Army Medals | How To Get Them & What They Mean

[@bryantc2899]

The best ribbon, is coming home alive, and in good health!

[@zenmastergaming6424]

Amen!

[@-that_guy-1674]

with the way the VA and our citizens treat veterans, that’s the same as a participation ribbon. God bless our troops.

[@Aaron_Brewer]

Disagree

[@bryantc2899]

@@-that_guy-1674 va should be ashamed of their selves. I've heard a few good things but mostly bad.

[@КдЯдМд]

It’s all about that candy anymore it seems

[@PhineasPhule]

When I served, officers who began as enlisted were accorded the most respect, and were also the most competent (in the majority of cases with the officers I knew). You've taken the course of wisdom, Lt. Ward.

[@richardfiliczkowski117]

Roger That! Mustang Officers were easier to deal with than finishing school ones

[@paulinebadenski197]

The finest officers I served with were Mustags. At that time most were field promotions from Nam. My drill sergeants were combat arms from Nam. Had a few that were West Pointers. Referred to as ring knockers because some always tapped their ring. Not impressed by most. But the really good ones never did that. Awesome. As a female I was sent for training in a new MOS (job training). The company commander was quite upset that I had more on my chest than he did. It escalated to the point he punched me. He got put out. I stayed.

[@jackiechan6460]

My LT is former enlisted. He's a really chill dude.

[@BlackhawkPilot]

After Vietnam many officers went back to their enlisted rank. Went to my SGM’s retirement party and he walked in with Eagles on his collar. At 30 and beyond you retire at the highest rank held not necessarily your current rank.

[@masonhoffman8991]

my dad was a e-4 specialist in 32nd armored with the m1a1 Abrams, so i recognized many awards/medals in this video. thanks for your service

[@HacksignKT]

I thank your old man for his service.

[@wanwall151]

Was he part of the E4 mafia? Lol

[@huskyhooligans999]

I left the British Army as a RSM(WO1) having served 24 years with 4 medals, now 15 years as a firefighter with another 3. Boy it’s hard to get awards this side of the pond!! Military long service medal used to be 16 years for the military and is 20 for fire service, in fact all emergency services, so 5 to go for the latter and then retirement, I’ve never seen 2 long service medals on a rack here in the UK so looking forward to it if the body holds out. Good explanation of your medal system, great video!!

[@s.wvazim6517]

13 years brother and I was a recipient to just a jubilee and a coronation that's the reality outside of sf...

[@fslater102]

I was in the field on KP one day when fighting suddenly broke out in the mess tent. I was hit in about 3 parts on my body with shell fragments. When I asked my company commander why I wasn't being put in for a Purple Heart, he said "egg shells don't count". I was very disappointed to say the least.

[@MS-fh4sz]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@fetengineer9151]

After several deployments to lands far away and 31 years of service, I think, I did pretty myself.

[@thegreatinterpreter8382]

My grandpa had a Victory in WWII medal for serving in Europe from the first day of the war (America's involvement) to the last. Always thought that was one of the coolest medals to have.

[@GoodnessandTruth]

Interesting how ribbons in the Army tell a story. It's as if someone can look at your awards one day and without knowing anything about you beforehand, can tell me the story of your Army career. When you served. What war you fought in. What level of combat you were exposed to. How good of a Soldier you were. What kind of missions you participated in.

[@TheBlackhorse1954]

I earned two Humanitarian Service Awards during my 20 year active duty time. The first one was for Operation Babylift when we brought all those orphan babies to the US after Vietnam, and the second one was for the Mount Rainier eruption.

[@patmangus2014]

My 18 year old son is in Basic Training right now at Benning and just started red phase! I had him watch several of your videos Matt to prepare him even more! Thanks for what you do!!

[@vazz22]

Benning!

[@vazz22]

Pat, write to your son every Tuesday. My son was a Ft. Benning, 2 months ago and loved getting mail to begin the week....he called it a Boost!

[@patmangus2014]

Thanks Edward, I will do that! Congratulations to your son!

[@DJay0111]

I'm actually surprised how interesting I found this. Thanks, man.

[@dusty265]

Times have sure changed, was active duty 1980 to 1987, other then the army service ribbon they passed out in 1981 and the overseas ribbon, I knew a lot of guys that had a GCM and that was it, was rough getting awards back then!

