Is the Good Conduct Medal obsolete?

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 13:18:36 -0400

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made May 1 at 2015 1:21 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Fri, 01 May 2015 13:21:33 -0400

I kinda like seeing a 3 row rack without a GCM .. shows spirit!

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made May 1 at 2015 1:38 PM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Fri, 01 May 2015 13:38:02 -0400

Good conduct should be a given, and if it is lacking, the deficiencies should be listed on NCOERs/OERs.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 1:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 13:38:42 -0400

It is a way to recognize and thank Soldiers for doing the right thing. May not be much, but it is better than nothing.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 1:38 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 13:38:15 -0400

SGM Private RallyPoint Member I wouldn't say is obsolete but, an award for doing what you are suppose to do, I guess this is the kind of things that I need to rank up to "understand".

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 1:38 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 13:38:59 -0400

This is not obselete believe it or not there are several Soldiers who do not earn this medal due to the behavior they choose to have. I would say it is a earned award for just doing the right thing.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 1:46 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 13:46:39 -0400

If it were used correctly you'd be able to see who had misconduct in the past just with a uniform inspection or records review versus relying on their word. I've known plenty of soldiers/NCO's that have received the award but had Article 15's and other UCMJ actions during the 3-year period. Although then again, those travel with the person anyway--so in a way yes, it is obsolete.

Response by SFC Stephen King made May 1 at 2015 2:02 PM

SFC Stephen King — Fri, 01 May 2015 14:02:11 -0400

The criteria for a Good Conduct Medal is defined by Executive Orders 8809, 9323, and 10444. The medal is awarded to any active-duty enlisted member of the United States military who completes three consecutive years of "honorable and faithful service". Such service implies that a standard enlistment was completed without any non-judicial punishment, disciplinary infractions, or court martial offenses. If a service member commits an offense, the three-year mark "resets" and a service member must perform an additional three years of service without having to be disciplined, before the Good Conduct may be authorized.[1][2]

During times of war, the Good Conduct Medal may be awarded for one year of faithful service. The Good Conduct Medal may also be awarded posthumously, to any service member killed in the line of duty.

I will proudly wear my 21 years and counting service. Although I have had some things occur I have served with honor and pride. This is the oldest medal in the armed forces and I am proud to display it above all.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made May 1 at 2015 2:07 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Fri, 01 May 2015 14:07:41 -0400

I don't think so. It's just another bit of ribbon, for sure, but it felt good to get my second one. Think of it as a little nodding encouragement to younger soldiers to keep their nose clean.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 1 at 2015 2:51 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 01 May 2015 14:51:33 -0400

The expectations for Good Conduct have changed with the times.

Rank for Enlisted was probably much more "fluid" when it was introduced. Losing a stripe wasn't a career ended. Now, if you lose a stripe at or after E5, there's probably no getting it back. "Back in the day" it likely wasn't as big of a deal.

I've mentioned previously, I knew a Gunny in a CAAT Plt. Had like 12-14 years in. Had 1 star on his GCM. First time I saw him in Service A, another guy started laughing, and he just turned and said "#%$# you, I had a lot of fun as a young Marine."

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 3:09 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 15:09:04 -0400

The GCM originated at a time when enlisted soldiers were punished almost daily for even minor infractions. "Ranks" existed mainly in a regiment, so it was not unusual to be busted one day and promoted the next. Officers were held to a higher standard of "officers and gentlemen"--they could simply be dismissed from the service. The system of awards and punishments still isn't perfect, yet it is much more stable today. Which makes us wonder, why isn't the standard the same for every soldier? What message does it send when we routinely give a GCM for behavior that is expected--as though it is rare? isn't Good Conduct a minimum standard? Let's get rid of the of poor performers in every rank . Then we can do a better job of awarding service and achievements beyond the minimum standard!

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made May 1 at 2015 6:51 PM

1SG Cameron M. Wesson — Fri, 01 May 2015 18:51:28 -0400

I agree with SFC Stephen King additionally I remember a number of soldiers in the 80s and 90s that didn't get one for various UCMJ... I always liked the idea and was proud that my "knot" actually corresponded with my "hash marks"... Which might be common now... But hgasnt always been. My 2 cents

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Aug 7 at 2020 9:22 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 21:22:37 -0400

It is only obsolete to those that do not earn it.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Aug 7 at 2020 11:33 PM

MSG John Duchesneau — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 23:33:50 -0400

No. The GCM is to recognize soldiers who serve honorably for three years without (severely) screwing up. Military life is hard and young soldiers in particular find it difficult to play by all the rules. Yes, it is expected that our soldiers don't go AWOL, disrespect their superiors, goof off on the job nor commit crimes but to live the Army Values for three years (in most cases) deserves some recognition.
The GCM was established in 1941 to increase discipline and recognize good soldiers. While the quality of soldiers has greatly improved in the last 30+ years, there are still those who have missed the mark, so the good soldiers should still be recognized. Maybe having a GCM should be a requirement for promotion to E-5. It wouldn't hurt.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made May 19 at 2021 1:07 AM

MSG John Duchesneau — Wed, 19 May 2021 01:07:30 -0400

The Good Conduct Medal was the only medal Elvis Presley received from the Army. (Yes. he also received several marksmanship awards.) If Elvis got one it should never be removed as a military award.