Is It necessary to have a Soldier take a PT test for His/Her ETS Award?

I believe it is not mandatory but it's either the AAM or ARCOM. Those awards are based on merit and is a nice way to say thank you for your service, you were outstanding and we would love to have you back. That's how I see it anyways. It is nice to be appreciated, right?

True, it is nice to be appreciated. Clearly our two services have different philosophies when it comes to awards and I would argue that differing standards (and philosophies) are one of the many reasons that the current awards system is broken.

Very interesting. I am of the mindset that each branch of the service should maintain anonymity from one another, as they have differing missions. It should be noted that we are a volunteer force at this time. My superior officers never game me a reason to question their decisions to offer awards. One thing that I learned from the service which has helped me in my civilian jobs managing people, is that if you treat your employees as the volunteers (because they are) they will work harder and more passionately. You can buy their body but not their heart. And the heart is what makes a soldier or an employee valuable. That being said I am certainly no expert even in my own branch and I am sorry you feel the way you do about yours.

I know that the men in my unit that died for our country, ensured the safety of countless men and women that served beside them, and paved the way for my continued freedom. The level of gratitude that I have for them is way beyond what an a small pin and some writing in a record could ever convey.

So if my command wants to give out awards that others perhaps don't agree that are deserved, so be it. Because when you are standing in formation and your squad is out of ranks and you have to report, a lot of thoughts run through your mind and thinking that they possibly received too many awards is not one of them.

Thank you for your service Marine!

It was the Commander who told him that he needed to take one. I understand that the Soldier is Due for a PT test, but He is ETSng and I don't see the purpose.

The purpose is because the commander said so!

remember something like this SSG?

"I will obey the orders of the officers appointed over me" yeah that's what we swore to upon enlisting.