[@vazz22]

Thank You, for serving our country Mr. Johnson!

[@kodingkrusader2765]

@@christianromero2530 yes its called an automatic promotion its been that way for decades

[@US_ARMY_25_INF._DIV.]

Yeah I was in from 1983 to 1985.....it is funny if I had not gotten the overseas ribbon and the good conduct medal and the Air Assault Badge I would have left with what I came in with........I was only in 2 years.....I got the good conduct due to my buddy who also was in 2 years as well found out while out processing at S-1 that all you had to do was talk to this Filipino E-4 up there and and fill out a form and he would put you in for it.....I had 3 article 15's in 2 years with one where they took rank away, but i got the good conduct....I did not find out till years later that you had to do 3 years to get it....If i had been state side and not gone to air assault school and had not had the GCM hook up I would have left with 1 ribbon for sure...

[@UnknownEffectVids]

No combat so yea wasn’t much to give you guys

[@kayp4601]

You missed desert storm by a few years. Wartime service generates awards.

[@Rome1sixteen]

Not sure if anyone mentioned it but the GWOT was an automatic ribbon if you joined within the time frame it was awarded the GWOT-E (expeditionary) was for if you deployed.

[@markkendall3411]

Can you have both on your asu? I’ve been told you can only have one

[@jacobhaskins811]

Yeah your brother got stacked within a year lol

[@G1CAAAAEO]

I have served in an European army for over 15 years, only got one medal (and I don't even wear it). If I had the same service record in the US I would have a chest full of bling and ribbons lol.

[@jacobhaskins811]

@@G1CAAAAEO medals aren't everything which European army if you don't mind me asking

[@G1CAAAAEO]

@@jacobhaskins811 Medals aren't everything especially if you can grind them like in the US forces. Out of privacy I will not specify which army but I can say it's a West European army (medal systems are pretty much alike there so my answer wouldn't have mattered anyway). In one of my functions I often met high US officers and I was always surprised how many medals and badges they got, even more when I heard what they were for ('Jeez they gave you a medal for that?' was a common thought of mine). I even saw a US general who's ribbons were scratching his stars under his epaulet! I prefer quality over quantity.

[@G1CAAAAEO]

What also surprised me is that the US armed forces have so many categories of ribbons/medals which are totally unknown here in Europe. Most of the categories explained in this video don't even have any equivalent in most other armies. Look up some European generals (especially German and Dutch ones), there are plenty which don't even have more than 4 medals in their 30+ year careers.

[@fngaming5064]

@@G1CAAAAEO r/thathappened

[@Underliner07]

Matt can you do a video about the responsibilities of an Officer and your experiences ??

[@kodingkrusader2765]

Paperwork. Thats it. Soldiers are nco business

[@dennisschoenborn445]

Hi. Just watched this video. Thank you for the explanation on oak leaves and counts. My dad served two years in Viet Nam and has an air combat ribbon with the number 32 on it. I wasn't sure what that meant, now I do. I vaguely remember him telling me that they didn't have anything beyond silver leaves...

[@jackCollin403]

Wow

[@mr.alexander2560]

Got my AAM 4 months into my first duty station 💪🏾

[@bomcstoots1]

....pog

[@michaelwriting]

I contacted the army to get replacement medals. Very long process. But I ended up getting an additional medal that I never knew I had (Korea Defense Medal). No one ever awarded it to me when I was in, but looks like I legitimately earned it for my time over there. I also did a lot of joint service work due to my MOS, so I ended up with a Joint Service Commendation Medal which was pretty cool for a lower enlisted guy.

[@j.rivera6402]

The bulk of the Awards I got prior to becoming a Warrant Officer were from competitive boards (Soldier of the QTR/Year, NCO of the QTR/Year, Audie Murphy, Best Warrior). These are all possible if you’re willing to do the work.

