Which achievements in your service/career field hold the greatest significance?

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 13:28:59 -0500

In Army aviation, the Master Aircrew/Aviator Badge essentially trumped the deck (never earned mine). But with so many different branches and career fields, which ones command the greatest honor/respect? Inquiring minds want to know. Please enlighten the community with your answer and help us better understand the bigger picture.

Response by SFC William "Bill" Moore made Jan 29 at 2015 1:45 PM

SFC William "Bill" Moore — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 13:45:15 -0500

The day my Son Pinned my EOD badge to my chest. He practiced for two weeks hitting a spot on his big teddy bear just to make sure he could hit the badge. Little bugger sunk it home too!

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 5:45 PM

MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 17:45:21 -0500

As a young NCO, I inherited a "lost cause" SPC who was recently barred from reenlistment and fast tracking to be chaptered out. Fast forward 8 months later, I pinned his stripes on the same day he was getting awarded for being selected the BN "Soldier of the Year."

Oddly enough, it's not my own personal accolades that matters most. It's the success of my Soldiers.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jan 29 at 2015 6:09 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 18:09:27 -0500

SFC Mark Merino Thanks for the thread, I know the feeling brother! I will always have the UTMOST RESPECT FOR THE DRILL SERGEANT BADGE AND CAMPAING HAT! This entry is on my profile paying respects to past, present and future DRILL SERGEANTS. "DUTY HONOR COUNTRY" THIS WELL DEFEND!

Dec 1989 - Mar 1990

Basic Trainee
C 3-22 FA, Basic Combat Training | Fort Sill, OK

Recruit: Conducted Basic Combat Training- getting a kick in the whole rear end.
A CIVILAN becomes a SOLDIER. Who knew 25 years and 3 days later, I would go to 6 combat deployments, serve in some of the finest units the United States Army could bestow on a Soldier. Most Ironically, Becoming a DRILL SERGEANT IN DECEMBER 2005 and serving at Sandhill, Fort Benning GA; with C/2-47 IN "Charlie Rock, Panther Battalion". I owe it all to my Drill Sergeants and a lot more gratitude. Thanks for training me to fight, win and survive and what the word BATTLE BUDDY MEANS. Yea, didn't know then, but boyee did they watch my 6 and cover me while I moved (the U.S. Soldier).

1ST PLT
SENIOR DRILL SERGEANT JONES
DRILL SERGEANT PULU
DRILL SERGEANT WILLIAMS

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jan 29 at 2015 6:24 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 18:24:52 -0500

We're pretty sparse on "flair" in the Marines. The few badges we do wear are either VERY restricted by function (pilots, aircrew, EOD, etc) or contingent upon another services school (Jump Wings, Dive Bubble).

On the medal/ribbon side, the CAR would be the closest but even that one is "just a matter of time." Stick around long enough and it will happen (unless you're the new SMMC... joking btw.. he was in a wing unit during the war, so completely understandable.)

We don't wear combat patches (SSI).

So the big ones for me were probably pinning on Cpl & Sgt. Pinning on Cpl in the Marines, especially in a Grunt BN is a big deal. Even as a PoG.

I pinned on Sgt right after I Re-upped, and PCS'd (10 days after I got to my new unit). The MGySgt of the unit told the NCO's at my promotion ceremony, and it stuck with me (paraphrasing):

"There are no more stripes. Sure we get rockers, but no more stripes. Every one of us is a Sergeant. A Staff Sergeant or a Master Guns, but all Sergeants."

Always kind of stuck with me.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 7:00 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 19:00:28 -0500

SFC Mark Merino. Greatest Reward: Patients who arrive in mortal danger able to return home alive and intact!!!
Deepest Regrets: Patients we could / should have saved with names / stars cut into a wall / marker far from home.
Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 7:16 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 19:16:36 -0500

I suppose it would be getting winged after pilot training. The real achievement was a year later when upgrading to aircraft commander. At this point the government trusted me with a 50 million dollar 4 engine plane and a crew. This is when I really thought I was actually an AF pilot.

Unfortunately, I volunteered to fly robots as a career broadener. Turned out not to be what I wanted to do. Now I am not flying billet at all. I would trade in in my senior pilot for an actual cockpit again.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 8:11 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 20:11:01 -0500

These two are my favorites, hands down: The German Badge for Military Proficiency in Gold, And my AA Wings. I was one of only 2 reservists in my AA course, and those cadre didn't let us forget it.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 9:37 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 21:37:13 -0500

Probably being named the U.S. Army PA of the Year. That was pretty cool.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jan 29 at 2015 9:42 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 21:42:58 -0500

I'm really interested in what the Navy and Coast Guard has to say. As an Army guy working on land based helicopters, I had VERY little exposure to their worlds. I might have met a SEAL once in Iraq but I can not confirm or deny it...lol

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2015 2:36 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 02:36:54 -0500

The fact that nobody was killed in the Unit i was attached to when i was deployed to afghanistan. There were a few that got injured but they were fine thereafter. I am proud of that and will always be !!!

