Were you more interested in getting promoted, or in earning medals, or both?

Medals aren't really a thing in the USMC. They're just something that comes with time. They're not tied into our promotion system, so we don't worry about them. Promotion has more value because of the responsibilities associated with it, but there is also a huge difference in the way Marines are treated with each rank. Part of it comes with the roles of each rank.

But, with TIG requirements & promotion boards (after Sgt), you just "worry" about promotions. I never worried about picking up Sgt (after you max out the scores you can). It was just a matter of time. I didn't worry about SSgt (I would have pinned it on the year after I got out). They're just a secondary thing that is so far out of your control you don't think about them.

Progressing in rank means the chance to be apart of a bigger picture which means the chance to impact and change more lives which to me is my purpose, medals are achievements in your career that say you have changed lives and impacted the world so I believe that since we all strive to be excellent that both should be chased after endlessly but only while completing your job to its fullest.

Promotions mean more money but neither were what I was most interested in.

In boot camp, I answered a question similar to that, and my Senior Chief point at me and said to the division, "That is an officer material!". I never understand it ... All I am expressing is, rank is a responsibility, medal is to recognize what you have done. Therefore it is not up to my interest at all.