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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I received an MSM for three years service with the 8th Infantry Division in Europe. I believe I earned it having served with honor and distinction. I am also proud of the four US Army Commendation Medals received for service in other commands. I had been recognized by the Division Commander with the Pathfinder Professionalism Award (8th Infantry Division). There were very high standards in the 1970s for these awards.
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GySgt John O'Donnell
Though I was still a kid, in the 70s, 80s, and 90s in the Marine Corps it was rare to have more than one Achievement Medal in a 20 yr career. Now days they are awarded more frequently, but still Achievement Medals and usually the norm for first two enlistments (Non-NCO and NCO), Commendation Medals for next two enlistments (Junior SNCO ranks), and MSM for next enlistment up to 20 years and beyond (Senior SNCO ranks).
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I see this all the time now. Many awards are given as end of tour. Unreal! I'm jealous, maybe! Pissed, hell yes! Twenty years and service to be proud of, didn't even know what an end of tour award was!
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I have great respect for the Marines,maybe you should have more respect for other GI’s?!
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The army has standards in their regulations however, most commanders base the awarding of those medals based on scope of influence, which mean by rank. They don’t down grade them, they just tell the recommendor to re-write for the lower award. Happened to me at my last two jobs where I did as much or more than the people in equivalent jobs but the had higher rank. That’s just the way it is.
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Meritorious service is meritorious service no matter what rank you hold or how much experience you have! If you comply with the written requirements you should receive the award! It funny how staff nci’s and officers think they deserve these type awards due to their rank!
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After seeing the abuse of "I was there" awards during Desert Storm from CAR to Purple Hearts on up to Silver Stars by all branches, this does not surprise me. The best are still going to perform professionally so I don't think it really matters.
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