is the air force achievement medal a big deal10 marca 2023
As the meal commenced, the classmate seated beside Lopez, Airman Terrell Long, began choking on his food and gasping for air. The story also drew stinging comments from people who said she didn't deserve her Bronze Star. The Army Achievement Medal medal is classified as a Personal Decoration of the type Achievement Medal. Do not award the Air Force Achievement Medal (AFAM) for 0-6s and above or for retirement. I had three achievements by the time I hit my 4yr mark and sewed on SSgt. Honestly the medal is more of a popularity contest so congratulations you fit the airman mold for your leadership. The Achievement Medal is the lesser of the U.S. military's meritorious service medals, it was also first introduced as a means to recognize the contributions of enlisted personnel and junior officers who were not qualified to receive the higher Commendation Medal or the Meritorious Service Medal. The order of precedence of the Achievement Medal is 32, which dictates that it is to be worn after the Joint Service Achievement Medal and before the Prisoner of War Medal. Note that bronze or silver oak leaf clusters can also be awarded to denote subsequent awards. Have any questions about the Commendation Medal? It's something you have to earn.". The Air Force Achievement Medal recognizes notable achievements and meritorious service within the Air Force. Sri Lankan four para-athletes were able to win one medal each to bring honour and it was a huge achievement said National Paralympic Committee Colonel Deepal Herath. The "R" device is only authorized for a specific achievement (i.e. The highest non-combat honor bestowed by the Air Force is called the Airman's Medal. The United States Coast Guard created its own Coast Guard Achievement Medal in 1967; the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force issued their own versions of the award with the Army Achievement Medal (AAM) in 1981[7] and Air Force Achievement Medal (AFAM) in 1980. It's good/standard for junior ranks. Originally instituted in 1945 as a commendation ribbon, the. I've got one from my 1st station for some rather basic repairs, many of which I didn't even do. Navy Presidential Unit Citation. Smith said he has never seen such "hateful rhetoric" during his 47-year career with the Air Force, of which 30 years were on active duty. With decorations nothing is normal anymore. Arlington, VA 22209-1190. On the E-side you can bust your ass for 4 years no trouble but get denied AFAM by some hard-ass wannabe E-8 trying to suck up to the E-9. The Army Achievement Medal (AAM) is granted to personnel for outstanding achievement or meritorious service not of a nature that merits the Commendation Medal. President John F. Kennedy reviews the First Air Commando Group at a demonstration at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida on May 4, 1962. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Long attempted to clear his airway many times and also tried to wash the obstruction down with orange juice, but the food was so firmly lodged in his throat that his juice escaped up and through his nose. Hes been right next to me. "It's not a 'give me' medal. source GAIA package: Sx_MilitaryTimes_M6201210204160301_5675.zip Origin key: Sx_MilitaryTimes_M6201210204160301 imported at Fri Jan 8 18:18:06 2016. The "R" device was established to distinguish an award earned for direct hands-on employment of a weapon system that had a direct and immediate impact on a combat operation or other military operation (i.e. I got one for some basic repair work I wasn't even involved in. Airman Antonio E. Lopez received the Air Force Achievement Medal for Outstanding Achievement, a Single Action Achievement Medal April 23 for performing the Heimlich maneuver, saving a fellow Airmans life. So from my perspective it's kinda just a participation trophy. The approval authority provides certificate and . "Gamez distinguished herself by meritorious achievement as the [noncommissioned officer] in charge during a 365-day deployment, January 2011 to January 2012," the story said. Meanwhile, the Army has awarded 45,701 Bronze Stars for meritorious service and another 1,602 medals with "V" devices for operations in and around Afghanistan. One pressed hard to get their AFCAM (still confused how they got one) upgraded to a BSM bc others got BSMs. I don't put myself in for anything, my leadership does. Rank/Grade will not be a factor in determining whether the "C" device is warranted, nor will any quotas, official or unofficial, be established limiting the number of "C" devices authorized for a given combat engagement, a given operation, or cumulatively within a given expanse of area or time. In fact, you dont need to look far back in history to see a foreign military member receive this award. impact awards) and will not be authorized for sustained performance or service (i.e. Air Force Achievement Medal PUBLICATIONS "What are the Lessons from using Airpower