Posted on May 12, 2021
Leaders, do a soldier's previous awards effect your decision to approve or downgrade an award?
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Someone elses post a few days ago got me thinking, and now I want to hear from leaders who are actual approval authority on the 638s. Does the recommended award box influence YOUR decision to approve an award? Bullets/narrative being equal, would someone not having a previous ARCOM influence your decision on approving an MSM. Or someone having a Valor award influence your decision for approving an MSM or BSM or something?
Awards
Senior Leaders
Morale
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 2
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No, but the previous awards do give an impression as to the individuals general, long term work ethic. It's a lot easier to internalize that someone deserves an award if they already have a long, established history of similar awards.
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SPC (Join to see)
SFC Michael Hasbun - That's probably the harshest real thing I've ever seen anyone say about rank and awards, thank you for saying probably what a lot of people feel.
The closest I saw was an NCO call out some officers and reference the AR about awards not being based on rank. He did it publicly and had a conversation with top not too long after that, but he wasn't wrong.
The closest I saw was an NCO call out some officers and reference the AR about awards not being based on rank. He did it publicly and had a conversation with top not too long after that, but he wasn't wrong.
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SFC Michael Hasbun
SPC (Join to see) - bear in mind, that wasn't an "Army Bash". It's merely an observation in human behavior.
The Army as an organization is very well intentioned and noble. But like anything else that hasn't been automated, it's staffed by humans. The end result is that all efforts are going to succeed or fail based on the successes and/or failures of the humans trying to accomplish the mission. Most leaders are well intentioned. But all are human, and thus subject to human failings.
The Army as an organization is very well intentioned and noble. But like anything else that hasn't been automated, it's staffed by humans. The end result is that all efforts are going to succeed or fail based on the successes and/or failures of the humans trying to accomplish the mission. Most leaders are well intentioned. But all are human, and thus subject to human failings.
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SPC (Join to see)
SFC Michael Hasbun - I don't blame the Army on this, it is absolutely a human error. The Army has a regulation against this very type of act and it is violated by units across the entire force. In my opinion it's a learned act that leaders pass on to their juniors, combined with people who have an inferiority complex regarding their rank and recognition.
The only thing we can do is try to be better than they are and take care of our people when they deserve it when we have the opportunity.
The only thing we can do is try to be better than they are and take care of our people when they deserve it when we have the opportunity.
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No, the write up matters. Does it paint a compelling picture and align responsiblity with impact at the right level. In my mind, a SFC could earn an MSM is he/she did something during the scope of their duties to impact the BDE. The hard part for more junior Soldiers and most NCOs below MSG is that their area of responsibility doesn’t make the needed impact on the level needed for the award. It’s why it seems like officers have an easier time earning higher level awards. Now I’m not saying they always earn it and that there are most certainly times these officers have stood on the shoulder of some great NCOs and Soldiers, but that is where the leader comes in. They must be that honest broker and know their Soldiers.
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MAJ Samuel Weber
SSG (Join to see) because the Company CDR prosecutes part of the BN and thus the BDE mission. It’s tied into the METL. Don’t you agree that a CPT who signed for $20M in property and assumes command of 100-200 Soldiers is making a significant impact?
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MAJ Samuel Weber
SFC Michael Hasbun I would argue that the CDRs have to make those decisions. The regulation only provide guidelines. But CDRs approve awards upon the recommendation of the COC.
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SSG (Join to see)
MAJ Samuel Weber - With that mindset, wouldn't the medic screening every patient the PA sees have as large of an impact as the PA? The NCOs accomplishing every mission the CDR sets forth, have as large of an impact as the CDR?
I can see it from both sides. I am not diminishing the accomplishments of CDRs and Officers, but it sure seems there is a LOT more "respect" for a CDR assuming risk then there is for the very people who accomplish the missions.
I can see it from both sides. I am not diminishing the accomplishments of CDRs and Officers, but it sure seems there is a LOT more "respect" for a CDR assuming risk then there is for the very people who accomplish the missions.
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MAJ Samuel Weber
SSG (Join to see) well all I can say is until you assume the mantle of command or shoulder the burden as a 1SG your perspective will always be what it currently is. I can’t help you see the bigger picture or help you understand the burden of command.
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