Does anyone feel like the merit\integrity of Army awards has been watered down?

Im in a unit that does the whole blanked award thing. Past couple deployments they have gone based on rank and not accomplishments. Ive seen people who deserve them not get them and people who dont deserve them recieve them. I wish i could of played on facebook all day for a BSM like some people instead of actually doing my job. My 2 cents anyways.

Yes, I think the merit/integrity of Army awards has been watered down but don't take my opinion for it, let's look at some historical trends. Apologies for the Special Olympics references but seemed to be the best way to convey what I see happening.
- Compare the number and percentage of BSMs awarded in WWII vs OIF and OEF. The BSM has become a sort of Special Olympics award where everyone gets one.
- Look at the badges and tabs that have been authorized over time and why. CIB was authorized in WWII to recognize the special hell that infantryman had to endure. CAB added about 2006 because the other branches felt left out of the Special Olympics competition.
- Compare the retirement photos of a Soldier in any war from Vietnam prior to now. Retiring Soldiers now look like WWII Soviet generals with all of the awards they have.
- I personally have served 22 years thus far and have received multiple versions of 17 different awards. Only five of these types of awards have been earned through personal performance, however (JSCM, ARCOM, AAM). The other 12 types of awards were received for breathing in the Army at a certain time (2x NDSM), location (KDSM, OIF/OEF awards), or event (2x HSM). A Soldier should have to do more than breath to receive an award.

Yes.

What is the Navy policy on awarding the Bronze Star?

The Navy requires meritorious service in a combat zone of the level equivalent to the Navy Meritorious Service Medal (MM) and personal exposure to hostile action. The Director Navy Staff signed a memo 2 March 2007 stating “Navy's interpretation of the warfighting intent of the Bronze Star has always included a requirement for personal exposure to hostile action. However, in today's complex combat environment, our Awards must also give credit to those who are exposed to significant risk of hostile action.” As of 11 April 2007, the Navy had awarded 1,922 Bronze Star Medals since 9/11/2001.


How is the Navy policy on awarding the Bronze Star different from the Army’s?

The Army requires meritorious service in a combat zone of the level equivalent to the Army Meritorious Service Medal (MM). There is no specific requirement for personal exposure to hostile action. As a matter of fact, Army regulations prior to 2004 prohibited the award of the Meritorious Service Medal or the Army Achievement Medal in a combat zone, because they are viewed as “peacetime awards.” An exception to policy was granted 15 October 2004 and now the Army allows the award of the Meritorious Service Medal and Army Achievement Medal in a combat zone but not for service directly related to combat operations. As of 28 February 2007, the Army had awarded 57, 972 Bronze Star Medals for service/achievement in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.