What awards are appropiate to give for retirement?

2015-11-24T12:46:33-05:00

Awards: What awards are appropiate to give for retirement and what would a reason for and why an award and a retirement cermony or both be denied a SM when they have a clean record of service. I ask because this happened to my friend then they were also denied a flag. the only things that were received were the retirement certificates in the mail from the department of the Army and their Brigade.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 24 at 2015 12:54 PM

2015-11-24T12:54:08-05:00

Assuming a clean record and good service, to me, the only two appropriate awards are MSM's and LOM's. ARCOM's are given away just for attending a deployment, so I feel it's inappropriate.

Response by SSG Erick Diaz made Nov 24 at 2015 12:56 PM

2015-11-24T12:56:08-05:00

I think it depends. Individual case by case. Depends on record accomplishments. You can have a good career or just make it. Does the fact that you made it to retirement entitles you to the same award as a great career soldier? No

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2015 12:56 PM

2015-11-24T12:56:12-05:00

Some research would need to be done for your friend. I see no reason why he should be denied an award, unless he was flagged, especially for retirement. As far as retirement goes, I think a minimum of an MSM is appropriate with it going higher dependent on rank, stature and what was accomplished.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 24 at 2015 12:58 PM

2015-11-24T12:58:18-05:00

Depending on the soldier's prior awards and duty assignments, an MSM and perhaps Legion of Merit are appropriate awards SSG Byron Hewett.
If the soldier served in a joint billet a Defense Meritorious Medal could be appropriate.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2015 1:04 PM

2015-11-24T13:04:24-05:00

The most egregious concern is why in the world he/she was denied a retirement flag to represent faithful service (I suspect because an admin NCO skipped that part of the retirement checklist). Beyond that, retirement ceremonies are optional and the SM generally bears the cost of the refreshments. As to awards, the most appropriate should be the one that is commensurate with the Soldier's accomplishments (to include rank & deployments) and length of service. Keep in mind that, according to regulation, anyone with "knowledge of" can write the award recommendation. Sometimes leaving that to the Commander or First Sergeant is problematic.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Nov 24 at 2015 1:23 PM

2015-11-24T13:23:48-05:00

Wow, the service member if being honorably discharged clearly because they are retiring should have to the least received an MSM, for their time in service and their leadership. Why weren't they given a flag is really beyond me. There has to be more to this story that's being told.

Response by SGT David T. made Nov 24 at 2015 2:07 PM

2015-11-24T14:07:33-05:00

I have a novel idea why not only give awards to those who are deserving based on the nature and quality of their service. Separation/retirement awards should not be done for every Soldier. Not every Soldier who separates or retires was deserving of an award. If they only did their job and nothing more then why should should they get anything additional? Awards should be awarded to those who are truly exceptional and not just given out just because. I am sure this will ruffle some feathers but after some of the oxygen thieves I have seen get awarded these types of awards I have my biases about such things. Sorry if I offended any of the oxygen thieves with this post.

Response by SSG Jason Penn made Nov 24 at 2015 4:34 PM

2015-11-24T16:34:05-05:00

The individual soldier reserves the right to refuse any award at any time for any reason. When retiring, my command wanted to give me an ARCOM for 23 years of service with 3 deployments (all three with leadership roles at or above my grade). I received ARCOMs for each of my deployments to Iraq and a JSAM for my deployment to Bosnia. I told my 1SG (who wrote my award) that I didn't care what he put me in for, but not to waste the paper if it wasn't at least an MSM. Any award less than an MSM for a retiring soldier regardless of rank is a slap in the face. Although, the regulation allows for it, an award should be based on the individual's achievements and performance, not on their grade. After our discussion, my 1SG fought to get me the MSM that I ended up with. Though we didn't always see eye to eye, he was one of the best 1SGs that I had in my 23 year career. He fought for what he thought was right regardless of his personal feelings on the matter.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2015 4:52 PM

2015-11-24T16:52:02-05:00

I'd hang a lot of asterisks on this, but I think your start point for a retirement award is typically an MSM. You would adjust upwards or down based upon the Soldier's length of service and accomplishments.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2015 4:59 PM

2015-11-24T16:59:38-05:00

My Guard unit had a presentation planned for me, it was scheduled after my MRD and for some reason I was not told about it. I had to travel 400 miles for drill, however I would have come down for it; had I known about it! They mailed me the plaque! I got an MSM; that came about 6 months later, again got mailed; no ceremony.. Admittedly harder in reserve components since everyone is part time. I think most cases has nothing to do with merit; just poor planning, although some service members may not want the fanfare!

