Why is it that one person in the unit initiates change, is never recognized, and yet the Commander (who sent it up) gets all the praise?

PVT William Bresch — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 07:56:45 -0400

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 9:00 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 09:00:37 -0400

Because the Commander is responsible for both the successes and the failures in the unit. That being said, if your NCOs are worth a damn, you will get recognized if your "change" is worth a damn.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 9:06 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 09:06:06 -0400

I hope I was known as one who gave credit to those it was due and took the blame for things that went wrong.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 28 at 2016 10:17 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 10:17:01 -0400

A good leader 1) gives credit to the subordinates who deserves it 2) accepts responsibility for failure, even if he wasn't directly responsible for the failure.

Response by SSG Roderick Smith made Jun 28 at 2016 10:24 AM

SSG Roderick Smith — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 10:24:10 -0400

That is an incredibly defeatist attitude.

First of all, a little humbleness goes a long way. Every leader/unit is different. Some care, some don't. Regardless, you're goal shouldn't be awards and recognition. If you're truly in it to initiate/effect change, than accomplishing that change should be 150% enough.

Second, statements like that should begin with "In general". I've been recognized for my actions that changed the process of a unit for the better. So "never" is a bit harsh.

Service members shouldn't get hung up on stuff like this. Don't get me wrong, of course it's great to be rewarded. If they're deserving of recognition, then they should absolutely be recognized. However, I'd rather have a Soldier that works their tail off for the good of the group and because it's the right thing to do, not a Soldier that's working for the medals and NCOER bullets.

Response by CW2 Stephen Pate made Jun 28 at 2016 1:10 PM

CW2 Stephen Pate — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 13:10:43 -0400

Because the Commander had to have approved the "change". or like MSG James Scott stated below, the Commander is responsible for both the successes ands the failures in the unit. It would be a good idea to recognize the individual too though, but that's not what we do this for...just my thoughts.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2016 6:19 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 18:19:31 -0400

1) you'll never feel properly recognized compared to John Doe...
2) some awards are based on scope of responsibility, not the brightest idea
3) Work harder and you'll eventually get recognized...refer to #1 when you get your award.

Response by SFC Carlos Gamino made Jun 29 at 2016 6:29 PM

SFC Carlos Gamino — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 18:29:31 -0400

If you want or wanted recognition then why didn't you become a leader to get it. As a soldier what do you do to get recognition? A promotion, perhaps an AAM or Arcom when PCSing assuming you have favorable actions. I was happy to get paid, to get a coin and a goid job. To my peers in the civilian sector my military record us irrelevant but I am ok with it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2016 7:05 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 19:05:39 -0400

A good leader gives two shits about awards and recognition. The only thing that matters to you is the loyalty of your soldiers. Always be loyal to them, know them and set them up for success, there is no better feeling that knowing that you lead your guys from the front. Fuck awards and praises, leave that for the brass...

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2016 1:38 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 13:38:50 -0400

In my experience, the commander doesn't get ALL the praise. Like others have said, the commander is ultimately responsible for the successes and failures of his command. If the commander is worth their salt, they will promote the recognition of all commendable and noteworthy actions of those under their command. That is the purpose of your chest-full of ribbons and medals, your plaques, and your certificates