Why are officers recognized with awards more than enlisted?

Be proud of your AAM. I worked my a&$ off for my first one. It was in the NG, and it was even harder to get it to show up on my 2-A. Took two PCS before I could show the documentation to a friendly in-processing NCO who fixed it. Your best bet is to volunteer for something like a JRTC special training mission that lasts 2 weeks or a 29 day deployment to the sandbox. It’s tough to get one for ordinary FTX unless you are the best Bradley gunner on the tables.

I will have to call bullsh*t. As someone with 18 years before I left service as both enlisted and an officer. I had nearly 4 rows of ribbons as enlisted. Became an officer and could not have 3 rows of those ribbons on my uniform. 14 years as an officer I only received the NDS and service awards to add to my ribbons. I got out in 2004 so maybe things changed. I rarely saw company grade officers receive an award.

In the early 80s, I was a SSG in Hi. During g my 3 year tour, I received 8 AAMs for various accomplishments. These accomplishments ranged from Best Squad in Bn, to Best Platoon, to even coordinating and deploying the, then first, combined Vulcan Platoon/Stinger section independent deployment, that lasted 45 days. I qualified as the 2nd Vulcan Master in the 25th ID. I was recommended for ARCOMs for several of these, all downgraded to the, then newly created, AAM. When I PCS'd, my my recommended Meritorious Service Medal was downgraded to an ARCOM, because "you're just an SSG, it would have been approved if you had been an SFC".
I retired in 92 with 9 AAMs, 3 ARCOMs, and a retirement MSM. Go figure.

Old post but my friend who was a door gunner in Vietnam complained about the same thing with the pilots getting awards.

When I retired several years ago after 36 years of service, my Battalion Commander put me in for a LOM. Well the General who was the Brigade Commander downgraded my award to a MSM. Originally i really didn't care but my Commander was not happy and he informed me he was also being awarded an MSM but for serving three years in Battalion command. I contacted the Brigade CSM as well as this General who was Brigade Commander at the time and let them know I'd rather not receive any end of service award and just be allowed to leave. Latter I still received this award document in the mail. I guess in some commands the mindset, at least at the top is that NCOs, regardless of how senior they are, simply don't deserve certain awards!

Both sides of the fence. If you worried about medals you suck! Do your job! There were times people did without reward!

I had 15 years enlisted time and was an E8 selectee at the time I was commissioned. Then served another 11 years as an officer. I was never awarded a medal during my time enlisted, but I did rise in rank. Awarded 3 medals as an officer. Why? Because officers tend to be closer to the recommenders / writers. May not be fair, but that's the way it works.

Why becuse they most smoked blowed up their ass than the enlisted ranks.

Why? Because we Officers made more money than enlisted so we could by more Bling-Bling from the PX. Come on people............

I saw a Major in the National Guard put himself in for an award. He then approved the award. I was working in his office at the time and saw the paperwork and award certificate. The only signatures on all the paperwork were his. Totally cheapened the awards, I did manage to get while on active Duty. None while I was in the Guard.