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Nov 24 at 2015 7:58 PM

2015-11-24T19:58:58-05:00

I don't know. All I can comment on is what I got after 21 years. MSA from Commander Naval Security Group. LOA from the President (I would hope so since I retired on His Flagship USS Arkansas CGN-41) and a Shadow Box from my Division that was awesome. The Signalmen Provided a flag that was documented to have flown over the ship when we crossed the Date Line at the Equator and when I became a Shellback. I think that was Adequate.

Response by SSG Jason Trammell made Nov 24 at 2015 10:02 PM

2015-11-24T22:02:04-05:00

I received a LOA when I retired, because my unit was deployed and I was medically retired due to injuries suffer on a deployment that had gotten worse over time, even though I did volunteer to go to Kuwait for 3 months to help 4ID redeploy back stateside after their tour was extended with those same injuries. I was asst Command Financial Advisor for the Battalion, Driver Trainer, Squad Leader. I served for 14 yrs in many different units and Joint Assignments and because someone didn't want to take the time to write my Award, I received a LOA for my service. I have many awards so I didn't even care, even rear Detachment commander was very surprised at the award I recieved, but, I think I was considered a POS because I couldn't deploy. Trust me I didn't want to Retire and I much rather have deployed and did 20yrs.

Response by GySgt John O'Donnell made Nov 26 at 2015 2:58 PM

2015-11-26T14:58:52-05:00

Retirement awards in the Marine Corps are not guarrenteed just because of 20+ years served. They must be warranted for outstanding service at the last assignment, and specifics for the awards presented must meet standards that correlate with rank, responsibility, and billet assignment. The awards system in the Marine Corps is less elevated than other services, so for individual's E6-E7 the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal would not be unusual, and the same is true for the Meritorious Service Medal for E8-E9. Next higher awards (MSM / LOM) signify significantly greater performance or billet responsibility at the time of award.
Through recognition of 20+ years of service should be recognized, it should not be automatically assumed that a certain medal should be awarded, unless it's a standardized "service" medal for all branches of the Armed Forces. To do so cheapens the "personal" award system, and the efforts of truly warranted service members.

Response by SMSgt Keith Stephens made Dec 1 at 2015 6:51 AM

2015-12-01T06:51:05-05:00

It's incredible to me how lazy senior members of units are. When I retired from the Air Force as a SMSgt E-8 I received two flags one from my unit and one from close friends. I closed out with 30 years, 12 in the US Army, and 18 in the US Air Force. I received an MSM for
retirement and a full ceremony from my entire unit. It was a truly good ceremony with much heartfelt thanks to all in my unit. The folks that trained me in hails, and farewells, to include retirements taught me well. I inturn trained my junior NCOs to take over from me. They put my retirement on and I was so proud to see how far they had come. To honor people not only for a lifetime of service but all through their careers is the only right way to do things. It's wrong to send folks away with nothing. My unit the 920th Rescue Wing I'm proud to say is one of the best by and far that recognizes the right thing to do. And we did it very well in peace and war.

Response by SCPO James Ratcliff made Dec 1 at 2015 7:14 AM

2015-12-01T07:14:31-05:00

Retirement from the military is almost entirely ceremonial. In fact, the service member is not actually retiring after 20 years, but is transferred to the inactive reserve force for another 10 years. Retirement ceremonies are normally held at the end of a 20 year career, and gifts are bestowed by the military members comrades. Normally a shadow box,containing the members awards is presented,as well as any additional gifts such as replica anchors, cannons, swords, etc. In the end, it pays to be a strong team member of a unit, for proper, cordial, recognition.

Response by COL David Pelkey made Dec 1 at 2015 7:56 AM

2015-12-01T07:56:41-05:00

Ideally, a retirement is the culmination of a career and would rate an award one higher than the SM has already earned. Local units have different SOP's, though.

