Army Achievement Medal (AAM) for a Call Of Duty Tournament?

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 21:44:26 -0500

I recently read a post on another site that a soldier was awarded the Army Achievement Medal for winning a Call to Duty (that's a video game for those who don't play) tournament. It could have been a hoax, but I think it was real. I'm not picking on the soldier who received the AAM, but is something really worth awarding it for? Or am I just too old to "get it"?

Note: Photo added by RP staff

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2015 9:58 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 21:58:27 -0500

There's 76 current & former members of B Company, 601st Aviation Support Battalion on Rally Point, I'm sure one of them could shed some light.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2015 10:02 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 22:02:24 -0500

I have seen people doing corrective training get AAM's. Its not to hard to believe this. Isn't UAV people in the same boat as Call of Duty gamers? Just saying lol.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2015 10:06 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 22:06:12 -0500

It is getting to the point that nothing surprises me with the new Military.

Of course as you should know almost all training is going towards virtual reality.

This is how the New Generation of Soldiers learn best. We as Leaders have to evolve and adapt our methods of teaching what needs to be done.

I did not say I like it but that I understand the reasoning

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Jan 13 at 2015 9:40 AM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 09:40:24 -0500

I support the decision. As ridiculous as sounds on the surface to get an award for playing video games, I view as alternate military training. The Army has largely embraced gaming in its training efforts recently. Its just an evolution of the times we live in.
The Army has own commercial video games, uses simulators such as EST 2000, and in my view Call of Duty is another simulator. According to Stars and Stripes, the Army is investing $50 MILLION dollars into gaming
http://www.stripes.com/news/not-playing-around-army-to-invest-50m-in-combat-training-games-1.85595

Not playing around: Army to invest $50M in combat training games

GRAFENWÖHR, Germany — The Army has created a video game unit and will invest $50 million over five years on games and gaming systems designed to prepare soldiers for combat.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2015 1:24 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 13:24:21 -0500

I told y'all in another thread about trolling that I have seen commendations for stupider things...
I have not seen a commendation for a stupider thing than this.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2015 2:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 14:11:48 -0500

What was the site to this article?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2015 4:20 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 16:20:07 -0500

First, I'll believe it when I see proof. Second, if it is true maybe there are extenuating circumstances. Maybe this was charity related, or maybe there was something else alongside the tournament used to justify the AAM. If it really was given out purely because an arbitrary soldier won a video game tournament then I would have some serious questions for the approving authorities.

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Jan 16 at 2015 5:56 PM

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 17:56:47 -0500

Wow, I guess it depends on the context. If it was a tournament that used military tactics, strategy, and required technical and tactical knowledge then i understand that, especially if there were quite a few people in the tournament and it was competitive enough.

When I was at Armor Officer Basic Course, they had a game that you could compete in using tank tactics (this was in 2004, so the graphics not that great). But I think they got certificates for winning. Anyway I see that the army has to be on cutting edge of technology, and this is one way to do it.

The Call of Duty series is fantastic from what I have seen. I don't play at all, but read about how they used military consultants to make it as real as possible. I also read that the creators won't put something in unless militarily the technology is feasible.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2015 6:27 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 18:27:31 -0500

I'll just... leave this here.

EDIT: Removed image.

Response by SGT Chad Holmes made Jan 16 at 2015 6:44 PM

SGT Chad Holmes — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 18:44:47 -0500

They will give medals for anything now a days and it makes me sick.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2015 7:28 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 19:28:30 -0500

OMG Please tell me this is a joke? WOW!

Response by SPC Todd Hanson made Jan 16 at 2015 9:48 PM

SPC Todd Hanson — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 21:48:57 -0500

And yet those whom deserve awards get them downgraded bases of rank and some don't receive them at all

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2015 11:56 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 23:56:16 -0500

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 2:17 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 02:17:39 -0500

And this is why we can't have nice things....sigh

Response by John Russell made Jan 17 at 2015 5:53 AM

John Russell — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 05:53:48 -0500

Too bad they didnt step it up and just give them CAB's or EIB's..and say these guys got experience.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jan 17 at 2015 10:54 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 10:54:10 -0500

Sounds like a good Duffel Bag Story to me!!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2015 12:24 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 00:24:13 -0500

Lowers the prestige and integrity of the award.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2015 6:23 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 06:23:05 -0500

This is ridiculous. If it was real I hope that commander has a short career. What a waste. I am so sick and tired of the you did something so you should get something. Playing a game is not worthy of an award. I would love to know what unit this is so I could avoid them in the future.

Response by SFC Nikhil Kumra made Jan 18 at 2015 8:01 AM

SFC Nikhil Kumra — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 08:01:43 -0500

My first AAM was in 1999, (obviously pre-911/pre-12 year war), on an FTX in the Reserve. I was a 92Y at the time (my first MOS prior to moving over to the 11B dark side in '01), and my Supply Sergeant, a great NCO, had my E-2 counterpart and I working our tails off. As an Infantryman, I went into my combat MOS w/the utmost respect for POGs.

In those three weeks of Annual Training, when we got back, he had put me in for an AAM, which was approved - I really had no idea that I was getting anything for my work, nor did I really know what I did to get it, all I know is that it was A LOT of damn work that 19 year old me was used to!

