Army Achievement Medals. How many do you have?

2014-09-03T07:49:42-04:00

I am a big fan of rewarding deserving Soldiers for going above and beyond in there respective services. My question here is what is the most amount of AAMs you have seen a person wear?

My first Platoon Sergeant had been awarded 15 Army Achievement Medals in his 21 years of service. I thought that was a lot but then we had a First Sergeant on my last deployment who had 19.

How does one get 19 Army Achievement Medals? That is like one per year. I know these to be true because I saw both their ERBs and they both wore them on there Class A jackets. Maybe I am just behind the times seeing as how I only have 5 with 11 years of service.

Anyone else seen more than 19?

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Sep 3 at 2014 8:01 AM

2014-09-03T08:01:59-04:00

12 was the most I saw on a SFC about 10 yrs ago. I only have 4.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 8:15 AM

2014-09-03T08:15:09-04:00

WOW!!! That's a lot. I only got only 3. :( The most I have seen was 8 on a SFC with 17 years of service.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Sep 3 at 2014 8:19 AM

2014-09-03T08:19:58-04:00

Over 23 years, and I ended up with a total of 11.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 8:34 AM

2014-09-03T08:34:49-04:00

Well with the degradation of award standards these days the AAM is given out like candy. I have seen soldiers receive them for winning a pig bowl.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Sep 3 at 2014 8:41 AM

2014-09-03T08:41:13-04:00

I earned 9 over the course of my 26-years; 6 were impact awards for qualifying my tank distinguished during tank gunneries, turning around a substandard arms room into the Regimental model and for an IG inspection during my time as a Recruiter; 1 was for tank turn-in way back in 1989 when we transitioned from M60A3s to the M1IPs; 1 was for selection as Instructor of the Quarter while a PLDC SGL; and the other was my PCS award when I left Recruiting Command that the interim Station Commander had to hurry up and write up during my last week in the command after the company leadership was hesitant to even want to give me a CoA, he told them that I had worked hard for 3 years, was leaving the same rank I had arrived with and had never been under investigation for an impropriety, just because I wasn't the most successful recruiter was no reason to let me leave empty handed lol.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 8:43 AM

2014-09-03T08:43:46-04:00

I have 6 AAMs and 6 ARCOMs. I have no clue what was the most I have ever seen. I try to remember a lot of things, but the amount of AAMs that people have is not one of them.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Sep 3 at 2014 8:57 AM

2014-09-03T08:57:58-04:00

4AAM/3ARCOM. No idea what the most I've seen is, but I'd guess that it's the 19 mentioned in the OP.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Sep 3 at 2014 9:25 AM

2014-09-03T09:25:43-04:00

8 in 27 years, once I became a warrant officer, awards went by the wayside mostly. I recently returned from JRTC this week and witnessed an awards ceremony for the rotation where 113 AAMs were presented for the rotation. I am glad to see folks recognized for going above and beyond, but in the same breath, lets not recognize by rank and position and reward appropriate above and beyond performance.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 10:09 AM

2014-09-03T10:09:54-04:00

Let's see I've been in 13yrs and have a whopping 2 AAMs...got to love USAREC. In the 18month I spent away from them I got 1 ARCOM and 1 MSM....feeling appreciated goes a LONG way!

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Sep 3 at 2014 10:10 AM

2014-09-03T10:10:46-04:00

None. They've always rolled my acievements into my ARCOMs.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 10:19 AM

2014-09-03T10:19:50-04:00

I have 5 AAMs in nearly 18 years of service and would love to never again receive one. I would rather get a coin and slap on the back. And a coin doesn't require an update to your ERB. ;)

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 12:35 PM

2014-09-03T12:35:23-04:00

I have two AAMs. I majored to do 4 years in the Regular Army and only walk away with two ARCOMs. One for the OIF I and one for an ETS award. The guard gave me another ARCOM and the two AAMs that I have.

Response by MSG Gene Potocki made Sep 3 at 2014 12:55 PM

2014-09-03T12:55:45-04:00

I was awarded six over a 21 year career.

Response by SSgt Tim Ricci made Sep 3 at 2014 1:01 PM

2014-09-03T13:01:22-04:00

I remember when the Army Service ribbon first came out!! It was a total joke among us troops!!!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 1:09 PM

2014-09-03T13:09:53-04:00

The fact that you have 5 with 11 years of service is commendable. That they have so many per year is as well. But you have to realize, it is based on the belief structure of the Battalion commander(s) those people have had. Some commanders identify with certain subordinates very quickly.

Additionally, there are impact awards (awarded for a specific action) and service awards (awarded for a specific time frame listing specific accomplishments). If an award is given as an impact award, that action should not be considered - by regulation - for a service award. As the person would have been awarded twice for the same action (AR 600-8-22, Military Awards, Chapter 1, Para 19a, b, c & d).

I have 25+ years in, 3 AAM's, 3 ARCOM's and 1 MSM with 2 deployments. Each of my awards has been a service award (time frame) and based on my accomplishments during that time frame. I am more proud of these awards that I would be of a whole bunch of impact awards. To me, impact awards are nice and demonstrate the Soldier did something exceptional that one time. But Service Awards demonstrate the ability for the Soldier to do exceptional work over a long period of time. That, to me, is more important to the Army and the unit mission.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 1:32 PM

2014-09-03T13:32:08-04:00

Eight in 21 years.
Most I ever saw on a Soldier was during an inspection, I gig'ed him for having two AAM ribbons, only to discover later that when you have ten awards, due to there being a limit on devices worn on a ribbon (4), you are actually supposed to wear a second ribbon - two ribbons + silver OLC + 3 bronze OLCs = 10 awards.
I had to eat crow.
I hope that never happens to me.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 1:37 PM

2014-09-03T13:37:36-04:00

To date I have no AAMs and 3 ARCOMs. I should have at least 2 AAMs for impact but my leadership didn't recommend me and I just let it go.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 2:14 PM

2014-09-03T14:14:43-04:00

10 years 5-AAM, 4-ARCOM, 1-MSM. I had a MSG that had 14 AAMs, he admitted a few of them was a result of point and give to a random E-4 or below.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 3:53 PM

2014-09-03T15:53:42-04:00

I have 13 AAMs, during the early 80 it was handed out like candy. Ive seen a Soldier recieve one for an IG inspection that he wasnt there for. Once the Commanders Coin came out they tapered off. Truthfully I remember every C.C. I recived and from who, AAMs, not so much. I didnt know about the 2 ribbon rule.

Response by SFC Siva Williams made Sep 3 at 2014 7:00 PM

2014-09-03T19:00:37-04:00

I was awarded 7 in 26 years. I am a medic so many of my AAMs were awarded in appreciation of how I conducted business in the field. I had two AAMs by the time I hit 3 years TIS. I received two more during Desert Shield/Storm. That is 4 in my first four years. The other 3 are spread over the next 22 years. I don't recall seeing any Soldiers with a butt load of AAMs. They just don't stand out these days.

I do recall having a run in with a fellow Buck Sergeant in 3rd ACR at Bliss. He accused me of being a PX Soldier because of my rack. I had 4 AAMs and 2 ARCOMs with six year TIS. I had recently arrived to the unit via intra-post transfer and this guy decided to call me out in front of the platoon. We were waiting for Top to come out and inspect our Class As. I told him that the bulk of my medals were deployment related. He proceed to chide me for deploying when other Soldiers hadn't had that opportunity. He was mad because all he had was a ASR, GCM, and NATL Defense. His last unit didn't give him a PCS award. Well we were called to attention and the 1SG comes through and is checking us out. He stops at SGT no medals and bust his balls for not having anything on his chest but the standard three. Top asked him if he was a f**k up. The guys started laughing at him especially after all the drama before Top came through.

Not having medals sticks out more than having them. Think of the times you have seen a Soldier (SGT or higher) with virgin pile on their right sleeve or seen a Soldier in dress uniform with nothing above their NDSM. The first thought is that the are substandard or were hiding out to avoid deployments.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 8:39 PM

2014-09-03T20:39:51-04:00

I received 7 within 25 years of service (I am retired now). My awards included an MSM, a downgraded MSM to an ARCOM, a 2nd ARCOM, and a downgraded ARCOM to an AAM. I was mobilized for 6 years as a team NCOIC with 1st Army training Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and more. I don't recall the most I ever saw.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 10:15 PM

2014-09-03T22:15:00-04:00

Don't feel bad, I haven't had any. I am a good soldier who has never had an Article 15 or been demoted for disciplinary reasons. I have only about 2 years active duty; the rest of my 25 years is Reserve or Guard duty. I meet the height and weight standards, pass the PT test, and qualify with my weapon. I am proficient in my position as an LPN and an NCOIC.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Sep 3 at 2014 10:18 PM

2014-09-03T22:18:15-04:00

When I was in Jr. Soldier I used to get them like crazy. I got them for winning races at track meets.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 10:43 PM

2014-09-03T22:43:30-04:00

I have 16 years in and I have been in units that give them out line candy at Halloween and I have been in other units where it takes an act of Congress to get a commanders coin let alone an award. In my experience it is generally the Staff REMFS that put eachother in for them do the paperwork and get them pushed through. I my self have 4 AAM and 2 ARCOM one with A V... long story. .. I have been put on for several that either didn't get approved or didn't get processed. .. as a leader I have tried to be judicious with my recommendation for awards. More often than not the awards that have been given to my troops I had to fight for. .. the should be a balance between giving out awards for signing your name correctly on the head count sheet and busting your backside and going above and beyond... it is important to recognize a job well done but not to the point of invalidating the meaning behind the award.

