Posted on Dec 24, 2018
What are you opinions on personnel wearing personal foreign awards/decorations without possessing the required U.S. authorization memo?
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I have come across a number of Officers/NCOs/junior Soldiers who wear foreign badges, particularly the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge, but do not possess (in records) the required "Acceptance and Wear of Foreign Badges/Medals" memo (https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Foreign%20Award%20Info) authorizing its wear. This can be done retroactively.
It seems pretty common for those awards to be worn without the existence of the U.S. authorization memo. It appears that some locations only award the foreign certificate but not the U.S. signed memo. However, should the commonality of the non-issuance of the memo be deemed as enough to allow personnel to wear said awards on their uniform? So for instance, a Soldier wearing the GAFPB at a SGT/SSG board or in a DA Photo for a SFC Board, but it not being deemed a uniform infraction by the voting board members.
I have made it one of my missions to get those personnel I interact with squared away, so it is one less thing they have to worry about being overlooked for when they compete for E-7. However, I am curious as to the average opinion on the topic, especially from senior leaders.
It seems pretty common for those awards to be worn without the existence of the U.S. authorization memo. It appears that some locations only award the foreign certificate but not the U.S. signed memo. However, should the commonality of the non-issuance of the memo be deemed as enough to allow personnel to wear said awards on their uniform? So for instance, a Soldier wearing the GAFPB at a SGT/SSG board or in a DA Photo for a SFC Board, but it not being deemed a uniform infraction by the voting board members.
I have made it one of my missions to get those personnel I interact with squared away, so it is one less thing they have to worry about being overlooked for when they compete for E-7. However, I am curious as to the average opinion on the topic, especially from senior leaders.
Awards
German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (Gold)
Dress Uniform
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 13
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SFC Redmond, I believe the biggest issue is that most lower enlisted and NCOs (SGTs) have no idea that such a memo even exists. I for one wasn't aware until I came across this post.
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SFC (Join to see)
I agree. That was the hidden agenda behind my post: to ask a question and inform of the process (see the hyperlink in my original post).
Due to foreign awards not going on the ERB, there is no way to quickly check whether a Soldier is wearing an (un)authorized foreign award; the wearer and the inspector just assume that everything is squared away. The only way of checking, is to have Soldiers produce a copy of the memo or pull up their iPERMS/OMPF. Most people aren't going to do the aforementioned though, because the lack of knowledge is so prevalent that it is likely to be dismissed as irrelevant.
I understand most don't know, so when I present the issue in-person, I treat it as a "hey, did you know" issue, rather than a correction on more well-known uniform infractions. I then start the process to take care of them, so they have accurate records going forward, and they can then spread the knowledge to others.
Due to foreign awards not going on the ERB, there is no way to quickly check whether a Soldier is wearing an (un)authorized foreign award; the wearer and the inspector just assume that everything is squared away. The only way of checking, is to have Soldiers produce a copy of the memo or pull up their iPERMS/OMPF. Most people aren't going to do the aforementioned though, because the lack of knowledge is so prevalent that it is likely to be dismissed as irrelevant.
I understand most don't know, so when I present the issue in-person, I treat it as a "hey, did you know" issue, rather than a correction on more well-known uniform infractions. I then start the process to take care of them, so they have accurate records going forward, and they can then spread the knowledge to others.
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SPC Joe Frailey
SFC (Join to see) - I have to admit, I like your style. I'm always looking at ways to improve my leadership style and tactics. Coming across small gems like this are always a pleasure.
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SFC (Join to see)
I agree, but I think you might be surprised how many don't have the authorization memo. The topic just doesn't come up enough for people to know. Try asking around.
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Most troops probably don't even know they need the memo.
I had the memo for my French medal done after I had PCSed when I got the official certificate sent to me. I ran it up the chain and now I have the memo in my OMPF. Fairly easily process if you do it.
I had the memo for my French medal done after I had PCSed when I got the official certificate sent to me. I ran it up the chain and now I have the memo in my OMPF. Fairly easily process if you do it.
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SFC (Join to see)
I agree, they don't. Which is why I wondered if the common knowledge of the ignorance to the topic has unofficially become an acceptable norm.
"We know most don't know, so we don't make a big deal about it."
I've produced the request paperwork for a couple of Soldiers as well. One came back quickly, the other has been "processing" for multiple months. . .
"We know most don't know, so we don't make a big deal about it."
I've produced the request paperwork for a couple of Soldiers as well. One came back quickly, the other has been "processing" for multiple months. . .
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LTC Joseph George
"Most troops probably don't even know", they are not being taught either. Ignorance is bliss. We as leaders often fail as we do not include our soldiers in the process. Stop being part if the "Mutual Admiration Society" and start being a leader.
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