Response by SPC Michael Crosby made Dec 1 at 2015 8:42 AM

2015-12-01T08:42:48-05:00

It's been over 20 years since I worked at the Fort Sill Retirement Services Office. Our Office prepared the retirement certificates for every retiring soldier that out processed through our transition point. Every soldier was given the option to participate in the monthly retirement ceremony hosted by the CG with him presenting the certificate and a photographer snapped photos of each presentation (and I assume the soldier received a copy).

Awards were the responsibility of the losing unit and should have been based on the entire service record. The unit was responsible for the award ceremony. The minimum I saw for a SM was an MSM, but most received a LOM.

At the garrison level, we did not present flags back then. This custom may have changed since I left.

Response by SSG John Caples made Dec 1 at 2015 9:19 AM

2015-12-01T09:19:36-05:00

I received the certificate and order's and the flag

Response by CWO4 Jeff Grasz made Dec 1 at 2015 9:49 AM

2015-12-01T09:49:29-05:00

I do not have a solder's perspective and I do not know Army regulations on awards. I am a retired Marine Chief Warrant Officer and I have written and occasionally presented over two hundred awards while on active duty. From the DOD perspective, there is no award for retirement. There are two types of awards, the first are called impact awards and are to recognize a significant impact of a particular act. All the heroism awards are this type and they are written about the single act that stood out. The second are awards for "sustained superior performance" and are usually written and awarded at the end of a tour. A retirement award would fall into that category. The award is written about the accomplishments achieved at that last duty station. For a retirement they just add a sentence to commemorate the number of years of service, but the actual award is for the actions at the last duty station. As to the level of the award, in all cases it is supposed to be based on the impact of the act or actions. Often, rank has a play but the award is supposed to be based on the impact. What that means is if the action impacted the platoon or company, it should be a service achievement (i.e. Army Achievement, Navy Achievement, etc.). Battalion or Regiment should be a service commendation. MSM and up usually require an impact to a Brigade or Division. Higher impact = higher awards. Where rank comes into play is usually because of the limitations of what impact a particular rank has. Where the billet is also has a significant play in that.

As to the retirement ceremony, there too may be a difference between the Marine Corps and the Army, but is it difficult to not have a ceremony in the Corps. There are a few who manage to slip away quietly, but the majority will have at least a Battalion level formation. For our Marines, we usually have a flag flown at a specific location that is significant to that Marine and it comes with a certificate that certifies that day it was flown and in honor of that Marine's retirement. We usually try to get it flown on an anniversary date. My flag was flown at the Marine Memorial in Arlington on the anniversary of my graduation from basic training plus 30 years. I can't imagine why anyone would be denied that

Response by SSG Brian MacBain made Dec 1 at 2015 11:09 AM

2015-12-01T11:09:46-05:00

I agree with the majority that had commented on this. If that service member did 20+ yrs with no Article 15, MSM or in Joint duty, a Joint Award such as Defense Meritorious Medal. However, if that service member decided to lay back and take it easy in his/her last unit, then it would be hard for the person who is recommending that person for an 20yr + retirement. That person most likely did not know him/her for 20yrs and saw what he/she did. I know how that service member feels with the award issue. It happened to me. It gave me a bad taste in my mouth for a while. As for the flag, no excuse.
When I retired back in 2006, I had to buy my own shadow box and the extra ribbons/medals for it. For my award, I was put in for the Defense Meritorious Medal, however it was down graded to Joint Commendation Medal. The reason that I was 1 pound over the weight limit, but I weighed in one week later and was under by 5 pounds. I was never counseled, seen a medical technician, so I was not "officially" flagged. However, the powers to be (me being an Army guy, an AF CPT felt different) recommended to the J2 (Navy CPT) to downgrade the award. To me that was a slap in the face for a person did 20yrs and kept his "nose clean" and received a PCS award.
It sounds that I have bad feeling now, but I do not. I know what I did and proud of it too. I would do it all over again.

Response by SFC George Holtz made Dec 1 at 2015 12:15 PM

2015-12-01T12:15:57-05:00

Because I didn't want a retirement ceremony they denied my retirement award which was a Legion of Merit and also not given my retirement flag which was the only thing that I really did care about.

