Posted on Apr 9, 2014
Giving out awards even when people failed in their role?
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<p>Picture this: You are in final formation and someone gets called up and receives an ARCOM. As you listen to the citation you realize that they are being awarded for the very thing that they failed to do and you had to hurry up and make it happen. They were getting an award for what you did.</p><p> </p><p>Picture this: You are in final formation and someone gets called up and receives an ARCOM. As you listen to the citation you realize that they are being awarded for the very thing that they failed to do. The mission was a failure and they did not plan properly.</p><p> </p><p>Both have happened to me and it made me question is the award system broke or the leaders that are approving these awards? Are people just entitled to awards for showing up to annual training now and because they are a certain rank they get a certain award? Or are leaders out of touch with reality and handing out awards to those who do not deserve it and neglecting those who do?</p>
Posted in these groups: 
Awards
Awards
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 25
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Very little pisses me off more than the Army awards system. I have filed 2 IG complaints in my career and both have been about awards. Every single place I have gone, awards were determined by grade, not achievement. It infuriates me!!!!!!<br>
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1SG (Join to see)
CW2 Jonathan Kantor I'm very interested to know, what was the outcome of those IG complaints?
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CW2 Jonathan Kantor
The first one initiated a complete review of the awards process and the whole thing was scrutinized. The second one ended with a CPT claiming an award was lost (He downgraded an MSM to an ARCOM). Ultimately, I got the ARCOM. I don't really care about the level of award, I was pissed that a CPT did that to me. Only a 1-star can downgrade one of those and it never made it out of the Brigade.
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I have had this happen to me as well, Sir. In truth, it does bother me, but not becuase the lack of recognition that I felt I should have gotten, but because that awardee was being applauded for someone else's efforts. That sets a precedent and teaches SMs that it's not only acceptable to take credit and abuse subordinates efforts, but encourages it.
It falls heavily on the recommender. If they recommend someone for an award, they need to know what exactly was done, not just the result.
This happens A LOT at the end of deployment award ceremonies, where some leaders who accomplish little throughout their deployment while their subordinates work thier asses off in all kinda of unforgiving environments. The leaders are given bronze stars and the e4 is given an aam becuase his rank isn't "high enough" to earn anything more.
Cliffs: yes Sir, the award system is garbage/broken.
It falls heavily on the recommender. If they recommend someone for an award, they need to know what exactly was done, not just the result.
This happens A LOT at the end of deployment award ceremonies, where some leaders who accomplish little throughout their deployment while their subordinates work thier asses off in all kinda of unforgiving environments. The leaders are given bronze stars and the e4 is given an aam becuase his rank isn't "high enough" to earn anything more.
Cliffs: yes Sir, the award system is garbage/broken.
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LTC (Join to see)
I personally only think rank should come into play when giving out awards when talking about position. Was it an E5 in an E7 job that did an excellent job? Then rank should play a factor. If it is a CPT in a CPT slot then it should just be about position, results, and responsibility, etc. and not automatic just because of the rank.
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
Rank should not be part of the equation at all. Its about merit and the size and circumstances of the actions. A PV1 can be awarded the MOH if the circumstances warrant it so why does the brass over think the problem for other awards?
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LTC (Join to see)
I think that you, Sir. However, due to the fact that it was put in for you by a junior officer and not your superior we will just let it disappear.....
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Picture this: An O-4 (so not me) receiving an MSM for narrating a GO change of command ceremony and their boss an O-5 receiving one for organizing it. I sh!t you not this is a true story.
Ever hear an entire HQ murmur W-T-F in formation, in unison?
Ever hear an entire HQ murmur W-T-F in formation, in unison?
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CMSgt James Nolan
LTC (Join to see) Sir, that is much better-just hitting that minor O-6 grade! In and out. BWAHAHA.
Everyone does not get an award every time.
Everyone does not get an award every time.
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SGT (Join to see)
Believe it or not it happens in the NCO ranks as well. Had a soldier get an arcom for running a convoy for a water mission.
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