Coins and COAs: do you give them to Soldiers that are flagged?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 22:40:16 -0400

I have heard the argument for both sides. Both have valid points:

Yes - it is great way to recognize a Soldier who is flagged that does a great job and it is not considered "favorable action"

No - by regulations it states you cannot give them any favorable actions

What do you say?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2014 1:44 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 01:44:36 -0400

I would wait until the Soldier has the flag removed, then push the paperwork for an award if the Soldier deserved one.

I see no issue with a Soldier receiving a coin if he is flagged.

(A COA is an award so the reg. says they cannot receive one)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2014 3:10 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 03:10:06 -0400

Technically the COA is a favorable action, especially since they can be worth points. A coin on the other hand, go for it. Officially, how is a "favorable action"? Unofficially I feel the soldier would highly appreciate knowing that, in at least some small way, his efforts are recognized.

Response by SFC Roberto Garza Jr. made Oct 17 at 2014 9:04 AM

SFC Roberto Garza Jr. — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 09:04:43 -0400

I would say no but talk to the Soldier one on one or during his counseling session and explain to him that he did well and is deserving of the coin but it could not be given to him. But that does not mean you don't say anything. Talk about his efforts in front of the platoon and annotate it on his counseling the Soldier will feel better and continue to improve as opposed to not hearing anything and possibly regressing.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 17 at 2014 11:43 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 11:43:51 -0400

Flagged for what? Only certain flags prohibit awards. APFT failure, for example, does not prevent awards.
And frankly, not to be "Deebo" about it, but if the Army wants a say on to whom I present my coin, they can pay for it. Until then, I will award it to Soldiers whose action merit recognition.

Response by SSG Lance Shamer made Oct 17 at 2014 12:29 PM

SSG Lance Shamer — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 12:29:22 -0400

I have seen many Soldiers get nothing for perfoming above what is expected during a deployment. Over-weight flags have been a big one down range. When a Soldier is performing his duties for 16,18 to 20 hours a day, every day; and the leadership give the Soldier no time to conduct pt, how can the Solder be expected to maintain wt. Especially when the SM is at a forward position with only MRE's and other High carb foods to eat. So I say if the Company CO and above wants to give a coin to a Soldier who is flagged, then let it happen. It may very well be the little extra piece of motivation that Soldier needs to over come adversity.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 17 at 2014 1:18 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 13:18:30 -0400

As long as it wasn't for a disciplinary related issue, sure.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Oct 17 at 2014 1:36 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 13:36:50 -0400

Well seeing that I purchased my warrant officer recognition coins from my wallet, and not unit funds, I recognize folks for things I see or that others do and come to me to recognize. So if it is warranted, the coin goes out there. The COA, well has to be signed by I think if I am still right, by an O-5 or greater to have promotion point potential. Therefore noticing a job well done from the O-4 and below world may help increase morale and motivation for a Soldier to work harder at removing a flag..... just my .02.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2014 1:48 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Oct 2014 13:48:42 -0400

Rules are rules, however, I challenge leadership to seek a way to get recognition (in this case coin or COA) immediately after the flag is lifted. In any case, leaders must communicate with other leaders to ensure that any awarding party is aware of the flag prior to the recommendation of the award or if the coin was given in an impromptu fashion, to pull the Soldier to the side and explain the circumstances and hold the coin until the flag is lifted. I know it sounds extreme, but flags are important rehabilitation tools (not attrition tools). Think of the mixed message it sends to other Soldiers when another Soldier is given favorable action during the flag. Maybe we could have the Flagged Soldiers wear bright yellow ACU tops to indicate their status (I'm just kidding...lighten up). Good topic.

Response by LTC Dr Richard Wasserman made Dec 3 at 2014 2:40 PM

LTC Dr Richard Wasserman — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 14:40:48 -0500

You don't have to do a PT test in a combat zone.

Response by SSG Leonard J W. made Dec 3 at 2014 6:44 PM

SSG Leonard J W. — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 18:44:37 -0500

Yes and No:
"Yes" for the coin, and "No" for the COA. A COA could be used for promotion points (unless that has changed), thereby causing it to be "favorable."

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Dec 3 at 2014 7:28 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 19:28:54 -0500

I dont know what flagged means. But i can tell you that if a troop does a job that makes that troop stand out why not recognize it. in some way shape or form. If it is a troop that was messing up alot and starting to get on the right path why not recognize it. this may help the troop say look they see the that im trying. And if this is for a troop getting out well to not given an award because someone is getting out is just plain stupid in my book. If they did great work above and beyond then they should be recognized.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Sep 19 at 2018 5:12 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 17:12:38 -0400

Response by SSG(P) Brian Kliesen made Sep 19 at 2018 9:48 PM

SSG(P) Brian Kliesen — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 21:48:13 -0400

Others are correct, a Certificate of Achievement signed by an O5 or higher is a favorable action and I believe that they are worth 5 promotion points and you can list up to four in your packet. A coin is a nice gesture that can be given to a soldier either on the spot or recognized at a meeting, gathering or ceremony for efforts outside of what would normally warrant an award. Some coins hold value to the giver and receiver and are also a way for someone outside of your chain of command to recognize hard work. I am proud of a couple of coins I have received, most I have passed on to others. In the Reserves, more specifically in the units I have been in, awards are very scarce and are either held up or the paperwork disappears. Most units believe that an APFT failure means the soldier cannot be given an award, though this is incorrect. We also rarely see coins unless we are on a mission or mobilized to Active Duty. One of my old units had the ugliest coins and they must have received a deal on them as they passed out hundreds of them. It became a bit of a joke to receive a coin, as the command thought they were special, when in fact it came across as a bit of a slap in the face, 'Here's a coin since we don't do awards, and since we don't do awards, everyone gets a coin'.