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Dec 1 at 2015 12:56 PM

2015-12-01T12:56:29-05:00

We had a 1SGT who was universally despised because of, well, him. As a parting present we painted a brick gold and put it on his desk as a momento of his tenure. Funny thing was. he took it as a compliment. I wonder if he has it on his mantle now?

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Dec 1 at 2015 12:57 PM

2015-12-01T12:57:35-05:00

If you wait long enough, your spouse will get one at your funeral...

Response by SFC Jeff Granger made Dec 1 at 2015 1:03 PM

2015-12-01T13:03:11-05:00

I was an admin NCO and made it a point to have transition awards highlighted for the chain of command to see. It would also highlight the failure to recommend such awards, so bring up the question 90 days out as to why the individual was not being recommended. One purpose this served was in the monthly training meetings, we could discuss whether an individual indeed merited a transition award (i.e. Retirement, PCS, ETS) and then, secondly, we could identify the individual whom was responsible for writing that award.
I provided templates and would be available at any time to work on getting awards up to standard -- the goal we had was getting awards approved after all. My Battalion got to a point where we were over 85% approvals on MSM and LOM for retirement awards. This comes from hard work and planning ahead.

Interestingly enough, when I retired myself, I did not receive an award from my unit in spite of an e-mail from the State SGM to the chain of command prompting them. Perhaps efficiency also has its price. I have more than enough awards -- you can see I look rather like a Mexican General in my photo, so am not complaining about that.

Response by SFC Robert Guinther made Dec 1 at 2015 1:37 PM

2015-12-01T13:37:25-05:00

I was medically retired with 20 honorable yrs as an E-7 Plt SGT in 2007 and received nothing but a handshake from the Cdr & Top and asked if I would like to address the Company formation ( which I did). My Cdr later told me that he was planning on putting me in for an MSM but never did. I felt let down at this lack of caring from my higher up. At least my Plt sent me off with some fan fare.

Response by SGT Scott Henderson made Dec 1 at 2015 1:59 PM

2015-12-01T13:59:48-05:00

That's messed up but at the same time if you're out who gives a shit. Employers don't care about awards.

Response by PO1 Joseph Glennon made Dec 1 at 2015 5:05 PM

2015-12-01T17:05:09-05:00

When a service member retires, they *should* get the Ensign (flag), a letter from the President, and (if they're a dues-paying member of their rank's "club" or affiliation) perhaps a shadow box with their awards (ribbons / medals) and rank. As far as awards, typically a Commendation Medal is given to enlisted and a Bronze Star (or something similar) to officers.

That being said - when I retired, I told our Command Master Chief that I didn't want a ceremony - because, as a (Navy) Boatswain's Mate, I had participated in well over 500 official ceremonies over my 20 year career. I didn't want to do another one, even if it was for me.

That upset him (you could say it pissed him off), so the only thing I got was my DD-214. So, I would speculate that regardless of what awards, letters, or "extras" are deemed "appropriate" - the only thing that's guaranteed is the DD-214.

Response by 1SG Harold Piet made Dec 1 at 2015 5:44 PM

2015-12-01T17:44:25-05:00

An award is for an accomplishment, each award has its requisets. If the soldier has distingished himself to that degree, then the person noting that accomplishment should write the recommendation, the chain of command should investigate and approve it if it is true. A certificate of thanks and service from the unit should always be made if the mission allows. Any thing less is an insult to the soldier and a disgrace to the Unit on taking care of their soldiers.

Response by SSG Stephen Keown made Dec 1 at 2015 8:53 PM

2015-12-01T20:53:37-05:00

I think yes you should be given the flag ,and I believe they should be given free health care for life !

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2015 9:09 PM

2015-12-01T21:09:40-05:00

Its really beyond my comprehension how any leadership could let someone retire without submitting them for a retirement award. I attended an installation retirement ceremony (conducted monthly) at Ft Benning not to long ago and saw an SFC presented with an AAM as a retirement award. I thought that was a slap in the face. Personally, I wouldn't have bothered to go if I new they were giving me an AAM for 20 plus years of service. Retirement awards can cover a 10 year period of time, I don't think its too much to expect to receive an MSM for a successful 20 year career. If you held positions of greater responsibility an LOM should not be out of the question.

