Archive for the ‘Awards & Decorations’ Category

Navy Chief Retirement Board Underway

Friday, September 25th, 2009

On Monday, 21 Sep 09, the Navy convened a Chief’s review board of 6,000 E7, E8 and E9 records. Similar to the Army’s Quality Management Program, the Navy is reviewing six specific performance criteria that could separate or retire these Sailors.

Six Substandard Navy Performance Criteria

Substandard performance indicators include declining performance marks on FITREPs, a score of 2.99 or below on FITREPS, two or more physical fitness assessment failures in 2 years, moral or professional dereliction such as detached for cause, documented actions under the UCMJ or any other documented adverse information indicating a Sailor’s continuation may not be consistent with national security or the in the Navy’s best interests.

Army Quality Management Program

This follows the Army’s announcement of its QMP boards being held this fall. This push for quality management boards is a means for the Services to manage the number of military members in each of the ranks.

What to Do to Correct Your Records

If you have an adverse event documented in your records, find out if it is a temporary entry or permanent and contact your personnel office to find out if there is a way to correct your records at your local installation. If not, the best means to change your record is through a Board for Corrections of Military/Naval Records.

Board for Corrections of Military/Naval Records

To ensure that you have the opportunity to complete 20 years of service for a military retirement, it is imperative that your military records be correct and accurate. Correcting military records begins with an Application for Correction of Military Records (DD Form 149 – Link downloads the pdf form). The form requires a statement from the military member on the requested correction and documentation that supports the request. Each of the Services has a board that reviews these requests.

Military Service Records and Awards

Thursday, September 24th, 2009

Marine Sgt David W Budwah is facing a court-martial for misrepresenting his military service, wearing unauthorized medals and receiving gifts and services for representing himself as a war hero. Department of Defense regulates why a medal is awarded, specifying criteria to qualify and manages a system across the Services for awards and decorations.

Awards and Decorations Are Serious

The question about whether or not you are authorized to wear medals on your uniform is a serious one. The Services will take a military member to court-martial for wearing unauthorized medals and awards. Why is it so important for DoD to ensure the integrity and value of awards and decorations?

Badge of Military Merit, 1782

General George Washington knew the significance of recognizing military service during war, authorizing the Badge of Military Merit (later called the Purple Heart) in August 1782. The Order recognizes “…[the] giv[ing] of his blood in defense of his homeland…” as the basis for the award.

Service Regulations

Each Service publishes manuals that flow from executive orders, public law and the DOD Manual of Military Decorations and Awards. The criteria for each award is listed and specified. Documentation is required as proof for a military member or veteran to receive a ribbon or medal.

UCMJ Violation

Active duty, Reservist, Guard, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines each have an individual duty to ensure their records accurately reflect the correct awarding of the ribbons and medals. Military members who knowingly wearing medals or ribbons they did not earn can be found to be in violation of the UCMJ. The Services will take action that could include court-martial, prison time, and dishonorable discharge. You could be charged with false official statements, malingering, misconduct and depending on how you abuse the decorations and awards, larceny.

Veteran Benefits for Purple Heart

Veterans should make sure their awards and decorations are correctly entered in their records. The value of having correct decorations and awards is that in some cases, it qualifies you for additional benefits from the Veterans Administration. In 2000, Congress passed a law placing Purple Heart Veterans in a higher priority category for VA healthcare services and eliminated their co-pays. Veterans need to have a copy of their DD214 or Separation papers to begin the process of ensuring their ribbons are correct.

Review each Service’s requirements at the following links:

DOD Manual of Military decorations and Awards

Air Force Awards and Decorations

Navy Veteran’s Ribbons and SECNAVINST 1650.1G (this link downloads the SECNAVINST)

Army Decorations, Awards, and Honors

Marine Corps Uniform Board (PMCUB) Website

Marine Corps Uniform Regulation, MCO P1020.34G. W CH 1-5

Coast Guard Medals and Awards Manual

Merchant Marine CIM 1650.25D May 2008

Replacement copy of DD214