Posted on Nov 6, 2013

PCS, Impact, Deployment, and other awards: Should they be determined by rank?

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Should a commander be able to say that they will only give a Bronze Star Medal to SSGs and above? Is this how awards are determined IAW AR 600-8-22? What if a SGT or below has met the criteria to earn a more prestigious award? Why does BDE or higher say that they are only alloted a certain number of awards for deployment or PCS or for an impact award? If your repsonse is "Tradition" or "That's the way it always has been," does that make it right?

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Posted >1 y ago

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Posted >1 y ago

This is something I am currently going through in my command. Honestly, the bulk of the reason why is because of tradition. For decades, many military members receive the lowest award possible suited for their rank if the serviceman/woman basically "succeeded in their job." It would be bad if a SFC came out of a deployment with less than a Bronze Star or PCS award less than a Meritorious Service Medal. Honestly, it technically isn't by rank but it is. Here's why, by the responsibilities and duties these individuals have to perform on a daily basis in their position grants them these awards. Its just like any lower enlisted member regardless of what exactly they did on the tour coming out with a Army Commendation Medal. There are specific criteria that must be met if the individual is seeking a higher award/medal.

Here is a website that details the medals/awards and criteria:

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/armymedals/l/blarmedal.htm

http://www.usamilitarymedals.com/army-army-medals-c-2069_1542.html

As for my situation, I was fighting for a higher medal than a Joint Commendation Medal for my PCS award. Luckily, I was approved due to the additional duties, excelling at positions held way beyond my experience and rank as well as instituting a direct link between my command and our assigned Combatant Command. However, it was a struggle. It all boils down to what you have done. I'm sure commands are not just denying people just for the sake of doing so or because they have a quota. It does have everything to do with what the service-member deserves and recognizing them for the accomplishments and tasks they have done. I have seen a lot of people stating they should have received an award higher than what was approved but not really quantifying the "why" they should have gotten more with their accomplishments.

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SFC (Join to see)

>1 y

Roger that SSG Pitt! Very well put. Thanks for the links as well.

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SSG (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

no it does not make it right, but only the officers can make the change in the system

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SFC (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

Most of the time its not really up to a Company Commander to give out Bronze Stars. This kind of award is usually determined and approved on a Battalion level if not higher than that. During my deployment I had lower enlisted that deserved Bronze Star and I had one soldier that could probably get a Medal of Honor but all he got was Arcom with Valor for saving lives of two or more of his fellow soldiers so is it fair? no but unfortunately its a game that we all play at some point. should they be determined by rank? I don't think so.

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SFC (Join to see)

>1 y

I hear you SSG. I should have stated that the Company Commander would only approve a BSM recommendation for SSGs and above. It just irritates me when someone justifies the failure to adhere to a reg by stating, "That's just the way it's been." But they are the same ones who want to get all knife-hand and hooah when a different reg isn't followed exactly (Like 670-1).

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SSG Kenneth Ponder

Posted 4 y ago

No, but they ate and they will be!

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SSG (Join to see)

Posted 5 y ago

Hell no, it’s never made it right. Unfortunately that’s how the higher ups have always seen it. What makes it even more sad that even how it’s changed over here [Afghanistan]. You got SGTs and SSGs performing at MSM/BSM levels [SFC] and for them to be recommended for that award the 638 has to be written as if that SM changed the war all by themselves. It’s ridiculous. The Army is definitely going to have a problem on their hands moving forward. Hell I a SSG whose about to get for 9th ARCOM for a deployment award if his MSM get downgraded for a deployment award

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LTC Curtis Madsen

Posted 7 y ago

Do AAM impact awards have achievements like any other awards or do they have IMPACT in achievement? Ive seen it done, not sure if it's correct. Didnt see an example in the AR

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CSM Mike Maynard

7 y

LTC Curtis Madsen - I have also seen it with "IMPACT" in the Achievement, but there is no "alternative" guidance to writing up an IMPACT award, only why you would give one and the criteria. Additionally, one of the purposes that I felt for writing the achievements and writing them well was not only for the awardee, but for the awardee's family and friends that would read the award achievements and not just the citation. I felt that it helps folks understand the significance of the achievement and why they should be proud of the awardee. For the extra time that it takes to write an achievement well, it is time well spent.

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1LT (Join to see)

Posted 9 y ago

Absolutely not! Add to this the "tradition" of recommending an end of tour award two months into a deployment... what a farce.

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CPT (Join to see)

Posted 9 y ago

Awards should be awarded do to achievement not rank. I know we have all seen that E-7 who did nothing on deployment get that shinning bronze star

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MAJ (Join to see)

Posted 9 y ago

Simply put. No.

I fought to get my E6 an MSM on Retirement. The E6 was a former E7 and took a reduction in rank to stay in. He was also an Air Reserve Technician. More than 30 years of honorable service deserved more than an Air Force Commendation medal. Squadron Cdr said no - but could not voice a reason beyond "that's just how we do it". I took it to the Wing Cdr and got it approved. Taking care of your people is what it's all about.

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CDR Andrew McMenamin, PhD

Posted 9 y ago

I just finished 35 years. Its always been unfair and pay-grade discriminatory, at least in the Navy. Don't expect it to change - its senior leadership driven. As longs as the CMDCMs are in on the issue - which they are - look at their MSMs and LOMs, junior troops and junior officers will never be treated as equals when it comes to awards.

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PCS, Impact, Deployment, and other awards: Should they be determined by rank?

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