Should a soldier ask to be recommended for an award?

2018-11-11T23:26:52-05:00

I recently ran into this problem. As a soldier that is trying to get promoted, I don't have a lot of promotion points. I'd like to think that if I deserve an award, someone will recommend me for it....but sadly, 9/10 that's not the case. My view is I'm the only person who is going to take an interest in my career. So if I think I've done something noteworthy, I'll ask for someone to write me an award recommendation. What are your thoughts on this? PFC Private RallyPoint Member SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SSG(P) James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" LTC Stephen F. CPL Dave Hoover SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth PVT James Strait SSG Private RallyPoint Member Capt Dwayne Conyers CPT Jack Durish

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Nov 11 at 2018 11:55 PM

2018-11-11T23:55:06-05:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member My personal feeling was that I tried very hard to keep in mind who was up for promotion, who did what over the last reporting period, and who needed a little help. If I knew someone needed a little extra "face time" with the CO/XO, I made sure that they got up there for something related to their duties (not saying I broke a few thermostats or such while they were out but I did go through a lot of miscellaneous parts)... That being said, I missed things, and I was never upset if a sailor came up to me (through the chain of course), asking for a little promotion help. It would show me that they are engaged and not just marking time. My 2 cents, if you do go to someone for something, do your due diligence. Find out what will help you with promotion, and find out what the unit history is for certain things. For example, if you are the Fitness Coordinator (not sure what you call it in the Army), but in the Navy the Fitness Coordinator usually got an Achievement medal, if they asked for a Commendation medal, that would be a little out of the norm. Best of luck!

OK, one last thing (promotion is my soapbox)... The best way to get noticed and pushed to the head of the list is to be everywhere and be prepared. If you can make yourself the go-to person, or the most invaluable, then you will be remembered when awards and eval time come up.

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made Nov 11 at 2018 11:56 PM

2018-11-11T23:56:01-05:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member, tricky question, but I understand. Sometimes our chain can be so busy they don’t think about it.

It is at these times that I believe that, following your chain, you are well within your interests to do so.

Sadly, your NCO’s should always be looking for ways to get you recognition when you deserve so. There are NCO’s today who have lost site of that.

Cody, remember to follow your chain through all of this. If you get heat from your chain, then come back for some more advice from some of the leaders on here such as COL Mikel J. Burroughs, Lt Col Charlie Brown and LTC Stephen F.. All those who I have tagged, if you feel my advice is not the best, please correct it. I don’t want to lead him in the wrong direction.

Good luck soldier, stay strong.

1SG Frank Boynton,SPC Douglas Bolton,Brig Gen Jim Jaeger,CPT Jack Durish,Maj Marty Hogan,Cpl Scott McCarroll,SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth,SP5 Mark Kuzinski,PVT Mark Brown,SGT Elizabeth Scheck,MSgt Ken "Airsoldier" Collins-Hardy,SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL,SSG William Jones,TSgt Joe C.,SSgt Robert Marx,SGT Robert George,

Response by SSG Howard Fair made Nov 12 at 2018 12:08 AM

2018-11-12T00:08:45-05:00

Your NCO'S should be looking out for you, and you also need to also

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2018 12:23 AM

2018-11-12T00:23:25-05:00

If I feel that an award is warranted, trust me in that I've already noticed and the form has been written and submitted. But, if I feel that actions performed aren't strong enough for an award, then I will not. And in the case of the latter, if you come to me and ask me to write you an award you may find yourself being excused from my office unless you can give me a very compelling reason. Even if you think it's award worthy, you have to remember that the higher ups may not feel it's award worthy.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Nov 12 at 2018 12:31 AM

2018-11-12T00:31:59-05:00

While I agree that often times NCOs aren't doing enough to try and get their Soldiers recognized, do you really want to risk being labeled "that guy" for such a small amount of promotion points?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2018 3:00 AM

2018-11-12T03:00:30-05:00

If the action not feeling is warranted for an award yes. To get promoted only I would say no.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2018 4:32 AM

2018-11-12T04:32:17-05:00

This tends to be a problem in the past time components where most of potentially recognized effort happens during annual training. What I used to do was to plant a seed in my section sergeant's brain just before. AT. I would let him know that I intended to really put out an extra effort and ask him what kind of things he looks for in an outstanding Soldier.

I would put out my best effort anyway, but now he has an almost subliminal suggestion in his brain to notice me.