Response by CPT Chris Loomis made Jan 30 at 2015 7:15 AM

CPT Chris Loomis — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 07:15:12 -0500

So far, they day I took my oath of enlistment as an Enlisted Soldier and the day I received my bar and again raised my taking on the responsibility of Offiership.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Jan 30 at 2015 8:16 AM

SPC James Mcneil — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 08:16:58 -0500

In December of 2003, I stepped off the plane coming home from Iraq. I was safe and sound once again in my home country. That would have to be the best thing that ever happened to me. I almost said greatest accomplishment, but I can't. It wasn't an accomplishment by me alone but by the entire battalion that could say the same. All of us that went over to combat came back from combat safely.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jan 30 at 2015 8:33 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 08:33:28 -0500

Coming back with the team after a year with no one else hurt, after that first initial attack.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2015 9:09 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 09:09:14 -0500

It would be easy to say something shiny on my uniform like my Air Assault, but that was just a test of endurance, or the star and wreath on my crew member wings but that was just the passing of time, maybe one of my ribbons but that was just doing an exceptional job at something which we should all strive for. I think I am most proud of walking up behind one of the soldiers teaching the correct way to do a certian task that is very often performed incorrectly only days after I taught him the fine points and why we do the task this way. Passing on the desire and ethics of top notch aviation maintenance has to be what I am most proud of. And that my friend cannot be pinned onto a uniform.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2015 3:13 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 15:13:57 -0500

For those of us that serve in JAG Corps as Paralegals, there is no greater badge or tab than...

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2015 3:36 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 15:36:01 -0500

I recently explain in another topic about how I was supposed to be at accelerated OCS right now, then headed to Rucker in July for IERW. Since there have been so many budget cuts they dropped my OCS orders, and as we all know only officers fly. So now I'm in the traditional OCS which is around 14 months long as drill status for the National Guard. Anyways long story short in a few years I will hopefully have my wings pinned on. For me that will be my greatest accomplishment, if of course I complete everything

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2015 4:00 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 16:00:03 -0500

EFMB

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2015 7:12 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 19:12:49 -0500

earning my RANGER tab!

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2015 8:04 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 20:04:36 -0500

For me personally it will be when I make CMSgt, not at the expense of my subordinates but with their help getting me there.....professionally, anytime I see the NCOs and Amn working for me get promoted or earning awards they've worked hard to achieve.....

Response by CW2 Charlie Martinez made Jan 30 at 2015 8:43 PM

CW2 Charlie Martinez — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 20:43:39 -0500

Hearing the thanks from the soldiers I trained when they returned form combat!!

Response by Cpl Kevin Brown made Jan 30 at 2015 10:44 PM

Cpl Kevin Brown — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 22:44:26 -0500

Serving with India Co. 3d Bn 4th Marines and becoming the first unit in the United States Marine Corps to become Special Operations Capable in 1985. 26th. MAU!!!

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Jan 31 at 2015 10:03 AM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 10:03:18 -0500

This is easy for a submariner.

Just so you all know, the dolphins symbolize that you have studied and learned enough about the entire sub to be relied upon by any group on the sub. It's mostly about safety and damage control, but subs are unique. There's only about 120 crew, and you can't "let someone else" fight the fire or combat the flooding. If you, a cook and a radioman are in the compartment... there ain't no one else...

I suppose others have similar "rites of passage" but this is ours.

What do I wish I could have? Recognition for "observing" the Soviet's "hydro-acoustic testing" off Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jan 31 at 2015 3:21 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 15:21:40 -0500

What is the badge that I see the majority of Airmen wearing? Does everyone have it or is it because I am next to Davis Monthan and their A-10's?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2015 6:14 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 18:14:59 -0500

Many branches in the Army have patron Saints. In the Infantry our patron Saint is Saint Maurice. THE ORDER OF SAINT MAURICE® is awarded by the Chief of Infantry and the National Infantry Association.

A nominee for the Order of Saint Maurice must have served the Infantry community with distinction; must have demonstrated a significant contribution in support of the Infantry; and must represent the highest standards of integrity, moral character, professional competence, and dedication to duty. The same medallion is used for each level, with a attachment that identifies the level.

The levels are as follows:

Primicerius: Highest Level for those who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the entire Infantry with the most significant award going to the Doughboy Award winners each year. Must be or have been Infantry Branch.