[@danielleraoul3799]

Matt, thank you for the video. Much good info and how to obtain each one- overseas vs. Domestic. Have a good one battle!!🇺🇸

[@RainMan11C]

Hey Mat! I just graduated from Fort Bennings first 22 week 11-c OSUT. I watched a lot of your videos to prepare and they helped me so much

[@Rome1sixteen]

Also, update on the volunteer medal, you can get it now without the crazy stipulations. The amount of hours and the amount of time you've been volunteering four is now at the commander's discretion. The only basic rules are that you have to do more than one event and there must be a significant impact made by it.

[@dtremethick8769]

After Desert Storm in 1st CAV those deployed who were E-6 and below were awarded the ARCOM and E-7 and above the Bronze Star.

[@Humildadesyexpericias]

Thank you very much it was much informative, do please keep up with the great work 👍😎

[@KevinFerreiraM]

im leaving for basic in a week wish me luck!

[@vazz22]

God Be With You, Kevin!

[@marcusysaguirre8561]

Leaving to ft. Benning on Monday. Doing split ops at 17 years old.

[@vazz22]

@@marcusysaguirre8561 my son graduated from basic training and airborne, Ft. Benning Georgia. Be proud that, General Eisenhower, Patton, Marshall, & Powell, all came out of that training facility!

[@marcusysaguirre8561]

@@vazz22 I feel a great deal of pride knowing that I will be attending basic and hopefully ranger school at fort Benning. My father told me it's an honor to graduate from there.

[@vazz22]

@@marcusysaguirre8561 Georgia on my mind!

[@omarrp14]

at around 3.5 years i had 9 on my rack; ARCOM, AAM(2), AGCM, NDSM, GWOT Service, KDSM, OVSM, ASR, AOSR, also 7 COA's. Just be a good boy and look for opportunities to get awards, like the the 7 COA's is for the Run for Life Program. Also stay overseas, I've only been stationed in Korea and Germany, I'm about to get a 2nd AOSR for germany.

[@timothymarland1151]

May I ask what your MOS is?

[@omarrp14]

@@timothymarland1151 25Q

[@UnknownEffectVids]

Any campaign medals?

[@omarrp14]

@@UnknownEffectVids I recently got a armed forces service medal. Which is the generic campaign medal.

[@UnknownEffectVids]

@@omarrp14 eh campaign medal being op inherent resolve, OEF, OIF and things like that. The armed forces service medal with M device is just that. You can get that from kuwait

[@jeffadams9807]

The Purple Heart Medal Is Called: "The Enemies Marksmanship Badge"...

[@poorlivesmatter6882]

Your getting there. 6 stacks and a few broze stars on awards. You'll be there!

[@dr.zippymcscoots8725]

I'm a three time combat vet. In my time in the army I had a good record. Technically I was only "chewed out" four times by a sergeant major, a captain and two full bird colonels. But i still managed to get three good conduct medals.

[@JulianKlimczyk]

The Marines have no service ribbon. They just get that Eagle, Globe, and anchor

[@MattWard89]

Thanks for the knowledge on that thanks! I know the Navy and AF do so I just assumed the Marines did. But.... They just wanna be different I guess. lol

[@RaiderTrey206]

You have to earn what you get in the Corps. Nothing is easy

[@davidharrity9723]

The Navy has no service ribbon. The Navy awards the Basic Training Honor Graduate Ribbon to the top 3% of each Navy recruit graduating class. Lastly, if you were to switch services, both the Army Service Ribbon and the Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon are not authorized to wear on the Navy uniform. Nor are about 9 other Air Force ribbons and 4 Coast Guard ribbons.

[@venomsnake6857]

They don't have the budget for that anyway, they need the budget for jalapeno cheese spread and cherry crayons

[@udednow]

@@MattWard89 they get colorful crayons instead!

[@benheymach2761]

The MOVSM is not hour based. It’s up to the company commander on how many hours they think is worth it

[@jameswelch6535]

Now you do get the NDSM the conflict period for it has ended. I was in the Army in the latter 60s and people seemed to get a medal/ribbon for waking up basically. Or in some cases your are eligible and it is not processed at HQ. Case in point I processed out in 1970:and I was recommended and approved for a AGCM and it was not processed. I received it in 2019 after I found paperwork which I forwarded for review.

