Posted on Oct 28, 2014
SGM Senior Adviser, National Communications
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Just about every federal agency now awards medals to civilians, some along with cash. Should they get one or the other or both, or nothing at all?
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Responses: 25
PO3 Purchasing Manager
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I have no problem with a civilian getting a medal. If for instance it's for a Police Officer or Fireman who committed a valorous or heroic act then of course. If you are a scientist and come up with a cure or treatment for a disease or something yes of course you deserve a medal. However I never really agreed with anybody getting a medal just for performing their job even if they do it better than required. If the person needs recognition give them a certificate or a plaque, even a raise.
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SGM Senior Adviser, National Communications
SGM (Join to see)
10 y
AGREE.
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PFC Eberhard Claussner
PFC Eberhard Claussner
10 y
So instead of the Good Conduct Medal, We give out a plaque?
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PO3 Purchasing Manager
PO3 (Join to see)
10 y
Well I've always thought the good conduct medal for simply being "good" was a bit of an insult. I mean of course following the rules, being a good sailor/airman/soldier/Marine (capitalize Marines...they are dangerous) is so rare it deserves a medal. Amirite?!

But seriously PFC Eberhard Claussner the comment was in relation to civilians getting medals not service members.
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CW5 Desk Officer
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For civilians, medals are a nice gesture, but cash awards are where the money is. :-)
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SGM Senior Adviser, National Communications
SGM (Join to see)
10 y
CW5 Montgomery...apparently my personal coins are now worth up to $20 on ebay! Wonder who is selling them now and again (I had six different coins, all purchased out of my own pocket. Even had an IG complaint having different ones because people assumed I was too cheap like them to pay for my own coins. I don't think gov should pay for them either).
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SSgt Michael Orcutt
SSgt Michael Orcutt
>1 y
Agreed Chief!
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LTC Paul Labrador
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Civilian service medals are a great way to recognize achievement by GS employees, particularly with budget constraints. However, these awards should always be either/or. They either get the medal, cash award or time off.
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SGM Senior Adviser, National Communications
SGM (Join to see)
10 y
Agree.
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COL Mike Walton
COL Mike Walton
10 y
I agree. I have received all three over the length of my civilian employments. I personally enjoy the cash; but I use the time off to visit with family and friends; and the medals, well, they are nice but I end up mounting them in a frame with the certificate and hanging them in the office. Still -- it is good recognition when someone new comes into your office and says "wow...I just thought you were just hired a couple of years ago...I didn't know you have THAT MUCH experience!!"
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