Response by CW4 Scott Hyde made Nov 12 at 2018 5:32 AM

2018-11-12T05:32:50-05:00

Volunteer. Work on the MOVSM. What else can you do? School? Military education? Better PT and marksmanship? Focus on what you can influence. Awards are great but earn it for the right reason, not points.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Nov 12 at 2018 6:30 AM

2018-11-12T06:30:24-05:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member I believe if a soldier has to ask to be put in for any type of award then the chain of command has failed this soldier in many more ways then just an award. I personally feel that first line leaders at the lowest level are responsible for recognizing and supporting outstanding accomplishments and awards when it comes to their service members, no matter what branch they serve in and even those leaders and individuals that witness heroic acts of valor, outstanding performance of duty, and mission oriented service members going above an beyond their call of duty should recognize and submit individuals for the appropriate awards at the appropriate times. Those awards then need to go through the proper channels (with follow-up by the originator in some cases) to ensure that they make it to the appropriate and final approving authority (that includes awards that go to the Department of Army). Many times these recommendations don't make it off a desk for many reasons, so aggressive follow-up is always recommended. This is a process that in my opinion needs to be taught from day one when we're bringing our young men and women up through the ranks into positions of higher responsibility. Just my two cents on recommending and submitting awards! Again, Cody if the individual has to ask for an award then something is broke in that unit or chain of command in my opinion (or) that command is handing out awards like candy for the wrong reasons and everyone feels they deserve something. I'll close with that. Some may agree or disagree!

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Nov 12 at 2018 8:18 AM

2018-11-12T08:18:01-05:00

No, if you weren't recognized for something before there is no reason that it suddenly warrants the recognition now. Go above and beyond from here on out and you will be awarded for it. Just because you are working for hard stripes is not a reason for your leadership to start handing out medals.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Nov 12 at 2018 8:32 AM

2018-11-12T08:32:03-05:00

Well, I have heard Soldiers ask or made comments about they should deserve this or that which made me feel some type of way. During my years in the Army, especially towards the end of my career, people would say, oh, whose butt did you kiss to get those? My reply was always that I did what I was told to do, plain and simple. I say that because once I had this supervisor that told me and other Soldiers that you should be worry about what you deserve. As long you're doing what you're suppose to, and do it with passion, you shall be awarded. People notice your hard word, whether you report to where you're suppose to be, and the right time.
Back when we using BDUs, I loved to shine my boots...never got enough of that. But I didn't do it because I wanted approval from others, I did it because I truly liked it. I liked to spend time with the uniform I wore every day.
Maybe I missed the point of the question, I don't know. But if someone came into my office to ask me such a thing, we are going to have a conversation. To me, this is why we counseled Soldiers, we counsel to point out things, good or bad. I hate to say it like that, but it is the truth. Now, if the Soldier truly deserve recognition for an specific event or performance, then that's a different story. But, me...I didn't ask for a coin, and I have a bunch of them. And I turned down awards during my career because I didn't feel I was worth one at the time. But to ask, hell no! I would never.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Nov 12 at 2018 8:57 AM

2018-11-12T08:57:58-05:00

An interesting question, but let's approach this from a different angle.

Rather than asking for an award, let's look at the promotion process.
I believe that the Army promotes to SGT & SSG "statistically" like the USMC promotes to Cpl & Sgt, e.g. they use a point based system where you accumulate points for APFT, Rifle, Awards (USMC does not), TIS, TIG, education, etc.

How many points can you get from an Award? What is the equivalent number of pushup improvement (if not maxed) or run improvement (if not maxed)? So on and so forth.

If you have already improved all the other point categories that are reasonable, or not time restricted (I realize we only hit the range once a year), then approaching our first line supervisor and saying "Hey Sergeant, I'm trying to be real competitive for promotion. How do I get more points? This is what I've done so far."

This puts the onus on him to where he can say "Improve X, Y, Z." or "$^&%, you've worked really hard at this. Let's bump up your 'ratings' (whatever the Army calls them)" or "Hmm.. I have a couple ideas." (which might include putting you in for an award).

