Is the Army Awards System Broken?

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 10:25:52 -0400

Suffice to say the concept of a 'PCS Award' is foreign to me as I still am unable to find what Army Regulation (Retired 1993) states an award is an automatic entitlement @tour's end.
Not complaining but a PCS Award used to mean you got a plaque commemorating your time with the unit. Myself and the other NCOs would hand-make them and present them at a platoon going away party. If you had done anything good then you would have already received your AAM, ACM, etc. If the commander and the unit had relied on the person then another but higher level medal was submitted. We tried hard to present them in formation prior to (sometimes unable) the soldier's departure.
Generally if the medal required a higher than Battalion/Squadron level authorization it was hand-passed from commander to commander until it was authorized then returned by the same method. The NCOs were responsible to ensure the actions were true and the write-ups were complete BUT the Officer Corps was expected to make sure the awards were presented. Included in the 'presented' were the signature phase I mentioned. Commanders actively discussed what awards were recommended and which were earned with their NCO's and higher Commanders.
It was middling rare that anyone was given (if that's the word) an award on leaving the unit. Please make your thoughts known.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2018 11:14 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 11:14:35 -0400

Yes and no. But this topic has been brought up multiple times on RP. And there are countless posts in older threads from vets of your era that write about how the awards system is indeed broken, but then go to rattle off all the stuff they did that warranted medals during their service. “Why didn’t I get a medal?”
Understandable. Which would raise another question. Was the system more broken back then (not enough awards given for deserving actions), and is now in the process of fixing itself?
Unfortunately, as long as there is discretion involved, the system will always be ‘broken’.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 24 at 2018 11:27 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 11:27:43 -0400

It has a lot to do with the "eye of the beholder". I'm old school so I'm in the "yes" camp. We look too much like the banana republics. Stuff has been so watered down. There are exceptions i.e. Purple Heart. My AM had to be signed off by a 3-Star back in the day. Having one of them as an O-2 was a big deal. When I was sitting promotion boards, the world was just transitioning into "not having a PCS award was a flag to look at why." Awards are a moving target, hence mean something different every decade.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2018 1:18 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 13:18:50 -0400

Soldiers (Enlisted) need awards to promote. I’ll just set that here...

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jun 24 at 2018 1:47 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 13:47:59 -0400

I think in some ways the awards system is very broken. I never was a huge fan of the PCS award or EOT award but I can understand the concept. Some soldiers do actually do great things but they are never recognized due to op-tempo or leadership that doesn't doesn't want to do the paperwork or ignorance as to what is deserving of and/or the process to award someone something. I do believe that the system finds a lot of it's issues in the devaluation of awards. Certain ranks get certain awards because they have some need to be higher on the totem pole, you see this most often with the awarding of the BSM or MSM at the end of a deployment or PCS respectively. The SGTs on down can't get an ARCOM because this or that. It is rather ridiculous. I think that much of the awards system is very self-serving and not really based on actual merit anymore. Don't get me wrong, I am not stating that many of the people who get awards are not worthy of those decorations, but what I am saying is that often times it simply has to do with keeping up appearances and perpetuating a system that makes sure that everyone gets gold stars when they are scheduled for them and the wheel keeps on turning.

Response by SGT Robert Wager made Jun 24 at 2018 1:49 PM

SGT Robert Wager — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 13:49:29 -0400

The system is broken by design.
The design is that everyone and their brother has to "see it" and recommend approval or downgrade or disapproval.
If a SGT recommends SPC Snuffy for an AAM, then a SSG, SFC, 1SG, LT, CPT, CSM, CPT (again) CSM, MAJ, and then finally the LTC who is the approving authority.

SGT (Team Leader) SSG (Squad Leader) SFC (PLT SGT) LT (PL) 1SG, Co Commander, CSM, Adjutant and PAC, XO, CDR.
If at any of these steps someone wants to be a jerk, they can kill the award by the stroke of a pen. There is so much politics involved in the awards process that the system simply does not work. Outstanding soldiers that go above and beyond their duty positions are often overlooked for an award, while subpar soldiers are recognized simply because of their proximity to the approving authority.

