Should the military do away with the Good Conduct Medal?

2016-08-13T00:03:59-04:00

You get a medal every three years for not doing stupid shit you shouldn't be doing anyways ... WTF? It's little more than a Participation Award; a pat on the back for not driving drunk or not telling your OIC, NCOIC, Commander et al to go pound sand.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Aug 13 at 2016 12:05 AM

2016-08-13T00:05:52-04:00

Depends on the branch. In the Air Force, many troops can get an LOC at some point, which void them from the Good Conduct Medal.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2016 12:14 AM

2016-08-13T00:14:39-04:00

The GCMD has been around since 1869 and is one of the oldest military awards. To me it's part of Tradition and we should keep it. But JM $0.02

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2016 12:18 AM

2016-08-13T00:18:54-04:00

MSG Private RallyPoint Member No. If you can keep your nose clean in the Marine Corps that long, you have earned the medal.

Response by Capt Chris McVeigh made Aug 13 at 2016 12:27 AM

2016-08-13T00:27:41-04:00

Hey at least you have to stay out of trouble to get one of those. You get the National Defense Service medal for just showing up and the GWOT for sticking around for a couple months.

Response by SGM Joel Cook made Aug 13 at 2016 12:34 AM

2016-08-13T00:34:47-04:00

It seems like you didn't put much thought into your trailing comments. Every medal from the Medal of Honor on down are participation medals. It's just that most of us didn't have the opportunity or the courage to participate in the actions required to get them. In Iraq I saw a Marine Corps Corpal get a Silver Star for actions many thought deemed a Medal of Honor, he was wounded by a sniper, took out 75 plus enemy in one battle, reconsolidated forces from three Nations to hold a rooftop critical to the defense of the compound, while wounded he man packed two other critically wounded soldiers off the rooftop to the aid station, one was his Company Commander who is now permanently in a wheel are but still alive. He was put in for the Medal but it was down graded twice by Generals who thought it wasn't deserved. You seem like an individual that might have been in the old Army where almost everyone got at least one Art 15. I actually know a few guys that got Art 15s and Good Conduct Medals for the same three year period, something that is not supposed to happen but they PCSed or Command element changed out so no one had knowledge of that past Art 15. So I say keep the award, it is hard won to get the full nine I got for 27 years service and I wear them with pride. Even thought I demanded trial by Court Martial twice and won to get them. So yes it's not as easy as you would imply. Especially when you have less than steller Commanders or 1SGs that aren't interested in Justice, just saving face.

Response by CPO Arthur Garcia made Aug 13 at 2016 2:21 AM

2016-08-13T02:21:43-04:00

Hey I got 6 good conducts, I made an ensign cry, in front of the CO, told plenty of Os to pound sand, with all do respect of course, the award is for not getting in trouble I agree, but what suffered a were my performance evaluation that's where they get you, could have been able E8.

Response by PO1 Tony Holland made Aug 13 at 2016 4:10 AM

2016-08-13T04:10:04-04:00

If we get rid of the GCM, then we would have to give a hard look at all the joint service participation medals as well. Maybe just keep medals for valor only? But then, the generals' uniforms would look naked in comparison to those of our allies - lol.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2016 6:36 AM

2016-08-13T06:36:39-04:00

It will have more importance once were all joint, or it will be gone.
I left the navy at 5 years, 10 months of service for a direct commission to the Army - they kept my second good cookie because I didn't finish my contract...

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2016 8:30 AM

2016-08-13T08:30:41-04:00

It's one of the many medals we could do without.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 13 at 2016 1:41 PM

2016-08-13T13:41:05-04:00

Tough call here.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Aug 13 at 2016 5:38 PM

2016-08-13T17:38:47-04:00

I have always thought that the good conduct medal was bullshit but so are most of the rest of them.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2016 12:32 AM

2016-08-14T00:32:34-04:00

There are a few other ranking medals and two decorations that have, years ago, begun to lose their "quality" due to a very pronounced advent in their "quantity."

