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?
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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
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You dont. Take your award, trust me, I ETS in 2006 and joined the Guard, I miss my unit almost daily and the award was a reflection of what we did together. Its never about you or me, its about the greater good, take that award and give a good professional speech about how we can win anything through team work
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My commander called me a week after I was honorably discharged and said he wanted to have formation on Friday to present my award.
I was like Sir I already left and I am on terminal leave. They never mailed it to me and was never put into my record. So yea I can see this happening...
I was like Sir I already left and I am on terminal leave. They never mailed it to me and was never put into my record. So yea I can see this happening...
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I left active duty in 1979 and again in 1985, I never received this. This award is not meant to harm you, but to show appreciation. When I retired from the US Army reserves in 2003 they messed up my paper work so I never got paid for my final weekend, no thanks. no nothing. even if its a form letter or award it's better then what they gave out 13 years ago.
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SFC Clark Adams
My retirement award was an ARCOM for 11 years in the IRR in 1996. I discovered a large envelope wedged between the screen door and front door which contained the award. I don't know how long it was there because we rarely use the front door.
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Maybe it will fit nicely in your shadow box. Spit that bad taste out and get hot. Show some leadership.................
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Just a couple of thoughts. These also shouldn't get you in trouble.
1 Did you try just asking not to receive the award?
2 You did say you will probably end up writing it anyway. Just don't write the award. When asked about it tell them you can't write your own award.
I will say I have been in your shoes before. When I was in Okinawa my battle didn't receive an award and she was not flagged nor barred. So I didn't receive an award either. I felt it was them saying I was better than her. I still received an award but it's not on my records. I still have the award I just don't wear it or have it on my ERB.
1 Did you try just asking not to receive the award?
2 You did say you will probably end up writing it anyway. Just don't write the award. When asked about it tell them you can't write your own award.
I will say I have been in your shoes before. When I was in Okinawa my battle didn't receive an award and she was not flagged nor barred. So I didn't receive an award either. I felt it was them saying I was better than her. I still received an award but it's not on my records. I still have the award I just don't wear it or have it on my ERB.
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This will sound a bit cheeses.
"It's how you finish the game that counts" "not if you win or lose"
So finish like a Man with your head up and take the award. Do a about face and move out smartly.
We all get pissed off at times and want to act out. Good luck
"It's how you finish the game that counts" "not if you win or lose"
So finish like a Man with your head up and take the award. Do a about face and move out smartly.
We all get pissed off at times and want to act out. Good luck
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As someone who worked in several units early in my career that had the attitude of no one needs awards, I say take it, you don't know when the next one will come. Two if your soldiers deserve awards submitted them for it.
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I always thought the Army was way over the top in handing out awards. My Father who was a retired E-9 in the Navy (Made E-9 in 14 years by the way) had 1 award that was his when he retired. The Navy Good Conduct Medal. The others were Unit or Service Awards such as WWII medals. When I was in the Army (72-93) I received end of tour awards also. They were simply participation awards. Awards for doing your job.
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Look at it like this. How much time did you miss your family? How many times did the job suck but you did it anyway because it was you duty? I always felt awards we there to let you know your superiors cared and understood the tasks you performed to a high standard. In DS a fellow NCO of mine got a BSM for being the shit detail guy. He did it for two months straight. I ask the CSM later why? He told me that he never once received a complain about that detail, and that every time he used one of the latrines it was fully stocked and clean!! And as others have said one day your grand kids may be looking through you stuff and see the award. Take that award from a grateful nation and ride off into the sunset.
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