Response by SSG Byron Hewett made Jun 24 at 2018 3:05 PM

SSG Byron Hewett — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 15:05:33 -0400

biggest reason is the good old boy system and you scratch my back and I reward yours.
Nothing really available for those who do the all of the grunt work.
certain awards reserved for certain E-Grades and above and certain O-Grades and above only.
I think I'm seeing a pattern .....WOW I think I see the forest through the trees now.
Over the years before I retired, I would senior NCOs usually E-7 and above and Officers have add in there own award qualifier when announcing in emails or formations. enlisted soldiers wouldn't think twice about it until later and then ask there section sergeants or squad leaders then of course some would shrug off their query but the squad leaders CPL, SGT, SSG, would get a burr under their saddle and start looking at the regs and start pushing to get their soldiers awards for their hard work. sometimes it might even be over a grudge or a dislike of somebody for a reason why deserving soldier might be denied a just due award for their hard work.
Now not everywhere a soldier goes of any rank has this happen because their are really, really good units out there but its the few that make everyone look bad.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 24 at 2018 7:20 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 19:20:25 -0400

recognition of Soldiers for their service has come to the point where an award for a duty assignment is the norm. The idea took root about 20 years ago where receiving an award for a specific event became rarer and rarer. "Had to save the President twice on Sunday" to get an impact AAM. The level of that award was determined by the chain of command starting at the first line Leader level based on level of responsibility, performance, and in the case of combat awards degree of personal risk.

Here is what has gone sideways on awards. It takes too long to process one. You are right that the role of the NCO support channel is to make sure the accomplishments are true and correct. You are right, the officers need to review this award and make sure it Is written so it is readable, the accomplishments are bridged to the approval authority's level of mission. The problem becomes recommenders try and use important sounding awards they aren't familiar with and simple bullets become gibberish. The STAR format helps with this: Situation, Task, Action, and result....especially if this gets after the higher unit's mission or combat readiness. This has to be related To the approval authority's level of command or one of their goals. As result....award packets float through company orderly rooms, then to BN, then back down in red ink, then back up without ever fixing the underlying issues. As a commander, XO, and a BDE DCO I tried to make this developmental rather than an exercise in futility. I tried to write meaningful comments/edits/separate hand written notes on how to fix it. I would call Company Commanders and explain returned awards. So all this back and forth made awards late.

Process isn't broken, but the people in it need help. The PCS award is not an "entitlement" but care should be taken to reflect on a soldier's particular contribution (or lack there of). If their contribution came up short, the command owes them feedback before hand as to why they would not be recommended for something. If they are being chaptered that conversation is superfluous.

Some ways to fix this:
- BN and BDE commanders explaining their award philosophy to key leaders and S1s including their NCOICs. This will ensure endorsable awards go to the right level.
- First line leaders being able to articulate the actions/results of their soldiers in plain English and provide the 'so what' to it. Their officers, like Platoon Leaders, proof reading things to ensure it makes sense, is written clearly, and generally error free. Initiating the award needs to follow the 30-60-90-120 for AAM, ARCOM, MSM, and LOM (general rule of thumb).
- Company Command teams are reviewing awards for proper award level, executing his commander's award intent, and general readability. The Company Commander's write-in comments are the "fifth bullet", his endorsement tells the Battalion and above that the person is deserving. On AM and above, the BN CDR endorsement is critical.
- the BN S1, since the Company provided a reasonably good award, is focused on routing, tracking, and getting packets on to their next stop.
- the XO and CSM should be the he final check before the boss gets the packet. They need to be prepared to intervene if time, level of award, or another intangible is a problem. When they recommend approval, it should sail through the boss.
- not a fan of an Awards Board, especially BCT and below. I am a fan of the S1 doing a dedicated weekly signing time with the BN and BDE Commanders to ensure the cogs turn on time.
- between the XO and the S1 they need to recognize the ones that need to Ben hand walked to higher due to time/urgency.
- if all this goes the way it should, presentations are too easy.

