Which would you rather? (Awards)

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 16:56:54 -0500

Lots of discussions about Awards etc. But here's the real question. Which would you rather get?

Treat each of the below as a form of Recognition/Reward, and assume that promotions are happening normally.

Response by SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA made Feb 7 at 2015 5:07 PM

SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 17:07:48 -0500

I always take opportunity over recognition!...always!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 5:28 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 17:28:57 -0500

Opportunity...

Response by SPC Charles Griffith made Feb 7 at 2015 5:37 PM

SPC Charles Griffith — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 17:37:47 -0500

I just want honesty, as Service Members the opportunity's abound. I'd rather SM's get honest recognition and reward for their accomplishments.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 5:50 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 17:50:44 -0500

This is a hard question to answer Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS.

I chose award but all are potential career enhancers.

If the award is written correctly then it will show your worth. Although some treat that as a past tense action. The same goes for an LOA.

Depending upon the school / course it could improve your career or set you apart from peers. Of course if something happens and you do not pass you most likely will not get that chance back.

Definitely a hard choice.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 7 at 2015 6:12 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 18:12:44 -0500

I used to work with a Gunny who believed everyone deserved "at a minimum" a Letter of Appreciation when they left the Unit.

He believed that their very presence made the mission easier.

a) They were either a "Performer" and could take on more making things easier for the rest of folks.

or

b) They were a "Non-Performer" who could be assigned every "crap" detail, which made it easier to accomplish the real mission for the Performers. Think of it in terms of Opportunity Cost. You dedicate the best performers to essential tasks, and non-performers to less-essential tasks (go mow lawns).

Both sets of people had value in the unit. Sometimes those "warm bodies" most valuable feature was to "take one for the team." That said, he also made sure they got a fair share of school allocations (within their skillset). How can they get better if they're always pulling crap duty?

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Feb 7 at 2015 6:15 PM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 18:15:22 -0500

I like the school option. Of course, you have to be in a unit where the good Soldiers are actually being sent to the school instead of being held back to make sure the unit doesn't go under while the shit bags are sent to get them out of the way of smooth operations.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 6:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 18:35:05 -0500

School for sure, I wanted more "cool" Army schools.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 6:35 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 18:35:56 -0500

Channing Tatum. Wait, I thought this was a game of "would you rather...?"

Whatever is the most honest and accurate is what I'd want. The LoA would be my choice, though I'd be tempted to take the premier school option if I were a PT stud.

Response by CPL Zachariah Chitwood made Feb 7 at 2015 6:56 PM

CPL Zachariah Chitwood — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 18:56:33 -0500

I would rather go to another school. You can never stop learning, regardless of what you know or, more often than not, think you know. Awards, medals, certificates, that's all stuff I don't want or need. If you're serving for the paycheck or for recognition, you need to find a new career.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 7 at 2015 7:32 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 19:32:31 -0500

SCHOOLS! NEVER NEVER NEVER turn down the opportunity to go to a school!!!!

Response by SGT Richard H. made Feb 7 at 2015 7:39 PM

SGT Richard H. — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 19:39:04 -0500

School. Hands down.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Feb 7 at 2015 8:01 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 20:01:48 -0500

Schools, always schools! Slots are VERY hard to get in non-combat MOS's...

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 8:23 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 20:23:39 -0500

Always schools. Nothing better for your career, and you as an individual, not to mention what you can do for the service.

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made Feb 7 at 2015 8:24 PM

COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 20:24:29 -0500

Depends upon the individual and where they are at in their career.
- Letter Appreciation. As an older Soldier, I value these more. I already look like a WWII Russian general so I need another medal like I need another hole in my head. Getting too old to enjoy "premier" schools and already know what they might teach me anyway.
- Medal. As a mid grade Soldier, I would value these since these are one of the things that a board looks at (both number and type).
- "Premier" School. As a younger Soldier, I would value this the most since these (Ranger, Sapper, Airborne, Pathfinder) are great opportunties to learn and have fun. Plus going to these types of schools helps to make one a better leader by exposing yourself to different environments, leaders, and instruction techniques.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 8:26 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 20:26:12 -0500

School, hands down easy choice. Soldiers love flair, they can be fun (maybe not Ranger, Sapper, SFAS...), and they can lead to cool career opportunities.

Response by SGM Billy Herrington made Feb 7 at 2015 8:32 PM

SGM Billy Herrington — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 20:32:56 -0500

Earlier in my career school. Now, coins are cool and I don't have to retake a DA photo.

Response by MAJ Ron Peery made Feb 7 at 2015 8:58 PM

MAJ Ron Peery — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 20:58:35 -0500

None of these apply to me now, but while I was serving, I preferred to be recognized by my NCO's and troops over getting awards.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 11:30 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 23:30:24 -0500

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS. I was never interested in formal letters, certificates, or medals. I just wanted to be in a position to help . . . to do the best thing in the best way at the best time. The only reward . . . if you might call it that . . . would be the trust and respect of my colleagues. Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Feb 8 at 2015 2:17 AM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 02:17:23 -0500

None of the above - I would rather receive a coin like the old days

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 7:56 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 07:56:44 -0500

The school would be cool, but a coin or a handshake for myself and my team (which is what matters most here) is fine with me.

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 8:06 AM

MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 08:06:01 -0500

To be cheesy and sentimental, I'd honestly rather get recognition of any kind (handshake, hug, thank you, etc) from my Soldiers rather than an award.

I am being serious here. If I get that, I know that I've truly and positively impacted my Soldier(s). That honestly means more to me than personal recognition.