Keep in mind leadership "prioritizes" and they may not realize you are close. Time flies. A gentle reminder in the form of a question may be a way to escalate your needs into their needs.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2018 9:15 AM

2018-11-12T09:15:48-05:00

In my experience, this is a topic that should be addressed during your monthly counseling with your first line supervisor. The monthly counseling is a two way conversation where you both, leader and subordinate, can address your concerns and issues. If you feel that your performance warrants an award you should ask about the criteria for award submission. In a previous response I noticed you stating that you were working as a PSG for 4 months, 3 grades above your current rank, and you felt you deserved an ARCOM. These are things that you should address directly with your leadership during that dedicated counseling time each month. Sometimes a Soldier’s superior performance or actions get lost with the OPTEMPO and plethora of negative misconduct that are happening in a unit. If you express your ambitions for profession and your well-presented case for an award - this may help bring the spotlight back to you because it shows your leadership that you care. Hope this helps.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2018 10:07 AM

2018-11-12T10:07:06-05:00

Your view is correct, no one else is responsible for your own career except you.
That said, for the SGT board, you control 495 of the 800 possible points.
Have you maxed out on APFT, IWQ, college and correspondence courses?
Is the AAM from your previous duty position as PSG? If not, you could really use a PCS award from that. You started your new job this month, and asking your current supervisor for an award based on your performance in the first 60-90 days in that position that will process prior to the board cutoff date is just in poor taste, and you would then be known around the unit as the guy that asked for an award when he showed up.

However, once you make SGT, you may find that there are years when you have to ask for your NCOER at the due date. You absolutely should start asking two weeks out, and keep asking weekly until you sign it.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Nov 12 at 2018 10:12 AM

2018-11-12T10:12:50-05:00

Not sure on this one never cared for cared much for them just my opinion

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2018 10:47 AM

2018-11-12T10:47:33-05:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member - Bro, real talk, F all this popcorn people are telling you. Once I decided to fully take control of my own career when I was an E-5, I have written every one of my NCOERs and all my awards. And I have submitted them to my rater at least three months out from PCS, end of tour or due date. Keep in mind, that any service-member can recommend any other service-member for any award. An E-1 can recommend another E-1 or an 0-9. I have always encouraged all my subordinates to do the same. Now your rater might not use what you submit to them, it’s their prerogative. However I am sure they will read it through, and take it into consideration. Also, any recommended awards should be seen be your units award board.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2018 11:00 AM

2018-11-12T11:00:44-05:00

I think a more acceptable question is to ask what you can do to get an award. There are usually competitions of some type going on. Soldier of the month/quarter usually offer an AAM.
There are very few times when a soldier has everything but awards maxed. Even when they do, there are still shortcuts for the meritorious. Ranger School will get you 799 points for E4-E5 and SFAB has a special promotion category to max promotion points as well.
Mostly, I don't understand how you can be hurting on points as a 12B. The promotion points are 40.:

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2018 11:15 AM

2018-11-12T11:15:19-05:00

Have a talk with your leadership about what they are looking for to warrant an award. You may think your hot shit but to them you are just doing your job. Dont get all butt hurt, it's just a possibility.
If you really want
I had a Ranger student ask me what it takes to get a major positive spot report, an award in Ranger School. I told them they had to do something amazing that was above and beyond their duties and responsibilities. The Ranger student recommended his ranger buddy for one for carrying a M240 up a mountain the day before. I asked what the Rangers job was that day, he was the M240 gunner. His buddy thought he did this great thing, but it was only his job.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2018 12:41 PM

2018-11-12T12:41:15-05:00

I see no problem with asking. I myself have witnessed disservice both against myself and others.
There can be many reasons why an award is not recommended or initially recommended and not followed upon.
It can be because someone in the chain of command doesn’t have a realistic understanding of the purpose of the award. Such an exceedingly high standard for awarding a Solier’s Medal,
Professional jealousy, - they didn’t get one for a similar act so no one should.
Just plain hate- I’m going to fix it so that person doesn’t get a PCS award.
Then there’s the always present- too much award for that rank excuse.
The too lazy to put it in so let someone else do it.
Anyone who has been in the military a while has run into a few of these cases. So, don’t be afraid to ask why you have not been recognized. The worst that can happen is they say no.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Nov 12 at 2018 1:58 PM

2018-11-12T13:58:05-05:00

A good NCO chain would recommend you if they thought you had excelled/worth an award. Not saying you didn't do good- but in a unit overachievers, doing good isn't enough. Putting yourself in for an award in more than cheesy, it downplays the award.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2018 2:22 PM

2018-11-12T14:22:01-05:00

SPC Voye,

Unfortunately, many really good soldiers, especially those in reserve components, find themselves in these situations. There are many flaws within the army promotion system that are SLOWLY but surely turning around with time. I hope as an NCO, you see the hard work of dedicated young leaders and make sure they get recognized properly. An AAM is worth like 10 promotion points. If you really want to stand out, I suggest the following:

1.) Max your PT test. This is a given, but it is often forgotten about once you are dawned a sham shield. Your body is the most important weapon you have, and lets be honest..... There are far too many soldiers who could use a PMCS. Being a PT stud shows that you take your job seriously, in all aspects. You can't lead from the front when you run a 16:45 2-miler!

