Army Community - Army Discussions - Army Times

Quick Links

http://www.armytimes.com/community/opinion/army_opinion_valor_100608/
community/opinion/army_opinion_valor_100608

Award valor, not rank



Fourth Brigade, 10th Mountain Division has started to tag awards to rank. Soldiers are no longer receiving awards based on their actions or valor, but instead they are receiving awards for holding a rank alone. This undermines the whole concept of awards and the reasons they are given.

Traditionally, awards were held as an achievement in one’s Army career for an act of bravery or exceeding the standards. Pinning it to a rank takes away all meaning of the award that was once held as an honor. Now, it is nothing more than a check-the-block deal, where people are not concerned whether soldiers excel. Should not a specialist who has shown to be among the best deserve a higher award than a substandard staff sergeant?

We must fight this because we are starting to take bricks away from the foundation on which our great Army and nation were built.

Sgt. Michael S. Corbett

Forward Operating Base Loyalty, Iraq



Contests and Promotions

Service Members Of The Year


promo Nominate Someone Today!
Know someone with whom you are proud to serve? Nominate them for a 2010 Military Times Service Members of the Year Award.

FREE AFG or IRQ I Served Sticker


promo Click here so we can send you a FREE AFG or IRQ I Served sticker

Win The Military Times Fitness Package Sweeptakes


promo ENTER TO WIN...
The Fitness Package includes a Bowflex Classic Home Gym, a push-up and pull-up bar and more to keep you fit and active. Click here for more info.

Marketplace

Mil-Mall


Hooah! Button
Created by an active duty soldier, the Hooah! button is a must-have for anyone who wants to spread the Hooah!

Military Discounts


Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.

Shoplocal

  Shop Local
Local Online Deals
Find the best deals at your local stores.