For instance I ran a BN TOC as a CPL for 6 months running 24 hour ops with only a very green LT and a high speed PFC. We buster our humps day in day out with no relief. At the end of it our BC CMDR handed the 3 of us his coin. Cool add it to my shadow box. The next day he passed out 60 coins to a lot of people that did jack nothing but smoke and joke.... suddenly that coin meant less than toilet paper. Super glued mine to the urinal in the BN CP latrine.

Moral of the story be aware of what an atta boy like coins and awards mean to the soldiers getting them... and don't cheapen the experience by passing them out like candy...

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 11:56 PM

2014-09-03T23:56:45-04:00

I have not received mine yet, but I am hopeful they are just held up in S-1

Response by Cpl Christopher Bishop made Sep 4 at 2014 2:25 AM

2014-09-04T02:25:08-04:00

I have not seen more than 19.

However I would suggest you study up on the requirements for the following Medals:

Meritorious Service Medal
Army Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal

...so that you can understand how they are "kinda-sorta related" yet different levels of recognition. Then I might try to find out just what exactly all those Achievements were given for, such that none of them were deemed worthy enough of the Commendation or above.

It seems to me that even if you were "that one guy/girl" who nailed "person of the Quarter, every quarter, to the point where it made most others feel like it was useless bothering to try to compete with you....AND they actually gave out AAMs for this....then surely a younger servicemember could rack up maybe half that many...but my suggested question is still....why weren't the latter half of them upgraded to ACMs+ ??

Hope that was helpful. Although just some speculation here on my part.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 3:02 AM

2014-09-04T03:02:50-04:00

Never seen 19, but I got 3 in my first 2 years in the Army.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 6:07 AM

2014-09-04T06:07:28-04:00

My units have been pretty good at not handing them out like candy to maintain the meaning behind them. I have 2, been in over 11 years.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 6:10 AM

2014-09-04T06:10:29-04:00

I was 5 years in before I got my first Army award. The AAM meant a lot to me. All joint service awards before. I still don't have a COM and probably never will as our PCS awards are all MSMs.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Sep 4 at 2014 6:30 AM

2014-09-04T06:30:05-04:00

4 in 20 years. Now if challenge coins were actual awards...

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Sep 4 at 2014 6:47 AM

2014-09-04T06:47:20-04:00

I have a few, but personally, I'd take a coin over an AAM any day of the week and twice on Sunday..

Response by Cpl Peter Martuneac made Sep 4 at 2014 8:38 AM

2014-09-04T08:38:20-04:00

Holy crap, and I thought NAM's were given out like participation awards. Some of these numbers of AAM's are ridiculous. This shouldn't be a medal that you're expected to get after a few years of doing something, as I believe that denigrates its value when compared to those who legitimately earned theirs by actual "professional achievement in the performance of their duties".

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 8:49 AM

2014-09-04T08:49:06-04:00

I have one. One AAM in over 12 years of service. And it was for a two year stint as a Rear Det Interim CO, as a 2LT. I have found that for some, awards come easy. For others, not so much. It all comes down to the unit and how willing they are to look after their own. Personally, one AAM is enough for me. I just got awarded my first ARCOM in 12 years for being my BN's first SR HR Officer. This came a mere month after a fellow officer received an ARCOM for his two weeks at WAREX.

While I was an enlisted NG 11B, the only award I received was the mandatory Army Reserve Achievement Medal. I don't think I saw any other awards handed out. That's just how combat arms was. I see a lot more in a support role in the reserves.

Again, it all comes down to where you are and who is looking out for you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 9:10 AM

2014-09-04T09:10:01-04:00

2 Army, 1 Air Force.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 9:14 AM

2014-09-04T09:14:09-04:00

I have been in 24 years and have a handful, mostly from my enlisted time.

However, what I wanted to share was one of my BN CDRs thoughts on AAMs. He stated to me as his Adjutant/S-1 that his goal was to give each of his LTs an AAM, provided they earned them (that translated into my goal of observing for oppurtunites for recognition). His rationale was that this would most likley be the only time in their career where they get an AAM, and more importantly, it would be from him, their BN CDR (Who does NOT remember their first BN CDR?). AAMs are designed to be given out "like candy," but they also have a disproportionate impact on the morale, retention and attitudes of young entry level officers.

As for AAMs for enlisted, I have seen both generous and stingy policies, both fair and unfair. Ultimately it comes down to philosphy of that BN CDR, as well as the recommendors.

I myself subscribe to the "be generous with them" mindset. They are a tool in the BN CDR's toolkit to be used.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 11:24 AM

2014-09-04T11:24:50-04:00

2 in 11 years. Keep in mind, I haven't received a single award besides the AGCM or a PCS award in the last 3 years.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 11:33 AM

2014-09-04T11:33:02-04:00

19 years and one AAM. The rest of my rack is will filled with other awards.
In the 90s, there were more COAs being handed out at Ft. Stewart as they were easier to get through the system.

I got the one since the S6 in the unit I supported in Bosnia understood the pain I went through providing comms to that base.

After I left there, the War on Terror was well on the way and ARCOMs/BSMs/MSMs were approved a bit more than I believe was fair. A few of my ARCOMs should have been AAMs IMO.

Response by CDR Robert Johnson made Sep 4 at 2014 3:21 PM

2014-09-04T15:21:03-04:00

My last tour was as Deputy Commander of a joint activity under an Army O-6. I was absolutely amazed at the Army (and for that matter, the Air Force) approach to medals. Passed out like candy at Haloween. I understand that the Navy is now embracing the concept of the "PCS Medal", which is shameful. Medals used to mean something..not any more. Used to be in the Navy, if you PCS'd from an assignment with the same number or more stripes than you reported aboard with--good job. A medal really meant something. When I made O-5, my senior medal was a Joint Service Commendation Medal--and I never, ever got a NAM.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 5:29 PM

2014-09-04T17:29:28-04:00

Counting my time in the National Guard, I am at nearly 12 years. I have one AAM and one JSAM. What are people doing to be getting put in for so many impact awards?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 7:11 PM

2014-09-04T19:11:34-04:00

2 MSMs, 4 ARCOMs, 4 AAMs...at some point when awards were maxed out I stopped caring what I got. I made sure my joes got theirs when they ETS'd, PCS'd or recommended them for an Impact awd for being johnny-on-the-spot.

In the past I've seen people with 8 to 10 ARCOMs/AAMs, my acting 1SG had like 7 AGCMs.

Deleted my newest post, forgot I already posted in this thread.

Response by SGT Suraj Dave made Sep 4 at 2014 8:20 PM

2014-09-04T20:20:40-04:00

I got 5 AAM's in my 4 years.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 8:54 PM

2014-09-04T20:54:38-04:00

I’ve only been awarded one Army Achievement Medal. I received the award for Most Outstanding Junior Leader in the Battalion and for maintaining the highest physical fitness scores in the Battalion for 4 consecutive years.
As an E-5 I was originally a Team Leader, but in the longstanding absence of a Platoon Leader I filled the position. My CO tasked me as the PL because of my understanding of Engineer Doctrine and my potential to be an Officer, which I did received my commission only a year later.
It was a very humbling experience to receive the Army Achievement Medal and I will proudly wear it throughout the rest of my Army career.
Prior to transferring to Active Duty, my Battalion Commander had told me that I would be receiving an Army Commendation Medal, but as of yet I have not been awarded it.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2014 7:32 AM

2014-09-05T07:32:54-04:00

2, one for tank gunnery and one for an exercise with the 101st. I also have 5 ARCOMs. One with a "V" device.

The nice thing about AAMs is an O5 can approve them. I believe they should be given as warranted for "achievement" as the title implies. Not given out like candy but not as infrequent as ARCOMs or MSMs.

Response by MAJ Bill Whitman made Sep 5 at 2014 11:40 AM

2014-09-05T11:40:07-04:00

I'm proud of the 3 AAMs I got, all as enlisted. I too had a JSCM downgrade to JSAM during OIF1 and saw plenty of ass kissers who got DMSMs and later REMFs who got Bronze Stars for being great staff puke FOBBITs.