Response by SFC Michael Barnett made Dec 1 at 2015 10:27 PM

2015-12-01T22:27:30-05:00

As a SFC with 30 years of service, I was put in for an MSM but the BDE S1 downgraded it to a ARCOM. NO ceremony or flag. I was a good SM and that was all I got. A slap in the face if you ask me!

Response by COL George Antochy made Dec 1 at 2015 11:44 PM

2015-12-01T23:44:57-05:00

Sadly, both the Army and the Army Reserve have no standards for how to honor a SM upon their retirement. It is unit and installation centric. But sadly this is often the case in the civilian world as well as I have experienced this twice. After 30 years in the Army Reserve as a Colonel I was told to write my own award, and then when it was written I was told that it can only include the last ten years. When I was a Battalion S-1 on Active duty I took it upon myself to ensure that I wrote the award recommendation for the Commander and then walk the award through the 'system'. As a Lieutenant assigned to Fort Bliss, my Battalion participated in a monthly post-wide retirement parade every other month. I would stand in formation and listen to the speeches and wonder if I would ever see my day. On my last drill weekend I stood in a retirement ceremony, but because my unit forgot about me, I stood as the G-4, and not as a retiree. I received my retirement certificate and one for my wife 6 months later in the mail, and then my award followed a few months after that. I also received a flag flown over the Capitol, but that was because I submitted a request with payment to my Congressman. When I retired from the Federal Government my employees had a video conference with me, and gave me a very nice memento, but the Department sent me an incorrect retirement plaque.

This is definitely one area that employers could really do a better job at, recognizing their employees for all their contributions. An employee should never be directed to write their own award. Whatever the current processes are, are broken, and applied haphazard.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2015 8:13 AM

2015-12-02T08:13:00-05:00

The following links describe what is authorized for retirement. There doesn't seem to be an existing authority to deny a retiring service member a flag. Regarding awards....well, that's completely up to the chain of command and the designated award approval authority.

http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r600_8_7.pdf

http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/Federal_Benefits_Page/Army_Retirement_Services_Program.html?serv=147

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2015 3:20 AM

2015-12-03T03:20:31-05:00

A slightly used 2016 Corvette ZO6 would be a highly appropriate gift to me on or about 31 July 2019. Just sayin

Response by PO1 Lawrence Fuller made Dec 3 at 2015 7:54 AM

2015-12-03T07:54:15-05:00

I retired from the Navy and I received an award with many letters and a flag. After 20 years that was the proudest moment of my career. My retirement ceremony.

Response by LTC Ian Murdoch made Dec 3 at 2015 9:22 AM

2015-12-03T09:22:08-05:00

What you are describing is an egregious failure of leadership, pure and simple.

There is no excuse for not properly recognizing a Soldier's service to the nation upon retirement, even if he or she retired under some kind of cloud. The ceremony honors the totality of service. The flag is presented on behalf of the nation, and it is not the chain of command's prerogative to determine whether the retiree deserves it or not. If the character of service was sufficient for the Soldier to make it to retirement, he or she deserves proper recognition.

In terms of an appropriate award, there is no requirement to give an award at all if the chain of command feels it is not warranted, however, that's pretty cold. As others have said, it is really based on the accomplishments of the individual going as far back as the last ten years of the Soldier's career. Except for flag officers, I have seen retirement awards range from ARCOMs to LoMs.