2.) Ask your training NCO if there are additional classes you can take. Go to an MOS specific school and earn an additional skill identifier (ASI.) For instance, I am an artilleryman, so I went to a field artillery maintenance course. My MOS changes from 13B10 to 13B10U6. An FA mechanic position used to be a 30 Level task, but this was changed in 1980 with the implementation of the course. Having an ASI shows that you are serious about you job

3.) Update your ERB. Often times, soldiers do not even know that their records are out of date. Make sure that you and your readiness NCO are on the same page. Express interest in taking on more responsibility. If you have a college or civilian education that can impact the process, let your RNCO know that too! There are so many little things that often go overlooked.

4.) Schedule a DA photo. Reservists often don't have DA photos until they're in leadership positions. This may sound taboo to some active guys on here, but it's the truth. I know E6's who were passed up on a Training NCO slot to a 1 year 9 month TIS specialist with his Bachelors. Fresh out of AIT this individual was a training NCO. Why? I think having a professional, well put together packet really helped. (No comment, LOL!)

5.) SME. Your number one job. Be a subject matter expert. Be a thinker, a problem solver, be the go to guy. If you have mastered 10 level tasks, IT WILL BE NOTICED. Be a walking TM.

6.)Challenge yourself. Be apart of your soldier of the year board. I convinced a friend of mine to do SOY, and he ended up making it to the divisional level. Know Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills. Know the basics of being a soldier (before being an NCO.) REMEMBER: When shit hits the fan, you are an infantryman. It is your job as a soldier to be confident and competent in army weapon systems. I have gotten all the way to the Brigade level. It was an awesome, humbling experience.

There are also some correspondence corses that can be found on AKO and I believe they are worth promotion points. I cannot make a comment on that as I am not too familiar with the process.

Continue to lead and learn, your promo will come. ALWAYS lead and learn.
MAKE YOUR LEADERSHIP LOOK GOOD, AND THEY WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU.

Hooah!

Response by SSG Corry Struve made Nov 12 at 2018 3:07 PM

2018-11-12T15:07:58-05:00

I have never asked for an award and you shouldn’t have to if you have went above and beyond someone will recognize that and submit you for one. Anyone can submit you for an award, no matter rank or unit. You may have been submitted for an award and may never know either the award will take time to process or it just wasn’t approved every chain of command is different. I have 22 years of service with 4 awards and numerous coins and certificates of appreciation. Awards come in different forms, hand shakes, coins, certificates of appreciation and sometimes ribbons. Not everything warrants and award, don’t let it get you down, take pride, and work hard.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 12 at 2018 4:03 PM

2018-11-12T16:03:03-05:00

If you have to ask, you don't deserve one. Awards are to recognize significant accomplishments or valor, not to jack up your promotion points...

Response by SSG Byron Howard Sr made Nov 12 at 2018 4:06 PM

2018-11-12T16:06:22-05:00

In my 20 years I put people that worked for me up for awards. I even had a lot of other people from other units tell me how people that worked for me where do good and professional I politely ask that they put on paper their opinion. I did not always get a PCS award and I did not get one at the end of my 20 years that was only because of the laziness of people in those units. I would council every 90 days it was a two way conversation however I was not counseled only at time for my EER by people who had no idea about my job or how I ran my shop. Promotions were really had to get in my MOS Combat Photographer there was only 250 of us in the Army. Search for ways to get points there is a group on correspondence course from the logistic community that are worth a lot more points then the standards courses. Get college also.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Nov 12 at 2018 4:17 PM

2018-11-12T16:17:45-05:00

I don’think It’s a good idea blowing your own horn.. It may take longer but worth it.
Let the Supervisors do it. When you see detail lists on the board, sign up. The grittier, dirtier, nastier.,sign up and when it is time, throw your heart into it. Don’t expect a pat on the back.. Don’t fret.. you’ll be recognized eventually.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2018 4:50 PM