Response by 1SG Al Brown made Aug 14 at 2016 11:12 AM

2016-08-14T11:12:20-04:00

It was a big deal to me when I was a private and not the most disciplined Joe around . I didn't pay much attention to it after that. Sometimes I had to count the years in my head to verify the oak leafs. I guess that's the point of the conversation.

Response by SGT Ron Boyd made Aug 14 at 2016 9:04 PM

2016-08-14T21:04:06-04:00

Unless things have changed, everyone does not automatically receive this award. Someone in the chain of command has to submit the paperwork, ergo someone has to feel the award is deserved. For some, this may be one of the few ribbons received. Keep the GCM.

Response by COL David Turk made Aug 15 at 2016 1:46 AM

2016-08-15T01:46:11-04:00

A simple way to determine (in person) if an officer has prior enlisted service (over 3 years).

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2016 3:45 AM

2016-08-15T03:45:39-04:00

I would gladly trade my medal in for a 96. When I got my first one, the command I was with was presenting all persons who had earned theirs that month with their medals at the monthly awards formation. First and only time I ever used my pregnancy to get out of attending something.

Funny story though- the weekend after I got my GCM I went down to visit my grandpa (of the Vietnam era) and was complaining about how they wanted me to go to a ceremony for an automatic award. He was pretty quick to point out that it wasn't really automatic for everybody, as he had earned the rank of PO3 three times.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2016 5:25 AM

2016-08-15T05:25:29-04:00

It's an easy way for the board to identify issues. They can quickly look at your service stripes then glance at your GCSM to see if they match.

Response by Cpl Anthony Pearson made Aug 15 at 2016 10:12 AM

2016-08-15T10:12:18-04:00

Sadly, for some, due to MOS and/or assignment, there are little opportunities for medals/awards. I don't see the harm in having a medal for keeping your nose clean for 'x' number of years. We all know there is no shortage of ways we can (and often do) screw up. Drinking, women, swooping, fighting, etc.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2016 1:48 PM

2016-08-15T13:48:33-04:00

Agree. Dump it. If you want some shiny shit for mommy to be proud of, go earn it.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Aug 15 at 2016 3:21 PM

2016-08-15T15:21:07-04:00

The Good Conduct Medal should be done away for MSG, this way they can drink and not give a dam; wait a minute you do that already.

Response by SPC Julio Molina made Aug 15 at 2016 3:43 PM

2016-08-15T15:43:08-04:00

I did not get one. DUI, field grade article 15, drinking under age...so yeah, keep it. Not everyone succeeds at being clean. Civilian wise I am clean, but that's another story for another day. Keep the medal, it will make somebody proud.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2016 3:47 PM

2016-08-15T15:47:35-04:00

No.

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Aug 15 at 2016 4:37 PM

2016-08-15T16:37:37-04:00

Actually the Commander has to approve award of this medal-I've known soldiers who didn't get in any actual trouble but were slouches and the Commander would not sign off on their GCM award.

Response by SPC Roger Giffen made Aug 15 at 2016 7:08 PM

2016-08-15T19:08:11-04:00

Are you going to take yours off of your uniform??

Response by SSG Matthew Koehler made Aug 15 at 2016 7:37 PM

2016-08-15T19:37:26-04:00

I agree with keeping the GCM. It adds to the fruit salad...

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Aug 15 at 2016 7:40 PM

2016-08-15T19:40:54-04:00

Considering that the NDSM and ASR is awarded for simply completing bootcamp ( I think the AF has a simular ribbon) I dont think awarding someone for maintaining self discipline for 3 years is a far stretch. I'm not sure what percentage of servicemembers qualify for their version of a GCM.
I lknow that in my last few years of service in the USMC roughly 30% of first term enlistees either failed recruit training or were discharged for various resons in their first 18 months ( medical disciplinary, hardship).
Throughing out a SWAG here I'd say that only 6 of 10 who step on the yellow footprints leave the service with a "Good Cookie".

