Awards

One of our commanders said “Awards are the most difficult thing we’re doing in theatre.” As we approach the end of our tour, the awards controversy is growing.

Awards are always subject to some tension. Deserving soldiers should be recognized, but if too many awards are handed out, it cheapens the awards. Drawing the line inevitably causes disagreement. Because enlisted soldiers get promotion points per award, getting a medal can determine whether you are elevated in rank. Some medals are not authorized in a combat zone; others are awarded only in a combat zone.

All soldiers serving in Iraq and supporting the Global War on Terrorism will receive at least two medals. One is an Iraqi (or Afghanistan) service ribbon, and the other is similar; you get it for showing up and participating. Other awards are given for either service or achievement. That is, you serve admirably for a period, or you have certain achievement that merits a medal.

A Bronze Star is a combat zone only medal. Under our division’s rules, these tend to be given to soldiers with large responsibilities, i.e., higher ranking soldiers. It is a higher medal than an Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM), which you can get in peacetime or at war. Either can be given with a “V device”, a tiny bronze “V” placed on the medal, for valor.

Rumors abound of other units freely handing out awards, particularly active duty units, but our division is very restrictive. Many soldiers believe that division is defensive and out to prove that National Guard divisions don’t just hand out meaningless awards. Because the Bronze Star is a pretty significant medal and not easily won, the next medal in line is the ARCOM. Well, ARCOMs are given out during peace time. Thus, a soldier who has distinguished him or her self in a war zone might only get the same medal as given back home on Annual Training. This is a controversy that will never go away.

Awards are also difficult because of the justification required. Leaders are trying to get their soldiers the Combat Action Badge, the Combat Infantryman Badge, or the Combat Medic Badge. Packets with dozens of pages of justification have been submitted, only to be rejected. There are issues about whether incoming rockets or mortars will qualify you for the badge, how close do you have to be to it, what if it’s a dud, and were you on duty at the time. For example, if I leave my office to go to lunch and a rocket lands near me, I probably won’t qualify. If I’m walking with a soldier who is going to the chow hall to pick up food and take it back to fellow soldiers, he will qualify. He is on duty, but I’m not.

And on and on. Purple Hearts are given for battlefield injuries. However, here, if the injury is not visible, it usually won’t earn a Purple Heart. Ruptured disk from being banged around inside a HMMWV when an IED explodes; nope. Brain damage from concussion, but no gash or blood; nope. Burst eardrum from proximity to explosion; nope. Cut from flying shrapnel that requires only first aid; nope.

Awards are a difficult issue, but greatly affect morale.