Can a soldier be given an award if they already received a coin?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Dec 2017 19:33:32 -0500

My team recently took 1st place in a DIV level competition and received coins by the BC at closeout formation. They were then told they may not receive an award they were initially told they'd get since they got coins. I've been looking and have only seen coins can be awarded for physical competitions, but can't see anywhere they can only be given independently.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Dec 9 at 2017 8:24 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Sat, 09 Dec 2017 20:24:11 -0500

Yes. A coin is not an official award.

FYI, Commanders often give out coins in lieu of impact awards for certain accomplishments. They will then compile those accomplishments to use as justification for PCS awards.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 9 at 2017 8:52 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 09 Dec 2017 20:52:57 -0500

Looking at AR600-8-22 Chapter 11, it mentions trophies and similar devices as an appropriate recognition of an intramural/athletic event. Nothing in AR672-20 nor AR215-1 said anything different. Really up to the commander.

The first ever Soldier of the Year for the Army only ended up with an ARCOM if I remember correctly. I have seen commanders use AAMs in this type of situation if it were a Division level competition (Iron Horse Week, Week of the Eagles etc)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2017 9:40 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Dec 2017 21:40:33 -0500

Up to the Commander, really.

You can get an award and a coin, or just an award, or just a coin, or a trophy, or...any combination. For every Soldier of the Year I participated in, I got an AAM or ARCOM and a coin.

They "may" receive an award, but like anything else, the Commander has to sign it. If the Commander says no...well, that's the answer.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Dec 9 at 2017 11:00 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Sat, 09 Dec 2017 23:00:42 -0500

Just depends. If your CoC thinks that a coin did the trick, then that's probably what you're going to sit with. However, I received a coin from our Regimental Commander for doing something and still received an AAM for it. Just depends. All of that being said, awards to not require that your Chain puts you in for them. Anyone can put in anyone for recognition with an award. I often told my soldiers that if they thought it right to recognize their peers that they should do the paperwork for an award. Hell, one of my awards was submitted originally by a SPC before the commander felt he was being shown up and pulled it to submit it under his own name lol

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Dec 10 at 2017 12:24 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sun, 10 Dec 2017 12:24:47 -0500

I suppose you're talking about a formal award, such as an Army Achievement Medal. You can nominate Soldiers under your leadership for an Achievement Medal if they meet the criteria. The award of a coin should not make them ineligible for the Achievement Medal because the coin is not a formal award. Check the Army Regs for the detailed rules for who can nominate for an Achievement Medal against what criteria and to whom the nomination should be sent.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Dec 10 at 2017 8:52 PM

LTC John Mohor — Sun, 10 Dec 2017 20:52:33 -0500

SGT Austin Leach I always took challenge coins as a permanent pat on the back from a commander.

Response by SFC Joseph Lumpkins made Dec 12 at 2017 4:14 PM

SFC Joseph Lumpkins — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 16:14:39 -0500

Sad thing is that most awards are just that an end of your award and not worth the paper they are written on. During my career I received one AAM, five ARCOMs, and two MSMs and the only award that really meant anything was my AAM for team spirit in 1986 and then one of my ARCOMs for UFL in 1996 when I was stationed in Korea. Now I did receive numerous coins for things like post softball champs and for being part of a color guard while stationed at FT Huachuca.

Response by SSG Matthew Koehler made Dec 13 at 2017 1:41 AM

SSG Matthew Koehler — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 01:41:31 -0500

Yes

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Aug 7 at 2020 11:45 PM

MSG John Duchesneau — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 23:45:41 -0400

Yes, awards (AAMs, ARCOMs etc.) are official but coins are unofficial. However, awards (such as the AAM) by regulation cannot be awarded as prizes for competitions. They may, however, be awarded for the hard work and teamwork it took to win the competition. Ultimately, its up to your commander.