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(Army Times) Opinion: Give the right award

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unhappycamper Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-13-09 07:24 AM
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(Army Times) Opinion: Give the right award
Give the right award

I’ve been in the service for more than 10 years, and I don’t understand why soldiers in combat zones are not getting the awards they deserve.

In military regulations, it says in black and white that awards are given for “achievement” and not for level of responsibility.

Why does the military let this happen: An officer can sit at a desk the entire deployment and do nothing and get a Bronze Star; a sergeant first class can sit behind the desk and do nothing and get a Meritorious Service Medal; and a staff sergeant — just because he is a squad leader — can do nothing and get an Army Commendation Medal. But the sergeant that’s doing all the work, along with the specialist, gets an Army Achievement Medal — just because he is not the squad leader.

Giving credit to soldiers who do the hard work, but not giving them the right award for all the sacrifices they made while in combat, is wrong. It’s like slapping a soldier in the face and sending him on his way.

Sgt. Johnny Chan


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/community/opinion/army_opinion_award_011909/%2e
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