Is the awarding of the Meritorious Service Medal being watered down due to lack of standardization across the services?

If you saw an Airman wearing an MSM under the rank of E-7 they def did something to deserve it. Shit I got pushback for trying to write a commendation for one of my SrA (E-4) guys even though he was doing a MSgt (E-7) job.

Why doesn't anyone want to talk about the elephant in the room? You know, the sad joke that the Awards and Decorations process has become? My Grandfather fought in WWII and served with the USAAF in ETO and was forward deployed to Poltava AB in the Soviet Union. When he was mustered out in '45, he had four (4) ribbons. Now, I grant you, he didn't actually 'DO' much in the war but today, you can graduate Basic Training and have 4 (or more) ribbons! Yes, they are 'gimmies' but still.... As for the 'higher' awards and decorations, the ones that 'count', they have become a joke too. When 'our' officers awarded each other Bronze Stars I wasn't the only one who stood there thinking WTF but I looked it up: you CAN get a BS and NOT have it be for Valor. Having said all of this I would like to propose a solution to this issue: Remove consideration of Awards and Decorations from the Promotion system. I can hear the screaming already but the elephant would go back to the circus where it belongs....

Whiny civilians are now becoming whiny soldiers, used to be a time whenyou joinedthe military after you went through basic or boot you became a responsible and mature citizen they are now giving medals for just doing the things that you're supposed to be doing as kids they got medals and trophies for just participating that just now follow through to adulthood

Did you stop and ask what they received the MSM for? Perhaps they surpassed the “very high standard” you referenced to in the Marine Corps. The USAF also sets a high standard, and guidance that those below specific pay grades should only be awarded one in extremely rare circumstances and only for extremely meritorious service.

I think all medals are worth(less) nowadays. I busted my ass and recieved a NAM and then saw folks sitting on their collective asses doing nothing and getting one and I'm like "Really!!"

By the time I ETS'ed as an E-6 I had 2 so I'm going to say yes.

Same reasons why it takes someone 50 years to receive a MoH. It rests on the people in charge at that time. In five years perhaps no one will get a MSM. In fifteen, it may be something for everyone. Guy gets scratched by a cactus during a 45 second firefight. Goes to the aid station for a Band-Aid. A year later, receives a Purple Heart. There just aren't any answers to the mysteries of decorations.

I don't know the circumstances, or the reason for the award, and neither do you, you don't know what they did or went through, neither do I, I would hope to think they earned the awards!

I guess I have trouble with the statement/question since we don't know anything about the background of either individual and why they received the medals. I guess the assumption is they couldn't have done anything to warrant the MSM because of their rank and time in service.

When I was in the Air Force (20 years ago), the MSM was really only seen on SNCOs. You would have to be one HOT airman to get that award at TSgt or below. It was often given to a retiring MSgt.