Response by SSG Gail Miller made Dec 3 at 2015 10:36 AM

2015-12-03T10:36:33-05:00

Good Morning,
The Soldier is entitled to a retirement ceremony. If the unit does not conduct one, he may be recognized at the post ceremony. Most of the time the Soldier can stand in the ceremony if he has been nominated for a retirement award. AR 600-8-22, dated 25 June 2015, paragraph 1-23 states the following
a. Period of service. Each individual approaching retirement may be considered for an appropriate decoration based on his or her grade, years of service, degree of responsibility, and manner of performance.
b. Service recognition awards. The following awards may be awarded upon retirement:
(1) Meritorious service awards will be awarded, upon retirement (to include medical retirements), which may include periods of service longer than that served in the recommending command. An extended period will only be considered in those cases where the length or nature of the individual’s terminal assignment would not qualify him or her for an appropriate award. It is neither necessary nor desirable to consider an extended period of service when the length and character of service of retirees in their terminal assignments would qualify them for an appropriate award. This is not to imply that an extended period of service should be considered for every individual who retires, such periods will be limited to the last 10 years of service. When writing the citation, it is not necessary to indicate the time
period again; it is only pertinent to mention the total number of years of service, for example, over 22 years or 30 years of service.
(2) Only one retirement award may be awarded to any retiring Soldier. Soldiers serving under the Retiree Recall Program are not authorized a second retirement award or an upgrade of a previously approved retirement award. Service awards for Retiree Recall Servicemembers are at the discretion of the commander.
The regulation also states that the period of service must be favorable meaning that he was not flagged with the exception of retirement para 1-17 (c). A waiver of the overweight or Army
Physical Fitness Test flag must be processed for length of service retirement awards to the first general officer in the Soldier’s chain of command with award approval or disapproval authority. All waivers will be processed as separate and distinct actions from the award recommendation, and should be submitted and adjudicated prior to submission of the award recommendation. The approved waiver will accompany the award recommendation once submitted.

If the Soldier does not feel that he/she was properly recognized it is highly recommended that he file a complaint with his/her congressman of record. This normally resolves the problem.

Response by CW4 Raymond Younger made Dec 3 at 2015 2:06 PM

2015-12-03T14:06:24-05:00

The Army should send you off with ruffles and flourishes, in that you will be once again the voting public. We as a force are remiss when we don't recognize such volunteer spirit. After all, it is paper and pieces of cloth that mean a whole hell of a lot more than the ink printed on paper. When you slight someone for real or perceived reasons, that slight is carried for ever. Your DD214 is what matters in the end, however, nothing precludes the Army from sending you off in a good direction. Frankly, there are not many participants in today's Army than there were 70 years ago when numbers were in the millions. It is a privilege to serve, yet is it more of a privilege to lead and take care of those soldiers. We don't increase the value of an award or accolade especially by severe denial. Military badges and awards are a means to display outwardly the highlights of service. Wars, campaigns and expedition medals really only have value to and amongst the military (except on your DD214 which means something to the VA and benefits). While in uniform, one does where their resume on the chest and it is recognized as such. Or, we get rid of end-of-tour awards all together and shelve those accolades for simply showing up. Such as Army Service, Sea Duty, overseas duty, professional development, marksmanship, good conduct, &c. Unfortunately, the services are inconsistent awarding achievement: what truly stands out amongst others. Napoleon Bonaparte said "A soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of colored ribbon." And another maxim resonates just as much: "Give me enough medals and I will win you a war..." not to trivialize military service, but inspire and recognize what soldiers truly desire. Part of that is recognition amongst their peers. He went on to say, “A man does not have himself killed for a half-pence a day or for a petty distinction."

Response by MSG Alfred Aguilar made Dec 3 at 2015 2:34 PM

2015-12-03T14:34:30-05:00

I retired after 30 years with only a retirement order. When it comes to the issue of military recognition, I am comforted by something a D-Day Survivor once told me, "A lot of people have given a hell of a lot more, for a hell of a lot less".

Response by Sgt Heather Orndoff made Dec 3 at 2015 2:43 PM

2015-12-03T14:43:21-05:00

If you have to ask for what award you want or think you deserve then you shouldn't get one. As a senior enlisted advisor I always made sure my Marines and Sailors was taken care of and they never ask if or what award they were going to receive...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2015 9:26 PM

2015-12-03T21:26:00-05:00

You get a flag? ...... 27 years and no flag at retirement. Dig get the MSM.

Response by MAJ Scott Meehan made Dec 7 at 2015 12:37 PM

2015-12-07T12:37:42-05:00

I am not sure what is deemed appropriate or inappropriate but although I received a Bronze Star in 2004 for actions in Iraq, and after twenty-five years of service as both an enlisted and commissioned officer, I only received the retirement certificate without any award.