Response by PV2 M B made Sep 5 at 2014 2:48 PM

2014-09-05T14:48:38-04:00

5 aam 5 arcom 4 msm 1 dmsm 1 ph 1 BSM

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2014 2:51 PM

2014-09-05T14:51:42-04:00

I have exactly 1 in my 18 years (5 were guard). It was a deployment Award for 6 months in Cuba.

Response by SPC Larry Crowe made Sep 5 at 2014 3:23 PM

2014-09-05T15:23:05-04:00

I only received one, was submitted for several in Germany but my battalion commander believed in order to get one of those you had to be at SGT and above so he automatically turned them into COAs if you were SPC and below.

Response by MSG Michael Ratcliff made Sep 5 at 2014 4:38 PM

2014-09-05T16:38:02-04:00

13 total in 25 years...I once received an AAM because I was sick of an (OPFOR) very loud F-16 diving at me while sitting in vehicle...so I stick my M-16 with blank adapter on and fired a burst at it. Sametime an OC rolls by and stops...think my PFC butt is heap of trouble...ask for my name and unit...says I just earned an impact AAM for shoot down of enemy aircraft... still rolling my eyes to this day.

Response by SSG Gilbert Bonilla made Sep 5 at 2014 5:37 PM

2014-09-05T17:37:55-04:00

I have 4 in 20 yrs

Response by SPC Roy Baez-Gordils made Sep 5 at 2014 6:56 PM

2014-09-05T18:56:18-04:00

I had some weight issues while in the service. I had was removed from being flagged and the only thing i got was a good conduct medal. I felt all the things I did in the service didnt mean anything to none of my nco's or the officers I was assigned to (DENTAC).

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2014 12:12 AM

2014-09-06T00:12:16-04:00

One of my former Soldiers (SPC who was then promoted to SGT, no deployments) had 9... Most of them for winning Soldier of the Month/Quarter/Year boards. He was the first one in my last unit to win the Soldier of the Year and NCO of the Year back to back.

As for me... I have 3 AAMs, all PCS awards.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2014 8:56 AM

2014-09-06T08:56:06-04:00

I have one in 13 years.

I've come to find that a lot of units don't want to recognize Soldiers for their actions, and that's sad.

A PFC of mine just received an AAM yesterday that I put him in for. It is an IMPACT award. When I submitted it, I was told to "save it for his PCS award." I fought back and it went through. He deserved it and I will continue to submit awards for my Soldiers when they do go above and beyond.

Response by CPO Greg Frazho made Sep 6 at 2014 12:39 PM

2014-09-06T12:39:43-04:00

I'll bet they both had something to do with the recruitment effort. I'm a retired Navy chief who did five tours of duty with Big Army when I was on active duty.

When I was on recruiting duty, I saw a few recruiters with six, seven or eight Navy Achievement Medals. Keep in mind, that was over 15 years ago when a NAM really meant something. (Any more, unfortunately, it's now a giveaway.) The standards, frankly, are a lot different for recruiters than the rest of the military. That's partially due to the unique nature of their business.

For the record, I have no AAMs, but I do have two ARCOMs.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2014 1:58 PM

2014-09-06T13:58:55-04:00

i have 1 AAM going on 6 years, and my AAM was for a PCS award, and i have no other awards, besides my schooling i have, and a Good Conduct Medal, and a COA, and it seems no one cares about pushing for awards for anything, and all the awards i have had pushed, go denied for whatever reason they couldn't say i guess i have just been under poor leadership in the past, and i have seen people with about 6-8 AAM's

Response by SGT Ronald Morgan made Sep 6 at 2014 11:22 PM

2014-09-06T23:22:43-04:00

7 aam, 5 arcom, 4 ngam, 4 gcm,

Response by SGT Ronald Morgan made Sep 6 at 2014 11:26 PM

2014-09-06T23:26:42-04:00

i lost all faith in the awards system when they started giving bronze stars for end of tour awards in iraq and afganistan, but only too E-6 and above

Response by CPO Tim Dickey made Sep 7 at 2014 10:03 PM

2014-09-07T22:03:41-04:00

One AAM. CPO Greg Frazho and I served together in the same unit during my first deployment to AFG. I earned my other three awards the hard way and still do not have a NAM or NCM to this day; two JSCMs and one JSAM.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2014 8:20 AM

2014-09-08T08:20:03-04:00

I received my first AAM during my tenth year in the Army for making honors during SLC. I am in my twelfth year now and don’t see any in my future. I see the awards system as a broken record that no one wants to fix. Bronze stars handed out like candy and Soldiers who don’t do anything on a deployment "earning" the same as a Squad Leader. I have written more than thirty AAM recommendations getting all but three to go through. I enjoy awarding hard work, but how do we make sure all Soldiers that are entitled receive what they deserve and not what their rank says.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2014 6:14 PM

2014-09-12T18:14:06-04:00

I have 6 AAM's. I earned them while being Enlisted (4) and being an Officer (2) and they were great because they recognized all those in the unit who contributed towards the unit. I was in units that took care of the Soldiers. I have seen some personnel not even get an AAM in going to Iraq. Mine were based on coordinating large projects and winning several Soldier of the Quarter BDE and NCO of the Quarter Division Boards.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2014 11:58 PM

2014-09-20T23:58:06-04:00

I have one AAM. I got it as a tour award for 6 months at Camp X-Ray GTMO, Cuba in 2002.

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 21 at 2014 2:22 AM

2014-09-21T02:22:31-04:00

I got one like a week after I wreaked a HUMVEE. If I would have known it was that easy I would have destroyed more stuff.

Response by SGT Jacob Yuhas made Sep 21 at 2014 2:26 AM

2014-09-21T02:26:23-04:00

I have received two so far.

I got an AAM from coming back from AIT as an honor grad and high PT of my class back in October 13'

I got my second one from annual training this year. Forgot the specific reason but I was one of the two commo guys on hand for the battalion TOC for the two weeks. We both got one.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 21 at 2014 5:01 PM

2014-09-21T17:01:33-04:00

I see a lot of amazing racks on this thread! Well done to each and every one of you. Some of you are serious overachievers, some of you got hosed time and again. If you are still in the military, awards may have a lot of meaning for you. The rest of us who are retired can assure you that the term "AAM"has absolutely NO importance to the civilian world. Even when retired people get together, we don't talk about awards. We talk about camaraderie. No one remembers awards as the highlight of our military service, it is the bonds that we share and the stories that only we can relate to.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2014 5:45 PM

2014-09-21T17:45:03-04:00

I'm a fan of Expectation Management as an element of Reputation Management. No offense, but 19 awards of anything might water down the effectiveness of awards..unless of course the number is in direct proportion to one' s own ego. That's not to say we don't need an Audie Murphy of Achievement Medals. It is to say that sometimes we get too focused on the wrong thing; the medal, rather than the achievement. Soldiers accomplish missions because it is their duty; it is their job. Sometimes they deserve recognition for going beyond the call of duty--often they do not. The challenge with expectation management is the lack of consistency of standards from command to command. For example, once a Captain recommended five soldiers receive AAMs for assembling furniture. The furniture consisted of wall lockers for their own barracks. In another example, as I entered the Army during the waning years of VNam, a crew chief was awarded 42 Air Medals--each time the crew flew in a combat zone, they got a medal. He bragged about never firing his weapon.
My first NCOES ribbon was for completing a correspondence course--ok, it was for completing FIVE NCOES schools in different MOS skills (71 B, D, C, L, H) since there was no NCOES for my own MOS at the time (71Q). But you get the point. I had six MSMs and only one ARCOM. Another fellow had six ARCOMs and no MSMs. I'd say after your 5th ARCOM you really should be more fairly considered for the next higher award--expecially after 19 AAMs...

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 22 at 2014 12:52 AM

2014-09-22T00:52:47-04:00

Definitely not more than 19! That's a lot of AAM's!!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 4:23 AM

2014-10-05T04:23:05-04:00

I have 4 AAm's in almost 5 years of service.
2 Impact Awards, 1 PCS award, 1 for NCO of the Quarter.

If you do lots of competition boards, you should be able to earn lots of AAM's throughout your career.

