Read on Twitter
Time for my first Twitter rant, I guess. All refs from the current AR 600-8-22 located at https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN18147_R600_8_22_admin2_FINAL.pdf
As @TheWTFNation correctly states, a CSM can't downgrade awards. In their role as enlisted advisor to their commander, they can make recommendations.
1/19 https://twitter.com/TheWTFNation/status/1259228737729630208
As @TheWTFNation correctly states, a CSM can't downgrade awards. In their role as enlisted advisor to their commander, they can make recommendations.
1/19 https://twitter.com/TheWTFNation/status/1259228737729630208
They do not have the authority to 'kick back' an award, not can that authority be delegated to them.
But here's something else - not even the BDE CDR has the authority to do that. They are the final approval authority for an ARCOM recommendation. 2/19
But here's something else - not even the BDE CDR has the authority to do that. They are the final approval authority for an ARCOM recommendation. 2/19
They have four - and only four options - available to them.
1 - Approve as is and award an ARCOM
2 - Recommend upgrade to the next higher award, forward 638 to Division Commander.
3 - Downgrade the award to an AAM
4 - Completely disapprove the award.
3/19
1 - Approve as is and award an ARCOM
2 - Recommend upgrade to the next higher award, forward 638 to Division Commander.
3 - Downgrade the award to an AAM
4 - Completely disapprove the award.
3/19
None of those options involve kicking back anything.
In fact, you really can't 'kick back' 638s once they are in channels. 3-21 m, n, and t all make it extremely clear that as soon as someone signs block 23, the recommendation must go straight through to the final approver.
4/19
In fact, you really can't 'kick back' 638s once they are in channels. 3-21 m, n, and t all make it extremely clear that as soon as someone signs block 23, the recommendation must go straight through to the final approver.
4/19
But what about the reason given by the CSM in the original tweet: "Arcoms are for squad leaders and above."
Surely a CSM at the BDE level wouldn't be saying things not supported by regulations!
Well...
The criteria for the ARCOM is found in 3-19b.
5/19
Surely a CSM at the BDE level wouldn't be saying things not supported by regulations!
Well...
The criteria for the ARCOM is found in 3-19b.
5/19
3-19b reads "The ARCOM is awarded to any Servicemember [...] who, while serving in any capacity with the Army [...], distinguishes himself or herself by heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service."
Key phrase: "while serving in any capacity with the Army"
6/19
Key phrase: "while serving in any capacity with the Army"
6/19
Now check out 3-1h:
"No award is automatic and preconditions for an award may not be established"
And 3-1h(4), which provides an example of an inappropriate precondition:
"Policies limiting eligibility for awards beyond the Army established minimum standards."
7/19
"No award is automatic and preconditions for an award may not be established"
And 3-1h(4), which provides an example of an inappropriate precondition:
"Policies limiting eligibility for awards beyond the Army established minimum standards."
7/19
But CDRs can add to but not take away from the regulation!
Well, at the very start of the reg, it says:
"Supplementation of this regulation and establishment of command and local forms are prohibited without prior approval of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G–1."
8/19
Well, at the very start of the reg, it says:
"Supplementation of this regulation and establishment of command and local forms are prohibited without prior approval of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G–1."
8/19
Also, keep in mind that AR 600-8-22 isn't the authoritative source for individual award criteria.
It varies by award, but there are four authoritative sources of individual decorations and their requirements:
9/19
It varies by award, but there are four authoritative sources of individual decorations and their requirements:
9/19
Individual decorations are established by:
1 - Army General Order (Army specific)
2 - DODM 1348.33 v4 (DoD-wide)
2 - Executive Order (DoD-wide)
3 - An act of Congress (DoD-wide)
10/19
1 - Army General Order (Army specific)
2 - DODM 1348.33 v4 (DoD-wide)
2 - Executive Order (DoD-wide)
3 - An act of Congress (DoD-wide)
10/19
Changing the minimum requirements for the ARCOM from "while serving in any capacity" to "while a squad leader or above" would require an exception to the reg, AND the AGO.
Not gonna happen!
11/19
Not gonna happen!
11/19
The last bit of the original tweet "Everyone's got kicked back for downgrades" really gets me.
3-1d reads "The Army entrusts commanders to exercise awards approval authority based on the merits of each individual
recommendation."
12/19
3-1d reads "The Army entrusts commanders to exercise awards approval authority based on the merits of each individual
recommendation."
12/19
Indiscriminately (and erroneously) kicking back an entire group of recommendations like that makes me think the Army's trust in that particular command's ability to exercise their awards approval authority may be misplaced.
13/19
13/19
I could go on about this sort of thing all day, but I'll shift to a potential solution to these types of problems.
First, read 3-21 - 3-24. This is the part of the regulation that specifies exactly how award recommendations should be prepared and processed.
14/19
First, read 3-21 - 3-24. This is the part of the regulation that specifies exactly how award recommendations should be prepared and processed.
14/19
Table 3-6 lays out the process step by step, and is not just for the S-1: steps 2-18 are for the recommender, and contain detailed instructions on how to fill out the DA 638.
Soldiers of all levels should refresh their knowledge of award processing.
15/19
Soldiers of all levels should refresh their knowledge of award processing.
15/19
Knowledge breaks down over time, if it ever existed in the first place, and that leads to issues like this.
Every Soldier can benefit from understanding the process, but commanders and their enlisted advisors especially should know where their authority begins and ends.
16/19
Every Soldier can benefit from understanding the process, but commanders and their enlisted advisors especially should know where their authority begins and ends.
16/19
An award program that properly recognizes individuals for meritorious achievement and service can greatly increase moral and retention - but a poorly managed program (like the one in the original tweet) can have the exact opposite effect.
17/19
17/19
If you are Soldier - understand what is right, and what is wrong, in terms of awards.
If you are a 1SG or CSM - advise your CDR, but let them make the decisions.
If you are a CDR - know what is expected of you, and don't overstep your authority.
18/19
If you are a 1SG or CSM - advise your CDR, but let them make the decisions.
If you are a CDR - know what is expected of you, and don't overstep your authority.
18/19
If you are in the S-1: hold your leadership to account. Educate them when need be, maintain an efficient system to process awards and maintain records.
And everyone please remember: it's about the Soldier, not you.
End rant.
19/19
And everyone please remember: it's about the Soldier, not you.
End rant.
19/19
