Can a soldier request a no award memo for MEB separation?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 09:55:50 -0400

I have 5years in service and currently going through an MEB(got unfit memo).I have cleared CIF also. I found out that to recieve the bulldog stamp,I need a unit award. However,I do not want nothing from my unit.My leadership has been sh*tty since I got submitted for an MEB. I want to get as far away and quickly from my unit. I am not flagged nor pending any administrative actions.I just want my bull dog stamp and be gone. Can I request a 'no award memo'? If I can, will it have any effect on my DD214?

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 16 at 2018 10:09 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 10:09:45 -0400

How do you know you're being considered for an award? Just because some people who leave a unit get an award, doesn't mean you will or should. Medals are carried on the DD-214, but as far as I know they have no value other than an accurate official accounting. If you want to make sure you don't get an award, talk to the S-1 NCOIC or First Sergeant. Don't know what a "bulldog stamp" is, but it sounds like the unit will be as happy to issue you one as you'll be to get it.

Response by SGT David T. made Mar 16 at 2018 10:27 AM

SGT David T. — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 10:27:30 -0400

Honestly just accept it and toss it in the trash later. Sometimes it's better to just play the game until you leave.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 16 at 2018 11:01 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 11:01:39 -0400

I will assume you are at Stewartbof Benning? Either way ask the final out office what type memo and from who. That should do it. I do however encourage you to accept an award as it is deserved. Speak to an Officer or NCO you have some regard for and see what if anything the unit has done. Thank you for your service.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 16 at 2018 11:43 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 11:43:51 -0400

If the local memo can be signed by your company CDR, Id say that will be the faster path than a 638 that at a minimum will go to the battalion for signature.
If local policy requires the No Award memo to be signed by or concurred with at the BN or BDE level that might take longer than a 638 for an AAM.

End of the day, a AAM on your DD214 is worth exactly the what it cost in ink to print that line. So no loss or gain by having it there to a civilian recruiter IMHO

Response by SFC Stephen Atchley made Mar 16 at 2018 2:07 PM

SFC Stephen Atchley — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 14:07:09 -0400

A 'memo' is not going to be noted anywhere on your DD-214.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2018 2:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 14:26:38 -0400

Depends on the base you are in. I know in Fort Bliss an award is a requirement in order to PCS or ETS. If an award wasn't given, a memo needs to drawn up explaining to the Garrison Commander why the Soldier doesn't merit an award. And he needs to approve it.

That was in 2013 when I last PCSed from there.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 16 at 2018 3:09 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 15:09:50 -0400

1. Are you in for award- if so, what you do after walking off post is up to you. 2. Check with your S1- if something is needed, they can do it right there, and is NO Award it could be signed by BC that day. If there is award then you can tell the S1 that it's holding you up. I personally think that if you have been a good troop, something in appreciation is deserved.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 16 at 2018 10:21 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 22:21:37 -0400

Wait... you exist? It's a real memo!?I'm pretty sure your memo is already famous... This thing is all over US Army WTF moments..