[@dustinclark6749]

I have the volunteer ribbon and it truly was hard to get but was fulfilling knowing what I did to get it

[@nunyabiznez6381]

My grandfather joined the Navy in 1912 and was discharged in 1916. Then he joined the Army signal corps in 1917, learned how to build, maintain and operate radios from scratch then was assigned to an aero squadron and learned how to maintain and repair Briguet 14 biplanes and how not to get his ass blown off by the bombs they used. They didn't have quite so many ribbons and medals as they do today but they did let him wear the ones he earned in the Navy when he was in the army. Had he remained in the army as a career he would have ended up in the air force but he was discharged in 1919. His uncle was in the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II and Korea. He didn't see any action in Korea as he was 68 and simply taught classes by then but he saw action in Cuba in the Spanish American War, France in World War I, France, Germany, the Pacific in World War II. I have a photo of him in full dress uniform at the age of 68 when he was discharged for the fourth time. He needed a cane to lean on due to the weight of all his medals. He joined the navy 1898, was discharged in 1902, enlisted in the Marines in 1917 and was discharged in 1919, enlisted in the army Dec 8 1941 and was discharged in 1946. He remained in the reserves until 1949 then was recalled to active duty to train recruits for a little over a year and finally discharged in 1950. He was 68 years old when he finally threw in the towel. He wanted to go to Korea but the colonel said he was way too old. He did I believe just about 12 years total between 4 wars. He was wounded five times and was one of the oldest non commissioned officers to get a bronze star at 61. He got his first purple heart at 17.

[@dw7094]

After serving 21 years in the last century I've found out that these "decorations" are just that. $4 and one these will get you a cup of coffee. All of mine are boxed-up in the garage and haven't been looked at in over 35 years.

[@takodawright925]

Thanks for your vids I ship out tomorrow.I love all your videos they've helped me decide what I want to do and what to expect. For a video suggestion you should make one on your experience with different army bases as well as what you've heard of others, have a great day I'll try to keep up with your social media throughout my service

[@spaceman884]

Judging by you picture it looks like you made it! Congrats 🎉

[@multitieredinvestor183]

And the “I was there” ribbons are meaningless. I have Soldiers Medal plus two Bronze Stars. These provide me free parking at Texas airports.

[@christophershanklin112]

😂😂

[@tnguy9696]

i was in the army fro 76 to 82 never got a national defense i was sent to Guyana in 78 to help clean the Jim Jones nightmare none of us got any thing for it . only got 1 good conduct award, i was a e-6 when i left in 82 . my dd-214 does not show the good conduct or any other awards . i was with the 193rd infantry brigade ft. Clayton CZ [ panama] i was there for my full 6 years

[@XAlted1]

I was gonna go but hurt my shoulder earlier this year. So I'm working back up again, i gotta go see my recruiter again too because I just got glasses

[@MattWard89]

Yeah for a shoulder injury I would definitely get that healed up first.

[@tewksburydriver8624]

Good info for new soldiers Matt. Don't let what happened to me happen to any of you. I was awarded several medals and never received any of them from my unit. After I got out on my NGB 22 I saw several medals I was supposed to be awarded. Officers must have put me in for them but I never received them. Kind of sucks to serve 6 years honorably and in very good standing and not to be given my medals or even made aware that I earned them. Oh well, I wasn't in to gather hardware, but stay on top of your records even before you get out.

[@marksmusicplace3627]

Your situation about never receiving awards is a very common problem within the military. Which is sad because the ugly truth is many officers will definitely make sure they get awards while enlisted may suffer depending on the higher enlisted leadership like the platoon sergeant, first sergeant, or even CSM.

[@peterharrison5833]

@@marksmusicplace3627 and tewksbury driver---that's too bad. Good leadership on both the officer and enlisted side of the house should never let the troops records be treated that way. Respectfully, PMH, MSgt(ret)USAF.