in Counterinsurgencies?" Army War College, 2011 EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION Second Lieutenant May 23,1991 First Lieutenant Oct. 19, 1993 Captain Oct. 19, 1995 Major Aug. 1, 2002 Lieutenant Colonel Dec. 1, 2006 Colonel Sept. 1, 2011 Brigadier General Aug. 2, 2017 . "Now I see it from the deployed side. Its awarded to personnel below the rank of Brigadier General. (NMCCM) has historically been given out less frequently and is seen as a higher achievement. take heat after receiving medals. Survivor (Part III), John LaTourneau: Navy Veteran and Agent Orange Victim, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pubH-5CulqI, Military Funeral Guide for Families & Funeral Homes, The Ultimate Military Gift Guide for Unique Military Gifts, Black Military History and Black Medal of Honor Recipients. Devices Chart (V, C, R), Air Force Reserve Awards and Decorations PSD Guide I saw him having trouble, and I didnt really understand what I needed to do. It's a point towards promotion, and definitely not everyone gets one. Looking back on my 21yr career now that I am retiring, here is my count. "Instead of picking at [Gamez], you should be happy that an airman is being recognized for doing a good job, and that is what a meritorious service Bronze Star does. Maj. Gen. David W. Abba is the Director of Special Programs and the Director of the Department of Defense Special Access Program Central Office, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia. Am I wrong? In 2017, the Secretary of Defense implemented new criteria for the devices that accompany this decoration (among other military medals and ribbons). Sgt. The Achievement Medal was first proposed as a means to recognize outstanding achievement or meritorious service of military personnel who were not eligible to receive the higher Commendation Medal or the Meritorious Service Medal. Ive only worked joint missions so thats probably why. "I can only hope that she will take a trip up to Arlington and think long and hard [and] leave the medal there where it belongs and never wearing it because she realized it was not earned.". The Air Force Commendation Medal is bronze and hexagonal in shape. Although the Commendation Medal isnt uncommon in todays military service, its a great achievement all the same. -Air Force Longevity Service Award (with 1 oak leaf cluster) -Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with one gold hourglass and three mobilization devices) -Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon "I certainly wouldn't want to go back to any of these half a million Vietnam War veterans who got meritorious Bronze Stars and start questioning them," he said. TL;DR: How many Air Force Achievement Medals do you have compared to how long you have been in and what did you do to earn them? Long and Lopez have been together since their days at Basic Military Training, where they were in the same flight. The ribbon has three sets of four vertical stripes of ultramarine blue on a silver gray background. Tech. Haynes could not be reached for comment by press time. I saw other people commenting that they only have one medal despite several years of service or even in their whole full-length career. Once limited to only V devices, the JSCM is. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Others opined that troops who actually deserve awards such as the Bronze Star are not getting them. Didn't care to put my name out there. The U.S. Coast Guard Commendation Medal (CGCM) was authorized in 1947 as the Commendation Ribbon with Metal Pendant. Its awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement or service, and also for meritorious service resulting in unusual or outstanding achievement. There were several compelling reasons for the United States Air Force to establish the Air Force Achievement Medal, now known as the Air and Space Achievement, in October 1980. [8] Effective 11 September 2001, the Army Achievement Medal may be awarded in a combat area. I honestly had no idea what one was, so I was looking it up and saw its kind of an award given to airman when they PCS. I just acted.. A silver colored nebular shaped . Anyone who can deal with the average BS and still come to work, not get in trouble, and accomplish the mission should receive a good job. 9.95 + 1.95 Postage . On the reverse, in three lines, are the words FOR MILITARY ACHIEVEMENT above a space for inscription and below there are two slips of laurel. The JSCM is highest in precedence to all service commendation medals and ribbons. it is considered good. While in can be granted to a soldier serving in a combat area it is given for non combat excellence. 