The most I've seen someone wear is 12 AAM's.
There was also a Soldier I served with in my last unit that had 9 ARCOM's.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 5 at 2014 6:01 AM

2014-10-05T06:01:25-04:00

MSG Private RallyPoint Member That is a lot of AAM's! I wish they had an upgrade prgram. Sort of a }Turn in 5 for the next higher....lol. Back in the days before the AAM, this thread would be asking how many ARCOM's do you have? I knew old school NCO's who had 15+ ARCOM's.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 5 at 2014 6:08 AM

2014-10-05T06:08:26-04:00

MSG Private RallyPoint Member, check out the historical background. It's a good read. Looks like in 1980, the Army added the ASR, OSR, NCOPD,and AAM.

http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15261&CategoryId=3&grp=4&menu=Decorations%20and%20Medals&ps=24&p=0

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 5 at 2014 6:16 AM

2014-10-05T06:16:37-04:00

I got gigged on an inspection for wearing 2 AAM medals side by side (the only way to solve the 4 appurtenance max dilemma). Unless something has changed, I still think it is how you show 10? Why not have the limit at 5 appurtenances? I'm sure there is an obvious answer that escapes me. It's nice being retired sometimes....lol.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 9:41 AM

2014-10-05T09:41:53-04:00

I have 4 and received them all from the same Company Commander. Didn't know you added a second ribbon based on the number of devices! Awesome to now know!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 11:33 AM

2014-10-05T11:33:38-04:00

SFC Mark Merino Easy I have more than five you didplay each after award with a oak leaf cluster in bronze in color signifies additional awards. Then a silver oak leaf clust is for 6 with Bronze color to signify 6+ till you need 2 silver clusters but i have never met anyone who was awarded more than 20 AAM's AR 670-1 (at my time of service)

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Oct 5 at 2014 12:20 PM

2014-10-05T12:20:48-04:00

I have two AAMs. I received both of them within a month of each other as a major, and yes, I was pleased about it.

I know some have the idea that AAMs are give away awards, or that awards are not given out as they should be, but for me, I feel like the two AAMs I received were 1) appreciated and 2) appropriate for the reason given.

One was because I served as the OIC for 100 Soldier-heroes at the All-American Bowl. In addition, I assisted the marketing chief whenever I could so she wouldn't burn herself out. It meant very little sleep that week, but we got the job done and everyone was pleased.

The second was for putting in the extra time and effort to help ensure a Senior Leader conference went off without a hitch. The award was given to everyone who put in the extra effort.

Do I expect an award every time I put in the extra effort to get the job done? Heck no! If it happens, I greatly appreciated it, but I certainly do not expect it. Keep in mind, these two AAMs, were the only two awards I ever received for putting in the extra effort. Every other award I've received have been end of tour or PCS awards, and I'm fine with that.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 12:49 PM

2014-10-05T12:49:48-04:00

I've seen entire squads receive AAMs for just attending our regular field training. I once asked one of them why they got an AAM to which he replied, "I don't know?" I've seen a soldier with 9 AAMs with just shy of three years TIS and another with 4 AAMs in less than one year at his first duty station. This negatively affect the morale of younger soldiers in the same unit when they've received no awards for doing the same thing; it's unfortunate and undermines the value of the award to the recipient.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 1:42 PM

2014-10-05T13:42:46-04:00

Kinda sounds like the Army getting a little carried away. Think in a sense it cheapens the value of awards. On the other side of the coin the Marine Corps has always been very stingy in the awarding of awards. The Air Force also gets carried away at times. Don't get me wrong our men and women should be recognized for their achievements but 15 or 20 in a twenty year career is a little redundant and ridiculous. Just my .02

Response by LTC Joseph Gross made Oct 5 at 2014 1:54 PM

2014-10-05T13:54:42-04:00

I've 5 AAMs and I got three of them for qualifying expert on the BFV. I asked my Battalion Commander why my crew got that but my dismounts didn't get anything for qualifying expert with their M-16. He didn't appreciate that...

Response by Sgt Jennifer Mohler made Oct 5 at 2014 2:07 PM

2014-10-05T14:07:36-04:00

Marines don't really get awarded...ever. I saw some, but they were the ass-kissers usually and not the competent people. I vowed never to kiss ass just for an award, so I never got anything.

Response by 1SG Harold Piet made Oct 5 at 2014 5:37 PM

2014-10-05T17:37:35-04:00

AAM 3RD AWARD, ARCOM 2ND AWARD, AMSM as I retired that is not been added to my DD214. Most of the units I was asigned to gave awards to the combat MOS and not much to the support side unless we PCS. I was with the 27th Airborne Engineers from E1-E-6P. Then with th ID from E-6P to E-7P, Retired as E-8. al those awards and 50 cent still will not buy me a cup of coffee.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2014 7:35 AM

2014-11-10T07:35:15-05:00

Wow that is crazy. I do not have an AAM, but for the past 7 years my highest award was an ACM. Yes, I am a Sailor!!! I work under the Army during my mob.

Response by CPL Rick Stasny made Nov 10 at 2014 10:10 AM

2014-11-10T10:10:12-05:00

I have three AAM'S, but the saddest thing I observed in Germany was a Private that we were instructed to hide from the evaluators during a two week Tac Eval. Upon return he was awarded one for his performance during that exercise. I questioned our Platoon Sergeant as to why, and I was told it was because he didn't have any. Keep in mind, this private was thrown out of the Army soon after that.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2014 9:36 PM

2014-11-10T21:36:06-05:00

4 AAM's...I was never big on awards, I never went out of my way to ask someone
to put me in for one. If I got one, I got one, if not, then those were the breaks.

Can admin delete this comment...I've already posted in this thread, my mistake

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2015 11:29 PM

2015-01-25T23:29:01-05:00

Two in 27 years. One when I was enlisted and another as a Lieutenant.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 12:39 AM

2015-01-26T00:39:52-05:00

BLUF: leaders should recognize Soldiers for exceeding the standard. I have eight AAMs over the past 14 yrs and can talk about each one. I didn't ask for them, but I know I earned each one. I've seen some ridiculous AAM write ups and I've seen occasions where an AAM is deserved and all the Soldier recieved was a pat on the back.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 12:52 AM

2015-01-26T00:52:09-05:00

I have one. I have been in the same unit since I enlisted, and they used to be very rarely handed out. Now that I have been around for some changes in leadership its easier to get the Soldiers rewarded for going above and beyond.

I'm probably just going to ask for a coin when I PCS instead of listing achievements for someone to write an award over. Save the achievements for my NCOER!

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 1:02 AM

2015-01-26T01:02:06-05:00

I have had one AAM in five years in the service. The unfortunate thing is I've come to find that a lot of times you will not received an award if your unit does not like you because they will not forward your recommendation up the chain or recommend you themselves. This is become evident to me because I've performed over 250 military funerals and I've been asked by seven different people if I've been given an award for doing all them which isn't the reason why do them, but I do tell them that I have never received an award for it and I still don't get recommended

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 1:12 AM

2015-01-26T01:12:29-05:00

A few years ago I met a Sergeant First Class (42A) that had 14 AAMs and 11 ARCOMs in 21 years.

As more me, I have the same number of AAMs as I do "V" Devices, 2. I have nine individual (non-service) awards in 13+ years of service, but not many AAMs.

Response by SSG Corry Struve made Jan 26 at 2015 1:19 AM

2015-01-26T01:19:01-05:00

It's ridiculous the things soldiers get awarded for sometimes. Some units give them and some don't. I've been in eighteen years and have two AAM's and 1 ARCOM.

Response by SSG Mark Ives made Jan 26 at 2015 1:31 AM

2015-01-26T01:31:19-05:00

I have 4. I think the AAM 'replaced' the Certificate of Achievement, which I got one a long time ago. I've seen a couple people who had several silver oak leafs on an AAM so 6 awards. Different time in the 80's and 90's.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 2:43 AM

2015-01-26T02:43:52-05:00

I have 1 ARCOM and 3 AAM's in the almost 9 years ive been in. And they were all from my deployments.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jan 26 at 2015 9:41 AM

2015-01-26T09:41:47-05:00

Coming from the Marine Corps, the idea of having 5+ of any medal (other than a Good Conduct, and maybe Sea Service) is just bizarre.

To illustrate this, I took a quick look at that last four SgtsMaj of the Marine Corps.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micheal_Barrett (4 NCM, 3 NAM)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlton_W._Kent (2 NCM, 2 NAM)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_L._Estrada (1 NCM, 1 NAM)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alford_L._McMichael (2 NCM, 2 NAM)

These are the top enlisted of the Marine Corps and combined they have 9 Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and 8 Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medals total.

I had 8 years in, and had 1 NCM, and 2 NAMs. I was an extreme outlier, and mine was probably the result of my daily exposure to senior staff officers.

Response by SFC Istvan Nagy made Jan 26 at 2015 10:45 AM

2015-01-26T10:45:02-05:00

Between PVT/E-1 and SSG/E-6 I've received 5 AAMs, which I actually earned. For instance one of them was for serving as a Platoon Sergeant during Operation Hurricane Andrew Aug-Sept 1992 while I was assigned to the 264th En Co (MGB), 30th En Bn, 20th En Bde (A) (C), XVIII Airborne Corps (A) (C), Ft Bragg, NC.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 11:28 AM

2015-01-26T11:28:48-05:00

In 9 years, I've never gotten a single one. I must be a dud.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 1:58 PM

2015-01-26T13:58:56-05:00

When I first joined the Army back in 1994 we always ridiculed the Air Force for giving out awards like candy. I had to stop after I realized the Army was FAR worse. In 6 years of service I got an ARCOM, a JSAM and two AAMs. The JSAM and one of the AAMs were both downgrades from a JCOM and an ARCOM because the "powers that be" decided those awards were too high for a lowly Specialist.