2018-11-12T16:50:22-05:00

If you’re the only one with an interest in your career then your CoC has failed you terribly. Have you not had monthly/quarterly counseling sessions with your FLL? This is the appropriate setting for this conversation and should be done well ahead of promotion boards.
From the sound of it you have failed to plan ahead for the board and your CoC failed in preparing you for the board.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2018 10:26 AM

2018-11-17T10:26:19-05:00

If we are talking PCS awards, it’s a no briainer. Career-minded individuals should remind leadership, provide drafts, and follow up regularly regarding their PCS award. Locally established timelines are important to the approval process.

For impact awards, it depends. I’m not against a Soldier asking to be recognized for outstanding work. But the individual must ensure that these types of requests are articulate and valid. Good leaders will certainly recognize if a Soldier is deserving of promotion but only lacks points from the award category.

However, some “achievements” simply aren’t worthy of an award. Each person must be intellectually honest about the impact of their actions, and realize that some bullets might only serve to strengthen their PCS award.

Response by SFC Dennis Yancy made Nov 17 at 2018 11:39 AM

2018-11-17T11:39:27-05:00

I would never consider any help to a soldier who asked for award. If asked for how to get promoted that is different. I got promoted to E6 when points dropped to 960 , or so. Was a ling time go. What got me promoted was education points. Any school came along I volunteered, college points, ect.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Nov 18 at 2018 10:38 PM

2018-11-18T22:38:31-05:00

There is nothing wrong with asking if you feel there is substance into an award.

Recommendation: Write your own 638 and give it to a leader to evaluate to see if it passes the first look. I did that once.

Then comes expectation management, what you think you deserve versus what your leadership thinks you have accomplished.

Although leaders should be tracking on this, sometimes things fall off the side. Be polite and professional during the process, and remain professional if it does not go your way.

Response by Lt Col John Culley made Dec 2 at 2018 1:01 PM

2018-12-02T13:01:08-05:00

There is nothing wrong with submitting a list of accomplishments and achievements to a superior who may not have noticed or kept track of them. ROTC graduate General Colin Powell, when he was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, discovered that awards and decorations for Reserve and Guard personnel were being ignored so he sent out a directive to active duty commanders to remedy this inequity immediately. Active duty commanders then asked Reservists to compile lists their accomplishments in detail because many had not kept track of what their reservists had done for them.

Response by LTC Clayton Hill made Dec 5 at 2018 9:39 AM

2018-12-05T09:39:03-05:00

Generally no, but if a commander fails to recognize the individual's achievements it more negatively reflects on his poor performance as commander than individuals' lack of achievement. I know from first-hand perspective of lazy superiors and lack of recognition. But, it all pays the same in the end on retirement.

Response by SSG K Johnson made Dec 5 at 2018 10:01 AM

2018-12-05T10:01:12-05:00

If you want recognition become an actor.

Response by SSG K Johnson made Dec 6 at 2018 12:00 AM

2018-12-06T00:00:24-05:00

If you ask for a humility award do you have to give it back?

Response by Lt Col Kevin Wyman made Dec 6 at 2018 12:30 PM

2018-12-06T12:30:51-05:00

As a retired Air Force Lt. Col I never honored a request for an award by the individual requesting an award. I only accepted or solicited award recommendations from supervisors within the chain of command. Consequently I had very few of these requests

Response by 1SG James Matthews made Dec 9 at 2018 5:08 PM

2018-12-09T17:08:49-05:00

As a 1st. Sgt. for over 11 years prior to retirement I never ran into this situation . I do not feel I would have been very receptive to one of my troops asking me to put him in for an award.

Response by CW3 William Oxx made Dec 10 at 2018 8:48 AM

2018-12-10T08:48:01-05:00

It's your career. Make sure you have the documentation to back up your request for an award. Don't be afraid to ask if you feel that you deserve one. Just make sure that your NCOIC/OIC has all the info he/she needs to justify it. More often than not, you will be overlooked if you do not point out to your boss how valuable you were during your tour of duty with them.

