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Medals
Medals
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 14
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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Good conduct should be a given, and if it is lacking, the deficiencies should be listed on NCOERs/OERs.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
At one point the USAF didn't have a GCM (2006-2009) as the expectation was good conduct, for much the reasons mentioned. The policy was reverted however.
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I kinda like seeing a 3 row rack without a GCM .. shows spirit!
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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
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SFC Stephen King
I appreciate the recognition thank you for confirming what I was thinking. GCM earned not given
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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!
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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.
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It is a way to recognize and thank Soldiers for doing the right thing. May not be much, but it is better than nothing.
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SGM (Join to see) 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".
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
1LT Nick Kidwell but at the same time, when you are a brand new Private, you are expecting that first award, that first COA, once you rank up and already got some ribbons on your chest, you don't mind that much for a Good Conduct Medal. I don't know, sometimes I feel I joined too late, there are some things that I don't get that easily.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
1LT Nick Kidwell I'm lucky enough to say that I have a Military Google on him, 'til today, there is not a single question or just a curiosity that he hasn't been able to answer me. I just hope he doesn't PCS any soon.
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LTC (Join to see)
To my knowledge the Good Conduct Medal was originally pushed through by GEN George C. Marshall when he was the Chief of Staff of the Army in an attempt to recognize Soldiers for the great things they were doing in WWII, along with several other awards. It used to be a more difficult award to get, in fact if you read the requirements it still isn't super easy: "The Good Conduct Medal is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active Federal Military service. It is awarded on a selective basis to each soldier who distinguishes himself/herself from among his/her fellow soldiers by their exemplary conduct, efficiency, and fidelity throughout a specified period of continuous enlisted active Federal military service. Qualifying periods of service include each three years completed after 27 August 1940 or, for first award only, upon completion of at least one year upon termination of service if separated prior to three years. Also for the first award only, for those individuals who died before completing one year of active Federal military service if the death occurred in the line of duty. The immediate commander must approve the award and the award must be announced in permanent orders." Unfortunately, we give them out for three years of service with their service hash. We shouldn't. It says exemplary behavior, but I have definitely seen Soldiers with UCMJ actions against them get the decoration. In fact Soldiers with negative counselings statements probably shouldn't be awarded them either, but we do anyway.
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