[@marksmusicplace3627]

I just thought about your comment and re-read it thoroughly. I read that you said it appeared on your NGB-22 which means you were in the national guard and actually were awarded those medals. they just never had an awards ceremony. The question may be? what were the awards that appeared on your discharge because the NG has its own state medals. Most people may confuse awards with decorations. Example would be the army service ribbon is a decoration and not an award. They will conduct a ceremony for awards and not decorations. NG and Reserves usually will not get the good conduct medal but they usually receive the armed forces reserve component achievement medal. SO are we talking medals such as the Army Commendation Medal. Army Achievement Medal. MSM, Bronze star medal which are formally awarded with an awards ceremony. or are we talking the achievement medals such as decorations like deployment medals such as the Iraqi campaign medal, nato medal, or we talking about the state medals from your state. If they are decorations medals that appeared on NGB-22 then you will not be officially awarded to you in a ceremony but if was put on your NGB-22 then you actually were awarded those medals because your NGB-22 is a legit document. The problem is trying to display awards and decorations not on your NGB that becomes a problem. I spent 21 years active and 3 1/2 years reserves. There are many medals that appeared in my records that I never were given an award ceremony for because they were decorations not awards such as my global war on terrorism expeditionary medal, or my Korean defense service medal, or my NATO medal, or decorations medal such as the Iraqi campaign medal or my Afghanistan campaign medal. And many others. I even got actual awards late because I had already PCS to another duty station before the award was finished being reviewed and signed by the battalion or brigade commander.

[@randallshughart]

It's funny your unit awards comes as medals. Ours in France come as cords, (called "fouragères") like the one you have on your blues on your picture with the maroon beret. I guess you were either 82nd or 101st when this picture was taken. In french uniform regulation, it's forbidden to wear foreign decorations unless in presence of an actual delegation of the said nation. Too bad, I have a CIB with star and parachute wings with star also but they stay in my closet. Being proud of it is the only consolation I have haha.

[@LeoPard-HQ]

Great job. I am a little bit educated than 15 minutes ago I appreciate it

[@ethanlewis6806]

Ayy I see that 118th Infantry Battalion patch in the background 😎Are you from South Carolina?

[@jdickerson8676]

Correction on the MOVSM is there is no time for it just the years, however it is upon the discretion of the commander to determine if your eligible for the award or not. “Although sustained community service is not defined by a specific time period or number of volunteer hours (for example, 36 months encompassing 500 hours of direct volunteer service), approval authorities will ensure the service to be honored merits the special recognition afforded by this medal”. Per AR 600-8-22 page 44.

[@michaelescobar6302]

The NSM is issued to anyone who enlists and served during a Wartime, if we were in Peace time you wouldn’t receive it for finishing Basic/AIT

[@Aureumlignum]

Actually, the MOVSM doesn't require 500 hours anymore. It only asks for a positive impact on the community, listing the 3 years or 500 hours as an example.

[@donaldmartin4980]

The one ribbon I never wanted and never got …. The Purple Heart …. So happy they couldn’t shoot straight …!

[@clyderokke5409]

One thing about the National Defense Service medal; it is awarded when we are engaged in a conflict.

[@TheTiacat]

One gong per 6 month tour (UN/NATO) numbers added to ribbons for each tour. One long service /good conduct medal after 12 years. The rest are actual decorations. Sounds like you get a lot just showing up baubles.

[@andrewgillis3073]

Don’t forget badges! The most popular are the Airborne and Air Assult.

[@ASciFiBuff]

E4 saves a life from drowning, gets an AAM O4 shows up to work gets an MSM

[@jodelperez7308]

Solid video brother thanks 🤙🏾

[@mscott1997]

My MOVSM (volunteer metal) was approved at 100 hrs...🙄 So you can always put in and see if leadership approves it

[@dereklucero5785]

The thing is…..I have ribbons, I’ve never been in combat, but proud 5:24 of the ones I have. I signed up, and the fact for 7 years in a combat arms MOS I didn’t get deployed isn’t my fault. 19K30 FTW.

[@kommandantduncan1693]

Love your videos Matt. On the way to Fort Jackson right now! Thanks for everything you do!

[@russellwhite88]

Early squad thank you for the info and for your service.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@MattWard89]

Thanks for showing up! :)

[@russellwhite88]

@@MattWard89 anytime thanks for the vids and information it is helpful for me when I join in 4 years.

[@llllll-ux2lz]

Could you talk about the new asgu/pink and greens. The setup.

[@wafs22]

Easiest way to get ribbons is to have good leadership

[@BunenMorang]

As an Infantrymen leader besides all my ribbons the only one I count the most is my E. I. P. My Expert Infantrymen Padge.

