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

The award is based on the merit of the accomplishment, not the rank or T.I.S of the individual. If you don’t believe me look it up. There is no rank requirement for the Army.

I received mine for in lieu of a BSM while in OIF3. Army gives these out regularly if you already have a few ARCOMs.

Still high expectations. It’s hard as hell to get an MSM in the army below the rank of SFC. Whoever has it has worked their ass off to get it

Agree 100%. I’ve seen both enlisted and officer USAF members wearing up to 5 stars on the MSM. They give it away as end-of-tour awards. Disgusting...keep in mind after my 21 year Marine Career, I served as a Senior Civilian wit the Air Force for 20 years.

It’s being watered down because the BSM can’t be given out now without valor

Took me 20 yrs of service to get the award, & I was a SFC (E-7) in the Regular ARMY, combat vet, w a Bronse Star w V device! Something is wrong in today’s military!

I believe so and it’s higher than a BSM in order of presidence, kind of a joke

I think the whole awards and decorations needs an overhaul. I have a lot of chest candy, not to brag, because some units gave them out left and right. I will say the one I worked my ass off for was the MSM but it was down graded to an ARCOM. While this unit gave every officer an MSM for just being stationed there and mine got downgraded because I wasn’t an officer just goes to show the system is broken.

I know for a fact that most medals are "awarded" based on who likes you...the process is not always based on merit or regulations.

usually, the award of the MSM is for retirement. Questions about the award can be seen in the regulations.