CPT Christopher F. 52353 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In the most recent edition of Army Times, a Sergeant First Class puts forth the case to create a &quot;Retirement Award&quot; for those who serve twenty or more years.&amp;nbsp;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Do you think this would be a good way to recognize people who stayed in for the long-haul? Or do you think it just another award for &quot;checking the block&quot; like the Army Service Ribbon?&lt;/div&gt; 2014-02-06T03:16:07-05:00 CPT Christopher F. 52353

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In the most recent edition of Army Times, a Sergeant First Class puts forth the case to create a &quot;Retirement Award&quot; for those who serve twenty or more years.&amp;nbsp;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Do you think this would be a good way to recognize people who stayed in for the long-haul? Or do you think it just another award for &quot;checking the block&quot; like the Army Service Ribbon?&lt;/div&gt;

2014-02-06T03:16:07-05:00 2014-02-06T03:16:07-05:00 SSG Andrew Dydasco 52354

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Checking the block, Sir.  You'll be getting an award for ETS, which will sum up all of your military exploits.  Why double it with an extra award?

2014-02-06T03:25:02-05:00 2014-02-06T03:25:02-05:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 52364

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Though I have not read the article you are referring to---here is my initial thought:<div><br></div><div>First of all, it would be an enlisted award only, similar to the good conduct medal, which is an award that is already geared towards those who distinguish himself/herself from among his/her fellow soldiers by their exemplary conduct, efficiency, and fidelity throughout a specified period of continuous enlisted active Federal military service.  Presents the question in my mind---So now you want ETS award and a cherry on top to make you feel better for volunteering more time? Technically, 20 years is the minimum time required to qualify for retirement, perhaps a letter from the President would be more fitting for this occasion.  I don't see the justification for a new award for something that falls within the normal limits of many career paths or choices to remain in service in order to accumulate the correct number of years (3) at their highest held rank in order to secure their higher pension rate.   <br><div><br></div><br /><div>That being said, it would make more sense to have to earned all of your good conduct medals as a pre-requisite for any other distinguishing award (In this hypothetical context).  If they really thought this out before submitting an article to the Army Times, then they should have mulled this over.  It seems redundant.  Why would anyone want to generate an award that could automatically be obtained without some sort of distinguishing action? There are literally people who stay in and hide out in the military that don't exude the character and leadership qualities that are required to lead our nation's best and brightest Soldiers.  </div><br /><div><br></div><br /><div>I am not suggesting to ignore their long term commitment or degrade any one person's views, however I maybe missing something on this one.  Please let me know if you think it would be justified because I certainly don't feel a consensus building for the genesis of a new "retirement" specific award.  </div><br /><div><br></div><br /><div>Never confuse activities with accomplishments!  </div><br /><div><br></div><br /><div><br></div><br /><div><br></div><br /><div><br></div><br /></div><div class="pta-link-card"><br /><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://warontherocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Medals-USAF-100x100.jpg"></div><br /><div class="pta-link-card-content"><br /><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://warontherocks.com/2014/02/medal-fatigue/">Medal Fatigue</a></div><br /><div class="pta-link-card-description">After a bitter controversy over how to recognize the contributions those who fly drones stateside make to the fight against global terrorism, the Pentagon is...</div><br /></div><br /><div style="clear:both;"></div><br /><div class="pta-box-hide"></div><br /></div>

2014-02-06T04:19:58-05:00 2014-02-06T04:19:58-05:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 52380

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>There are awards for retirement, MSM or LOM and a Letter from the President, SecDef, flag flown over the Pentagon and a few other certificates.  The Army does not need to spend money developing another award.  The SFC in the article needs to research what is already available and request those awards, letters, and certificates.

2014-02-06T05:45:11-05:00 2014-02-06T05:45:11-05:00 SGT Ben Keen 52603

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>With the rest of the "freebie" metals the Army hands out I don't see a purpose behind developing a "US Service Retirement Metal" (or whatever name they would give it).  As stated before, you get letters, and other things when you retire.  If the military was to just give away more metals, you would see PVT's coming out of basic with 3 or 4 rows of ribbons before they even hit their first unit and retirees trying to figure out how to fit their fruit salad on their uniform without the metals going over their shoulder.

