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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Whenever I had a problem like this I always looked to my core values that the Air Force loved making us remember. And my favorite is number 1, Integrity First. Do what is right. If you don't feel you earned something don't accept it. But do not do this in a manner that is disrespectful. Unless you are full on out you can still be hit up with some UCMJ nonjudicial punishment.
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DD-214 serves as the ETS award in my opinion. If a service member serves above and beyond expectations they will typically be recognized for their performance. This is a meaningless award in my opinion.
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I would explain it to your command as you did here. Emphasize your view that your soldiers deserve recognization more so. There's nothing wrong with taking the award but based on your post, it seems like you're taking the high road and showing that you value your soldiers first and foremost. It's all about perspective.
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I would just accept the award and move on. As someone else said, it's setting a bad example for younger joes.
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My unit can suck a fat duck 4th brigade was my family and when we moved all the toxic leadership came with it ever cum dumpster leader that ever lived came to our unit besides certain ncos
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I never received or was even offered my ETS award my unit was still on deployment when I Ets'd back stateside and I never received any of my deployment or ETS award
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First of all, I would be gracious about being picked to receive the award and then second, Please excuse yourself Graciously and let them know that you don't feel that you deserve the award and ask that if you could you would pick another who you think deserves it more than you!! Thank them and God for picking you first before anything else that happens!!!
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Hah -- I never got any kind of "award." They wanted to take me back "home" which by the time my ETS came around, was a vacant lot. They insisted. I was more stubborn than they were, and stayed put where I was: in the house trailer my husband John and I had bought.
John retired several years later, and he did get an award. The general and his people walked over to where I was sitting (with my crutches beside me) and presented me with a "good wife" award! LOL
John retired several years later, and he did get an award. The general and his people walked over to where I was sitting (with my crutches beside me) and presented me with a "good wife" award! LOL
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After 6 years in the US Air Force and 28 years in the US Army Reserves, I have never heard of nor given any award to a soldier for ETSing and leaving Reserve or AD. I retired out in July 2008 and up until then, when a soldier retired or completed their tour, they might get a letter but never an award. Awards were either given for excellent service or for valo but never for just completing service. My last communications with the Army was to inform me that my term of service ended the month I turned age 60. Still receive Echoes newsletter but nothing else from the Department of the Army.
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Seem to me a lot of effort is being wasted when all you have to do is say "yes sir, yes sir three bags full" take the award and throw it in a box to be discovered by your family after you're dead and gone. Problem solved. It's not worth the effort. In my day you didn't get a damn award unless you damn well deserved it. Sorry for my lack of caring about awards but no one deserves an award for doing their job.
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Ok, if you are going to write anyways, do in anticipation of the future. When get to be my age (57) and have a grandson nearing the teenage years(12) now. I expect questions about my service and one of the stories I can tell if about my last years of my service which will always tie in with other stories along my military career. Over 28yrs of svc and a son which was in Iraq at the same time as I was (my grandson's father btw).
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Id just take it when I was at 29 stumps(palms) I hated everything and everyone their but one day while we were doing PT some of the guys including noticed what looked like a fuel truck stuck in the sand we asked if we could go help to my surprise our sgt. Said yes and only about a day later after getting the truck unstuck we found out it was the fuel truck for the helicopter for the base hospital. The man driving was a retired high ranking officer of the navy and me were told buy sgtmaj that when the man called he was in tears at how much our help ment. Short story way all got a LOA and after that I felt some of us including me were treated better so you never know accepting the award might help you in some weird way that you cant predict right now...
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Be grateful! The unit may have not lived up to your exspectations but the organization is beyond measurable. I'm sure you're walking away with more than you entered.
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Accept the award and the spirit it was given to you. suck it up buttercup.
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Take the award and be professional. You represent the NCOs. You may not want the award but someone thinks you deserts it. Accept it and be the NCO you are and be professional.
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Heck I really don't see what the "issue" is here. If your Chain of Command want to thank you for your Service...why get bent out of shape about it. WTH?? I got enough money but I would never refuse another Medal if "Others" thought it was deemed appropriate....LOL...And I did not get Drafted in the Military, I volunteered.
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So here is the thoughts of the son of a ww2 vet. Every service member is a hero in my eyes. Just for signing up. You do not get the recognition you deserve. Please take the award, tell your children all about your service, and be the person you were when you volunteered. You signed up with an honorable intention, I bet, and regardless of how your service has gone, there is still honor in your heart.
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I feel your pain. I didn't want mine at the end of a 26 year career. I seemed a little cheesey to me to "recognise" someone with a MSM for a career where they were competitively promoted to E-9 while never being recognised with a NAM or NCM. My squadron commander said I would get his ass in a crack if he didn't write one up so I took it and moved on. I have much more pride in the plaque the junior enlisted gave me though.
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When I got out in 91, they asked if I wanted an award, and told them no. End of story.
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never having experienced what an ETS award was during my time in the military I will not be able to give a comment on how we react to it receiving an ETS Award in today's Military.
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After 39 years 5 months and 23 days the way they found out was,,,,,,I was not there. My thoughts at the time was that absence makes the heart grow fonder.
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Not interested in any award just really like the site .I'm from 72/75 .it makes me proud of the younger people being involved in America
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It could be worse brother, when I got out my CWO told me to my face that I didn't warrant anything and not to expect a going away either. God love that man, but the rest of my shop (E-5 and below) salvaged a 155 and turned it into a lamp with a plaque on it for me. Best thing I've ever received.
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Awards are seldom for the reason they say on the piece of paper, so make them cough up something to say thank you for the time you have given them. Precious time.
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From what I have read, there is something behind this question; However, we were not there . Speaking from personal experience, my 1SG had me write my ETS award and NCOER in which he downgraded due to my short tenure in the unit. Regardless, being an NCO, we directly and indirectly set standards and examples for soldiers. I would recommend being pinned the award, walking out the door quietly, and during your DD-214 appointment just state you don't have the paperwork to justify it. I took the award because it was a reflection of my time in the unit and thanked those I served with. If you want to set an example, be a professional.
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The problem I see, is simply, do you think you may ever return to the military or serve in the Army Reserve/National Guard? If the answer is no, then just say you refuse to accept the award, and move on. For those who may wish to return at some future date, an ETS award is better than nothing, as it shows that your unit cares enough about your service as a soldier, and would like to be able to give you more options for the future. NOT getting such an award, and then should you ever decide to return to service, and people will look at you as someone who just filled a slot, perhaps a capable soldier, but nothing more. 30 years from now, that piece of paper may mean a lot more to you then, than it does right now.
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Take the award and move on. Someone in the unit thought enough of you to write it up.
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