What is the best way to get awards?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 16:15:56 -0500

I am sitting on promotable status and continually miss points. I was pretty close this month, but still missed it. I am maxed out or near maxed out on all portions of the PPW but one- awards. I need awards more than anything. I have 55 points in that section, but I need 100 more to max out. (With the airborne advantage, the possible point total goes from 125 to 155.) As of right now, I have 2 AAMs, 1 AGCM (not pictured as I just got it this month), 1 COA, and the basic parachutist badge for awards that count toward points. I am not the type to sit around and wait for the points to fall. I want to be proactive and go out there and get it myself. Not wait to play the numbers game. So, with that being said, what is the best way to get awards? My command is not the type to hand them out too liberally (which is good I admit). My plan as of now is just to be a 'board warrior" and attend every SOM, special occasion, and MOS specific board possible. SOM boards usually give COAs, SOQ gives AAMs, and SOY gets ARCOMs. Another part of the plan is to collect as much volunteer hours as possible in order to get the MOVSM. Are there any other suggestions?

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2015 4:20 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 16:20:17 -0500

You get points for awards? The Army still never ceases to amaze me.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2015 4:30 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 16:30:49 -0500

SPC, this is probably the best plan you can have that may work the best. Since your unit does not give awards like candy, then you are limited. However, I recommend you talk with your NCO's to see what you can do (volunteer for missions and such) that they think could best help you out for awards. Perhaps they have some ideas, if you have not asked them yet that is, to better help you.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2015 4:36 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 16:36:31 -0500

By the way, what is Intel Analyst MOS number and what are your current points?

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 17 at 2015 4:37 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 16:37:50 -0500

Volunteer for everything. You can't stand out if all you're doing is your job..... Deploying a lot helps too ;o)

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Nov 17 at 2015 4:56 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 16:56:21 -0500

Show you are hungry and get out there and compete to be the best Soldier in the BN, and in the Brigade....that typically leads to impact awards. Also, get involved in your community, you have an opportunity to give back to the community while showing your leadership you are involved and get closer to the MOVSM.

Response by Cpl Shane Cunningham made Nov 17 at 2015 5:46 PM

Cpl Shane Cunningham — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 17:46:32 -0500

Air Force!