Posted on Aug 5, 2019
AF Achievement Medal while on State Active Duty?
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Air National Guard question! When airmen are on “State Active Duty” (SAD) for an emergency response are they eligible for an Air Force Achievement Medal? I have heard mixed answers anecdotally. I am reading AFI 36-2803 and have not found a clear answer yet.
Posted in these groups: 
Air National Guard
Awards
Air National Guard Awards
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
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1st Lt. Bill Peterson I personally would think that if you can take care of your Airman then do it and get the higher award if possible. Seeing as how the Air Force integrated the three components of the Air Force so much more seamlessly it’s bettef to have federally recognized awards awarded whenever possible so it can go with the Airman throughout his/ her career. State level awards have to come off for DA photos as well as transfers to the Reserve or active component. If it doesn’t specifically bar it from being awarded and didn’t specifically relate to the “powers to arrest” an individual like the main reason for Title 32 than put the award recommendation together likes its Title 10 standard operations. Good luck keep taking care of your Airmen!
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Capt (Join to see)
Thanks, Lt Col Mohor! That was my attitude as well. Just two weeks ago Cape Cod was hit with three tornadoes causing damage in three different towns resulting in over 10,000 people losing power. Gov. Baker and the TAG activated about 500 National Guard troops. With 10 hours notice I was sent out there with the first 23 airmen on the ground, and man they did a great job! I realize they are eligible for state awards. But like you mentioned those only carry so much weight. I had one SrA (E4) who really stepped up for three days and I want to make sure I get something on his chest to tell that story.
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LTC Stephen C.
LTC John Mohor, I agree with your observation to try for the DA award as opposed to the state level award (well, really DAF).
I'm pretty sure, though, that state awards are now authorized for wear by everyone including USAR and AD. It's covered in paragraph "22–4. Order of precedence by category of medal" of AR 670-1. Take a look at it and let me know what you think.
Naturally, this applies to the Army and the ARNG, so I'm hopeful that the USAF and the ANG would have a similar approach.
Capt (Join to see)
I'm pretty sure, though, that state awards are now authorized for wear by everyone including USAR and AD. It's covered in paragraph "22–4. Order of precedence by category of medal" of AR 670-1. Take a look at it and let me know what you think.
Naturally, this applies to the Army and the ARNG, so I'm hopeful that the USAF and the ANG would have a similar approach.
Capt (Join to see)
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Duty status doesn't determine award eligibility. For example, you can award an airman for events that occur during their "civilian time" (i.e. not on orders or IDT status) if the airman's action brings credit to the Air Force. There are several great examples of this: 1. Airman's Medal for voluntarily risking life/limb while not involved in combat, 2. Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for community volunteer hours, 3. AFAM or AFCOM for lifesaving interventions performed on a civilian.
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Even if you're on SAD, you're still subject to the UCMJ and still have to adhere to USAF uniform and grooming regulations. There's an old adage I adhere to most of the time:
"It's better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission."
Let someone else figure out if it's authorized. They can approve or disapprove the award. Too many times, actions, or activities just don't get done because we're all waiting for someone to say "yes, you can do that". To me, using your own self-initiative is critical as a leader. And being a leader means making sure that those under your charge are recognized and awarded when the time comes.
Not to undermine state awards, but I'm sure that your airmen would appreciate federal awards more.
"It's better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission."
Let someone else figure out if it's authorized. They can approve or disapprove the award. Too many times, actions, or activities just don't get done because we're all waiting for someone to say "yes, you can do that". To me, using your own self-initiative is critical as a leader. And being a leader means making sure that those under your charge are recognized and awarded when the time comes.
Not to undermine state awards, but I'm sure that your airmen would appreciate federal awards more.
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