Actually the ridicule of the Air Force had to stop long before my 6 years were up. At a little past the 3 year mark I returned from a deployment for which I received 4 medals (JSAM, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, and the NATO Medal). At that point my rack was bigger than my dad's who served 3 years of combat duty during World War II and a total of 13 years in the Navy. I knew then that things were getting a little ridiculous.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 3:07 PM

2015-01-26T15:07:19-05:00

20 years + and I have never received one.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2015 12:52 AM

2015-01-27T00:52:45-05:00

Three in 20 years

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Jan 27 at 2015 7:33 PM

2015-01-27T19:33:45-05:00

I received 7 Army Achievement Medals in 12 years most of them came in a three year period.

Response by 1SG Christopher Turk made Jan 29 at 2015 6:54 PM

2015-01-29T18:54:46-05:00

I have 10 AAMs in 23 years. For various actions. PCS award, NTC rotations, Uphold Democracy, NCO of the quarter, DS of the Cycle, DS of the Quarter (BDE), Mechanic of the quarter, etc... I believe if the actions or service during warrant an award. It should be awarded. Leaders need to take the time to recognize their Soldiers. Write them up and ensure they have justified evidence that supports the actions. I made it a point to learn how to write. Not just for awards but for evaluations as well. I owed it to my subordinates.

Response by SPC Michael Frugoli made Jan 29 at 2015 10:33 PM

2015-01-29T22:33:34-05:00

Never got one of these. but did get an ARCOM. i would have liked to have been notices for the service and work i did. o big deal though :) ive seen 8

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 11:49 PM

2015-02-18T23:49:53-05:00

I have been on active duty for 15 years and have zero AAMs, but have other personal awards I have earned, but will not mention out of humility. Keep in mind that six of those years were proudly spent in the Marine Corps in the early '90s where awards were not as common. We really had to do something significant to earn even a Navy Achievement Medal. The most I earned were Meritorious Masts. Fast forward to my time as an Army 1LT in 2007, my first battery commander told all of us "You're officers, you're expected to perform, don't expect anything from me." That comment set the tone for us. I didn't take this negatively at all, because the Soldiers we lead should be rewarded, not just the officers as is all too common. I had a battalion commander in Afghanistan who was fortunately less interested in rank than what you accomplished when it came to awards. To answer the initial question about numbers of AAMs, I will answer with a question: how many is too many?

Response by MSG Gene Potocki made Feb 25 at 2015 10:35 AM

2015-02-25T10:35:06-05:00

Six during my 21 year career in the Army.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2015 10:07 PM

2015-02-25T22:07:46-05:00

I've been in for 16 years and got my first one last year because I asked the person that was putting me in for an ARCOM to downgrade it since I did not have an AAM. my LTC wanted it as an ARCOM but I already had about 2 of them.

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2015 10:23 PM

2015-02-25T22:23:08-05:00

I earned six within my enlisted time of eight years. For:

- BN Soldier of the Year
- BDE Soldier of the Year
- BN NCO of the Year
- Impact award during an FTX
- PCS award as a SGT
- Actions during Bush's second Inauguration; where a teen riding a horse was getting bucked off during the parade. I quickly coordinated with SS and DCPD to clear an entire block and assist trainers to calm the horse and pull her off.

I, for one, think the awards system is broken. We simply give awards for doing our job when we PCS and not awarding decorations for going above and beyond.

In no way am I saying all of mine were earned more than the next Soldier. I agree some of my accomplishments listed above merited a COA more than an AAM. If a Soldier who simply did their job without working beyond what is asked of them, then a COA and/or coin fits the term. Why should Soldiers strive to do more when they know they will get an achievement award for simply showing up and following orders?

It saddens me when we award ARCOMs for individuals who are squared away, but only responsible for their own actions. Then that Soldier's high speed 1SG receives the same ARCOM.

We've diluted the awards process by giving awards based on prejudice and rank rather than level of responsibility and overall impact and doing more than what is asked of us.

If you're my Soldier, you need to stand out and be more than what is asked of you. I know that logic seems brash to some, but that's merely my opinion. Remember, these medals are officially dubbed "decorations." Ask yourself when recommending awards, "what does it take to be decorated?"

COAs and coins earned that I am proud of:

- BCT Soldier of the Cycle
- AIT Soldier Leader of the Cycle
- BNCOC Honor Graduate
- Leader Development and Assessment Course Distinguished Honor Grad
- Basic Officer Leader's Course Honor Grad
- Basic Officer Leader Course II Distinguished Honor Grad

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 26 at 2015 12:22 AM

2015-02-26T00:22:49-05:00

Two in 21 years. One was for organizing and leading the Squadron Connelly field Feeding competition team (as a Maintenance Officer). The second for rebuilding a WWII Halftrack for the 11th ACR. A Sergeant and I worked on this for months after duty hours. He was recognized as well.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Feb 26 at 2015 12:45 AM

2015-02-26T00:45:54-05:00

I have never ever seen even close to that many. The AAM was created in my lifetime in the Army, which is great as it filled a needed void in our award structure. I only have 4, and the last one received as young company commander.

For centralized promotion boards, awards have little to do with promotion unless you have an award for valor; have very high awards normally not seen at your current rank; or if your photo does not match your ERB/ORB, or if the documents don't support what you are wearing. But, the only ones we check at a board (due to time) are valor awards and awards BSM and above.

Much of this depends on where you have been assigned, and what rank you are. eg. When I was at 10th Mountain they/we gave out AAMs like candy, and even ARCOMs, and MSMs (depending on your rank). I have been other units where awards were more tightly controlled/used.

Like many other awards, they depend on the chain of command.

I gave out many AAMs, and loved doing so. Just like I loved giving out coins. But, in my world/opinion as you rise in the ranks you generally receive fewer achievement awards for day to day good deeds, and all those get rolled in PCS (service) awards. Most units I have been in, if you were above the rank of SGT/SSG, you were not getting AAMs for going above and beyond, as that is what was expected.

Also, as you probably also know, the higher you go, that more awards are more easily accessible. Many of my awards were simply based on doing a good job at the job as was given, and based on the rank I held.

The awards and decorations you have, at the end of the day, really have little to do with the quality of leader you are.

Promotions are based on performance.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2015 12:57 AM

2015-02-26T00:57:19-05:00

In 11 years, I have 0 AAM. In the early years I remember COAs and coins.

As a commander, I gave a new PFC 3 AAMs in her first year in the military, she is well on her way to having to wear 2 ribbons if she keeps it up.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2015 11:17 PM

2015-02-26T23:17:11-05:00

None.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Feb 26 at 2015 11:33 PM

2015-02-26T23:33:05-05:00

MSG Private RallyPoint Member, please ask your old PSG and 1SG to each forward 5 of their AAMs to me!

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Feb 26 at 2015 11:55 PM

2015-02-26T23:55:32-05:00

over a 20 year career, i received eight

Response by SGT Francis Wright made Feb 27 at 2015 12:11 AM

2015-02-27T00:11:43-05:00

I have one, they don't give MPs alot of awards from doing their jobs

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Feb 27 at 2015 12:13 AM

2015-02-27T00:13:00-05:00

Ummm, I have never gotten an AAM. I have some ARCOMs and etc., but no AAM. I believe that is about to change soon. I am getting ready to be medically retired and will probably get my first and only then!

Response by SSG Keven Lahde made Feb 27 at 2015 2:21 AM

2015-02-27T02:21:45-05:00

MSG Private RallyPoint Member SSG I don't have one AAM, go figure. I do however have an Air Force Achievement Medal. I also have one ARCOM. I wish units would recognize soldiers more than what they do. But I am happy with the ARCOM and my Air Force Achievement Medal.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2015 5:56 AM

2015-02-27T05:56:34-05:00

I currently have 4 AAMs in 9 years of service. I think the most I have seen is 10.

Response by MCPO Douglas Pennington made Feb 27 at 2015 6:44 AM

2015-02-27T06:44:24-05:00

I'm going to assume that your Army Achievement Medal is equal to the Navy Achievement Medal. Do you have an Army Commendation Medal? The Navy Commendation medal is next above the Achievement Medal. I had 6 of each in 24 years. 19 Achievement Medals does seem like a lot. It lends to the question is this individual just not performing above and beyond the achievement level to be awarded a Commendation Medal? Does the Achievement Medal earn points on your advancement exam? IF so is there a cutoff for points? Has the system been bastardized only to help an individual whom "does not take tests well".

Back to your original question i have only seen sailors with a max of 5 Achievement Medals.

Response by SPC Christopher Dunbar made Feb 27 at 2015 11:34 PM

2015-02-27T23:34:44-05:00

I had one in 6 years. 2 ARCOMS, but those were SOP for E-5 and below for a combat deployment.

