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: 372
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Depends entirely on what the MSM was awarded for. Rank/Rate or TIS are irrelevant.
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I learned that the closer you are to the typewriters, the more medals you are "eligible" for.
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I retired as a U.S. Sergeant First Class (E7) back in 2005 and was awarded my first and only Meritorious Service Medal. Yet there were many of my peers that were awarded that same award back when they were Staff Sergeants and promoted ahead of me aince they were in units that allowed "awards inflation"...there is no level playing field.
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Let me get this straight. Other branches have, in any way shape or form, lower standards, and this actually surprises you? =)
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Cpl Christopher Bishop
Keep in mind...they have been handing out Bronze Stats as a Retirement award....leaving Valorous Bronze Star recipients from ‘Nam turning in their graves.
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I was told to write my own recommendation for the MSM and my commander would ensure the General would endorse it. This was at my retirement.
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I believe that the award should reflect the actions of the awardee in the environment and circumstances it was earned in. "Participation trophies" were also handed out after Ft. Indiantown Gap, PA., Grenada, and Panama. The change must come from within the ranks; guided by true leaders.
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From personal experience and observation, the MSM is practically handed out in the USAFR and ANG. I've seen some senior NCO's with as many as FOUR oak leaf clusters on them. They are practically a guarantee for retirement for E-7 and above. I spent 12 years in the USMC/USMCR and transferred to the USAFR with five ribbons. It cheapens the award when they are pretty much handed out.
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DMSM or MSM?
Joint Service/Commands will usually award higher than being attached to your own service. However an MSM for an E5 or E6 is extremely high.
Joint Service/Commands will usually award higher than being attached to your own service. However an MSM for an E5 or E6 is extremely high.
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