Response by Cpl Christopher Bishop made Aug 15 at 2016 7:45 PM

2016-08-15T19:45:46-04:00

On one hand Yes it seems a bit trivial. However given there seem to so many who fail to get one because of their own phucktardery...Id say having one looks good on a resume or govt job apps.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Aug 15 at 2016 8:09 PM

2016-08-15T20:09:54-04:00

Seems harmless enough to me, not enough either way to take a bold stance. To be honest I'm more shocked at Bronze Stars being passed our like candy for things not associated with direct combat operations. But the written requirements don't support my Preconceived thoughts. So without a V it's essentially meaningless, you could be a supply guy who with great danger above and beyond passed out web gear.

Response by MSgt John Taylor made Aug 15 at 2016 8:25 PM

2016-08-15T20:25:17-04:00

USAF got rid of the GCM in the early 90's. The thinking was that good conduct is a requirement of service. Officers were never authorized wear for the same reason.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2016 9:28 PM

2016-08-15T21:28:15-04:00

You still have to be recommended. It is not automatic. I knew of several soldiers who were not awarded it and they did not have Article 15's.

Response by Capt Michael Greene made Aug 15 at 2016 9:58 PM

2016-08-15T21:58:26-04:00

I'm tempted to say the GCM is too easy to get. But, however, conversely...

In the Navy, the dress uniform rank is GOLD. Also, on your sleeve, you had really HUGE stripes indicating length of service, they were GOLD, too. Gold meant good conduct. Then one day I saw a senior chief, with red rank and red service stripes on his dress blues. I thought, wow, that senior enlisted man has really distinguished himself from all the others--by effing up!

In another case, one of my super troops was being submitted to the 3-star for a special promotion based on exceptional merit. Then the guy stole someone's credit card and used it to take a hooker to a hotel. The guy was certain that our commander would never punish him at an Article 15, because his shit didn't stink. Well, waduya know...The commander slammed him at the Art 15, and we sent an officer to the 3-star's office to yank that recommendation package before the general could see it.

So, yeah. I think the GCM is a way to distinguish those of us who keep our noses clean for years from the guys and gals who screw up, but don't screw up badly enough to be discharged.

Response by PO1 Jack Howell made Aug 15 at 2016 10:41 PM

2016-08-15T22:41:50-04:00

No. Because, at least for the Navy, it's worth 2 award points on the advancement exam. These exams, as well as the advancement quotas, are already difficult to overcome. Every point counts these days with many ratings having to deal with lower advancement quotas.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2016 10:50 PM

2016-08-15T22:50:43-04:00

Keep it. It's a way to reward and encourage good behavior. Do I think the standards should be higher on it? Possibly, but it still serves a purpose and shouldn't go away.

One could make the same argument about the pizza stain, but we keep putting that on new recruits...

Response by SGT Frank Pritchett made Aug 15 at 2016 11:26 PM

2016-08-15T23:26:05-04:00

Its not the medal but the way medals are given out like candy; Soldiers deserve them when earned but how many Medals have been given out that wasn't even earned. I think the real question is "Awarding Committee" and "Honorary Combat Patches"?

Response by PO1 Jonathan Carr made Aug 16 at 2016 8:26 AM

2016-08-16T08:26:15-04:00

Did they change it from 4 to 3?? If so, why?

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Aug 16 at 2016 9:32 AM

2016-08-16T09:32:44-04:00

I have no issue with this as it is tradition and our traditions are disappearing all the time. What I have always had issue with is the Basic Training Ribbon. I always thought that was a joke since your right to serve was dependent on you completing Basic. When this became I authorized shortly before my retirement, I refused to wear one so I guess I was proudly out of uniform.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2016 10:01 AM

2016-08-16T10:01:15-04:00

I think the Air Force tried that a few years ago and realized it was not a good idea.

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Aug 16 at 2016 11:17 AM

2016-08-16T11:17:30-04:00

In my six years, eleven months and eight days, from 1983 through 1990, I earned a Good Conduct and a star to go with it. I saw enlisted troops up to Gunny and Officers as high as Captain get the kick for drug use up to and including banging enlisted wives. I honestly believe that if someone maintains a standard of behavior, they should be recognized for its, just as they are recognized for being shitbirds.