I'm quite certain I'm not alone here.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 11:23 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 11:23:44 -0500

My thoughts are more in line with COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Feb 8 at 2015 11:54 AM

CMC Robert Young — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 11:54:36 -0500

What about coins?? Can't ever have too many challenge coins ;-)

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2015 9:54 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 09:54:15 -0500

Assuming it was "earned" and performed at an appropriate level, a medal is the best way to recognize performance. Any promotion board will see it as a supplement to a Soldier's evaluation report, and when combined form a more comprehensive view of performance in positions of responsibility. As you gain rank, it is generally expected that a certain level and volume of awards has been accumulated, and with a mean in mind, board members will weigh that when deciding who is above a standard they set in their mind.

No matter how you feel on the subject of what "right" looks like, make sure you recognize your Soldiers with something. It cost you nothing, but means the world to them, whether they say it or not.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Mar 28 at 2015 12:46 PM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 12:46:36 -0400

i voted for school as long as medals do not count for promotion points

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2015 6:10 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 06:10:35 -0400

Got enough bling for two careers now. I'll take the school in a heart beat!

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 14 at 2015 1:28 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Thu, 14 May 2015 13:28:29 -0400

It depends on what the recognition is for.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 14 at 2015 1:30 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 14 May 2015 13:30:53 -0400

I will admit that I like the glory, so public. Of course I would accept the recognition and award with modesty.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 14 at 2015 1:41 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 14 May 2015 13:41:46 -0400

The most surprising recognition I received was from a Deputy Commander. As part of an exercise control staff, I had briefed him daily for about 10 days. Because I provided both status updates and advanced information on the next day's events, the briefings were individual in his office. During our last briefing, he thanked me sincerely and gave me a coin. That meant something.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 1:43 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 13:43:07 -0400

One year I wrote a personal thank you to each of the folks who worked for me. Several became permanent displays in their work areas.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 1:45 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 13:45:41 -0400

I would actually prefer informal recognition. This type of recognition is more sincere and it builds the confidence I have in the person as a leader. The only issue with informal recognition is that it does nothing for your permanent record. So with that being said I do accept and promote formal recognition when deserved.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 14 at 2015 1:48 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 14 May 2015 13:48:46 -0400

Recognition that was well thought out, as opposed to check in the box. If that makes sense.

If it's formalized that's cool as well, but it's not a requirement. The note on the door is a great example of a well thought out recognition without any formal trappings (other than letterhead). Coins are another one. I got a coin once from a SgtMaj while I was working at Staples because I helped him get some blank receipts ordered and sent to the EUCOM club. I appreciated that a lot, even though I was just taking care of a customer.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 12:35 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 May 2015 00:35:22 -0400

I must be really different. I received all three at some point in my five years and all three were nice. Hands down I liked my letters of appreciation the best. Schools are fun, but unless you get to use it, it was a like a timeshare weekend, they own you during the day listening to the speech, but the nights are yours. I say that having gone to some really fun schools. Awards are shiny, but everything gets condensed to bullet points and sucks the soul out of your achievements, as if they texted in your accomplishments.
A well written letter? The fact that someone felt strongly enough about you and what you did to write a letter. Hell, who writes letters anymore? a well written letter is something you don't have to explain to anyone in any world military or civilian. It's written in English, usually avoids military jargon and acronyms, and typically expresses some sort of emotion.
That always carried more weight with me. Even if no else reads them, I still do. When I reorder my files, pack/unpack them, I stack my green award binders without a glance, but the letters? I pause, open that binder and glance through them.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 2:30 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 14:30:34 -0400

Hmmm. Now that I'm a retiree in the civilian workforce, I'll add another category ...... BONUS!

Response by LtCol George Carlson made Jun 29 at 2017 10:33 PM

LtCol George Carlson — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 22:33:13 -0400

As a "really old" retired guy I have to say that you left off what, to me at least, matters most. That is the private (or semi-private) recognition of seniors, peers and subordinates. These examples (of many memories) will suffice. The LCpl in my Ground Defense Platoon who came by the afternoon he was to rotate back home and said, "Sir, I just want you to know, I would follow you anywhere." On being passed over for LtCol (while a student in C&SC, supposedly selected as "promotable") a classmate (infantry officer) said, "I don't care what the board thinks. You know your stuff. If we go to war I want you as my engineer." When selected, the Division C/S personally came to tell me and said, "The real indicator of you as an officer was that you didn't get discouraged, or let down. You know who you are and continued to demonstrate it." Finally shortly after I retired (as the Facility Maintenance Officer while under A-76 review for privatization) I got a note from one of the one of the civilian employees (and just a middle grade foreman). It read, "Colonel, WE WON the BID! Thanks to you. You kept us informed. You listened to us -- all 700 of us. And you told us straight, even when you didn't know what the final answer was. We all thank you." The other options mentioned all matter. I am not dismissing them. But, in the final analysis (now 27 past retirement), these instances and the many others like them are what REALLY matter.

Response by LTC Russ Smith made Jun 30 at 2017 6:48 AM

LTC Russ Smith — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 06:48:33 -0400

When I left my fittest rifle platoon one of my soldiers made a plaque in his garage using Ritter, saw, etc. and lacquered it. Someone else put the unit crest on it and some one else had an engraving done. When I left company command and battalion command my troops had a duplicate guidon/colors framed. When I retired from my last assignment at Camp Roberts the NCOs made a huge, 36 in wide x 18 in shadow box that included patches, medals, ribbons, baggers, branch insignia, etc. These things I display even today, almost 11 years after retirement. I had them in my classrooms and offices. The certificates, etc are inside plastic protectors in a binder that's in a cupboard. Best stuff comes from your troops and your peers.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2021 4:42 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 16:42:22 -0500

I’d recommend schools that have a post military value that will put bank in your pocket.