Posted on Oct 5, 2016
What is the best way to tell your unit that you in no way shape or form want an ETS award from them?
372K
1.78K
551
93
93
0
First off, wow kinda surprised this generated any response at all. I was looking more for a "oh hey, just do this memorandum and it's all done." kind of a deal. Anyways as for context, awards here go through about 15 or more corrections for non-grammatical issues. The award hasn't been written yet and I would probably end up writing it anyways. I just don't want to waste anyone's time or my own for that matter with writing an award that a civilian company cares not a whit about that just going to get kicked back over and over and over. I know what I have done and I honestly don't care much for recognition. I'd rather see some of my Soldiers get credited as they go on to do bigger and better things. Do I also have other motivations for not wanting an award yes because there have been several things that have left a bad taste, but I didn't post this to air my dirty laundry, I was just simply looking for advice. Thanks all for the numerous replies. Most were pretty entertaining, and a few were even helpful.
Awards
ETS/EAS
Advice
Edited 9 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 350
0
0
0
I get that you have some bad feelings, but if you refuse it you won't make the bad leaders stop and consider what they did to sour you. It won't send a message, all it will do is make them think you are a dirtbag. Just take it and walk away. Now if they try and make you write it, just "forget".
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
0
0
0
Awards are not just for the recipient. They are a means to show to other soldiers that the command cares, acknowledges the achievements of others and respects your effort and contribution to the team. It is in a way a team building moment. Take the award, you may appreciate it later...or even your children.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Well here's the deal with that. Your award is NOT always about you. I worked in the training room for an HHC for 5 years. Yes, your ETS award is your final good bye, it is also your Commander's and Lieutenant's job to have a good grasp on timelines and planning. So when don't receive an award, or your award is late your LTC is seeing that the officers below him aren't doing there job. If a commander doesn't know when one of his soldiers is leaving service then he's not a good commander. I know it's a pain in the ars to sit down with a team leader or whoever and hash out what you've done in your career. But they want to look good on the next PowerPoint brief. And having a late or no ETS award reflects on them as a professional. It's one of the last Big Green Weenies you may have to deal with...
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
I was in the same boat for my last two PCS awards and my ETS award. I told them I'd be good with unit coins and maybe a beer (it was Germany after all), but instead I ended up writing half of each award. With the last two I was working in the training room and made it easy to skip the ceremonies by placing them in my SMIF file directly after they were approved. I always led with the reason that I did solely my job, and that I didn't do extra to merit anything more. I got more than a few verbal counselings about my position on it, and even tried to convince my last rater to convince my 1SG that I didn't need one. I was told to shove that idea and I was getting one whether I liked it or not. I also operated from the frugal standpoint of not wanting to buy a new rack or new devices. That didn't please the BDE level after one board but that's a different issue.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Do what I did, I was stationed in Korea and got in to some trouble, so my pcs award was a COA. But there were numerous people who got into a lot more trouble than I did, and did things way worse than I did, but they got AAMs, so I felt there was a lot of favoritism in my unit. So for my going away speech, I accepted the COA, and my commander told me to give a speech, so I looked at him and said, "I have nothing to say about this unit, I am leaving and that's all I care about." He looked at my like I was crazy, but he understood my point about the unfair justice system in the unit
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Whether the unit you are serving with has been a stellar experience or not be a team player and take the award they say you deserve for the job you've done. Afterward, if you are retiring and not expecting to wear a Class A uniform again. If you are staying in, then wear the award as required and let it get lost in your mind among the things you are more proud of.
(0)
(0)
MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan
Left out part of my comment...If you are retiring and not expecting to ear a Class A uniform again, then put the award in a box in a drawer and forget about it until your kids start asking about what to mention at your funereal.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
You could always wipe your ass with it and hand it back to them. Make sure you eat Taco Bell the night before and drink lots of Guinness!!!
