mobilized.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2020 5:53 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 05:53:24 -0500

Removed by author

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2020 8:25 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 08:25:33 -0500

If you have lousy supervisors you don't get awards.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Jan 30 at 2020 2:24 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 14:24:40 -0500

The most important award in a persons military career, is the award earned but never given. That little piece of ribbon that Bonaparte mentioned in someone's response here on this page is right on the money. Awards encourage hard work, hard work sets the standard and standards met insure victory! Sort of sounds like something a general might have said doesn't it? Pity the enlisted man or woman who earned an award and because some NCO or Officer was a short timer, he or she never received that recognition because someone was a lazy bastard. Those unrewarded soldiers go on to be cynical, untrusting and have leadership issues because one little piece of ribbon wasn't awarded or presented.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Jan 30 at 2020 5:16 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 17:16:24 -0500

You forgot to include in number 3 that (insert name and rank here) is (insert senior's name and rank here)'s hunting buddy, bowling team member, child's godfather, and so on. People get awards in the military for stuff like that as well..and people DO NOT receive awards in the military for the same reasons.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Jan 30 at 2020 5:17 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 17:17:03 -0500

As far as the original question, I don't believe that is common.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Jan 30 at 2020 6:31 PM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 18:31:32 -0500

You have a legitimate concern. After 24 years of service, I have been retired for 18 years, and it still bothers me that my highest award is an Army Achievement Medal (AAM). I really don't think I was that mediocre. I really think I should have at the very least received a retirement award of some kind that was recognition for my 24 years of service. Yes, I had run-ins with people. Yes, I have a bad Officer Efficiency Report (OER). Yes, I was never ever going to make Lt.Col. but after 24 years of service I think I should have received something more than nothing.

Response by CPT David Miller made Jan 30 at 2020 7:56 PM

CPT David Miller — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 19:56:26 -0500

My accomplishments went unrecognized as a Lieutenant (top tank platoon leader during battalion gunnery and tactical exercises). I earned my first ARCOM after a successful command tour. This was my sole award until I was presented with a letter awarding permanent possession of my recruiter's badge. The regulations in effect in the 1980s would grant permanent award of the badge only to a successful recruiting company commander. All others had to take it off once they completed their tours of duty. I received an AAM after a grueling exercise in which the recruiting battalion's recruiter zones were realigned to match the number of recruiting sergeants assigned to the battalion. I charted the boundaries between recruiting stations and recruiting companies among three states, seven major population centers, and over one hundred rural counties. As a sidebar, I earned the Driver-Mechanic Badge for operating a wheeled government vehicle over 12 months without causing an accident. Finally, I got the MSM as a retirement award, built largely around my success as an officer in USAREC.
In retrospect, the difficulty in preparing award recommendations should have been eased by the use of DA Form 638-1 of the late 80s. The original form 638 had to be supported by a two-page narrative recommendation and justification. Approval of the award hinged upon the skill and eloquence of the writer. The "short form" could be filled out by hand with bullet points and forwarded through the chain of command to the approval authority. Once approved, the S-1 assigns a permanent order number and forward copies to the individual's personnel records. The newest form 638 combines the needs of the "short form" with the elements of the "long-form" for combat valor and higher-level awards.
In my opinion, the rate awards are distributed depends upon the unit's leadership. I've met soldiers with silver oak leaf clusters on their AAM and senior NCOs with nothing higher than a good conduct medal. It comes down to those who use the awards system to encourage significant achievements or those who maintain excessively tight controls to maintain high standards for award distribution.

Response by SGT Michael Hearn made Jan 31 at 2020 1:40 AM

SGT Michael Hearn — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 01:40:08 -0500

Hello, soldier Never gives up look at what you have accomplished in your life. be sure to keep your medical records close. NEVER GIVE UP

Response by SSG Kenneth Ponder made Mar 7 at 2020 1:35 PM

SSG Kenneth Ponder — Sat, 07 Mar 2020 13:35:19 -0500

Not unusual, but they give out awards like candy. That's why they have lost their meaning. except to the individual.

Response by Sgt Paul Sims made Nov 3 at 2020 12:18 PM

Sgt Paul Sims — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 12:18:02 -0500

Did you not earn a good conduct award in 18 yrs?

Response by Sgt Paul Sims made Nov 3 at 2020 12:19 PM

Sgt Paul Sims — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 12:19:38 -0500

Did you not earn a combat action award on your combat tours?