Response by SGT Don Richard made Mar 2 at 2015 12:06 PM

2015-03-02T12:06:20-05:00

This must be a "new" award. As a Vietnam veteran (173rd Airborne ) I've never heard of one, until now. Maybe that's why I see Young troops with as many "medals" as General Patraeus.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 5:56 AM

2015-03-03T05:56:13-05:00

I have five in fifteen years.

Response by LTC Joseph Gross made Mar 4 at 2015 10:17 AM

2015-03-04T10:17:26-05:00

This is a good one. You'll love this. I got a AAM for my first PCS leaving Bragg. Nearly four years going from E-2 to SGT, every position on an M-60 Team and a line team leader with great stats and an AAM was the standard. I also got an AAM for teaching an ROTC class at Advanced Camp while at Bragg, But years later while assigned to a BFV Platoon it was the BN practice to give an AAM to all crews who qualified "expert". I got three for that! That ended when we got a new BN CDR who asked what about the dismounts? Do they get an AAM for qualifying expert on their M-16?

Response by CPO Greg Frazho made Mar 4 at 2015 10:58 AM

2015-03-04T10:58:07-05:00

Perhaps the first sergeant was in recruiting prior to the unit you and he/she were in?

I don't have any AAMs, but I do have four Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medals (NAMs). When I first came in in '93, the NAM was a highly coveted medal by junior enlisted personnel. Unfortunately, it's become almost gee dunk.

Here's where it started: a commanding officer USED to be limited to a yearly quota of NAMs or Navy Commendation Medals he/she could award, depending on the CO's pay grade. And they didn't have to meet that quota if they didn't feel it was warranted. About four or five years after I started active duty, circa 1997/98 or so, that quota was removed.

Something to think about. To make achievement medals worthy of the name again, perhaps the quota system should be reinstated. For the record, I really wanted a JSAM when I was in Afghanistan, but that was deemed not high enough. I don't have that one, but I wish I did!

Response by CW2 Eric Scott made Mar 4 at 2015 11:00 AM

2015-03-04T11:00:49-05:00

Response by SSG David Spooner made Mar 5 at 2015 2:21 PM

2015-03-05T14:21:20-05:00

6 in 21 yrs.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 2:19 AM

2015-03-06T02:19:49-05:00

12 years and not a single one. Now that I'm medically retired, I'm actually rather annoyed by it. I just figured someone would notice something... Someday. I wish I'd been more award seeking.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 12:30 PM

2015-03-06T12:30:03-05:00

I've only earned 2 in almost 12 years (one a deployment award and one a PCS award). The PCS award I thought was total BS because my platoon sergeant said he didn't want to turn it in as a ARCOM because I had a couple bad NCOERs when I first became an NCO...oh by the way, I was in that unit for 10 years, so a couple bad NCOERs defined 10 years in a unit. The one award that I have a ton of is the COA...that I have only 11 or 12, I kind of lost count after I got 8 at one time.

Response by PO1 Dustin Adams made Mar 6 at 2015 12:50 PM

2015-03-06T12:50:37-05:00

One AAM.

How does one get 15 let alone 19 achievement medals?

15 in 21 years seems beyond excessive. How can an award retain any value when you see something like this?

I'm sure for individuals it retains some meaning but as an organization how do you validate an award having any meaning when there are people walking around with that many awards.

I know some senior sailors and Marines with 25+ years of service that have multiple deployments to just about every major conflict since Desert Storm/Shield that have maybe 15 personal awards total up to and including Silver Stars.

Response by SSG John Bacon made Mar 6 at 2015 12:54 PM

2015-03-06T12:54:52-05:00

I have 3 out of 12 years of service.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 2:06 PM

2015-03-06T14:06:32-05:00

I think it could be possible to have many if you are in the right unit I have five in 8 years.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 11:36 PM

2015-03-06T23:36:44-05:00

Zero in five years.

The most I have seen is a former platoon sergeant who had 17 in almost 20 years of service. However, I do not know how many some of my 1SG's or CSM's may have received.

In my BN (an IN BN in a IBCT) the vast majority of AAM recipients are the support MOS'. They seem to be awarded anytime a non-11B/C, non-13F or non-68W does anything in the field.

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made Mar 7 at 2015 12:25 PM

2015-03-07T12:25:47-05:00

U want the truth? I gave up counting after 12 of them. Gotta admit they're always fun to get awarded :-)

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2015 12:52 PM

2015-03-07T12:52:25-05:00

I have two and one Army Commendation Medal that were earned in roughly 8 years of doing dedicated Army support.

Response by SGT Nolan Stubbs made Mar 7 at 2015 1:16 PM

2015-03-07T13:16:35-05:00

Personally I never got one single Army Achievement Medal out of my 7 years. I did, however, was awarded 4 Army Commendation Medals. I felt that I didn't do the best I could have if I only was awarded the Army Achievement Medal. You may not believe what I am about to tell you but I was put in for a Army Achievement Medal once by my platoon leader and the company commander rejected it and made the platoon leader resubmit for the Army Commendation Medal. When I was leaving the Army, due to medical reasons, I was put in for the Meritorious Service Medal but was rejected at Group because I was told only Sr. NCO's could be awarded that medal. I was kind of upset by this because if my Company and Battalion both approved this then it should have gone through. I'm sorry but the Commander at Group did not know me. Any thoughts out there on this?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2015 11:29 AM

2015-03-08T11:29:07-04:00

I rather recieve a coin.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Mar 8 at 2015 12:06 PM

2015-03-08T12:06:19-04:00

I am retired Air Force - I have 2 Army Achievement Medals (9 Air Force Achievement Medals)

Response by SPC Todd Hanson made Mar 8 at 2015 1:57 PM

2015-03-08T13:57:43-04:00

Two; one was down graded impact award. The other was a pcs award based on my rank not bullets. I was told not to except anything higher when I was asked for my numbers by my squad leader for the bullets.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Mar 8 at 2015 2:43 PM

2015-03-08T14:43:23-04:00

In 12 years of service I awarded 7 Army Achievement Medals.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2015 5:36 PM

2015-03-08T17:36:34-04:00

I got three in five, two were for impact, the first, I saved my companies butt in a big audit, and I was detached to another unit doing an E-7s job two weeks before 9/11 and for ten weeks after (the OIC put me in for an ARCOM, but BDE wouldn't sign off, because I didn't "belong" to them. Both as a PFC. Since I peaked early my the third one was a pcs award wrapping everything else up.

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Mar 9 at 2015 2:37 AM

2015-03-09T02:37:39-04:00

I have 0

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Mar 9 at 2015 3:18 AM

2015-03-09T03:18:22-04:00

I'm one high speed infantry soldier, so i'm sure I would have 30 by now if I had never been injured ;)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2015 11:46 PM

2015-03-19T23:46:05-04:00

I have a total of 5 in three years of service. Though if it wasn't for all of the great leadership that I have had, I would have never gotten them in the first place. I do agree though that the more awards that are given out the less prestigious the award becomes. However with this new point system, I will take any award I can get.

Response by SGT John Wesley made Mar 20 at 2015 5:44 AM

2015-03-20T05:44:30-04:00

I have a few, but always felt they were handed out too easily. "Cleanest Latrine" or "Best Starched Uniform" type of award. I take pride in my Arcom's because I felt they were earned.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 9:00 PM

2015-04-28T21:00:53-04:00

I just got my 4th AAM as a PCS Award from my last unit in Korea. $45 later, I have a new UltraThin rack with the KDSM and AAM with OLC represented.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Apr 28 at 2015 9:11 PM

2015-04-28T21:11:55-04:00

5 AAM, 2 JSAM, and even an AFAM....oh and the civilian equivalent... 9 then

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 10:12 PM

2015-04-28T22:12:04-04:00

I have gained 9 int 8 years of service. Most of which were earned earlier in my career. Most of which are given out due to winning boards, excelling well during exercises, and inspections.

I do believe that the command sometimes is too kind in giving out awards but at the same time people are not going to deny one either.

I had good leadership that submitted me for one when necessary and owe them greatly for the results. I show that same gratitude towards my soldiers today when they do great things.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Apr 30 at 2015 5:08 PM

2015-04-30T17:08:29-04:00

I was awarded with the AAM twice as a company grade officer. Both were impact awards.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Apr 30 at 2015 5:11 PM

2015-04-30T17:11:56-04:00

Zero

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 5:15 PM

2015-04-30T17:15:53-04:00

I have 6 myself. I believe the AAM is not used as it should be now a days. I see to many certificates of achievments for what should be an AAM. I can see not awarding ARCOMs and sort of monitoring them but an AAM really why even track the number we are giving out especially when thier were so many ARCOM/BSM given out during the push of the war and many were not earned. We need to get back to the way used to be and when a Soldier does something great give them thier time to shine and recognize them.