2 achievements 2 commendations; 9 year mark is in March. On this date, a week before Kaiea's wedding, he witnessed a motorcycle accident outside the . Decoration applications come to us through the virtual Personnel Center (vPC) and upon receipt of complete and accurate supporting documentation, the HQ ARPC Recognition branch verifies, finalizes, and updates decorations in MilPDS. "Anyone can get a Bronze Star.". Fraudulently claiming to have received a Army Achievement Medal can result in punishment including a fine, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, The Army Achievement Medal comes with a unique. Despite what their detractors think, Gamez's and Haynes' awards for meritorious service are the norm, not the exception. All attendees wore masks and practiced social distancing as they honored their fellow service member. Gamez and her husband, Master Sgt. Qualified children of recipients are automatically appointed to any military service academy without nomination or quota regulations. It shares the same level of precedence as the achievement medals of the Army, Navy/Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. It's 1 point for WAPS testing, the criteria for it seems to be all over the place. ", "I read through the comments on that story and I thought, 'Come on, give me a break,'" he said. "My brother in the army was awarded the bronze star with valor," one person wrote. This benefit is subject to whether seats are available, hence the "Space-A" designation. Sgt. Word Air Force Achievement Medal (AFAM)PDF Air Force Achievement Medal (AFAM) (Added 22 Oct 2022), Word Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM)PDF Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM) (Added 22 Oct 2022), Word Meritorious Service Medal (MSM)PDF Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) (Added 22 Oct 2022). Airman Antonio E. Lopez received the Air Force Achievement Medal for outstanding achievement April 23 for performing the Heimlich maneuver and saving a fellow Airman's life. The Air Force Achievement Medal (AFAM) is a decoration awarded to Air Force personnel for an outstanding achievement or meritorious service not of the same nature that warrants receiving the Commendation medal. 4. Today, U.S. military members as well as foreign military personnel can receive a Commendation Medal. On the other hand there are quite a few other medals that rank higher than a Commendation Medal. sgts. On the observe is a shield surmounted by an eagle superimposed over clouds. The Army Achievement Medal in particular has the same level of precedence as that of the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Gamez wrote. "I'm just going off of what I read on her citation that was published on the Randolph [Air Force Base, Texas] website, and I'm trying to find where in there is there anything unique that says she deserved this," Penhallegon told Air Force Times. But the Bronze Star was awarded more frequently in the past, said Doug Sterner, who maintains the Military Times Hall of Valor database of military awards. It's about the Airmen, not me. end-of-tour, separation or retirement decorations), Recognition for direct and immediate impact shall be based on the merit of the individual's actions, the basic criteria of the decoration, and the "R" device criteria, Performance of a normal duty or accumulation of minor acts will not justify the "R" device. source GAIA package: Sx_MilitaryTimes_M6201210204160301_5675.zip Origin key: Sx_MilitaryTimes_M6201210204160301 imported at Fri Jan 8 18:18:06 2016. This will help the Seeking Air Mine charge against Battle Blimps better. Entirely dependent on leadership. ", Ex-soldier, a neo-Nazi, gets 45 years for plot to ambush his own unit, Issues with the Armys Europe-based equipment trigger readiness alarms, Veterans Affairs drops mask requirement for all agency medical offices, How the Marine Corps is preparing for era of contested logistics, Tax scams How to report them Money Minute, Capitol Hill weighs action on two controversial topics: medical marijuana and abortion, Lockheed wins hypersonics contract | Defense Dollars, Go inside a secret nuclear fallout bunker sealed for decades, Perennial pilot shortage puts Air Force in precarious position, Pentagon again denies helping Ukraine attack targets inside Russia. [12][13] This award was considered a Department of Defense decoration senior to the service department Achievement Medals. Ive been in 24 years and do not have one, but I was sort of a shitbag back in my Amn days, so yeah its good and not everyone gets one. It is not awarded for single flight events, unlike the Air Medal. Its a free 3 points towards testing but no one really cares about you having one. For acts of heroism and meritorious achievements to be recognized, they must be considered outstanding and above a certain degree of excellence. For individual who displayed acts of valor while in combat against an enemy of the U.S. who went far beyond what is expected. It is awarded to Air Force personnel for outstanding achievement or meritorious service rendered specifically on behalf of the Air Force. Or go on a TDY for 1 week and get and get a dec On the O-side it gets worse: I saw a first-year Capt (Non-prior-E) already wearing an MSM, AFAM, and AFCM her only career outlier