I've been in the army for 3 years and I'm currently deployed in Iraq. After we get back everyone is getting an "end of tour award" for just doing our jobs. I don't feel right excepting something like that if I don't feel I've earned it. Am I able to turn down an award or if I can't, do I have to wear it on my dress uniform?
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bogus awards in the army?
- Thread starter Jason W
- Start date
DesertRebel
New member
You know what man? I feel ya and I can relate. You did your duty, nothing more, nothing less, and the Army wants to give you an award for it. All you did was your job, you don't feel you did nothing special. I've been there, and after a gallon of stout, but I think I figured it out.
You have to get rid of your humbleness here, and take a step back and recognize what you did. Even if you were pushing papers, you were pivotal to accomplishing the mission. Because everyone is doing small, seemingly insignificant jobs, from the top down, as a team they are accomplishing the big job. And without each small part working, the big war machine will eventually fail. That is why the military is awarding you. Because you, and the others in your unit, did your duty, and that in turn helped achieve the desired mission.
So, put it on your class A's, or investigate your ribbon regulation. Some services allow people to wear their 3 highest awards. And when you do wear it, wear it with pride. You earned it, even if you don't think you did.
"Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more, you should never wish to do less." -- Robert E. Lee
You have to get rid of your humbleness here, and take a step back and recognize what you did. Even if you were pushing papers, you were pivotal to accomplishing the mission. Because everyone is doing small, seemingly insignificant jobs, from the top down, as a team they are accomplishing the big job. And without each small part working, the big war machine will eventually fail. That is why the military is awarding you. Because you, and the others in your unit, did your duty, and that in turn helped achieve the desired mission.
So, put it on your class A's, or investigate your ribbon regulation. Some services allow people to wear their 3 highest awards. And when you do wear it, wear it with pride. You earned it, even if you don't think you did.
"Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more, you should never wish to do less." -- Robert E. Lee
Augustus K
New member
First of all, get rid of your poor attitude. If you don't agree with operations in Iraq then why did you join?
Secondly, if it's a "end of tour award" it won't be something you wear on your uniform because the military won't describe a medal/ribbon or pin like that, trust me I've been in it for 20 years.
Thirdly, you usually receive an Operational Theatre Service Medal for completing a ROTO (rotation) through Operational Theatre. If you choose not to wear it, prepare to be chewed out by your superiors; if it's that much of a burden... receive a discharge.
Secondly, if it's a "end of tour award" it won't be something you wear on your uniform because the military won't describe a medal/ribbon or pin like that, trust me I've been in it for 20 years.
Thirdly, you usually receive an Operational Theatre Service Medal for completing a ROTO (rotation) through Operational Theatre. If you choose not to wear it, prepare to be chewed out by your superiors; if it's that much of a burden... receive a discharge.
I understand what you are saying but sometimes you just have to play the game in the Army if you know what I mean? By "end of tour award" I assume you mean an AAM or similar award.
Do yourself a favor and just take the award and consider yourself lucky that your not getting a Purple Heart. My first tour in Iraq I saw guys get Bronze Stars who never left the FOB and young soldiers who went out on nearly every convoy only get an AAM. I complained about it and was told to mind my own business and I had a lot more time in than 3 years. I think the Army gives out way to many awards just for doing your job. But there is really nothing you or I can do about it. The awards policy is generated at the top (General officers). So take every award that you can get whether you think you deserve it or not because your peers will be doing the same thing and when you go to a promotion board you will need something to show just to be able to compete with them for stripes.
Do yourself a favor and just take the award and consider yourself lucky that your not getting a Purple Heart. My first tour in Iraq I saw guys get Bronze Stars who never left the FOB and young soldiers who went out on nearly every convoy only get an AAM. I complained about it and was told to mind my own business and I had a lot more time in than 3 years. I think the Army gives out way to many awards just for doing your job. But there is really nothing you or I can do about it. The awards policy is generated at the top (General officers). So take every award that you can get whether you think you deserve it or not because your peers will be doing the same thing and when you go to a promotion board you will need something to show just to be able to compete with them for stripes.
jeeper_peeper321
New member
No you cannot turn down any decoration.
Although you can ask them not to submit you for one.
If you got it, you have to wear it,
Although you can ask them not to submit you for one.
If you got it, you have to wear it,
Are you kidding? You've been deployed in a relatively hostile country and in the service of the country. That deserves more honour than being the president, the Prime Minister or the Minister for Defence.
You've earnt whatever awards due to you far more than any lackey who's working at a desk back home.
Take the award. If not for you, take it for your children and grandchildren. You'll be part of their history and something they will look back on with pride even if right now you don't feel like doing so.
You've earnt whatever awards due to you far more than any lackey who's working at a desk back home.
Take the award. If not for you, take it for your children and grandchildren. You'll be part of their history and something they will look back on with pride even if right now you don't feel like doing so.