What would you change?

[Farmer40]

Okay, the NURAC has turned it's attention to the area of unit awards. Early in the discussion it was put forth that, as far as wear goes the Navy and Air Force got it right. Unit awards should only be worn by those who were assigned or attached to the unit being recognized when the actions meriting the award occurred. In other words, no temporary wear. And unit awards are worn as individual awards on the left.

The first group of unit awards described replace all currently awarded unit citations for all services. They are intended for award awarded only in designated combat zones or for events or achievements designated as in the national interest by the DOD (extremely hazardous covert operations, peacekeeping or humanitarian missions, for example). DOD sets criteria for award. Approval Authority rests with the DOD.

Presidential Unit Citation - All services - Awarded for heroism in combat at a level meriting the award of the services' 2d highest award for valor.

Valorous Unit Citation - All services - Awarded for gallantry in combat at a level meriting the award of the Silver Star. Approval authority delegated to the services.

Meritorious Unit Citation - All services - Awarded for accomplishments in a combat zone at a level meriting the award of the Legion Of Merit. Approval authority delegated to the services.

The following list depicts unit citations awarded by the services for meritorious activity or services. The service set criteria for these awards and have approval authority. May be awarded by one service to units of another service.

Navy and Marine Corps Unit Citation
Air Force Unit Commendation
Army Unit Commendation
Coast Guard Unit Commendation

Subsequent awards of any unit award will be represented the appropriate device for the service of the unit being recognized. Only one ribbon bar may be worn for any unit award.

Federal Unit Citations will follow personal awards in precedence. Service unit commendations follow the federal awards, current service first followed by other services in order of first award.

That's all for now...

[davedove]

End Of Service Awards - After WWII, the US recognized those who had served their country honorably with a badge commonly referred to as the Ruptured Duck. Kind of an unusual name but not a bad idea. Offered for consideration is the Honorable Service Medal. This award would be presented to the individual when leaving the military service under honorable conditions. Criteria would be a statement that the person is leaving service and, if they, for any reason, return to federal service they will not be authorized to wear the award, and that they leave the service with an Honorable Discharge. An Hour Glass device would signify retirement.

I really like this idea, sort of a final "thank you" from the government for service. The military sometimes does this anyway, giving out some medal on the final tour. Using a medal like this though would preserve the integrity of the other medals, yet still allow for the final medal. Of course, as you said, if the person was returned to active duty for any reason, the medal would not be authorized for wear. This would make it more of a veteran's medal.

I like the device to signify retirement and would also include another device, like maybe a star, for someone who is killed in the line of duty.

I would even agree with a civilian equivalent of this medal for those who serve as a government civilian, especially those who retire from federal service.