What is the best way to tell your unit that you in no way shape or form want an ETS award from them?

Dang. My unit repeatedly told me I was getting one and then received nothing. Pretty sure they just forgot. Not much you can do.

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.

what is a ETS Award?

You would have to explain WHAT an ETS award is. I have 37 years in and I have never seen one.....

Accept the award graciously and move on. What is the big deal?

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.

Be yourself

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.

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.

I did not like you when I got here and I don't like you now bye.

The simplest method is to refuse acceptance. If you are ordered to take the award take it and then give it/mail it with full explanation for yor refusal to accept to your CSM

Those little bits of cloth and medal are all we get. Not like you get a bonus for good work.
An Impact ARCOM for discovering an enemy infiltration route went to a Special Duty awards clerk after the NCO ETSd and the change of command occurred.
New commanding general decided the old commanding general was wrong to award a company commander a MSM even after the old CG told the BDE Commander he wanted it awarded.
Bn Commander decided that he did not want to inflate the system so NO awards for Just Cause even three soldiers that were given a Letter of Commendation from the President of Panama. Now he did accept a Bronze star for ALL OF US.

Never looked for kind of award, So why in the HELL would I write my own AWARD?>>>>>>

Deleted comment

Wow 240k views u famous Ben. Thanks for making your old orderly room life easy when it came to this award lmao

I agree a "reward" should not be a burden to the recipient because of poor process within the organization especially when someone is focused on the next chapter of their life

What you have stated pretty much sums it up.

If you do not want it then you should have the right to not take it ,but I know they do what they want most of the time ,money would help you more than a award , keep your head up because we the troops back you ,may God bless you

Well I just threw the damn thing on the ground right as the commander saluted me. Then I walked off straight to my car then home! Guess what I was already on terminal leave ! So piss on him and his political correctness obama bullshit! That's why I retired!

As a soldier you do your job as best you can and move on. Only ones who care are your fellow troops. Neff said.