2014-02-06T14:49:49-05:00 2014-02-06T14:49:49-05:00 CPT Christopher F. 52610

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The Sergeant First Class also recommended that the new "retirement award" take precedence over all other awards except the Medal of Honor. His reasoning is that the first ribbon you receive is the lowest ranking, and the last one you receive should be the highest. He views it as a way to, "close out" your ribbon rack. <div><br></div><div>Do you think he's right? Or is this an insult to valor awards like the Silver Star and Distinguished Service Cross?</div>

2014-02-06T14:57:00-05:00 2014-02-06T14:57:00-05:00 1LT Private RallyPoint Member 54589

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Capt Charters,<div><br></div><div>When and where would this medal be authorized to be worn?</div><div><br></div><div>Warmest Regards, Sandy</div>

2014-02-09T21:03:50-05:00 2014-02-09T21:03:50-05:00 SFC Kevin Carpenter 54595

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>Honestly I love adding to my Blues! Im not trying to knock the idea but we do get good conduct and service stripes that go on the uniform for the years of service, so others will know how long you have been in.  But it does look cool!</p><p> </p>

2014-02-09T21:17:23-05:00 2014-02-09T21:17:23-05:00 SGM Matthew Quick 54599

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This is simply one Soldier&#39;s proposal...not introduced by the Army.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I think it&#39;s a good idea...just another idea to hang on the retirement wall.&lt;/div&gt;

2014-02-09T21:27:43-05:00 2014-02-09T21:27:43-05:00 CH (CPT) Heather Davis 54633

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>&lt;p&gt;Capt Charters:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It definitely speaks volumes and immediately lets your peers know where you are in your career. &lt;/p&gt;

2014-02-09T22:59:37-05:00 2014-02-09T22:59:37-05:00 CW2 Private RallyPoint Member 55000

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>I also heard of it referred to as a longevity award. I think it would be another good way to show how many years you have served in increments of 5-10-15-20. Needless to say it ends up being a retirement award but I also like the idea of it being available for at least 10-15-20 years of service.  </p>

2014-02-10T17:01:26-05:00 2014-02-10T17:01:26-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 55016

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>hell yeah is a good idea, on this day and age where you get awards based on who you know, a quota set by the brigade commander, etc, you will know when you see it that it's actually earned, not gifted

2014-02-10T17:53:15-05:00 2014-02-10T17:53:15-05:00 1SG Michael Blount 55374

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>OH HELL NO.  The Army has enough medals as it is, and most of them aren't earned - they're given.  We often refer to them as candy.  This is one of those areas where the Army needs to take a page from the USMC playbook. You earn everything you get and when you retire, your monthly pension should be thanks enough.

2014-02-11T07:01:47-05:00 2014-02-11T07:01:47-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 64974

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I will just be like receiving a coin. Not worth anything but braggin rights.

2014-02-26T09:23:33-05:00 2014-02-26T09:23:33-05:00 SFC Michael Hasbun 64975

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Pesonally, I think they should go with a device for the Army Service Ribbon.. The ASR is pointless, so we might as well make it useful.

2014-02-26T09:24:16-05:00 2014-02-26T09:24:16-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 64977

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I always looked at my retirement medal as the $$ that is going to be hitting my bank account while I am sitting on the beach somewhere, not working.

2014-02-26T09:25:05-05:00 2014-02-26T09:25:05-05:00 SFC Michael Hasbun 66923

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Personally, I&#39;d like to see a device for the Army Service Ribbon for retirement. Since retirement is a milestone in your Army service, I think it would make sense.