I think I was an E-3 at the time, and it was my first medal... I remember that feeling of TRULY earning an award! It was just an AAM, it was nothing in hindsight, but man, I was proud of that.

These awards, even if it's "just an AAM" should not be used in this way. It kills what the leadership is trying to accomplish - building a sense of morale and tradition - that feeling of accomplishment, in those young Soldiers, or even in the ones that have been there for a while.

I really hope this isn't real - there are ways to issue/earn awards in peace time - it doesn't have to be nonsense like this!

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jan 18 at 2015 8:07 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 08:07:26 -0500

Holy cow, I hope this was a hoax, but I wouldn't be shocked if it was true. If someone seriously got an AAM for winning a video game tournament, I will do a facepalm so loud that his/her unit will hear it from across the country. We have COUNTLESS personnel who have gone through a 12-15 month deployment -- actually out patrolling, etc. -- who were given a Certificate of Appreciation for their end of tour award because they were "too junior" to receive an AAM. This still bothers me to this day.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2015 9:32 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 09:32:28 -0500

I really hope this is not true. Soldiers should receive awards for actually doing something worthwhile and outside of their normal duties. Getting an AAM for playing a video game or just doing your normal everyday job is the dumbest thing ever. It reminds me of how when officers deploy they automatically get a Bronze Star. Were they good at their job? Did they get shot or save someone else's life? Doesn't matter, they showed up to a deployment. Then you have PFC Snuffy who got shot and/or blown up and still managed to drag his buddy out of a flaming vehicle who gets recommended for an ARCOM or maybe a COA. The Army really needs to fix they way leaders and everyone in general thinks about awards. Bring back the pride.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2015 11:39 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 23:39:56 -0500

No, absolutely not. If this is real it lessens the value of the award playing a video game, no matter how well should never constitute an award, seriously?

Response by Gonzalo Herrera made Jan 21 at 2015 1:44 AM

Gonzalo Herrera — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 01:44:10 -0500

That's something that could be done as a company during a payday activities day and receive a pat on the back or something more productive rather than receiving an award

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2015 1:37 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 13:37:45 -0500

Not surprised, troll a message board and get an ARCOM. Today's military.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 1:12 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 01:12:12 -0500

When I first read this story, I thought it was good ol' Duffelblog... and then I realized it wasn't and I wanted to kick puppies..

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2015 2:29 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 02:29:34 -0500

Back in the day we had to get out and work our rears off just to get a damn POB!! Now they just give the AAM and ARCOM's away like candy! I'll stick to the hard work and earn mine.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 2:28 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 14:28:53 -0400

Where's my Bronze Star for defeating the purple threat in PacMan (circa 1984).?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 2:36 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 14:36:44 -0400

It's real it was in my brigade pretty stupid if you ask me. Good ol Fort Riley anything is possible

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Mar 14 at 2015 2:38 PM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 14:38:25 -0400

Please tell me it was Duffleblog or the like...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 10:31 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 22:31:06 -0400

Our awards system is broken. BN and BDE commanders need to be more judicious when approving awards. No amount of video game playing merits a medal. Too often we fail to recognize good Soldiers and instead hand out ridiculous awards like this.

During my OND deployment we had multiple NCOs whose end of tour awards were downgraded to AAMs. All of the PLs in my Company and one of the PSGs had their awards downgraded from BSMs to MSMs. Somehow the BDE staff all received their BSMs, even though the majority of them never left Camp Arifjan. (For those of you who haven't been there Arifjan is in Kuwait city and reminded me of a stateside USAF base)

The implication of awards like this is that an NCO's deployment overseas is equal in merit to someone playing in a Call of Duty Tournament or policing the internet. That is entirely the wrong message we need to be sending to our troops. A COA would've been far more appropriate if the chain of command wanted to present an award for the MWR activities.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 15 at 2015 12:04 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 00:04:06 -0400

If true, its a true WTF moment.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2015 12:18 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 00:18:58 -0400

Sounds like duffel blog. if not. then No. just. NO.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2015 1:02 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Dec 2015 13:02:06 -0500

I'm rather confused how they could even write that up? Maybe I don't have enough experience with writing awards to know how to word them, but the whole idea for this award for something that was probably hosted by MWR, is just rather odd. Although, it is not the most outlandish thing I've heard of someone being awarded a medal for. My last PL, he PCS'd and his new unit awarded soldiers an ARCOM for a talent show. If you ask me, I just don't understand how someone could believe in awarding a Medal for such small things. I just believe Medals have more value than what some leadership may be placing on them nowadays.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2016 5:27 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 17:27:53 -0400

pretty sure this is a hoax. the thought of it being anything other than imaginary is pretty depressing. I used to be an avid Madden player on playstation years ago.....certainly wasn't going to test my "skills" and apply for a spot on an NFL roster. People seem to want to find any means/methods/excuse for being awarded decorations and medals. How many of them would be willing to purposely put themselves in the middle of a firefight in a hot war zone for the "chance" to be awarded a MOH??

Response by CPO Bill Penrod made Jul 17 at 2017 8:41 AM

CPO Bill Penrod — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 08:41:46 -0400

I read that a sailor was awarded NAM for keeping soda machines stocked and in working order. That was he job......and he got a NAM.