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

As long as the person who is receiving the MSM meets all the critirea there is no reason why one should not be awarded the MSM.

Criteria for the Meritorious Service Medal: Awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who distinguished themselves by outstanding non-combat meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to 16 January 1969. Normally, the acts or services rendered must be comparable to that required for the Legion of Merit but in a duty of lesser though considerable responsibility.

Criteria for the Legion of Merit Medal: The criteria are "for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements" and is typically reserved for senior officers at O-6 level and above, typically in connection with senior leadership/command positions or other senior positions of significant responsibility.

Maybe it’s time for a Meritorius Achievement ribbon. .. after 5 they can trade it in for a Meritorius service medal.

I remember well spending 2 months at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo working on some very important stuff. (Classified). The commanding general of the Defense Attache’ program recommended me for an MSM along with a letter of support from the U.S. Secret Service and Defense Intelligence Agency. Because all awards have to go through ones direct chain of command, it was all waiting for me to return to Ft Bragg.

Upon return to Bragg, I find out my company commander downgraded it to an Army Achievement medal. As if that wasn’t bad enough, another guy in the unit spent 1 day preparing to give a demo of a loud speaker system received an MSM. At this point I realized they are all ass kissing awards and don’t really mean anything. The only awards I respect any more are the bronze/silver stars and the Medal Of Honor.

I believe the meritorious service metal should be given for MERITORIOUS SERVICE. Time in service or rank shouldn't be an issue. One services meritorious service may differ from another. My first submarine was put in four the presidential unit commendation, for a surveillance operation we conducted. The airdale in charge denied it with the reasoning that planes do that routinely. Just showed his own ignorance.

I got that when I retired in 08. I never really believed in the award system. My views would seem extreme to some. I propose only a few medals like we had 150 years ago. Medal of Honor. Combat related or non combat heroic/bravery (ex: Bronze Star) and Purple Heart. All other awards should be letters of commendation, appreciation, etc.

After seeing the awards doled out over the past 17 years, I must agree their value has been diminished by the same 'everyone needs recognition' that has filled the participation trophy mentality.

Many units have a internal criteria designed to reduce excessive awards. The unfortunate result is if you aren't a senior NCO or a field grade officer, you won't be considered for an awards like the BSM, REGARDLESS of achievement.

I had to argue with my CO (BG) and XO on the merits of a 2LT for his award, and I barely succeeded. His work was easily 2 pay grades above his rank, his efforts were commended in multiple inspections/audits and noted to have saved the USG a ton of money.

No, he didn't kick down doors, or take out a cell or even get into a serious TIC. He did do the job he was directed, dug in and did a better job than any of his peers, and never shy'd away from travel between FOB's when required. Yes we had small arms fired at our vehicles fairly regularly, but nothing to stop the travel. I mention this for all who would question the award at all for a semi-fobbit-type job. As a former enlited 11B, I felt the same way at one time. However, Service should be recognized, and exceptional service needs to be differentiated from honorable service, and of course heroic service for those few among us. The latter is why some of these awards have a "V" device attached.

In my humble (Army) opinion, the USMC is a bit stingy on recognition, while the Army is a little excessive.

That said, appreciate your Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and yes, even Airmen! Everyone has a job to do, they are all essential to the door-kicker's support.

All service should be recognized and no award or recognition should be denigrated because you feel you got cheated. As another person here noted, it's really about the individual that takes the time to compete the award recommendation and their willingness to argue on behalf of the recipients.

Awards are not, by regulation, based off of any rank. Position, duties, mission, and accomplished tasks are what they are supposed to be based off of. A PFC can earn a BSM, so long as the recommendation is worded properly.

The award system anymore is a joke. I had guys under fire everyday dang near it and get an atom for being in country for a year. If you were an E7 or above with as little as a month in country and at the CG command base you get a BSM meritorious. Just do your job guys and Piss on the decorations. I would ask for unit coins for pcs awards.

Awards and decorations should be awarded by merit, not by rank or time. MSM is an award lateral to the bronze star, awarded for valor in combat, whereas the MSM is awarded for meritorious svcs, NOT necessarily combat.

Have seen it to, the airforce seems to give this one away