What to do when a unit fails to issue a Soldier an award he earned?

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 12:09:39 -0400

I competed in an event with a couple other soldiers and we all got awarded COAs but mine was mistakenly printed with another soldier's name on it. I have waited for my award and talked to everyone but there has been no out come and no body in my leadership seem to care. I also earned another COA for scoring a 300 in APFT but was never issued an award while others get rewarded for the same action. I did some work but that was used to credit another soldier as Warrior of the week. Can this be just bad luck? I kind of feel discourage. I really want my achievements. Can i put myself for theses awards? UI mean; soldiers get rewarded for theses things so why not me.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2014 12:12 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 12:12:24 -0400

use your chain of command. Start with your team leader then squad leader, platoon sergeant etc. It will be fixed I'm sure

Response by 1SG Shane Hansen made Apr 3 at 2014 1:36 PM

1SG Shane Hansen — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 13:36:06 -0400

Most likely just bad luck and timing is my guess. Like SFC Gilley stated, use your chain of command starting with your team or squad leader and address the situation professionally and with tact. I guarantee you that they care and just do not see the impact it is having on you emotionally.

As a second alternative, you could have someone speak to them on your behalf so it doesn't appear that you are whining if you are worried about that sort of thing.

To answer your other question, no you may not recommend yourself for an award. The regulation is very clear about that.

Do not get discouraged, there are good leaders out there who will ensure Soldiers are rewarded that are deserving.

Response by SGT Suraj Dave made Aug 14 at 2014 12:42 AM

SGT Suraj Dave — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 00:42:20 -0400

I once did a month of funeral details. Was on 24/7 recall for funeral's, wasn't even allowed to drink. Everyone on the detail got an AAM except for me, they filled out the paperwork wrong on mine. I fought and fought and fought, no one cared at all. I just got over it.

Sometimes, you aren't going to get rewarded for what you do. Then there are times where you will get reprimanded for things you didn't do. That is part of being a soldier.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 14 at 2014 9:51 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 21:51:08 -0400

Have your friend put you in for an award. If it gets "lost" again, get with your EOR. The are mandated to track records pertaining to things like awards by rank, race, gender, etc. for accountability and watchdogging. If they try to tell you it was submitted, make sure you check your records. I found an AAM in my downgraded records (originally submitted ARCOM). I didn't know it was there for years (didn't know I was put in for something). Hope this helps. Stay positive bro, never let them see you sweat.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2014 4:16 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 16:16:38 -0400

Dont think your accomplishments dont go unnoticed so dont worry about not receiving a ribbon or two. You will get the recognition you deserve in time and it will be worth the wait.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2015 10:57 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 22:57:04 -0500

My brother was in an Army Reserve unit where they returned from deployment and, because their personnel guy did the paperwork wrong, no one received their awards (at least initially and not until after a great deal of headache). Apparently no one in Big Army (initially) noticed that this non-deployed SPC was awarded ALL (or some large chunk) of the unit's awards (with multiple duplicated award write ups). That one had all of us scratching our head. They eventually got things fixed, I hope you do/did too, SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member.