The personal momentos from your squad/section/Platoon can be a valued thing. It does not take the place of formally awarded decorations. Another recognition tool are the branch recognition awards for more senior NCOs and Officers like: Saint Barbara Medal, Order of Samuel Sharpe, Saint Michael's medal etc.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Jun 24 at 2018 8:15 PM

SSG Mark Franzen — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 20:15:47 -0400

not true so maybe they will send it to you if you don't get before you PCS?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2018 10:01 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 10:01:06 -0400

I dealt with this recently. When everyone gets an award for more or less just "doing their job" it cheapens the award for everyone. Someone wanted to (and did) put me in for an award for doing well at my job in the absence of my superior. I told them not to put me in for anything as I was simply doing what I was being paid for. I get "rewarded" on the 1st and 15th of the month and on my OER. That's enough. But of course no one listened and an awarded has been initiated. It's ridiculous.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jun 25 at 2018 10:20 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 10:20:36 -0400

Awards are not automatic, "End of tour" and Retirement type awards fall under those classified as "meritorious service". The phrase "end of tour " is actually a misnomer but accurately reflects he intent of commands to recognize Soldiers for meritorious service during their time assigned to the unit..... AR 600-8-22

1–18. Period of award
a. For meritorious service awards, the cited period is limited to the period of service during which the individual
served under the recommending command, except in the case of retirement awards. (See para 1–22.) Meritorious
service is characterized by distinguished service and performance above that normally expected, over a sustained
period.
b. For meritorious achievement awards, the length of time is not a primary consideration; however, the act or
achievement should have a clearly discernible beginning and ending date. Also, the speed of accomplishment of a time
sensitive task could be an important factor in determining the value of the achievement or act.
c. For valor and heroism awards, the cited period is governed by the same standards stated in b above, the only
difference is the manner and circumstances involved during the act.

1–22. Recognition upon retirement
a. Period of service. Each individual approaching retirement may be considered for an appropriate decoration based
on his or her grade, years of service, degree of responsibility, and manner of performance.
b. Service awards. Meritorious service awards may be awarded, upon retirement, which may include periods of
service longer than that served in the recommending command. It is recommended that such periods be limited to the
last 10 years of service. This is not to imply that an extended period of service should be considered for every
individual who retires. An extended period should only be considered in those cases where the length or nature of the
individual’s terminal assignment would not qualify him or her for an appropriate award. It is neither necessary nor
desirable to consider an extended period of service when the length and character of service of retirees in their terminal
assignments would qualify them for an appropriate award. When writing the citation, it is not necessary to indicate the
time period again; it is only pertinent to mention the total number of years of service, for example, over 22 years or 30
years of service.

Response by CSM David Heidke made Jun 25 at 2018 11:56 AM

CSM David Heidke — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 11:56:04 -0400

All I got when I retired was the hand receipt for my laptop.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2018 5:10 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 17:10:28 -0400

Awards are not a given...they are earned.

Response by SGT Laura Nieto-Fernandez made Jun 26 at 2018 9:32 AM

SGT Laura Nieto-Fernandez — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 09:32:23 -0400

It's not who you are, but Who you know nowadays. Military regulations and anything inbetween ONLY apply when Top chain of command want to screw soldiers, ncos and officers. I was medically retired after serving 18 years 11 months, the day prior to my retirement I found out my "so called" commander had not recommended me for an award. I was the Brigade Pharmacy NCO, who was working as an advisor to the Brigade Surgeon, as well as a medical logistics NCO developing for the first time in the Brigade a medicine formulary for PAs and other medical professionals within our brigade. Instead, I was called in 3 weeks after my back surgery to come back to work because my commander & XO realized I should be healed by then and I ended up with repercussions for defending my platoon sergeant from getting kicked out of the Army 2x on top of that fighting from Battalion CoC to company level for my final NCOER to be fair and impartial due to the fact that "they" didn't like my platoon sergeant. They wanted to have a newly arrived LT, who knew "Jack" about me, my accomplishments, or my career. I wasn't going to repeat myself more than 10x to tell them the dates were wrong, my NCOER didn't include anything I had busted my ass out for, I used the open door policy to speak with my Brigade CSM, problem solved.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2020 11:07 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 11:07:56 -0400