Centurion: Middle Level, BDE and BN Officer/NCO Leadership and Special Nominees for an outstanding contribution to the Infantry. Must be or have been Infantry Branch.

Legionnaire: Outstanding or conspicuous contribution to the Infantry. Infantrymen and Soldiers of other branches and other US Armed Services are eligible for this level.

Civis: For civilian personnel who have supported the U.S. Infantry.

Peregrinus: For foreign military personnel who have served in or supported the U.S. Infantry.

I was humbled to be the 996th recipient of the Primicerius Level, the highest of the five levels awarded. Less than 1,000 of this level had been awarded as of early 2014.

Response by SSG Jim Husselman made Jan 31 at 2015 8:33 PM

SSG Jim Husselman — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 20:33:50 -0500

Well in my opinion my greatest achievement was not my Arcom's, AAM's or even my Murrell Award for Recruiting excellents (awarded by none other than CSM Retired Murrell himself) but the Soldiers whom I had then honor to lead and mentor who have surpassed their NCO and accomplished more than I did and are carrying forward the true ethics and image of the old Soldier Corp!! They do the right thing even if no one is there to see it and present an image in their behavior and professionalism that adhears to the true image of an American Service Member and I salute them and wish them Godspeed in their endeavors. Hooaah!!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2015 1:47 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 01:47:30 -0500

Mine would be jumping with the German Army out of a C-160.. as the 1st jumper left door chalk 4. Pretty Awesome feeling knowing you get to train with a foreign army and wear that award on your ASU's. ATW

Response by SPC Christopher Dunbar made Feb 1 at 2015 2:47 AM

SPC Christopher Dunbar — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 02:47:14 -0500

Honestly, my Combat Infantryman's Badge. I would have won it 100 times over while on deployment in 2004 in Mosul. As an Infantryman, we train and train and train and some of us may get our Expert Infantryman's Badge, but he CIB is coveted, because to some, without it, the training is pointless.

Hindsight, we see that the training isn't pointless, we are able to keep someone else's experiences and lessons learned alive and teaching others, but a CIB gives one who earns it grounds to train and teach others based off of first hand experience.

Cheers!

Response by SPC Nicholas Cureton made Feb 8 at 2015 10:18 AM

SPC Nicholas Cureton — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 10:18:39 -0500

My CIB meant the most to me. I blew out me knee during the EIB testing and missed qualifying for it due to my knee being the size of a cantaloupe.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 8 at 2015 10:21 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 10:21:28 -0500

Probably the one that wins my Highest Praise in my Field is an Airborne Spook, Graduate of Survival, Escape and Evasion School and the Dunken Dunker. I was listed as a "Volunteer" secondary for Airborne Spook by DIRNSGPAC but never selected.

Response by Sgt Adam Jennings made Feb 8 at 2015 10:37 AM

Sgt Adam Jennings — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 10:37:57 -0500

I guess with Marines timid different because we really don't have any badges that we wear excerpt for rifle and pistol qual badges with the service and blues uniforms. I think for most of us the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor is a standard set high enough that all other things are basically considered extra goodies. I guess other than that Cpl and Sgt chevrons were the more coveted additions. I picked up Sgt just after my EAS while starting reserve status. Never got the opportunity to be pinned though, I still have my chevrons. But both of my warrants for promotion are to be hung with my OIF certificate and my shadow box that my guys gave me when I left, those promotions mean a lot to a Marine.

Response by CPL Brendan Hayes made Feb 8 at 2015 10:42 AM

CPL Brendan Hayes — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 10:42:13 -0500

Though I didn't have it, I was always most impressed by jump wings with a combat star. Being stationed at Ft. Lewis (JBLM), I saw a lot of Ranger tabs, SF tabs, CIB, EIB, EFMB, CFMB, and pretty much any other badge possible. All of these were more than a little inspiring to a young private new to the Army; however, those combat jump wings inspired a new kind of awe. That the jump wings were usually paired with at least one of the previously mentioned qualifications made it even more impressive.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 8 at 2015 7:02 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 19:02:38 -0500

My greatest military achievement? Not getting anyone killed.

