Should a soldier ask to be recommended for an award?

SSG(P) (Join to see) I believe if a soldier has to ask to be put in for any type of award then the chain of command has failed this soldier in many more ways then just an award. I personally feel that first line leaders at the lowest level are responsible for recognizing and supporting outstanding accomplishments and awards when it comes to their service members, no matter what branch they serve in and even those leaders and individuals that witness heroic acts of valor, outstanding performance of duty, and mission oriented service members going above an beyond their call of duty should recognize and submit individuals for the appropriate awards at the appropriate times. Those awards then need to go through the proper channels (with follow-up by the originator in some cases) to ensure that they make it to the appropriate and final approving authority (that includes awards that go to the Department of Army). Many times these recommendations don't make it off a desk for many reasons, so aggressive follow-up is always recommended. This is a process that in my opinion needs to be taught from day one when we're bringing our young men and women up through the ranks into positions of higher responsibility. Just my two cents on recommending and submitting awards! Again, Cody if the individual has to ask for an award then something is broke in that unit or chain of command in my opinion (or) that command is handing out awards like candy for the wrong reasons and everyone feels they deserve something. I'll close with that. Some may agree or disagree!

If I feel that an award is warranted, trust me in that I've already noticed and the form has been written and submitted. But, if I feel that actions performed aren't strong enough for an award, then I will not. And in the case of the latter, if you come to me and ask me to write you an award you may find yourself being excused from my office unless you can give me a very compelling reason. Even if you think it's award worthy, you have to remember that the higher ups may not feel it's award worthy.

SSG(P) (Join to see), tricky question, but I understand. Sometimes our chain can be so busy they don’t think about it.

It is at these times that I believe that, following your chain, you are well within your interests to do so.

Sadly, your NCO’s should always be looking for ways to get you recognition when you deserve so. There are NCO’s today who have lost site of that.

Cody, remember to follow your chain through all of this. If you get heat from your chain, then come back for some more advice from some of the leaders on here such as COL Mikel J. Burroughs, Lt Col Charlie Brown and LTC Stephen F.. All those who I have tagged, if you feel my advice is not the best, please correct it. I don’t want to lead him in the wrong direction.

Good luck soldier, stay strong.

1SG Frank Boynton,SPC Douglas Bolton,Brig Gen Jim Jaeger,CPT Jack Durish,Maj Marty Hogan,Cpl Scott McCarroll,SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth,SP5 Mark Kuzinski,PVT Mark Brown,SGT Elizabeth Scheck,MSgt Ken "Airsoldier" Collins-Hardy,SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL,SSG William Jones,TSgt Joe C.,SSgt Robert Marx,SGT Robert George,