Posted on Jul 25, 2017
Is the awarding of the Meritorious Service Medal being watered down due to lack of standardization across the services?
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I recently attended an Air Force Boot Camp Graduation and I saw an Air Force SSgt (E-5) and an Army SSgt (E-6) each wearing an Meritorious Service Medal (Both with less than 12 years service). Now I know there are some difference between branches of service, but this was very surprising considering in the Marine Corps there is a very high standard required to receive the award. Opinions please.
Posted in these groups: 
Awards
Leadership
Awards Leadership
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 373
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I've long ago stopped wondering how or why certain branches or even units within the same branch determine awards. The Eagle, Globe and Anchor is the award Marines should cherish the most. Everything else is just gravy. It doesn't matter whats on your sleeve or chest, its whats in your heart.
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LTC (Join to see)
1stSgt Eugene Harless as expectation management for my Soldiers in Afghanistan I told them all I wanted was two awards. They asked which ones. I said the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the NATO Article 5 Medal. They asked, "Don't we all get them?" I said yes, so I won't be disappointed.
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1LT William Clardy
I need to go fetch some mil-spec coffee, LTC (Join to see).
On my first read, I thought you said "NATO Article 15 Medal". Even worse, my first thought was wondering if I might have already qualified....
On my first read, I thought you said "NATO Article 15 Medal". Even worse, my first thought was wondering if I might have already qualified....
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Gunny GySgt John O'Donnell "considering in the Marine Corps there is a very high standard required to receive the award"
I KNOW you know this, but as consideration for other readers...Lets keep in mind the "Marine Corps" does not recommend nor approve an MSM, individuals with personal beliefs standards and values do. And as such, yes, some Marines receive an MSM for service I would consider not worthy of the award..I also met some Marines that DID NOT receive the MSM and I felt they should have,,,, but alas, the individual commander a human with human thoughts, individual beliefs and standards felt otherwise.
I also agree awarding the MSM to a relatively young, and only moderately experienced NCO is likely inappropriate though I would have to review the background of that SM and the 638 before being willing to make that call.
I KNOW you know this, but as consideration for other readers...Lets keep in mind the "Marine Corps" does not recommend nor approve an MSM, individuals with personal beliefs standards and values do. And as such, yes, some Marines receive an MSM for service I would consider not worthy of the award..I also met some Marines that DID NOT receive the MSM and I felt they should have,,,, but alas, the individual commander a human with human thoughts, individual beliefs and standards felt otherwise.
I also agree awarding the MSM to a relatively young, and only moderately experienced NCO is likely inappropriate though I would have to review the background of that SM and the 638 before being willing to make that call.
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SGT Steven Mott
I think if the action calls for the award it doesn’t matter what rank you are. When I was in Iraq on second deployment, my LT who was our company commander at the time put himself in for a Bronze Star never left the fob. Me and my fellow soldiers who went on mission every night in Mosul Iraq and surrounding areas we received AAMs and some soldiers didn’t get award at all.The LT took what we did and got credit for it.I understand that he was the commander but I think that is poor leadership and not a good example for his soldiers to follow.
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Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr
GySgt. John O'Donnell I totally agree with you...I to an Old Jarhead, have seen some get an AWARD they did not deserve. Some are handed out just because they Happened to be some place...
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Sgt Dale Briggs
SGT Steven Mott - without a V most would just shrug their shoulders. You can’t bullshit your way to a V device, but the BS is for meritorious service not necessarily for valor. My son got an ARCOM when leaving Afghanistan as an E3. NCOs and Sr NCOs got BS. My son left the FOB a few times to fix weather equipment, he’s AF and was attached to the Army's 10th Mountain Aviation Brigade. It’s clear a lot of the salad is bullshit, you can get a BS for handing out chow in a superior fashion I suppose it your an E6.
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As I'm sure you realize there are set criteria to be awarded the MSM and it did have to be approved by some Command 0-6 or above. Heck I know of Units that were deployed to Iraq and most Officers received a Bronze Star including those that spent most of their time in an AC TOC with very few if any enlisted being awarded this Medal! Guess it depend on the Command.
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Sgt Teddy Peters
I think it really comes down to promotion points. The Army has promotion points for medals and the Marines don't.
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Sgt (Join to see)
That’s why it’s the MSM now because BSM can no longer be given out to office jockeys
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MSG Loren Tomblin
Back in the day (Viet Nam) I was a forward observer/interpreter. I left there with a Purple Heart and an ARCOM. Officers always got a BS for service in most cases.
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