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,SPC 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,

SSG(P) (Join to see) My personal feeling was that I tried very hard to keep in mind who was up for promotion, who did what over the last reporting period, and who needed a little help. If I knew someone needed a little extra "face time" with the CO/XO, I made sure that they got up there for something related to their duties (not saying I broke a few thermostats or such while they were out but I did go through a lot of miscellaneous parts)... That being said, I missed things, and I was never upset if a sailor came up to me (through the chain of course), asking for a little promotion help. It would show me that they are engaged and not just marking time. My 2 cents, if you do go to someone for something, do your due diligence. Find out what will help you with promotion, and find out what the unit history is for certain things. For example, if you are the Fitness Coordinator (not sure what you call it in the Army), but in the Navy the Fitness Coordinator usually got an Achievement medal, if they asked for a Commendation medal, that would be a little out of the norm. Best of luck!

OK, one last thing (promotion is my soapbox)... The best way to get noticed and pushed to the head of the list is to be everywhere and be prepared. If you can make yourself the go-to person, or the most invaluable, then you will be remembered when awards and eval time come up.

SSG(P) (Join to see) - Bro, real talk, F all this popcorn people are telling you. Once I decided to fully take control of my own career when I was an E-5, I have written every one of my NCOERs and all my awards. And I have submitted them to my rater at least three months out from PCS, end of tour or due date. Keep in mind, that any service-member can recommend any other service-member for any award. An E-1 can recommend another E-1 or an 0-9. I have always encouraged all my subordinates to do the same. Now your rater might not use what you submit to them, it’s their prerogative. However I am sure they will read it through, and take it into consideration. Also, any recommended awards should be seen be your units award board.

I see no problem with asking. I myself have witnessed disservice both against myself and others.
There can be many reasons why an award is not recommended or initially recommended and not followed upon.
It can be because someone in the chain of command doesn’t have a realistic understanding of the purpose of the award. Such an exceedingly high standard for awarding a Solier’s Medal,
Professional jealousy, - they didn’t get one for a similar act so no one should.
Just plain hate- I’m going to fix it so that person doesn’t get a PCS award.
Then there’s the always present- too much award for that rank excuse.
The too lazy to put it in so let someone else do it.
Anyone who has been in the military a while has run into a few of these cases. So, don’t be afraid to ask why you have not been recognized. The worst that can happen is they say no.

Your view is correct, no one else is responsible for your own career except you.
That said, for the SGT board, you control 495 of the 800 possible points.
Have you maxed out on APFT, IWQ, college and correspondence courses?
Is the AAM from your previous duty position as PSG? If not, you could really use a PCS award from that. You started your new job this month, and asking your current supervisor for an award based on your performance in the first 60-90 days in that position that will process prior to the board cutoff date is just in poor taste, and you would then be known around the unit as the guy that asked for an award when he showed up.

However, once you make SGT, you may find that there are years when you have to ask for your NCOER at the due date. You absolutely should start asking two weeks out, and keep asking weekly until you sign it.

In my experience, this is a topic that should be addressed during your monthly counseling with your first line supervisor. The monthly counseling is a two way conversation where you both, leader and subordinate, can address your concerns and issues. If you feel that your performance warrants an award you should ask about the criteria for award submission. In a previous response I noticed you stating that you were working as a PSG for 4 months, 3 grades above your current rank, and you felt you deserved an ARCOM. These are things that you should address directly with your leadership during that dedicated counseling time each month. Sometimes a Soldier’s superior performance or actions get lost with the OPTEMPO and plethora of negative misconduct that are happening in a unit. If you express your ambitions for profession and your well-presented case for an award - this may help bring the spotlight back to you because it shows your leadership that you care. Hope this helps.

No, if you weren't recognized for something before there is no reason that it suddenly warrants the recognition now. Go above and beyond from here on out and you will be awarded for it. Just because you are working for hard stripes is not a reason for your leadership to start handing out medals.

Volunteer. Work on the MOVSM. What else can you do? School? Military education? Better PT and marksmanship? Focus on what you can influence. Awards are great but earn it for the right reason, not points.