Rules we all think are true, but not written anywhere?

From the IG Desk: Awards & Decorations (A&D) have and will always be a sore contention throughout our entire military family (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard). Understand that "Regulations" are more 'guidelines' than law and each and every situation is different, regardless of what opinion others may offer. Yes, there are problems associated with how and why any particular effort is recognized while opinion and politics often do enter into the picture (IE: I don't have one so you aren't going to get one, or the so-called 'Rank' list construction). During my own 30 year career I've witnessed all of the machinations mentioned but was helpless to do anything about it. My advice? If you are in ANY leadership position, take care of those you lead. Period. Regardless of any accolade you may or may not have, your DUTY is to ensure you FAIRLY recognize the efforts of those who trust YOU to "always do the right thing." And for the record, RANK has nothing whatsoever to do with the weight of any military accolade on the books. It's the EFFORT and what it ACCOMPLISHED that matters and the writer MUST ensure that effort and accomplishment is properly documented and supported. During a Korean assignment, a unit under our command submitted numerous award forms. I refused to accept them due to an abundance of 'white space' (lack of support). I mentored the individual tasked to complete them. He accepted that advice, started over, and was successful in obtaining the required support necessary to substantiate each of the submitted accolades. There were no questions about the awards presented as the 'process' was correctly followed.

My favorite was, "The Service Cap is not authorized for wear by junior enlisted." I think that is the case, now. But, when I was in (the Service Greens), the Service Cap was authorized for wear as long as you were not in a formation (unless everyone had one and it was the prescribed uniform). It was a pain to keep up with. But, it looked good.

How about the first rule of Military service ? We already know its not written down but in many cases worth paying attention to, " Never Volunteer for anything !"

That you have to have an AAM before you can be awarded an ARCOM.

If I learned anything in the Army, it is this: If you ever consider doing something unacceptable, against regulation, or unlawful, do not consider using "Everyone else is doing it" as an excuse or a defense.

I cannot believe that it is written anywhere, but my much beloved platoon sergeant in Vietnam told me, "Adams, a good mortarman don't need no earplugs." He liked me and wanted me to know how to be manly and professional. Sadly, when I told him, "A good deaf man don't need no earplugs neither," he asked me to repeat what I just said to him.

I do not remember if a foxhole is supposed to be a particular depth or if it is dependent upon the height or leg length of the troop or troops who are going to occupy it. As I was digging one I looked up and asked CPT (perhaps MAJ by then?) Bill Carpenter if mine was deep enough. Looking extremely "strak," West Point like, and All-America End like (all of which he was, including being the original "Lonesome End"), he replied something like, "Dig that hole a little deeper, troop." I do not remember whether or not he had already received his DSC, but he later had four stars in addition to the DSC and innumerable other medals he earned. Sometimes I think I never stopped digging that hole a little deeper! :)) At least I never said, "Everyone else is doing it."

Never let the 1st Shirt know your name ...

The whole concept of "deployed in place". Cheezy way for some REMF's to make themselves feel good about doing their jobs.

Probably never explicitly stated anywhere, however, your senior's authority and power is only limited by your personal belief in what its limitations are...

If the enemy is in range, so are you.
http://www.megazone.org/Random/murphy.shtml

You must have a Red Cross message to go emergency leave.

You must take a ht/wt to count as a record APFT,

You must take your ht/wt within x days of PT test

You can take a diagnostic ht/wt. learned that one the hard way.