2014-02-28T19:11:41-05:00 2014-02-28T19:11:41-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 71941

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I actually do not disagree with his recommendation for this to be an award and I do not view it as a check the block. Obviously this isn't being implemented yet, but as I see it, in the Army of the near future, it is going to be an accomplishment to have 20 years of service. This will especially hold true if we implement new retirement procedures for years less than 20. The Army is downsizing as we all now, and in the near future, if you are not progressing up, you are egressing out. <div><br></div><div>I do not know if I necessarily agree with the placement on the rack although the idea of closing out the rack makes sense, however, what do we do when awards are presented post military career for actions in service? I think this award would deserve placement not necessarily at the bottom, but not necessarily at the top. If you received standards awards it should be placed above them, but if you received awards with v device etc, than it should go below. Might complicate things a bit for people who can't navigate a reg. in no circumstances though should this be placed above MoH.</div><div><br></div><div>In the end it's all food for thought. I give the NCO credit for coming up with an idea to recognize people with a specific award. Other items that we give retirees do not denote retirement, without a placard or explanation, but with this award on the rack, everyone would know your achievement without question.</div>

2014-03-08T09:49:46-05:00 2014-03-08T09:49:46-05:00 CW5 Sam R. Baker 71982

<div class="images-v2-count-2"><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-1" id="image-1845"> <div class="social_icons social-buttons-on-image"> <a href='https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fdo-you-think-this-would-be-a-good-way-to-recognize-people-who-stayed-in-for-the-long-haul%3Futm_source%3DFacebook%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_campaign%3DShare%20to%20facebook' target="_blank" class='social-share-button facebook-share-button'><i class="fa fa-facebook-f"></i></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Do+you+think+this+would+be+a+good+way+to+recognize+people+who+stayed+in+for+the+long-haul%3F&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fdo-you-think-this-would-be-a-good-way-to-recognize-people-who-stayed-in-for-the-long-haul&amp;via=RallyPoint" target="_blank" class="social-share-button twitter-custom-share-button"><i class="fa fa-twitter"></i></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=Check this out on RallyPoint!&body=Hi, I thought you would find this interesting:%0D%0ADo you think this would be a good way to recognize people who stayed in for the long-haul?%0D%0A %0D%0AHere is the link: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/do-you-think-this-would-be-a-good-way-to-recognize-people-who-stayed-in-for-the-long-haul" target="_blank" class="social-share-button email-share-button"><i class="fa fa-envelope"></i></a> </div> <a class="fancybox" rel="f45c775a489169633f8eaafc925e26fe" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/001/845/for_gallery_v2/image.jpg"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/001/845/large_v3/image.jpg" alt="Image" /></a></div><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-2" id="image-1846"><a class="fancybox" rel="f45c775a489169633f8eaafc925e26fe" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/001/846/for_gallery_v2/image.jpg"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/001/846/thumb_v2/image.jpg" alt="Image" /></a></div></div>It has merit if placed correctly on the award rack which I agree with the initial proposal. It should be directly below the MOH for all services and above very achievement and honor bestowed on each retiree. Having seen way to many retirement ceremonies lately, I am astounded at the retirement award process. The regulation gives leeway to commanders to automatically consider and approve an award 2steps above the I service award received. To date in the last three years I have yet to witness a single individual receive and award higher than the one on their chest already. I have seen none LOM in my 21 years as a warrant officer. These regulations were written for everyone abc I sincerely believe civilians and commanders in the chain downgrade and even laugh at recommendations based upon rank and what's not on their chest. <div><br></div><div>I do not say this out of spite, wishes to receives higher award, but rather having been an adjutant where I heard the discussions, the award boards just to get an award OUT of the unit. I heard a battalion commander say, no one deserves an MSM in my unit cause that is what I get when I leave! Got it sir, but as a platoon leader I still wrote them and submitted it without a rewrite as an ARCOM. Most commanders will not use the 638 and recommend a downgrade. Anyone ever seen an upgrade?</div><div><br></div><div>So back to the retirement award, it has merit and would be the culmination of everything ever served, achieved, accomplished or done during a career. It should rank where it highest and with the year appurtenance. Therefore it is an easy retirement award with true meaning, the highest achievement just shy of a MOH for each individual. It's rank in the order of individual awards is where it should be!  </div><div><br></div><div>Several things the NCO thought of is great design and color scheme, also for each service too! This should not just be an Army thing, it should be DoD. I think it has many advantages and surely this will hopefully stimulate some more conversation as it is good to get people thinking. Frankly I don't want to ever visit clothing and sales again, but I also would like to see a SFC receive this for retirement of 30 years versus an ARCOM!</div>

2014-03-08T11:29:49-05:00 2014-03-08T11:29:49-05:00 SFC Gary (Bigsarge) Portier USARMY RET. 72594

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I like the idea. isn't some thing given to a Soldier after 30 years of Service? I think  MSM should be automatic.

