Leaders, do a soldier's previous awards effect your decision to approve or downgrade an award?

2021-05-12T14:52:08-04:00

Someone elses post a few days ago got me thinking, and now I want to hear from leaders who are actual approval authority on the 638s. Does the recommended award box influence YOUR decision to approve an award? Bullets/narrative being equal, would someone not having a previous ARCOM influence your decision on approving an MSM. Or someone having a Valor award influence your decision for approving an MSM or BSM or something?

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 12 at 2021 3:03 PM

2021-05-12T15:03:13-04:00

No, but the previous awards do give an impression as to the individuals general, long term work ethic. It's a lot easier to internalize that someone deserves an award if they already have a long, established history of similar awards.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2021 10:23 PM

2021-05-12T22:23:11-04:00

No, the write up matters. Does it paint a compelling picture and align responsiblity with impact at the right level. In my mind, a SFC could earn an MSM is he/she did something during the scope of their duties to impact the BDE. The hard part for more junior Soldiers and most NCOs below MSG is that their area of responsibility doesn’t make the needed impact on the level needed for the award. It’s why it seems like officers have an easier time earning higher level awards. Now I’m not saying they always earn it and that there are most certainly times these officers have stood on the shoulder of some great NCOs and Soldiers, but that is where the leader comes in. They must be that honest broker and know their Soldiers.