I would say you are kind of reading it the wrong way, but then a lot of people do.
PCS is the reason for the award, like achievement service, valor, ETS, retirement, impact, etc.
PCS is not the qualifier for an award, the achievements are the qualifier for the award.
The same reason you would put put in time, money and effort for a plaque for someone when they leave, you aren't doing that because they are leaving, you are doing it because you appreciated their work and effort during their time with the unit.
But a lot of people see it as, if people get a PCS award, then every PCS should get an award, and I don't know why, because that sometimes leads to a struggle in trying to come up with achievements that would warrant a level of an award, and if you are struggling to come up with some, that should tell you that an award probably is not warranted in this case.
I make every effort to recommend awards when I see achievement, and I have also let people PCS without a PCS award.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Jul 19 at 2021 2:58 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 14:58:32 -0400

Wow...that's a good question. From my own experience, the system IS broken. I say that because of human interaction. I mean if PVT-SPC or SGT-SFC or 2LT-MAJ so and so does something out-fricking-standing, has at least three witnesses of whatever the thing is, but they're on the S-list of a particular individual of the chain of command/NCO support channel, they aren't getting their award. If they receive anything, MAYBE they'll get a Commander's Coin or MAYBE a Certificate Of Achievement or Appreciation. If the word doesn't get to the right place so that the approving authority for the award can say 'yes', the award is a no-go. An NCO friend and former 1SG of mine was put in for a Soldier's Medal because he pulled a pregnant woman from a burning car and field-dressed her burns until EMS arrived, all while suffering 1st and 2nd degree burns on his head and neck. The reason given as to why the award got no-goed is because he wasn't a Staff Sergeant at the time, even though we all knew that the Chief Of The Firing Battery was a racist and blocked his award from going up. Once the story hit the local paper, the XVIII ABN Corps commander read about it and called down to DIVARTY & screamed "WHY IN THE F--- ISN'T THIS NCO GETTING AN AWARD?!?" DIVARTY called down to my battalion and they scrambled fast AF to get his award ready. They gave him a regimental ceremony and the whole nine.

Response by SPC James Neidig made Jul 20 at 2021 1:43 AM

SPC James Neidig — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 01:43:17 -0400

Once you are out Medals don’t mean anything except self pride and and maybe a symbol on your license plate, CMH gets you Money from the Government and maybe a book deal, Ph gets you 10% from VA, all my Medals are in a shoebox under my bed and haven’t been looked at for years, the only things on my love me wall is my honorable discharges and my MARINE NCO Saber

Response by COL Victor Hagan made Jul 25 at 2021 7:52 PM

COL Victor Hagan — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 19:52:10 -0400

I believe the Army's award system works. The award basically writes itself when proper performance counseling is done. A supervisor should be able to export the bullets directly from a monthly counseling statements for junior Soldiers and support forms for NCOs and Officers. As a battalion commander, I stressed that every Soldier should leave the unit with a piece of paper that reflected their service. It could range from a MSM to a chapter packet.

Response by 1SG John Millan made Jan 24 at 2024 1:22 AM

1SG John Millan — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 01:22:30 -0500

Absolutely brojen! Mediocrity awards and participation awards abound, with redundant awards like Army Service Ribbon and NCO Professional Development Ribbon. Go back to WW2 thinking.

Response by SGT Scott M made Jan 31 at 2024 9:43 AM

SGT Scott M — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 09:43:26 -0500

I saw E-7s and above after only 6 months in Iraq get Bronze star, almost every E-7+ in our battalion got one except a handful of shatbags. What did they do exactly, their jobs. I will credit our 1SG who actually apologized after the awards ceremony to the entire company and said we earned his Bronze Star he didn’t.