Response by SPC Daniel Bowen made May 2 at 2015 1:21 AM

2015-05-02T01:21:54-04:00

I received two AAM's in my just under six years. Odd to have one awarded stateside for work and another for sixteen months in the Kunar, but that's noen of my business. :P
I am honored to receive them, just not a fan of watching a whole battalion get blanketed by rank rather by action.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made May 2 at 2015 1:33 AM

2015-05-02T01:33:43-04:00

I have 9 and 6 ARCOMs spread out from 1982-2005.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jun 21 at 2015 1:46 PM

2015-06-21T13:46:05-04:00

I have not met anybody with 19, but I got 12 of them. Not too far behind

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2015 7:57 PM

2015-06-21T19:57:52-04:00

I have eight years in and zero AAM's. My former CoC's assumed you needed to qualify for an MSM for them to put you in for an AAM.

Response by SSG Keven Lahde made Jun 21 at 2015 8:01 PM

2015-06-21T20:01:00-04:00

MSG Private RallyPoint Member SSG I don't have 1 and I have over 19 years in. I have an ARCOM from deployment and an Air Force Achievement Medal from a combined Joint effort with the Air Force. I hope to get one, but if not I am not going to lose any sleep over it. I am happy with my ARCOM.

Response by SFC Maury Gonzalez made Jun 21 at 2015 8:13 PM

2015-06-21T20:13:18-04:00

24 yrs, retired 9/02, 1MSM, 5 ARCOM, 5 AAM,2 NAT DEF

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jun 21 at 2015 11:16 PM

2015-06-21T23:16:10-04:00

I have two AAMs but a crap load of ARCOMs.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jun 22 at 2015 12:02 AM

2015-06-22T00:02:03-04:00

I got 5 in 23yrs. The one I'm most proud of(all my medals) is when I lead my 12B squad to first place in our squad competition. All the guys in the squad really did a good job and we all received an AAM for it! The last one I got was just before I retired. I was doing IRR work for a unit on line located at FT Leavenworth. It was great online research. I got retirement points which was also great.

Response by PFC Alex Rivers made Jun 22 at 2015 1:23 AM

2015-06-22T01:23:33-04:00

Unfortunately zero, I'm the soldier everyone knows, but works quietly. I do my job as well as I can, even if I don't stand out among the crowd.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Jun 28 at 2015 12:18 PM

2015-06-28T12:18:16-04:00

I have none. I received my first army Commendation Medal in Vietnam and then received Good Conduct Medal after that. The Army Reserves up until at least when I retired didn't seem to award any medals such as the Army Achievement Medal. I did however receive my second Army Commendation Medal from the same reserve unit when i transferred out of state. I did work my butt off for that unit for years and I was a staff NCO at Battalion level.

Response by SPC Aaron Flores made Jul 26 at 2015 10:50 AM

2015-07-26T10:50:52-04:00

I have one. I was in back in the 90's.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2015 10:42 AM

2015-10-04T10:42:47-04:00

How about zero in 13 yrs? Other Soldiers and NCOs always question why I'm not wearing my AAMs when we are in ASUs. Such confused faces when I tell them I have never received one. Not that I haven't done good things to include being the distinguished honor grad in ALC but it just doesn't happen. I even asked my NCOIC when I was an instructor to give me one instead of another ARCOM but he flatly refused. I do have 6 ARCOMS, so I guess it's not too bad, lol

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2015 11:12 AM

2015-10-04T11:12:20-04:00

I've got 14, and 4 ARCOMs. Add in all the other awards, and I have to take out a loan to get my rack updated.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Oct 5 at 2015 1:35 AM

2015-10-05T01:35:03-04:00

None. I served before they started handing out medals like leaves falling off of the trees in the fall. As best that I can see the Medal of Honor, the Soldiers Medal and the Silver Star are about the only ones left that actually mean anything. To me going above and beyond means exactly that. Just doing your job is nothing special that deserves a medal. I feel the same way about the Good Conduct Medal. Good conduct should be expected. In fact I consider the Good Conduct Medal to be a kind of insult like they were expecting me to fuck up so they are gave me a medal for acting like a responsible adult. I don't know who went nuts creating medals but many of the ones that everyone seems to get didn't even exist until the eighties. I guess that handing out medals by the bushels pumps up people's egos but to me it is sort of like giving everybody on a team a trophy even if they lost everygame.

Response by SPC Frank Bautista made Oct 29 at 2015 4:34 AM

2015-10-29T04:34:02-04:00

I received 4 AAMs during my 3 year enlistment

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Oct 29 at 2015 6:30 AM

2015-10-29T06:30:16-04:00

I have 1 AAM for the 12 years I have been in... I have written dozens. At this point in my career I dont think I will get too many more lol.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2015 8:12 AM

2015-10-29T08:12:16-04:00

Four in seven years.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2015 12:26 AM

2015-10-30T00:26:26-04:00

Our Current Sergeant Major of the Army is rocking quiet a few AAM's. Notice how he is wearing two of the same ribbon per the regulation. :)

Response by SSG Everett Wilson made Nov 5 at 2015 7:10 PM

2015-11-05T19:10:39-05:00

I've gotten nine in the 31yrs that I've been in.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2015 8:14 PM

2015-11-05T20:14:33-05:00

2 AAM's in 3 years

Response by MSgt John Carroll made Nov 7 at 2015 10:37 PM

2015-11-07T22:37:01-05:00

I am Air Force and have 5 AFAM, 2 AF Coms, and a MSM. The Army has given me 1 ARCOM, a DMSM, and 2 BSMs. No AAM's though.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2015 1:25 PM

2015-11-09T13:25:30-05:00

some how none !! yet i achieved so much lol

Response by SGT Allen Frahm made Dec 9 at 2015 3:39 PM

2015-12-09T15:39:45-05:00

I have 4

Response by SFC Stephen Steed made Dec 22 at 2015 3:12 PM

2015-12-22T15:12:14-05:00

I have 5 with 22 years of service and 2 ARCOMS.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Dec 22 at 2015 9:54 PM

2015-12-22T21:54:43-05:00

I was awarded 2 impact Army Achievement medals the first in 1982 and the second in 1987 MSG Private RallyPoint Member.
The most I have ever seen anybody awarded was 3 as far as I can remember. My experience is dated since I tended to serve in units which were conservative in terms of awarding deserving soldiers. The system was fair but it was strict. The cast majority of awards I submitted for my soldiers were accepted by leadership and the soldiers were awarded the medals, oak leaves, etc.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Dec 23 at 2015 5:06 AM

2015-12-23T05:06:21-05:00

I got 4 in the seven years I was in Army seemed like candy if you ask me

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2015 11:18 AM

2015-12-24T11:18:28-05:00

I wouldn't know. I am invisible when it comes to awards. I don't know how or why. I must just have been in shitty units. I'm not a trouble maker. Pretty squared away actually. I have 3 AAM's and I was a mechanic. 1 ARCOM, and I've been in since 1998. So I don't get it. It is what it is, I'm alive and I just keep doing my job. It just sucks when you see others get awards just for showing up and they did the EXACT same thing you did.

Response by CPO Greg Frazho made Dec 31 at 2015 1:47 PM

2015-12-31T13:47:45-05:00

None. But I do have two ARCOMs. Pretty good for somebody who was never in the Army!

Response by SPC Larry Spiller made Jan 19 at 2016 10:30 AM

2016-01-19T10:30:20-05:00

Heck, I thought I was doing OK with three.

Response by CPL Timothy Coffey made Feb 28 at 2016 8:45 PM

2016-02-28T20:45:04-05:00

Response by CW4(P) Detrottus Thomas made Mar 20 at 2016 10:50 PM

2016-03-20T22:50:35-04:00

I have six in almost 17 years.

Response by SSG Bill Moore made May 21 at 2016 4:40 PM

2016-05-21T16:40:10-04:00

I received 9 in a seven year span. ( 1983-1990 ). I received the medals for such mundane and or decent acts as being the Battalion Color Guard NCO at a function for a retiring general to saving a woman from a burning car. It boils down to who recommends you, how they perceive your actions and who approves. Side note. During my seven years, I never received a Good Conduct Medal.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2017 11:02 PM

2017-02-12T23:02:18-05:00

10

Yea yea I know still a CPL lol.

At least my blues will look good at ROTC lmao

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2017 11:41 PM

2017-03-24T23:41:09-04:00

I have received 5 AAMs and am hitting my 4 year mark in May. Our unit may take forever to present you the actual award, but they are pretty good about recognizing us when we do things that are deserving of recognition. The only bad thing is that, while they give AAMs for people who go above and beyond, they do also seem to hand them out for some personnel for just doing their jobs, which i find to be utter BS. That is my only complaint about it. I don't want to be awarded the same thing as 2LT CrossfitJesus just because he didn't screw something up at the last field event when I was out there digging foxholes, putting up C-wire, maintaining the battalions generators, AND pulling 12 hour guard duties. All while making sure all my Battles are gainfully employed and not just slacking off. Ok, enough is enough. End rant lol. So in conclusion, I have 5 AAMs.