was a NATO TDY in Belgium. Its basically just an overview of your time at your assignment as long as youre a good dude and your supervisor cares, youll get one. It can vary wildly based on a multitude of factors. Established in 1960, it awards heroic actions not directly related to combat. The Army Commendation Medal was originally meant to award soldiers where the Bronze Star was not appropriate (i.e., outside of combat areas). Ive been in for almost 5 years and have 0. but have 2 JSAM and a JSCM. What is a normal amount? Been in 20 years, just got my AFAM last year. AF PD 36-28 Awards and Decorations Programs, Air Force Reserves names Outstanding Airmen of the Year The distinctive accomplishments of Major Putnam (Maj Corredor) reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. It is awarded to Air Force personnel for outstanding achievement or meritorious service rendered specifically on behalf of the Air Force. So far Ive been told Im getting 3 and I only have 1. Coast Guard Medal First authorized in 1949, the Coast Guard Medal was not issued until 1958. Coast Guard Medal First. "Unbelievable," one person wrote. Explains why in the last 10yrs, I've only gotten 3 NCO/SNCO Qtrly Sq awards. The Army Achievement Medal (AAM) is granted to personnel for outstanding achievement or meritorious service not of a nature that merits the Commendation Medal. Airman Antonio E. Lopez received the Air Force Achievement Medal for Outstanding Achievement, a Single Action Achievement Medal April 23 for performing the Heimlich maneuver, saving a fellow Airmans life. This title was shortened in 1967 to simply, the "Navy Achievement Medal." They will both be working on the E-3 airframe and are both Airborne Mission Systems Operator 3-level graduates. Basically it shows that you weren't a shit bag and that you worked hard because your chain was willing to work hard for you and submit the medal. 100% of the AF achievement medals I have (1 to be exact) are for going to work every day, doing my job, then going home at the end of the day. Duties: Jet engine mechanic, crew chief and flight engineer. PDF - Air Force Achievement Medal (AFAM) (Added 22 Oct 2022) Word - Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM) PDF - Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM) (Added 22 Oct 2022) Word - Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) PDF - Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) (Added 22 Oct 2022) Total Page Visits: 12012. The award is not determined by geographic location. It can be a helpless feeling over here at times, knowing you can only do so much to take care of the ones you love.". air force aerial achievement medal : fc: air force commendation medal : fv: air force commendation medal (with combat v) fx: air force cross : fu: air force outstanding unit : af: air medal-individual action : ah: air medal-individual action (with combat v) as: air medal-strike/flight : fm: airman's medal : ar: antartica service medal : ae . Are Air Force Achievement Medals more of a You successfully completed an uncommon task, or You went above and beyond the requirements and exceeded expectations? So far I have seen 25+ people be awarded the AFAM and I feel like 20 of them fell in the first category and maybe only five in the second. are mid-level decorations awarded to members of the United States military who distinguish themselves for exceptional meritorious service or acts of heroism. The local commanders have the authority to give this award, thus broadening discretion when and for what action the medal may be awarded. GENUINE Full Size United States AIR FORCE Meritorious Achievement Medal. "Once we finished cleaning the little girl, we put on some of the coconut mango body lotion and she loved it so much, we got a smile. The award is given to army members in the grade of O-6 and below and may be awarded with a V, C or R device and/or silver and bronze oak leaf clusters. The U.S. Navy was the first branch of the U.S. Armed Forces to award such a medal, doing so in 1961, when it was dubbed the "Secretary of the Navy Commendation for Achievement Medal." Lopez, a Career Enlisted Aviator in technical training, was awarded the medal during a ceremony held in a hangar against the backdrop of a C-130 Hercules aircraft. Nov 2019 - present, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., as a general BADGES Master Space Operations Badge Master Cyberspace Operator Badge MAJOR AWARDS AND. Its better than not getting one. The girl was put at ease after her father and an interpreter explained why Gamez and the others had come. . Medal. "I feel like I did my job, kept a very busy pace and made improvements any place I could.". The distinctive outer border of this medal is composed of 11 cloudlike shapes, centered on the obverse a medallion portraying thunderbolts and wings, signifying striking power through aerospace, adapted from the Seal of the Air Force. The United States military sorts decorations into categories called Classes