2014-03-09T20:42:21-04:00 2014-03-09T20:42:21-04:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 72784

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>A retirement medal won't do anyone any good.  When you are in the local work force you don' wear ribbons so once the ceremony is over, nobody knows.<br>

2014-03-10T06:38:32-04:00 2014-03-10T06:38:32-04:00 CW5 Sam R. Baker 73265

<div class="images-v2-count-1"><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-1" id="image-1901"> <div class="social_icons social-buttons-on-image"> <a href='https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fdo-you-think-this-would-be-a-good-way-to-recognize-people-who-stayed-in-for-the-long-haul%3Futm_source%3DFacebook%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_campaign%3DShare%20to%20facebook' target="_blank" class='social-share-button facebook-share-button'><i class="fa fa-facebook-f"></i></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Do+you+think+this+would+be+a+good+way+to+recognize+people+who+stayed+in+for+the+long-haul%3F&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fdo-you-think-this-would-be-a-good-way-to-recognize-people-who-stayed-in-for-the-long-haul&amp;via=RallyPoint" target="_blank" class="social-share-button twitter-custom-share-button"><i class="fa fa-twitter"></i></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=Check this out on RallyPoint!&body=Hi, I thought you would find this interesting:%0D%0ADo you think this would be a good way to recognize people who stayed in for the long-haul?%0D%0A %0D%0AHere is the link: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/do-you-think-this-would-be-a-good-way-to-recognize-people-who-stayed-in-for-the-long-haul" target="_blank" class="social-share-button email-share-button"><i class="fa fa-envelope"></i></a> </div> <a class="fancybox" rel="c33ce6687b801efc463d66a51d3d84e5" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/001/901/for_gallery_v2/image.jpg"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/001/901/large_v3/image.jpg" alt="Image" /></a></div></div>Check the string for retirement medal also!

2014-03-10T21:19:26-04:00 2014-03-10T21:19:26-04:00 CW5 Sam R. Baker 73267

<div class="images-v2-count-1"><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-1" id="image-1902"> <div class="social_icons social-buttons-on-image"> <a href='https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fdo-you-think-this-would-be-a-good-way-to-recognize-people-who-stayed-in-for-the-long-haul%3Futm_source%3DFacebook%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_campaign%3DShare%20to%20facebook' target="_blank" class='social-share-button facebook-share-button'><i class="fa fa-facebook-f"></i></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Do+you+think+this+would+be+a+good+way+to+recognize+people+who+stayed+in+for+the+long-haul%3F&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fdo-you-think-this-would-be-a-good-way-to-recognize-people-who-stayed-in-for-the-long-haul&amp;via=RallyPoint" target="_blank" class="social-share-button twitter-custom-share-button"><i class="fa fa-twitter"></i></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=Check this out on RallyPoint!&body=Hi, I thought you would find this interesting:%0D%0ADo you think this would be a good way to recognize people who stayed in for the long-haul?%0D%0A %0D%0AHere is the link: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/do-you-think-this-would-be-a-good-way-to-recognize-people-who-stayed-in-for-the-long-haul" target="_blank" class="social-share-button email-share-button"><i class="fa fa-envelope"></i></a> </div> <a class="fancybox" rel="360de795e645731e2d947f55aa8380c6" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/001/902/for_gallery_v2/image.jpg"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/001/902/large_v3/image.jpg" alt="Image" /></a></div></div>Recommend using Roman numerals over actual numbers!