Response by CPT David Tanner made Dec 15 at 2015 11:19 PM

2015-12-15T23:19:17-05:00

I feel that all retiring military members should get a flag, certificates of appreciation from their BDE, and if all of their service was honorable, COAs from Secretary of their service and if 30 years Active Federal Service, one from the President. If all years served were honorable, they should get at least a MSM. MSMs are typically the standard. Some higher ranking, say LTC and above may get LOM. I am a captain that served 30 years, 22 of which was active duty, served 4 deployments (Desert Storm I, Afghanistan, and 2 in Kosovo) and one Noble Eagle mobilization. I received a flag, certificates for myself and my wife (Secretary of the Army, President Obama (BDE HQ S-1 requested these including the flag), and past President Bush (I requested this myself on his website), and a MSM (my XO/supervisor wrote and submitted to BDE S-1). I opted to not have a ceremony or party. My supervisor had planned on making me a shadow box with all of my awards, etc in it, but she received a short notice deployment and was unable to complete. I hope this helps. I agree that 20 years of honorable service should get more than a ARCOM and that would be a slap in the face and I would rather get nothing than receive one. I received an ARCOM as a PL for a 39 day mobilization to secure the 2002 Winter Olympics. CPT David C. Tanner, USA, Retired

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Dec 30 at 2015 1:47 AM

2015-12-30T01:47:05-05:00

How about walking out the gate knowing you did the best job you could do for the past 20 years? The best award I got when I retired was one of the PFCs in the company coming up to me in the parking lot and shaking my hand and thanking me for looking out for him. He didn't have to do that.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 10:20 AM

2015-12-30T10:20:55-05:00

You should get an MSM at retirement. Just my opinion

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 11:31 AM

2015-12-30T11:31:06-05:00

Great topic! I think that this is a double edged sword. Reality is once a Soldier has retired civilian employers do not know the difference between an ARCOM and a LOM. It could be said that since Soldiers are retiring that leadership should attempt to get them the highest award possible. They should "fight the good fight" with higher echelons, recommended down grades and do everything in their power to get retiring Soldiers no less than an MSM. This is the Soldiers lasting impression of the service that he or she has devoted the past twenty years to! But if the Soldier has done the bare minimum for twenty years, "kept out of trouble" but had nothing more than a mediocre career is it really the leaderships responsibility?
What is the value of certain awards if everyone gets them? It is like the "everyone gets a ribbon for participating in the science fair" concept. If everyone gets one, why bother "exceeding the standard"? Awards should be given on a case by case scenario. I don't believe that rank should be a determining factor. I have watched a LTC, SGM and a SFC all receive MSM's for their retirement awards. Going off a comment below that "the only two appropriate awards are MSM's and LOM's" Unfortunately this notion fosters a "sense of entitlement" I would have to assume that the contributions, leadership and responsibilities of Soldiers of all ranks are equal?

Response by PO1 Kenneth Cardwell made Dec 30 at 2015 9:52 PM

2015-12-30T21:52:39-05:00

a $10.000 dollar tax free bonus!

Response by MSG John Walker made Jun 2 at 2018 3:47 PM

2018-06-02T15:47:25-04:00

I only received an MSM, was disappointed due to officer who wrote it, was not enough for Legion of merit. I was upset, When a Chaplains assistant received a Legion of Merit. I went above and beyond and accomplished so much in my 22 years. I was a MSG in Food Service and would have been on the SGM list, but decided to retire due to disabilities. If I knew I could upgrade some how, I would put in request.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 2 at 2018 9:31 PM

2018-06-02T21:31:02-04:00

1. Retirement award is not mandatory, neither are the parades unless someone pushes. I never got a flag either when I retired. A clean record does not mean an exemplary record of service either. Someone has to appreciate what you have done in your career to push for the awards, parade, etc.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2019 3:15 PM

2019-07-06T15:15:20-04:00

This topic has become more and more alarming. It shouldn't even be a question. A SM that has served over a quarter of their life and has sworn to serve and protect their country disserves the due process of putting them in for what by definition is Meritorious Service. A SM that dedicates their entire life to serving their country, sacrifices made by them and their families, and faithfulness they have for their leaders, an award that is received by someone that PCS or ETS after four years is a disgracefully leadership. If that last statement struck deep with anyone, perhaps some self reflection is in order. These are our Brothers and Sisters in arms that paved the way for others to follow and well deserve to be recognized regardless. Anything over 20 years is a feet few accomplish in it's self.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2019 4:30 PM

