Struggles with Medal Recognition in the Military: Junior Enlisted vs NCO and Officer Clubs

Throughout history, medals have been symbols of valor and achievement, serving to honor those who stand out in times of significant military service. However, the recognition process within the military has faced numerous criticisms, particularly in recent years. Drawing from personal experiences and broader observations, this article explores the reasons behind the discrepancies in medal awards, focusing on the perspectives of junior enlisted personnel and their superiors like NCOs and Officers.

Medal Recognition and Its Purpose

Medals are often used for retention purposes rather than to recognize genuine achievements. Troops who have made extraordinary efforts or displayed valor on the battlefield may not receive the recognition they deserve. Instead, they are often overlooked in favor of more formal and routine awards. This article delves into why such disparities exist and how they affect morale and perceptions of honor within the military.

Creating the Culture of Disparity

One reason for this disparity is the culture within NCO and Officer clubs. These clubs are notorious for nominating themselves for awards, even those that do not seem to warrant recognition. For instance, a Navy Achievement Medal with a combat ‘V’ might be awarded simply because an officer was friends with the decision-maker, rather than for actual valor or achievement. This practice perpetuates a sense that the system is rigged in favor of those in higher ranks.

Consider the story of a Marine Fireman who heroically carried a wounded comrade to safety during combat in Iraq. Despite the heroic action, he received no recognition. In contrast, NCOs and Officers might receive medals for actions that, while praiseworthy, do not necessarily showcase exceptional bravery. For example, a Captain might receive a Bronze Star for filling out paperwork in a safe office, while a Private might receive a less prestigious commendation medal for direct combat.

Why Are Valiant Achievements Rarely Recognized?

The issue of medal recognition highlights a broader problem in the military: the need to entice troops to re-enlist through the promise of achievements and honors, even when the actual achievements may not be significant. This is particularly evident in the granting of medals such as the Bronze Star, which has garnered a reputation as a “meritorious service” award rather than one of valor or bravery.

The Toxic Culture of Leadership

The culture within the military has shifted towards prioritizing the retention of troops over individual recognition. This is illustrated by several examples:

Junior enlisted personnel are often passed over for commendation and valor medals. A Private who dies in the heat of combat may receive a minimally distinguished commendation medal, while an NCO who never stepped foot in the country receives a highly prestigious Bronze Star. Achievements that involve the highest levels of bravery and sacrifice, such as going down fighting to the last round, may go unrecognized, while less dangerous but more paperwork-friendly actions receive recognition. The burden of command is used as an excuse to avoid recognizing the efforts of junior enlisted, who often face life-threatening situations on a daily basis.

Consequences of Misaligned Awards

The lack of correlation between actual achievements and medal recognition has several negative consequences:

It demotivates junior enlisted, who may feel that their efforts are not valued by leadership. It creates a hostile work environment, as NCOs and Officers may feel that they are more highly regarded than the troops who served alongside them in combat. It erodes the sense of honor and respect for the military by creating a perception that medals are easily attainable through mundane or paper-based actions.

Changing the Culture

For the military to truly honor and recognize the valor of junior enlisted, there needs to be a fundamental shift in how awards are given. This includes:

Encouraging more nominations and recognition for genuine bravery and achievement, not just for senior ranks. Streamlining the award process to reduce the burden on leadership while ensuring that the awardees are individuals who truly deserve recognition. Creating a culture that values and honors all contributions, not just those that can be easily documented or undertake minimal risk.

In conclusion, the struggle with medal recognition in the military is complex and multifaceted. It requires a concerted effort to change the culture of leadership and recognition within the ranks. Only then can the true spirit of valor and service be honored, ensuring that all who serve are properly recognized for their contributions.