Is it common practice to give an award to someone who is ETS’ing? What would be an appropriate award?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 21:17:44 -0500

I’d like to recognize the service of one of my soldiers as a parting gift. He’s moving on in life, but has served the unit well. He even went on the MOB, did well and returned without any issues ( apparently something not easily accomplished ). He deserves recognition and I would like to show gratitude. What are your thoughts, what advice would y’all give?

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2019 9:22 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 21:22:39 -0500

Yes, it is common practice. I typically write an ARCOM for E-1 to E6, and consider if I can justify an MSM for E7 and up; certain CW3-5s ice helped justify a LOM.
It’s about career accomplishment and scope of responsibility. Often, I think of one step up on whatever their PCS award would have been.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Jan 17 at 2019 9:30 PM

LTC John Mohor — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 21:30:55 -0500

Every unit seems to have its standards. Depending on previous awards received or not at a minimum as long as you can build justified bullets an AAM or possibly an ARCOM if it was a stellar job well above just performing his job. Start writing the bullets than see if it's good enough! Have a trusted LT or senior NCO that could help you in your unit? Seek their assistance as they've seen your Soldiers performance also. If time is of the essence just shoot for an AAM as it's only Battalion Commander Level approval. It's the words that will matter way down the road!

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 17 at 2019 9:43 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 21:43:29 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I agree with LTC John Mohor. Always consider the nature of the service, the manner of performance, the level of responsibility, personal risk if it applies. Writing bullets...STAR format with the R tied to the award approval authority's mission. Situation, task, action, result. Whatever you do, don't wait. Usually an ARCOM is required to be submitted to the approval chain, error free 60 days prior to the proposed presentation date. AAM is usually 30 days.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2019 9:44 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 21:44:14 -0500

Rank and previous awards matter.
A SPC may qualify for an ARCOM as an ETS award, especially if there is an AAM or two previously awarded.
Previous awards help because you can recycle those bullets and narrative.
For an ARCOM to be possible, even with an AAM or 2, the 1SG, CDR, BC, and especially the CSM better already be aware of this Soldier, and their awareness better bring an immediate positive thought and Hooaah to mind when they see the name on the award.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2019 9:48 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 21:48:27 -0500

Oh, and get that Soldier some crossed cannons, which may mean more years after they leave the Army. Especially if it comes from their peers and NCOs.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Jan 17 at 2019 11:33 PM

LT Brad McInnis — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 23:33:27 -0500

I always tried to give sailors ETS awards. It all depends on the command's attitudes/philosophy.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jan 18 at 2019 12:05 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 00:05:49 -0500

Doesn’t every ETS’ing Soldier receive a personalized DD 214?

Response by LTC John Griscom made Jan 18 at 2019 12:24 AM

LTC John Griscom — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 00:24:28 -0500

Depends on the level and degree of service/performance.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jan 18 at 2019 1:37 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 01:37:01 -0500

This is a different thread than the one I initially responded to. I was attempting to address ‘awards’ for an ETS’ing Soldier. SGT Private RallyPoint Member Sorry for intruding.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jan 18 at 2019 10:01 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 10:01:43 -0500

If the Soldier’s performance meets the criteria, I recommend an Army Commendation Medal.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Jan 18 at 2019 11:24 AM

MSG Frank Kapaun — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 11:24:43 -0500

At this point, all he probably wants out of the army is two hot dogs, a road map and a bus ticket home.