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Here is a thought, maybe they are happy you are leaving. I jest, without more information it is not prudent to answer.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
0
0
0
I will admit that an ETS award is a new concept for me. But I guess it's not much different than a PCS award. Both seem to say "You're leaving, so we should do something" as opposed to being recognized as events occur. That said, I would suggest talking to your immediate supervisor, who would likely be the person called on to write any award. Be prepared to explain why you don't want what has apparently become an SOP award. Hopefully your chain will listen. If they agree or not is up to them. If your service warrants an award and they decide to give you one, graciously accept it and move out smartly. Assuming it does, your commander must (or at least should) ensure consistency in the awards process and may be hard pressed to explain not giving a deserving Soldier an award when those of lesser performance have received one.
(0)
(0)
Suspended Profile
Just say no?
0
0
0
Just take it and leave it on your work station and not come back to pick it up even bullshit awards can help in the post service job hunt it fall under the CSM has probley told your section to give you an ETS award so just suck it up and be graicus about it stand look sharp and take one for the team
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
0
0
0
Back in '93 my squad leader (E-6) got RIFE'd 20 months before his retirement. Took terminal leave rather than attending his award ceremony.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
WHAT WHY DO YOU SAY THAT? I DON'T GET IT PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME.
SSG MARK FRANZEN US ARMY
SSG MARK FRANZEN US ARMY
(0)
(0)
SSG Mark Franzen
I think the awards system is a Outlet for the PX or the clothing store to get any award that you want and add to your Uniform. Back in My day people that had awards we always told Jokes so is there any awards that weren't in stock at the PX or The Clothing store.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
If the appropriate award is given for an ETS, then you've earned it. It's no different than a Silver Star for valor. When you become the Army Chief of Staff, you can do away with ETS awards, and require that NO ONE will ever be recognized for their actions and performance in non-combat.
I think that this is a weird topic for the Army, I had a roommate once that was prior service Army. He was awarded an MSM for being the top grad in his artillery class. In the USAF, you get a certificate and a pat on the back. You won't see an MSM in the Air Force until your a SrNCO.
I think that this is a weird topic for the Army, I had a roommate once that was prior service Army. He was awarded an MSM for being the top grad in his artillery class. In the USAF, you get a certificate and a pat on the back. You won't see an MSM in the Air Force until your a SrNCO.
(0)
(0)
MSgt John Taylor
PFC Charles Sanders - Actually, you might be right. It might have been an AAM or ARCOM. My point is, that in the USAF no medal is awarded for completing a class, just like no jail time is awarded for failing it! They are both extreme for something as simple as finishing a class.
(0)
(0)
PFC Charles Sanders
According to your story he didn't get it just for completing the class. He got it for being the top graduate. That said, I agree that it doesn't necessarily merit even an AAM, unless his work was well beyond the standard. It does often result in some sort of Certificate, though. That tosses a few promotion points up there, which can make a big difference when the time comes.
(0)
(0)
MSgt John Taylor
PFC Charles Sanders - Top grad means nothing more than completing the class with a higher grade than your peers, it did not make him the top cannoneer (sorry I'm not sure what you call an artillery dude) in the army. If the standard is to give a medal for the top grade, then what do you get for the lowest grade? For an assignment, there are guys that go to jail, get bad evals, lose rank etc. so why not a medal for successfully serving out an assignment with honor?
(0)
(0)
PFC Charles Sanders
I don't disagree, which is why I don't support giving a medal for it. I can understand a COA or something along those lines. It is an achievement to finish top in your class, but I agree that you don't necessarily deserve a medal for it. That said, the lowest grade stuff is ridiculous. If you don't meet the standard you get tossed or recycled. If you do you pass and join your unit. As far as medals for "successfully serving out an assignment with honor", they're called PCS awards. Not everybody gets them, but most do.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Don't show up. I did that one time, I was actually PCS'ing and I never showed up to my award formation. I'm sitting at the airport ready to deploy to South Korea and my squad leader shows up with the plaque they were going to present to me in formation. I of course accepted it but didn't show up because of certain events that happened to my family I don't want to share here.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
0
0
0
Explain you are not going to do a ceremony. Keep it professional. They cannot force you to do it. Let your RNCO know it would be a waste of paper to even print it. Matter of fact if you really, truly do not want it, simply say no thank you and drive on. You don't have to make a huge debacle out of it.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
-
Ask questionGet expert advice and
tips for your questions. -
Post updatePost pictures, personal updates, plans, or anything you like!
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google