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
Dang. My unit repeatedly told me I was getting one and then received nothing. Pretty sure they just forgot. Not much you can do.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Air Force veteran here (32 years total)..... EVERY award I ever got (including my dod civilian years) were literally either thrown at me or they just came in the mail. Not once did I get to stand before my unit to have something presented to me. Therefore, it is impossible for me to feel sorry for anyone to get an award that they didn't want. The awards matter. Take the award with humility and gratitude, even if they aren't something you feel proud of. Often, the award actually represents the entire unit, not just the individual. It's just that simple. On Iwo Jima, it was said that “Uncommon valor was a common virtue”. There were 27 Medals of Honor awarded amongst the 12,000 American dead. Think about that for a moment.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
CW2 (Join to see)
Expiration - Term of Service. When you get discharged. In this case an award you get for your x years service, i.e. your good-bye award.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
You would have to explain WHAT an ETS award is. I have 37 years in and I have never seen one.....
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
0
0
0
former spc4 helm I ETSed in 89 never heard of an ETS award. is it like a participation ribbon that I hear Their handing out in basic now for making it past the first week. just wondering what has happened to the army I was in.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
0
0
0
No matter how you slice it, refusing an ETS award makes you look like a pissy whiner. You may have all the reason in the world to harbor a grudge but no matter how you try to pretty it up you are going to be the one who looks petty minded and small.
My advice - shut your trap, accept the award, and give it to the neighbor's dog to play with when you get home.
Conversely, you could tell the 1SG you'd rather have cash.
My advice - shut your trap, accept the award, and give it to the neighbor's dog to play with when you get home.
Conversely, you could tell the 1SG you'd rather have cash.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Some have different reasons for wanting or not wanting an award.. I suppose for
S'one who is moving on ; ETS'g.. maybe they may hook up with a Reserve or Guard unit Air or ground. .. even if the individual did an exemplary job.. some may feel not the same.. wether they are justified feeling that way or not I don't know...? If I were to get one.. let me know and I'll tell them where to send it.. work it out so it
would be awarded at the Veteran's Service org. Post or Chapter I belonged to.. or via my Congressman /person or U.S. Rep .. Fine by me.. A friend was awarded their's in front of the community
And his Scout troop at a Memorial Day
Ceremony.. it had been 30 years after he had left Vietnam.. it was from the people of Vietnam .. an appreciation Plaque for helping them rebuild their village after a massive fire.. he had also wrote home to his church asking for baby and toddler clothes.. others in his unit had given of themselves and recognized, he had rotated before they could recognize his efforts.. The Army not to be outdone
awarded an award for community service .
Two nice plaques .. recognizing s'one for other than firing their weapon at the enemy.. his Congressman and U.S. Rep
awarded them and of course added their own recognition of him with a declaration..
for his selfless service to our Country's Ally.
S'one who is moving on ; ETS'g.. maybe they may hook up with a Reserve or Guard unit Air or ground. .. even if the individual did an exemplary job.. some may feel not the same.. wether they are justified feeling that way or not I don't know...? If I were to get one.. let me know and I'll tell them where to send it.. work it out so it
would be awarded at the Veteran's Service org. Post or Chapter I belonged to.. or via my Congressman /person or U.S. Rep .. Fine by me.. A friend was awarded their's in front of the community
And his Scout troop at a Memorial Day
Ceremony.. it had been 30 years after he had left Vietnam.. it was from the people of Vietnam .. an appreciation Plaque for helping them rebuild their village after a massive fire.. he had also wrote home to his church asking for baby and toddler clothes.. others in his unit had given of themselves and recognized, he had rotated before they could recognize his efforts.. The Army not to be outdone
awarded an award for community service .
Two nice plaques .. recognizing s'one for other than firing their weapon at the enemy.. his Congressman and U.S. Rep
awarded them and of course added their own recognition of him with a declaration..
for his selfless service to our Country's Ally.
(0)
(0)
0
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 
