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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I can understand. My favorite was I couldn't put my paperwork in for retirement without one. So of course I has to write it myself and put the new guys name on it. The only thing that made me mad is he let it sit on his desk for over a month. It wasn't like he even changed a word, just made everyone think my packet was lost . Actually I am irritated now that I think about it. Seriously you make a soldier write their own award so they can get their orders and I didn't even want the stinking thing I don't care. It's not going to help me when I get out. I haven't been around these people for over a year most of them think that I have already retired. Grrrrrrrrrrr Grrrrrrrrrrr grrrrr. Ok I'm over it. Retirement isn't soon enough lol.
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The Eta awards that are given are the units expression of the units appreciation. These awards are also to show the other soldiers that the unit will show their soldiers appreciation for loyal and dedicated service. Not accepting ets awards are an insult to the unit and the unit command staff including the ranking NCOs. I consider this as disrespectful behavior. I agree with the statement that the NCO that tosses the ets award in the garbage on his way out the door makes himself look like a smacked ass correct. If YOU are in that situation gracefully and respectfully accept the award. Take the award home. If you want to throw it away there FINE. Piss on it for all I care but accept it and take it with you. Hooah.
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ETS award??? WTF, over....I was retired from the Corps in1992..For Corporals there was no such thing. Like most Marines of my generation I'd be like "A medal??? What the fuck for. I did my fucking job, nothing else". I would accept it so as not to set a bad example to junior personnel. Bad career move not to...Marines know the story of Smedley Butler sending his 2nd MOH to the Secretary of War in the mail. He made MajGen, but had ENSURED that he would never be Commandant. He is smart, who learns from his mistakes; He is wise, who learns from the mistakes of others..That, and I recall the words of Jagger and Richards-You can't always get what you want..(especially in our profession!)....My $.02
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I say, be gracious, take the award. You want to be remembered as a "team-player" and not someone who was ungrateful. You want to leave with dignity and not someone "who, we couldn't wait for him to leave!" Who knows, maybe those soldiers that you supervise have "short-timer" calendars...not theirs, BUT yours!
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I just told.my 1SG that after 20 faithful years, and the tings I have done for the Army and my unit I will not accept an AAM for a retirement award. Thank you, but I don't want to look like a disgrace in front of my Soldiers.
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Awards do not have to be accepted. Simply state to your chain of command that you decline award recognition.
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When I was in we were given award for our service at the duty station we were at it was given for our performance while serving the unit. Is this the same thing? If it is I don't understand the problem. If it's an award for simply separating then it is a bullshit award and shouldn't even be awarded. Participation trophies are given to losers not Professional Soldiers.
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Most units I was in, the best way to not get an award, was to not write it. Yup, most units I was in you had to write your own awards and your own performance reports. Lazy bastards.
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Please enlighten those of us that do not know what ETS means. That being said I looked up the loose definition of it. I received my first end of tour award 20 years into my career. After that, and having advanced to Chief Petty Officer, I received them after every tour.
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