Do Public Health Service officers rate Coast Guard or Navy awards when attached to those commands?

Sgt Andrew Pouliot — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 19:52:29 -0400

Do PHS officers rate Coast Guard or Navy awards when attached to those commands? I.e. are PHS officers awarded Sea Service Ribbons when serving aboard USN or USCG vessels?

And can PHS officers be awarded Pistol/Rifle Ribbons if they're allowed to qualify?

Just trying to satisfy my curiosity here. Thanks!

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 2 at 2022 8:03 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 20:03:29 -0400

They have their own awards. Depending on the details of the deployment there are a few awards they would get.

https://dcp.psc.gov/CCMIS/COAP/COAP_award_criteria_m.aspx

Commissioned Corps Management Information System

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2022 4:52 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 16:52:16 -0400

Yes they do. They military has joint awards for joint commands and I have know Marine units get attached to the army and get Army awards. It just depends on your command. If you were in the army but assigned under an Navy command you couldn't get an Army award from that command. You would get an Navy award. Not all awards are eligible though.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 4 at 2022 2:43 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 14:43:12 -0400

Back in the day when I had billets with PACOM, the PHS officers were Chopped Admin and we'd provide input for their award system. BUT, there was an occasion when circumstances made for Flag interest and recognition. Hence we worked with PHS to get concurrence. I never recall PHS saying "no" to a 4-Star level award. I recall two of those over a 6 year period.

Response by SFC Dan Thomsen made Apr 7 at 2022 10:40 AM

SFC Dan Thomsen — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 10:40:43 -0400

I think the key is that the PHSO are part of the 8 uniformed services but not part of the 6 Armed forces of the United States of America. So unless the award specifies it is only awarded to "Armed Forces" members, it should be good to go.