and Types. My feelings aside, the goal is to get one with every PCS so if you decide to shoot for SNCO they will see your accomplishments through your career, not just your last EPRs. This can refer to both individual acts of heroism in battle or outstanding achievements as a unit. The AF has seriously lost its focus on decorations and good people that probably deserve them aren't getting them.". "When people serve 365 days in Afghanistan or somewhere, instead of a commendation medal or a [Meritorious Service Medal], they give them a Bronze Star for some reason because they take that one section where it says 'act of merit' they kind of take the gray area and just kind of run with it and if the approving board agrees with it, that's all that really matters," he said. 37th Training Wing Public Affairs. Established in 1960, it awards heroic actions not directly related to combat. Gamez trained 68 operational fund teams, reviewed 34 projects and funded 280 joint acquisition board packages enabling critical base sustainment.". "I do not see these meritorious service awards as being overly inflated," said Sterner, a Vietnam veteran. They should have really presented it better because the blowback that is coming off of this, I am not surprised at all.". Awarded to service members who demonstrate meritorious acts and achievements performing while under combat conditions. vPC Decoration Nomination Application Process, An official website of the United States government, Air Force Reserve Awards and Decorations PSD Guide, AFMAN36-2806 Awards and Memorialization Program, AF PD 36-28 Awards and Decorations Programs, Air Force Reserves names Outstanding Airmen of the Year, ANG chief announces 2019 Outstanding Airmen of Year, vPC Decoration Nomination Application Process, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil, Validatetransactions concerning awards and decorations by ensuring decorations submitted through vPc are updated in MILPDS, ARMS/PRDA (AFPC Function)and eOSR when applicable, Provideguidance to Military Peronnel Sections/Commander Support Staffs/Commanders and Service Members, Answerhigh-level inquiries and Board for Corrections of Military Records (relating to awards and decorations), Military Oustanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM), Revocations and Amendments of Decorations, Decorations/Nominations - Fewer than 10 days, Updates/Corrections/Inquiries -10-15 business days, Listings (Retirees/Prior Service/Members who have separated) - 10-15 business days. In addition to a bronze letter V device and gold or silver star, recipients can receive their ribbon with a silver letter O standing for Operational Distinguishing Device. It is awarded for direct participation of a hands-on nature in a mission of operational service. Medal of Honor recipients are eligible for free travel on DOD military aircraft as Category-III priority " Space-A " travelers. The Order of Precedence of the Army Achievement Medal is 32, and this precedence is used when placing the associated service ribbon on your uniform ribbon rack. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Maj Putnam's (Maj Corredor's) leadership and recommendation directly led to his NCOIC being awarded the Army Acheivement Medal by the Task Force base commander. Provide Awards and Decorations Listing to retired/separated and prior-service members, Decorations and Ribbons Chart It all depends on who is asking what the achievement was. Although the Commendation Medal isn't uncommon in today's military service, it's a great achievement all the same. Place emphasis on award to junior officers and airmen whose achievements and service meet standards. You can see a full list of decorations in the order of precedence on the Decorations homepage. The Achievement Medal is a military decoration of the United States Armed Forces. Major General DAVID W. ABBA. Not like over-the-top wow, but not having one can be a red flag to a promotion board. I've seen airmen get an award for finding some FOD on the ground. For just doing a specific semiannual maintenance task, everyone involved (16+ people) got one. 4807. Up to 75 percent of the Bronze Stars he sells are for meritorious service, said Foster, who spent 15 years in the Army. He was there through everything, and were on the same airframe now.. Achievement medals are the equivalent of participation trophies for a lot of AFSCs so long as you keep your nose clean and arent really note worthy.. amn-sra usually get them . First, what is a Commendation Medal? Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for additional awards, Air and Space Achievement Medal for additional awards, oak leaf clusters, Coast Guard Achievement Medal for additional awards, 5/16 inch stars, Coast Guard Achievement Medal Combat Distinguishing Device (Combat "V"), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal Combat Distinguishing Device (Combat "V") until December 2016, This page was last edited on 7 January 2023, at 01:08. Instituted in 1958, the Air Force Commendation Medal recognizes outstanding achievements and meritorious services rendered on behalf of the United States Air Force. First established on June 25, 1963, the military medal and ribbon is given on behalf of the Secretary of Defense to senior officers serving on a joint duty activity. Did members actually do something worthy, or did they just do their jobs? All I'd recognize seeing someone with a bunch is "huh, they must've worked at a lot of different places". They are a nice pat on the back that says, "This soldier did better than average." AAM They have recently completed in-processing at the same location, Tinker Air Force Base,Oklahoma. So, youve recently come into possession of a family members old military medals, one of which is a Commendation Medal. keep up the good work. Without further ado, lets break each one down: Presented by the United States Armed Forces, the Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCM) is awarded to individuals for recognition of meritorious achievement. The use of the "C" device is determined solely on the specific circumstances under which the service or achievement was performed. It was a pure adrenaline reaction, Lopez said. Penhallegon said she believes Gamez was awarded the Bronze Star just for deploying, and that cheapens the award itself. The Achievement Medal is a military decoration of the United States Armed Forces. The act must have been: performed in a manner significantly above that normally expected and sufficient to distinguish the individual above members performing similar acts, A decoration should only be recommended in cases where the event clearly merits special recognition of the action (i.e. In 2017, South Korean soldiers were awarded the Army Commendation Medal for their heroism when helping rescue a North Korean defector. Unlike the Army Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (NMCCM) has historically been given out less frequently and is seen as a higher achievement. Regardless of the situation, you have questions about this unique military decorationand Medals of America has answers. "I know when most people see the news and read the papers, the majority of what they see are the bad things that occur here, but the U.S. presence is making a positive impact on this country," she said in the story. In one post, Gamez wrote about going to a hospital where Afghan women were recovering after a bomb had exploded on a bus they were riding. Process incoming decorations via mail from AFCENT some active-duty and Air Reserve Component units when required, 5. I spent my time ensuring that my troops got their recognition. Additional awards are denoted by oak leaf clusters. This led to a dramatically lower awarding rate when compared to similar size units in the Army or Air Force awarding their own achievement medals, especially considering that those services did not establish their respective achievement medals until the 1980s. Originally established in 1944 as a ribbon-only award, the current NMCCM (formerly the Commendation Ribbon) was officially authorized by the Secretary of the Navy in 1950. recognizes outstanding achievements and meritorious services rendered on behalf of the United States Air Force. Lopez immediately stood up and began performing the Heimlich maneuver. Robert C. Bonn, Jr., USAF. The service member must have been personally exposed to hostile action or under significant risk of hostile action. The Air Force Aerial Achievement Medal is an Air Force-specific medal that is considered to be on par with the Air Medal but is more likely to be awarded for continuous meritorious achievement in aerial flight during peacetime. The Air Force is working to install a reactor that promises to create synthetic jet fuel out of water and carbon dioxide in the air we breathe. Press J to jump to the feed. "Airman Bang's high situational awareness and quick reaction in an emergency situation saved his wingman's life," said . Alexx Pons. U.S. Air Force graphic by Staff Sgt. Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat C and Remote R Devices, ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR COMBAT C DEVICE. In 2017, South Korean soldiers were, awarded the Army Commendation Medal for their heroism. Awards for crewmembers had to be submitted to the Commodore or Air Wing Commander or the first appropriate O-6 in the chain of command for approval, who then signed the award and returned it. So yea its good, its pretty normal to get one if you pcs without having shit the bed. Junior personnel who have committed acts of bravery of a lesser degree than those eligible for the Air Force Commendation Medal may receive this award. nicely done. The award is still often referred to in shorthand speech as the "Navy Achievement Medal" or "NAM" for short. The AFAM is only awarded to junior personnel and is most often awarded to officers with the pay grade of O-4 and below, as well as enlisted personnel below the grade of E-7.