2019-07-06T16:30:35-04:00

Nothing less than a MSM for those who serve 18+ years. For less time in service, circumstances should dictate. Example would be key roles, exemplary service, or any situation that involved successful mission accomplishment. These actions are typically recorded in job performance or evaluation reports.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jul 6 at 2019 5:51 PM

2019-07-06T17:51:40-04:00

I think it depends. Sometimes no awards are appropriate. Sometimes a legion of merit. I would hope for at least a MSM but I will be happy with knowing I did my best that I knew to do.

Response by PO1 Ted Woitazek made Jan 28 at 2020 7:16 AM

2020-01-28T07:16:17-05:00

DD-214, BEST RETIREMENT AWARD EVER!!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2021 5:45 PM

2021-02-20T17:45:58-05:00

What are folks thoughts here? The subject in this case is an Army E8 1SG with 32 total years. In his last year, the individual was relieved for cause as a Company 1stSGT. His response was to request a transfer to a new organization, and consecutively request retirement. Both actions were approved. Said E8, now a MSG spends 4 months in his final unit. During that time, the individual sexually harasses 2 junior soldiers (No formal SHARP complaint), and disrespects and belittles an E5 Female Admin NCO. The soldier is retired and off the Battalion's books before any of their actions needed to be dealt with.... Fast forward a year later. The Now Retired MSG has filed an IG complaint for not being awarded a Retirement Award. The individual has gone as far as to draft their own Legion of Merit, and is expecting it to be retroactively processed.
There is no way that this individual deserves an LOM, it is extremely hard to justify an MSM. Weighing options at this point.
A. Do Nothing and don't submit an Award. (Although Higher Headquarters has Directed to action this)
B. Submit an MSM and be done with it (Not deserving of, but they already have 2 prior MSMs for service)
C. Downgrade to an ARCOM (A bit of a slap in the face, but still more than the individual deserves based on their last year of service, but trying to account for a generally OK, not stellar, prior 30 years)

Response by PO1 Darren Martin made Jul 4 at 2021 3:38 PM

2021-07-04T15:38:32-04:00

I medically retired and got a letter or appreciation which was BS I was an e-5 in an e-6 billet. My commands logic was “you received so much from your two deployments. Hell I don’t have a comm and I’m an e-7.” I skipped my award ceremony and checked out.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2021 10:18 PM

2021-12-03T22:18:07-05:00

I'm a SSG and have been denied for promotion based solely on my age (62 at retirement and 61 now toward SFC). No award is better than a ARCOM. 20 years of service, 3 deployments and combat awards. A friend of mine retired as a MSG with 7th SFG, 22 years of service. They wrote him an ARCOM...no shxt as his retirment award! I was friends with the CSM that wrote it, and the MSG is my best life long friend (since childhood). Very sad and pissed me off, he hung the award and screwed it to the wall in the latrine, on smoke bomb hill with a note. "Here's what you get in exchange for 22 years of your life, and risking it daily" He did many deployments, combat awards and was an ODA team sergeant as well was shot! A phucking ARCOM.... ARMY

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2022 7:12 PM

2022-03-01T19:12:01-05:00

I'm somewhat bitter over not getting a retirement award. I had even provided my last 10 years worth of NCOER's and other documents for reference. I served 36 "good" years with just over 15 years AFS. I even served in a GO command, and not 6 months before my retirement listened to the GO tell BDE/BN commanders/staff on a conference call, that absolutely no one who serves long enough for retirement should ever walk away without an award. Go figure.

Response by CPT Gerald Adams made Dec 4 at 2023 6:26 PM

2023-12-04T18:26:03-05:00

I was in for 20 plus years in the Vermont National Guard did a Nobel Eagle deployment and a deployment to Iraq. Came home Mustang over from enlisted to Officer. Medically retired as a Capt. all i got an was an ARCOM. no retirement ceremony reason I was not in the good ol boys club or AGR.