Response by SSgt Scott Reynolds made Aug 16 at 2016 3:13 PM

2016-08-16T15:13:21-04:00

They should also get rid of the Army Service Ribbon.......that one truly is nothing more than a participation ribbon. In fact they should do away with the myriad of senseless qualification badges (i.e. Grenade, Bayonet) stick to those that matter Rifle and Pistol. Keep the good cookie though, you deserve something for not being a bag of ass.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Aug 16 at 2016 11:55 PM

2016-08-16T23:55:25-04:00

No, I think not.

Response by PO1 Edward Spencer made Aug 17 at 2016 9:36 PM

2016-08-17T21:36:17-04:00

Actually, I told my a few different officers I worked under to pound sand. Got a Bravo Zulu and a CO's Letter out of it.

Response by MSG David Rogers III made Oct 11 at 2016 1:47 PM

2016-10-11T13:47:39-04:00

I think the Good Conduct Medals should be preserved.

By the way.... history lesson. I agree with the post that the history of the GCM dates back to 1869 (Navy award), but it may extend all the way to 1782. George Washington created the "Badge of Military Distinction", which were stripes on the lower left arm of the uniform coat. Most believe this was the predecessor of the "Service Stripe". Not completely true, it is a shared history with the GCM. If you read the General Orders below, you will see that the criteria was closer to Good Conduct Medals. He even used "Good Conduct" in the wording, as well as the word "Fidelity" (currently on the Army, Navy, and Marines GCMs). Current service stripes are sewn on by the Soldiers, whether they are good or not. There is no denying the stripe. I do like the way the Navy does it with red vs. gold stripes. You actually have to be good to wear the gold.

"Honorary Badges of distinction are to be conferred on the veteran Non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the army who have served more than three years with bravery, fidelity and good conduct; for this purpose a narrow piece of white cloath [sic] of an angular form is to be fixed to the left arm on the uniform Coat. Non commissioned officers and soldiers who have served with equal reputation more than six years are to be distinguished by two pieces of cloth set in parellel [sic] to each other in a simular [sic] form; should any who are not entitled to these honors have the insolence to assume the badges of them they shall be severely punished. On the other hand it is expected those gallant men who are thus designated will on all occasions be treated with particular confidence and consideration." -George Washington's General Orders of August 7, 1782

Response by SP5 Ronald R Glaeseman made Jan 3 at 2018 12:01 AM

2018-01-03T00:01:40-05:00

Unfortunately, I told my NCOIC to go pound sand. One enlistment. No GCM. A big mistake.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2018 6:50 AM

2018-01-03T06:50:10-05:00

We bitch that we don't get recognized for being good and then we bitch that they recognize us...

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2018 11:38 AM

2018-01-27T11:38:34-05:00

Exactly, this is one of the worst things devised, save for the ACU and the Stryker. A medal for not getting in trouble. And there's plenty of Soldiers who GCM clocks were never reset after an Art 15. I've seen people get their GCM a month after an Art 15. Why? Same with the NCOPDR and OSR. What is the point save to add yet another worthless ribbon to a broken award system. Everyone gets useless ribbons but you have to do MoH stuff to get an ARCOM w/ V, and nobody gets a LoM. I'm sure AAFES is the ones who convinced the service to create these useless awards, help screw them servicemembers some more.
The ASR is another useless ribbon. It should be awarded upon ETS or retirement w/ the # of years served as a device. That way it saves space on the rack, and if transferring services or something it still means something.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jan 27 at 2018 12:29 PM

2018-01-27T12:29:18-05:00

I retired without one

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2018 3:04 PM

2018-01-27T15:04:08-05:00

Whether or not a Soldier has had past discipline problems can and should be a discriminator for promotions. So, the GCM is not without use. It is a measurable criteria that can be used during centralized boards. Anybody ever know a Soldier that eff-ed up so bad that they did not get one? Board members will notice things like that. Board Member: “Hmmm, this guy has 18 years and only 4 GCMs: could be a pattern of poor conduct.”

In addition, failure to ensure the GCM is awarded at the proper interval shows disregard on the Soldier’s part in maintaining their records: also a discriminator for centralized boards.