Response by SFC Jon Vandeyacht made Jul 7 at 2017 8:57 PM

2017-07-07T20:57:24-04:00

I only have 3 achievement medals but I do have 6 ARCOMs

Response by CPO Bill Penrod made Jul 17 at 2017 8:37 AM

2017-07-17T08:37:48-04:00

I had zero NAMs but that was when a command only had a very limited number of awards for thousands of Sailors. A senior NCO with fifteen or twenty awards congratulations!! I don't think he is a deck plate Sailor because he/she is busy taking care of themselves and not their troops.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2017 1:12 PM

2017-09-18T13:12:10-04:00

One in 5 years.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2017 10:18 PM

2017-12-12T22:18:17-05:00

FIRST SERGENT RETIRED

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2017 6:53 AM

2017-12-15T06:53:05-05:00

13 years in, I have 3. Some units give out quite a lot, others don't. I say be happy with what you have, and I've been OK with that so far.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Dec 15 at 2017 7:14 AM

2017-12-15T07:14:45-05:00

Seems to Me that any medal that get awarded that many times that for some it becomes almost routine is kind of excessive. That it seems takes away the original purpose of any medal as a meaningful recognition for achievement. Its nice to have some awards I guess but I feel it can be overdone and often is and that diminishes the value of the awards in My opinion.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Dec 15 at 2017 8:51 AM

2017-12-15T08:51:56-05:00

I don't know about total numbers, but I've seen cadre annoyed by consistently winning "cadre of the cycle" (the training cycle being 4-8 weeks) and getting an AAM every time. In a couple of years of instructor time, being the cadre that the students tend to like could rack up a lot of AAMs pretty quickly.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Dec 16 at 2017 1:38 PM

2017-12-16T13:38:55-05:00

Sounds silly

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2018 2:13 PM

2018-01-02T14:13:07-05:00

Not to take away from anything anyone else said on here but to me the SAM is almost the last award (excepting for the big valor medals) that means anything. The others are driven by rank or some other criteria aside from actual achievement. I only have 5 but each of those were written up for something somebody actually saw me doing... the purpose of military awards are to recognize and validate an effort or achievement, not to carry over to the civilian sector. Anything else cheapens the award and the process, detracts from a unit's honor and prestige and ultimately undrrmines the integrity of the military institution. That being said, I only have 5 AAM's.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Feb 24 at 2018 3:42 PM

2018-02-24T15:42:39-05:00

7- Rangers/82nd did not believe in a lot of medals- even got an ARCOM w/V- CSM said if I had killed a bunch of foes while carrying out my wounded , He would have thought about a BSM.

Response by SFC Michael Watkins, MPA/EM, CHPP, CJE made Mar 8 at 2018 2:16 AM

2018-03-08T02:16:39-05:00

what the hell. 19 damn.

Response by SSG David Spooner made Apr 27 at 2018 11:11 AM

2018-04-27T11:11:06-04:00

6 in 21 yrs

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 27 at 2018 11:17 AM

2018-04-27T11:17:30-04:00

Response by SSG John Ross made May 4 at 2018 10:59 AM

2018-05-04T10:59:26-04:00

I have 6, got two in one year. One was an impact got it on the spot and then they did the paperwork. Lol. Got it after a LEC inspection of a armsroom i took over that had failed twice within a month it was the best the inspector had saw and it saved the CO from being relieved of command.

Response by PO3 James Bobiney made Jul 23 at 2018 8:36 PM

2018-07-23T20:36:57-04:00

When I was Army, I received one for Reforger 87 in Northern Germany for keeping the wheeled vehicles for my unit maintained as one of three only mechs. I received another in 89 at Ft Hood for keeping the forklifts (they were junk) running at one of the ammo sites. And I received my third at the 67th CSH in 92 for being part of the Emergency Pediatric Team(I reclassed to Medic) for the Bosnia/Herzegovina thing. They were harder to get it seemed like when I was in. You actually had to do something to get them. Now I hear they're like a participation award or some shit. It's a shame imo.

Response by SGT Mark Estes made Dec 6 at 2018 1:43 AM

2018-12-06T01:43:43-05:00

2 for me.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Feb 11 at 2019 8:18 PM

2019-02-11T20:18:41-05:00

I've never seen anyone with 19. Hell, I have never seen anyone with more than five. I've gotten three in 31 years, all when I was an enlisted man.

Response by SSG Phil Miller made May 13 at 2019 1:57 AM

2019-05-13T01:57:20-04:00

I have one in 12 1/2 years. I kept getting ARCOMS. My platoon sergeant told me he was going to put me in for a Bronze Star in Iraq and I told him I would not accept that because I had not earned it. He then wrote me another ARCOM. I asked my commander if he could downgrade it to an AAM since I didn't have one just so I could have another ribbon to wear.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 13 at 2019 5:47 AM

2019-05-13T05:47:19-04:00

Arcom w/5 olc. Msm. German sports medal. Meritorious civilian medal.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made May 13 at 2019 10:19 AM

2019-05-13T10:19:38-04:00

I have 11 on my ERB....I had good leadership, I followed their suit and did the same for SM I directly supervised. What I did not always pay attention in later years sadly is that my subordinate leaders did the same.....was not till the last few years I realized my mistake in assuming an example would be followed without a push

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2019 12:35 PM

2019-05-13T12:35:01-04:00

Five in 30 years. Two I believe I earned for hard work. One I believe earned for little effort as it was just something I was good at and I volunteered to do so ... tada! Two were participation awards. One made me roll my eyes so much I refused to acknowledge it on official records which is why my DD 214, ERB showed 4 AAMs at the time of my retirement. It's a lot easier convincing people at outprocessing that you don't have an award rather than convincing them that you do.

Response by SGT Mark Saint Cyr made Jun 26 at 2019 2:59 PM

2019-06-26T14:59:37-04:00

I got one.

I had been on active duty for 3 years. I went to Ft. Bragg for 4 months. I had been planning to re-up but was told I'd have to be at Ft. Bragg another year +2 months, and then I could go back to Germany, but not another stateside post, so I said no ty, and then got out.

I think it may have been in part for them trying to get me to come back later. I do know that my work schedule during that period of time was about 14 hours a day in a section that had 12 slots, but only 4 members present to do the jobs...others out for training, hospital, whatever.

When I was in Germany, just before that, for the same amount of time, and same work hours while I was working for the MACG-P in Pirmasens, FRG, I got a letter of commendation signed by a colonel for doing about the same amount of work.

The AAM was very new then, it having come in during that enlistment (may 80-may-83) so I think part of it was units trying to figure out how to use it. I also know some units tend to award for things while others don't.

In any case, I got out, joined the reserves, and the later the AZ National Guard. You never get anything in the guard pretty much, though I did see two affirmative action Arcoms go out to 2 troops for working 12 on, 12 off during an annual training once. People higher up will give to whom they want to, and let everyone else hang out to dry, even when others do more. It's sad, but when I was in, that's how it was.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 30 at 2019 6:19 AM

2019-06-30T06:19:49-04:00

One, and proud of it.

Response by CPL C D made Jul 7 at 2019 12:54 AM

2019-07-07T00:54:17-04:00

I recieved 8 aam and 3 arcoms in my 6 yrs of service. But 19 damn!

Response by SPC William Weedman made Aug 9 at 2019 12:35 PM

2019-08-09T12:35:19-04:00

Had a good friend get 3 in 12 months. First was an impact, as an E-1 saved the life of a US soldier who had been delivered to a substandard Korean “hospital” he took the guy out treated him correctly and got a chopper to medevac him out, less than 3 weeks post-school. second was earning the EFMB as an E-3, last was end of tour award in Korea. Ironically my end of tour CoA was almost identical except for the EFMB...

Response by SSG Kenneth Ponder made Mar 7 at 2020 3:23 PM

2020-03-07T15:23:26-05:00

I got 5, starting in 1983. 1 for PT test, 1 for showing up in formation, 1 for weapon qualification, 1 for loaning my Col a Colt Gold cup 45acp(my pdw)so he could qualify, 1 for keeping my Cpt from being arrested for public drunk in Itaewon, S. Korea. When I separated I turned 1 down and they upgraded to MSM. Lol, the USArmy more fun than a barrel of monkees!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2020 1:11 PM

2020-07-29T13:11:07-04:00

In my just over 10 years of service, I have one (1) AAM.
I received it this year (APR2020) for winning the ASG-Qatar NCO of the Quarter Board (Qtr2).

Response by SGT Jose Arechiga made Sep 29 at 2020 10:16 PM

2020-09-29T22:16:08-04:00

I had 3 AAMs i dont remember when do we go into 1st and 2nd oak leaf cluster

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2020 1:42 PM

2020-10-25T13:42:44-04:00

Ive gotten 3 in the last year and a half

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2022 4:05 AM

2022-08-16T04:05:43-04:00

Lol well I guess I'm on track to bear them. I'm about to get 9 AAMs in 5 years