2014-03-10T21:21:22-04:00 2014-03-10T21:21:22-04:00 SGT Private RallyPoint Member 73271

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I personally find the concept of a retirement medal ridiculous, especially with its proposed order of precedence. Congrats, you've made it 20 years, that doesn't mean you have made a greater achievement than someone who's earned a DSC or Silver Star. I find the entire idea disgraceful if for no other reason than that.<br><br>If anything we should be reducing "flair," not adding to it.<br>

2014-03-10T21:22:31-04:00 2014-03-10T21:22:31-04:00 SFC Brian Whisenant 73281

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I just can not understand the purpose of it. When I retire next year I will probably receive a retirement award, letter from the President, retirement flag, etc. Is the retirement award going on my uniform? Doubt it. To be honest I can not see a time where, after retirement, I would be wearing the uniform. It would be the same with a retirement medal. Heck, even if I retired and got called back on Active Duty I wouldn't put that medal on. It would just result in a lot of "you poor bastard" conversations.

2014-03-10T21:29:01-04:00 2014-03-10T21:29:01-04:00 1LT(P) Josh Coats 74212

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I would just like to see Soldiers actually be presented with their ETS/PCS awards.  I took over an office that had a pile of 34 different non-presented awards dating back 30 months, because it was not completed before the Soldier departed.  There are still 7 of these people that have not been located or have not offered a forwarding address.  Scanned into their OMPF is not the way to present awards.  I think this is why a Soldier would receive an ARCOM instead of an MSM.  It's all about the timeline for signatures.<br>

2014-03-12T06:49:25-04:00 2014-03-12T06:49:25-04:00 MSG Tony Williams 75558

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I think that it is a move in the right direction to level the award playing field. When you look at the awards that are presented as ETS/Retirement Awards, Officer v NCO v Lower Enlisted, it is certainly not fair. The regulation allows for recommending as high as 2 above the highest award attained for longevity ETS and retirement yet enlisted always receive the ARCOM (unless retire with over 20 years or with rank MSG or E9). Most enlisted that I have heard discuss this are in support as most officers are not (in my footprint). This is typical to the first point that I made (award distribution v rank).

2014-03-13T22:17:16-04:00 2014-03-13T22:17:16-04:00 SGT James Elphick 81022

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I think giving a universal award for retirement cheapens the accomplishment for some and advances it for others. That is, the character of service of 20 years is vastly different for members and a universal award in my opinion levels a playing field that doesn't need to be. Soldiers are generally given ETS/Retirement awards based on their service and I believe that is sufficient. 

2014-03-21T13:33:58-04:00 2014-03-21T13:33:58-04:00 PO1 William "Chip" Nagel 93836

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>MSA/MSM Already Exists in the Navy. Got mine from Commander Naval Security Group. Also unless things are changed when you retire you get a LOA signed by SECDEF at 20 and the President if you do 30. I did 21 my LOA was signed by Bill Clinton probably because I retired off his Flag Ship, USS Arkansas CGN-41.

2014-04-04T20:15:07-04:00 2014-04-04T20:15:07-04:00 SSG William Sutter 97206

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I didn't know there was a petition. It wasn't publicized enough. I agree there should be a medal. Especally now that someone can retire in the single digit years.

2014-04-09T02:42:36-04:00 2014-04-09T02:42:36-04:00 SFC Gary (Bigsarge) Portier USARMY RET. 126926

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It's to late for me now but I would be all for it. It should have happened long ago. I was Retired Last month with 31 years 10 months AC n RC and I left with a scanned set of orders only.

2014-05-14T17:55:12-04:00 2014-05-14T17:55:12-04:00 MSG Brad Sand 127136

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sir,<br /><br />There is a Retirement Award already in place. Mine is deposited into my checking the beginning of each month. I thank you and every tax paying citizen for that award. This is not to say that my unit did not provide me anything, but somewhere there is a watch that I will never take out of the box it came in and maybe my daughter will have some use for the medals and awards, when they are throwing dirt on my coffin…but I would not bet money on it?

2014-05-14T23:28:48-04:00 2014-05-14T23:28:48-04:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 192915

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I thought they called that one Tricare?

2014-08-02T23:16:30-04:00 2014-08-02T23:16:30-04:00 2014-02-06T03:16:07-05:00