Posted on Jun 4, 2019
Asking someone to submit an ARCOM for crash rescue?
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Back in April, I was witnessed and responded to a nasty car wreck on the interstate in my local area. Long story short, I hopped out of my vehicle and dragged the driver out of his totaled vehicle and performed triage until ambulances/etc. arrived.
I was able to get footage from highway traffic cams of what happened, as well as a recording of the 911 call my fiancee made (who was with me at the time).
Would it be against protocol to ask a buddy in my unit to submit a DA 638 for an ARCOM? Or would it not be kosher? Thanks, just curious, as it's something I've never encountered in my career nor anyone else I've served with.
I was able to get footage from highway traffic cams of what happened, as well as a recording of the 911 call my fiancee made (who was with me at the time).
Would it be against protocol to ask a buddy in my unit to submit a DA 638 for an ARCOM? Or would it not be kosher? Thanks, just curious, as it's something I've never encountered in my career nor anyone else I've served with.
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Posted >1 y ago
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First of all, bravo for stepping in and doing the right thing, SPC Michels. I believe, though, that the appropriate award might be the Soldier's Medal, and not the ARCOM. However, to your question, I would not advise that course of action.
Technically, if someone were aware of your deed -- however they found out about it -- they certainly COULD submit a recommendation.
However, I think the fact that you've expressed the humility to at least ask this question means that your good conscience has already answered the question for you (even though part of you yearns for recognition you rightly deserve).
In other words, you COULD ask your friend, but it would be considered bad form to do so.
We all deserve recognition for lots of good things we do, that sometimes we may not receive recognition for...at least not in this life. Do not ever let that stop you from doing the RIGHT thing.
Technically, if someone were aware of your deed -- however they found out about it -- they certainly COULD submit a recommendation.
However, I think the fact that you've expressed the humility to at least ask this question means that your good conscience has already answered the question for you (even though part of you yearns for recognition you rightly deserve).
In other words, you COULD ask your friend, but it would be considered bad form to do so.
We all deserve recognition for lots of good things we do, that sometimes we may not receive recognition for...at least not in this life. Do not ever let that stop you from doing the RIGHT thing.
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Personally I would find it in bad taste. It's akin to being a glory hound to ask for an award. (selfless service)
On the other hand if it was local how is it your Squad Leader or others in the CoC didn't hear about it or none of the crew mentioned it to them.
That's how one of our troops got a Soldiers medal in the 864th, a troop mentioned stopped by the mess hall and asked if I heard about the accident near Tacoma and the good Samaritan going in and pulling someone out of the burning vehicle, "well you know that was Smitty". A little leg work and sure enough it was. Going into a burning vehicle to help someone was clearly above and beyond what was expected.
Not knowing the particulars , threat level to your own safety, level of care rendered, just rendering first aid on scene might not rise to the level of an ARCOM or anything other than a hand shake and thank you. I've responded/ been first on scene to several bad accidents to include fatalities rendered aid and have never thought about asking for recognition because it's what I'm supposed to do as a Soldier, Eagle Scout and good citizen.
Long post , just trying to give some perspective.
On the other hand if it was local how is it your Squad Leader or others in the CoC didn't hear about it or none of the crew mentioned it to them.
That's how one of our troops got a Soldiers medal in the 864th, a troop mentioned stopped by the mess hall and asked if I heard about the accident near Tacoma and the good Samaritan going in and pulling someone out of the burning vehicle, "well you know that was Smitty". A little leg work and sure enough it was. Going into a burning vehicle to help someone was clearly above and beyond what was expected.
Not knowing the particulars , threat level to your own safety, level of care rendered, just rendering first aid on scene might not rise to the level of an ARCOM or anything other than a hand shake and thank you. I've responded/ been first on scene to several bad accidents to include fatalities rendered aid and have never thought about asking for recognition because it's what I'm supposed to do as a Soldier, Eagle Scout and good citizen.
Long post , just trying to give some perspective.
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I think the issue isn’t receiving an award for doing something above and beyond. The issue is ASKING someone to recognize you for those actions. It takes something away from the original act in my opinion because who’s to say you wouldn’t have done it without the prospect of recognition? It shouldn’t be about the medal. If someone puts you in for it, then great. If not, you still did the right thing in a stressful situation. Just my opinion.
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