William C. Oxx
CW3 OrdCorps
AUS Retired

Response by CW3 William Oxx made Dec 10 at 2018 8:55 AM

2018-12-10T08:55:09-05:00

It is your career. Let your supervisor/NCOIC/OIC know what you have accomplished during your tour of duty. Make sure you have the documentation to back up your claims, copies of Letters of Commendation for jobs you have done for customer units, successful completion of Basic NCO course, MOS Correspondence Courses will help with your claims.

William C. Oxx
CW3 Ordnance Corps
AUS Retired

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2018 7:56 PM

2018-12-14T19:56:45-05:00

Write your own award and get it downgraded into oblivion.

Response by Maj Neal Jackman made Dec 20 at 2018 1:03 PM

2018-12-20T13:03:39-05:00

What is equally frustrating is when someone else gets the award you were recommended for or the work you did. This happened to me 3 times. Once for a MSM awarded to a active duty soldier who did not even participate in the action (the citation was what my supervisor submitted for my award), a ARCOM for a AT exercise where the soldier was cited for the actions of his platoon while he was attached to mine and his platoon was not at the training, a Humanitarian Award was given (again to an full time NG officer who flew in the same AC I did got the award but I didn't. Sometimes it is just politics. I also had two MSM recommendation downgraded to ARCOM. Scuttlebutt was the approving officer didn't have a MSM and he wouldn't recommend one until he got his.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2018 10:28 PM

2018-12-30T22:28:50-05:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member , I understand where you're coming from and it's a difficult situation to navigate without coming across as entitled, which is a major problem with many Soldiers. Be careful throwing around words such as "deserve", because your opinion may not always align with that of those responsible for evaluating you. In your situation, it wouldn't be out of line to ask the question as long as it is done with respect and tact. I understand your concern with the promotion points. I've been presented SIX coins of excellence from the same GO-level command within three years, and while the recognition is appreciated, they begin to lose their significance in comparison to something like an AAM or an ARCOM that would have provided me with promotion points to further my career. On the opposite side of things, I would ensure that there is not already something in the works for you as far as an award recommendation. Keep in mind that your superiors may not always make you aware that they are putting you in for an award or other means of recognition, nor are they required to. Awards or not, keep putting forth your best effort at every opportunity and the rewards for that will come in time. Best of luck to you.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2019 12:16 AM

2019-02-03T00:16:37-05:00

I was told once that I deserved a commendation medal and if I would write it my boss would sign it. I refused to submit it. I figured if I was deserving of the medal he could have taken the time to write it up and submit it.

Response by SSG Dave Johnston made Feb 11 at 2019 7:09 PM

2019-02-11T19:09:06-05:00

If you have to ask... well, I'll keep that thought to my self. If you deserve it, it will be written up as a recommendation, just be aware that, not all good thing get rewarded. The attitude of "I Deserve" is unbecoming of a soldier.

Response by PO1 Ronald Johnson made Mar 1 at 2019 11:35 PM

2019-03-01T23:35:56-05:00

CTM1(SW) USN RET Ronald Johnson here. When I was a CTM3 I requested my PO1 put me in for an award. I was doing a the job as the 3M Work Center Supervisor, got my Enlisted Surface Warfare Pin, Was working 12 Hours on and 12 Hours on call, had 100% Maintenance RAR rate and did this for 7 1/2 months during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. I was told that he put me in for a Navy Achievement Metal, the LCPO knock it down to a Letter of Commendation signed by an Admiral, the DIVO knocked it down to a Letter of Appreciation signed by the Captain, and the Department Head crumpled it up and threw it away and said I was just doing my job. You don't always get what you want or deserve. It all depends on the chain of command. I was told after that if I wanted an award I was to write it myself. It saves the higher ups the legwork if I have it written up with all my ducks in a row.

Edit

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 2 at 2019 11:47 AM

2019-03-02T11:47:56-05:00

I will tell you that you are looking at this the wrong way, a self nomination will never pass the first step. The only type of award one should ask for on their own is those that are mandatory, and only if you know you did nothing wrong during the award period. If you truly feel as if you are some how being singled out and there is a great deal of evidence you can always run it by a Senior NCO outride you Company. Your CSM should also be willing to hear you. Just don’t open up with I think I deserve An award; open with CSM I feel as if my Company may not be considering it Soldiers for certificates, AAMs or other recognition for deeds done. In closing you also have to know factually what your company has and has not done in regard to recognition. Medals are to be scrutinized and conduct becoming must match the narrative. Read the narrative/action requirements and as yourself if you have truly met the requirements. Thank you for your service.