Posted on Feb 7, 2015
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
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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.
Posted in these groups: Us medals Awards
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Responses: 37
MAJ(P) Operations Research/Systems Analysis
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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.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
11 y
One of the "recognitions" I remember the most, was doing Gen Zinni's retirement on Quantico.

We went out for a couple hours for 3 days prior. On the day prior, Gen Zinni came out and gathered everyone up, "take a knee" style.

He personally thanked us. No coins, no flair, no big ceremony other than that, just a "Guys, thanks for doing this. I know it sucks, but we're Marines, and the brass loves doing these."
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MAJ(P) Operations Research/Systems Analysis
MAJ(P) (Join to see)
11 y
Moments like that make it worth while.
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MSG Psychological Operations Specialist
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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.
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TSgt Kevin Buccola
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None of the above - I would rather receive a coin like the old days 
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SGM Billy Herrington
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Earlier in my career school. Now, coins are cool and I don't have to retake a DA photo.
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SGT Richard H.
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School. Hands down.
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CPL Zachariah Chitwood
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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.
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SSG Parachute Rigger
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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.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
11 y
SSG (Join to see) not here to lob Soft balls:p But for the sake of argument, just assume that career progression is a given.

Modify it to "How would you prefer to be recognized? All else being equal."
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SSG Parachute Rigger
SSG (Join to see)
11 y
All things equal Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS, I guess I would choose option #3. Of course with that choice I would like to be given preparatory time to ensure I am ready for the extra demands that will be placed upon me.
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SSG Platoon Sergeant
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Opportunity...
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GySgt International It Pmo & Portfolio Manager
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I’d recommend schools that have a post military value that will put bank in your pocket.
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LTC Russ Smith
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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.
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