Response by SFC Ricky Tate made Jan 27 at 2018 5:33 PM

2018-01-27T17:33:01-05:00

Hello Dummy, please explain to ME that you get a medal every 3 years? What medal do you get every 3 years? In the Army, you get a service stripe every 3 years, not a medal. Mr. MSG, maybe you need to digress, backtrack, and collect yourself and come up with a better OPORD before you publish it, and make it public. NOT TRUE!!!!

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Jan 28 at 2018 8:11 AM

2018-01-28T08:11:19-05:00

I came in back in 1979. Somebody could do 6 years, get out & maybe have two ribbons. I remember when the ASM came out. Big WTF moment. We used to laugh at the USAF for giving awards for every little thing. The joke used to be who had more buttons, the AF or the wait staff at TGI Fridays. Now it seems the Army has gotten jealous & we have medals, ribbons, tabs, badges, whatever for every little thing. When we had support staff that got into every kind of school just to get pretty badges for their uniforms we used to call them "attention whores". Now the Army wants everybody to be like that.

Response by SSG Richard Loney made Jan 28 at 2018 8:52 PM

2018-01-28T20:52:18-05:00

Get rid of it; however, it is the only mini-ribbon I have pinned on my Veteran ball cap. it is a good conversation starter when I tell folks "it is the only ribbon I had to earn. I had to work at it. The rest were just because I happened to be someplace at some particular time".

Response by SGT Burleson Freddie made Mar 14 at 2018 2:36 AM

2018-03-14T02:36:17-04:00

Or you don't get one at all as was the case with Vietnam Veterans. You could serve 3 years active duty, One year in Combat, never receive one disciplinary report and even awarded an ARCOM,BS SS and still not get one, after your Commander recommended it. I knew very few that ever received one.

Response by SGT Burleson Freddie made Mar 14 at 2018 3:12 AM

2018-03-14T03:12:48-04:00

Might as well for good it is. I know very few Vietnam Veterans, that ever received one. You could have served 3 years Active and one year Combat, without one disciplinary report, received an ARCOM, BS and SS and never receive one, even after your Commander recommended. Most of the ones I ever saw issued is if you were killed. Just one more thing that Vietnam Veterans were screwed over with. No recognition for Combat Action unless a 11B or Combat Medic. At least you young guys get a CAB, not us, only for those after 2001. Vietnam Vets are use to the screwing by now.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2018 8:24 AM

2018-07-30T08:24:39-04:00

Possibly! I have long held the opinion that good conduct was a requirement and was rewarded by so indicating that by way of an Honorable Discharge. However, tradition is important. This is a matter that should be heavily influenced by the current and former CSM of the Army.

Response by SSG Cynthia Smith made Sep 12 at 2018 3:15 AM

2018-09-12T03:15:42-04:00

I say KEEP THE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL! It’s an incentive for those who want to be recognized as GOOD SAMARITANS.

Response by CPL Roger Copeland made Dec 30 at 2018 12:58 AM

2018-12-30T00:58:43-05:00

The GCM should continue to be awarded to service members that stay out of trouble by not doing dum shit. And I'm proud to say that I received three GCM during my nine years of military service.

Response by SFC Wesley Arnold, Jr made Dec 30 at 2018 1:02 PM

2018-12-30T13:02:17-05:00

I agree in my later in my career (prior to retirement) the GCM has seemed to be a participation award or expected for anyone E6 and above; because nobody wants to break the streak towards someone’s promotion. Problem is that they are not issued correctly anymore, and usually based only on current assignment and not a true evaluation of last three years of service.

Response by SPC John Reynolds made Aug 31 at 2019 10:07 PM

2019-08-31T22:07:10-04:00

I was surprised and, frankly, somewhat embarrassed to learn that I had received two Army Commendation Medals (I don't think we had Good Conduct awards back then). My CIB, on the other hand, was earned and therefore way more valued. Ribbons for doing your job just cheapen the other awards that matter.

Response by SFC Grant Ross made Oct 12 at 2020 8:14 PM

2020-10-12T20:14:45-04:00

Yes awards should be for achievement nothing else. No GCM, No NCOES, and No Welcome to the Army ribbon. I’d rather be afforded a chance to attend training as a reward for doing a good job (or not getting into trouble) over a piece of paper and the pride of paying more money to update my flair for the next dress uniform.