To be honest, that achievement rightly belongs to the genius who decided that I shouldn't be given an infantry platoon. Given my temper, I probably would have led a platoon in harms way more often than not...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 7:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 19:35:24 -0500

Combat Infantry Badge without a doubt

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 7:36 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 19:36:26 -0500

I could choose a great many things. The thing I rather am best satisfied is that I did a year on Diego Garcia, there were supposed to be 5 CPO's assigned in the area of responsibility I had. I was given 3 E-3's and 1 E-5. Also the contractor was fired for theft I uncovered in mass quantities. I was working with Army, Air Force and Navy for all the troop change-outs in the special forces area of Somalia and then the work up and build up for Kuwait. Called on all things in my knowledge and career to make it work. One of the most satisfying duty assignments and my liver even survived being stationed there. That was also quite the achievement. Those that have been there could best understand that one. ;)

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 8:46 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 20:46:49 -0500

I haven't been in the Army long by any means and barely at my 2nd year I would have to say just having a Dive badge gives me a great sense of prestige and honor. I watched so many people around me either get
Dropped or fail, MOST and new AIT soldiers alike. I like being part of a community that has less than 200 people in the Army and knowing I made it all the days I wanted to quit or my lungs were screaming for air in the training process. It isn't uncommon for me to be stopped and asked what
Pin is on my ACU.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2015 7:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 19:59:24 -0500

SFC Mark Merino With the reflective belt, this badge has been fighting the force of evil since the dawn of time.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Feb 15 at 2015 8:15 PM

SPC James Mcneil — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 20:15:49 -0500

I have to go with something outside of the military. As a motivational speaker, I'm used to the idea of people I don't know approaching me just about anywhere. Almost all the time, it's someone that recognizes me from a speech I've given. While that's good, the one that stands out the most in my mind is when a man approached me to talk about a speech I had given. He told me how he had taken notes on what I said and put it into practice. He went on to tell me what a difference it had made.
Knowing that I was able to make a difference has been my favorite moment as a speaker.

Response by MSG Scott McBride made Feb 15 at 2015 8:56 PM

MSG Scott McBride — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 20:56:45 -0500

Sergeants Audie Murphy and Morales clubs.

Response by MSG Dan Foster made Feb 15 at 2015 9:30 PM

MSG Dan Foster — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 21:30:50 -0500

As the NCOIC of a Fire Direction Team I had the opportunity to work with a young West Point Grad 2LT as our FSO. He was a nice guy and got along well with all the Jr. Enlisted team members, they all considered him "one of the guys", which was fine with him. With my guidance, which he accepted willingly, he became a respected Officer and knowledgeable Team Leader. He was no longer "one of the guys", he was the OIC,FSO, Team Leader and was respected by the team as such. He took the time and effort to type an informal award for me from " HQ, FIST (Frigging Idiots Seeking Targets). The award was for: "teaching me how to do my job as an officer and a leader". He typed Thank You, signed his name and wrote, "a better soldier because of you). It's a piece of typing paper with some words typed on it and signed by a young 1LT but, it's the most cherished award/badge of honor of my career. The bigger picture here, I was doing my job, he was grateful and found a meaningful unique way of thanking me.......little things matter..

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2015 11:57 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 23:57:30 -0500

Interpreting this question as the "gold standard" for our fields... How can a Ranger tab not top this list? I don't have one, but let's be honest, in the Army everyone is looking for it and most combat arms commanders need it. There's no arguing this gold standard for the Army combat arms side of the house.

Response by SSG Keven Lahde made Feb 16 at 2015 1:04 AM

SSG Keven Lahde — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 01:04:16 -0500

SFC Mark Merino SFC I would have to say my ARCOM from OEF 2009-10. We ended up doing Detainee OPS and since I am a 92G, I ended having to cook for those unworthy and ungrateful bastards. But to me that would have to be my greatest complishments since a lot of soldiers in my unit got their awards downgraded to the next lowest award, which I think is totally wrong. My second one would be my Air Force Acheivement Medal. We were on a Joint Task Force on the Border Mission and the COL at the time was an Air Force COL and had it that, Army received Air Force awards and Air Force received Army awards. I thought it was cool and we were authorized to wear them on our Class A's or ASU's.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2015 1:18 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 01:18:10 -0500

Commanding in the 82nd Airborne.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2015 2:47 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 02:47:12 -0500

Navy Achievement Medal. Not too often you see an Army Soldier with a Navy Achievement Medal, especially when they have never been in the Navy/Marine Corp.

Makes a lot of people look twice, and has a fun story behind it.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Feb 16 at 2015 4:37 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 04:37:46 -0500

While they don't hold the "greatest" significance, I am proud to have gotten my wings . . .

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Feb 16 at 2015 10:00 AM

MAJ David Vermillion — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 10:00:18 -0500

The Ranger Tab, Special Forces and Aviator Wings. Proud of these three accomplishments . Most proud of the Special Forces.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2019 1:17 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Aug 2019 13:17:25 -0400

Frocked as 1SG for unit set to deploy for OIF over a number of MSGs.

Response by SGT Lou Meza made Aug 11 at 2019 2:32 PM

SGT Lou Meza — Sun, 11 Aug 2019 14:32:48 -0400

For me, being an 11bravo, it would be being awarded the CIB . My silver wings are a close second . They kind of go hand in hand . My third award is the AIR MEDAL with 14 oak leaf clusters .