In the Navy, it's hard enough to get a NAM. To get a COM, you almost certainly need to be E7 or above; doesn't matter if you out perform your E7 or are holding an E7 position. From my understanding, getting a BSM in the Army is easier than getting an ARCOM, but getting a BSM in the Navy practically takes an act of heroism. Most guys I know get Letters of Commendation (essentially worthless by all means). I have seen Flag Letter of Commendations given out (I myself have received two instead of a NAM). With a FLOC you at least get a point awarded to you on your advancement exam. I'm getting a little off topic, however. Earning ribbons and medals that actually mean anything in the Navy is pretty difficult, but a lot of it depends on your job, right time, right place, right Chain of Command. I know ITs who have went above and beyond and got nothing, but a thank you, while there have been YNs who, based on their high visibility seating, have been awarded SPOT NAMs.. As already stated, life is not fair. Just look at the SEALs. Someone will get a NAM for restocking a vending machine and the Navy SEAL who went through hell on some deadly high-tier mission won't have anything to show for it. In the Navy, it's really about your sense of self and internal pride. Pretty crazy really. I try not to get caught up in the chest candy game. Getting recognized does feel good and definitely boosts moral; I personally would love to have more stars, ribbons, and medals, but I take enough pride in knowing that I am doing my best and making sure my people get promoted. No ribbon will ever replace the feeling of knowing you played a critical role in someone's career.

Didn't mama ever tell you that life isn't fair? "Fairness" in the awarding of recognition for valor, service, and achievement will always be elusive because it depends upon too many variables. It starts with the recommendation (or lack of recommendation). Did anyone witness the act or event? How fair is the witness (will their attitude towards the candidate for honor unduly influence their decision to submit or not submit a recommendation)? How well is the recommendation crafted? Few people are well-versed in giving testimony, especially in writing. And that only begins the path to recognition being awarded. No, it isn't fair, never will be. It simply is what it is. Ultimately, we all must try our best and hope for the best. As a former chief of Awards & Decorations for the 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam, I know this very well and boy could I tell you stories... (Actually, I have but they're lost somewhere among the forest of discussions on RP. You can also find them in my Vietnam weblog postings. http://www.jackdurish.com/jacks-blog/category/vietnam

For some silly reason......even though the regs say otherwise about basing awards off of rank......a lot of highers will use rank to base what award they should warrant. That is one reason. Another reason is how the award is written up and if there is enough punch to the bullets to strengthen the award recommendation. Poorly written award recommendations will always get lowered. That's another. And then, of course, you just have some plain old bias when it comes to awards and the approval/downgrade. Is the system fair? Certainly not. And I find the 638 form a little biased in itself. When you go to the block to add what awards the recommendee already has....the options are few in comparison to what they wear on their chest.....which some use to base the approval/downgrade as well. For example, I have 12 ribbons on my chest salad (and I can only select 2 or 3 of the listed awards on the 638)....I was promoted into the Detachment Sergeant position (SFC position) when I was still a SGT, and an MSM is being written up for my PCS. I am, honestly, not holding my breath that I will get the MSM........even with the strong bullets that have been written.