Is there a total number of awards that a battalion can give for a field exercise ?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 21:26:40 -0400

Every time that my unit comes back from a training exercise they give awards to Soldiers. My question is, is there a minimum or maximum numbers of awards that the battalion can give, or supposed to give by company, etc.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2022 9:38 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 21:38:18 -0400

No. There is no "set" number in the regulations. Perhaps unit/BN policy, but nothing in regs

Response by 1SG Cj Grisham made Mar 23 at 2022 10:54 PM

1SG Cj Grisham — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 22:54:17 -0400

Nope. They could give an award to everyone or no one.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 24 at 2022 12:48 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 00:48:39 -0400

Yes. The maximum number of awards is equal to the maximum number of single acts, series of actions, or periods of service which rise to the threshold of achievement or service necessary to recieve the award.

Or - everyone who EARNED one can get one.

And it is up to the approving authority to determine the appropriate threshold.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2022 2:51 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 02:51:27 -0400

I'd have to check the reg, but if I remember correctly a limit can not be placed on the amount. Awards are supposed to be based upon merit, any unit that tries fabricate limits on merit is a unit of failing leaders.

Awards should not be handed out like candy; but you can not place a limit on merit, valor, or honor. If it exists, recognize it.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 24 at 2022 4:40 AM

Maj John Bell — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 04:40:55 -0400

I hope the Marines have not fallen into the "fruit salad" participation trophy nonsense.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 24 at 2022 6:20 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 06:20:15 -0400

No, units can limit the number issued but not submitted. Anyone can nominate someone for an award. As for the award approval that is limited to the command.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Mar 24 at 2022 11:40 AM

CSM William Everroad — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 11:40:53 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member, CSM Darieus ZaGara highlighted that approval authorities can set limits on how many awards they are willing to approve and SFC Casey O'Mally reminded us there is a threshold for achievement.

Long story: no one can tell a submitter that they cannot submit someone else for an award. The "limits" that S1 pushes after a FieldEx are just the anticipated number of approvals the BC/CSM are guesstimating. This is to encourage submissions. The Army is terrible at recognizing achievement, especially for junior enlisted, so often times it overcorrects and showers the formation with pretty ribbons. The limit encourages submitters to review the regulatory guidance and recognize their Soldiers for any achievement that meets that threshold. At the end of the day, each submission should be evaluated on its merits in accordance with regulation.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2022 2:22 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 14:22:20 -0400

No there is no limit, but deserving is another question.

Response by LTC Ray Buenteo made Mar 24 at 2022 3:04 PM

LTC Ray Buenteo — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 15:04:53 -0400

I was a security policeman in the Air Force 1977-85. Getting an award was not likely. Most of the NCOs were vietnam vets and they had a very different idea of what merited an award. I went to Grenada and over a year later a commendation medal caught up with me . Lol