[@alaoweimonibidor2148]

I love your videos. I ship out on the 28th of May!

[@MattWard89]

Thanks and good luck! Enjoy your last week

[@jacobdelagrange8772]

Awesome, I ship out May 29, to Fort Jackson.

[@alaoweimonibidor2148]

Nice. I'm going to Fort Benn!

[@KevinFerreiraM]

@@jacobdelagrange8772 im going the 28th ill see you there bro

[@vazz22]

God Bless You! Thank you for serving our country!

[@drewstar412]

Matt Ward, you should have wore that Silver Star you got awarded. Depends what unit you deploy with too, or at least when I served. Another thing, is when you qualify for a ribbon, yet, don't get it awarded. I was on an air crew of a Huey helicopter, for nearly a year. I flew A LOT, various missions. Should have got awarded the Air Medal. Also, participated in setting up a refugee camp. That detail, was over a month long. Should have gotten the Humanitarian Service Medal.

[@kiwiadventures3773]

I was in for 15 years designing weapon systems and all I got was a long service good conduct medal and a commendation. (Basically for undetected crime). ;-) The British system is like that also I had to return all my uniform when I resigned my commission. Only kept an old SD cap a FS cap a pair of rank slides and some hiking boots. The stuff I sent back was an earlier issue and totally shagged.

[@Rebel-Forces-Earth-007]

Question: is it mandatory for a soldier to adorn his class-As with every ribbon he or she has been awarded or is it personal preference? Can you omit some awards from you class-A service coat without getting in trouble?

[@VenomCPDeutscheCreepypasta2102]

Hey, I'm a guy from Germany who is very interrested in joining the military one day. I love to watch your videos and I love how proud you Americans are of your soldiers and your military - I hope it would be like that here in Germany, too. Even though I'm not from the USA, thanks for serving and greetings from Germany!

[@AN-IFS09]

I’m from Germany too

[@VenomCPDeutscheCreepypasta2102]

@@AN-IFS09 hallooo. :D

[@dr.bright5670]

Leaving for basic next month. Pumped and also terrified

[@unitedkingdomoffiveeyes9765]

The British military, as well as the commonwealth nations, have medals, usually 4 - 6 months tours of duty. Recent issues have been Northern Ireland, Bosnia, kosovo, serre Leone, Iraq, and Afghanistan. We also have "non operational " medals LSGC long service, which is 15 years of good behaviour, and the jubilee medals there are currently 3 gold, silver and diamond waitng for the new kings medal.....there is also a cypress medal I think is a NATO issue If you complete 4 tours of a country, it's still 1 medal. We get patches to put on our no 2 dress for specialist roles.... Usually, find a 20 year soldier today will have 5 - 8 medals. A 10 year 1 - 3

[@billeberle4717]

Combat Action Ribbon CAR. For any Marine or Sailor participants in ground combat regardless of MOS

[@erica8165]

I think rather than saying "get" ribbons it is more appropriate to say "earn". It may only be semantics but it makes a world of difference. You "get" a participation trophy, you "earn" awards. The goal shouldn't be to try to get as many ribbons in your career as it diminishes the value of these awards. I recall one time out at dinner in a restaurant when one of the hostess asked me how I "won" my medals. Also, 6:10, you show a picture of a ribbon rack. I'm assuming it's not yours since you don't look like you're old enough, nearing 50 yo, to have participated in Desert Storm (1990-91) to have earned the the Kuwait Liberation Medal (SA) and Kuwait Liberation Medal (KU) and an AFRM with a gold hourglass signifying over 30yrs of service. Unless you're one of those folks that age gracefully ;-)

[@aftech7268]

! Your earned accomplishments and deployments reflects the ribbons you gain -my best troops are the ones with the stacked of ribbons I would go to war with them anytime vs a paper pusher who remained at one duty location with no experience other than serving one commander that propelled their position up in rank!

[@stefengriff7956]

when i was in the Army you need to do almost what you did for a bronze star to get an ACM.

[@marksmusicplace3627]

I have to slightly disagree on medals that are under soldiers control to earn. No award is under any soldiers control. the leadership has to put them in for an award and half of those recommendations may get down graded or not approved at all. The AAM and ARCOM or GCDM are only given if recommended by leadership such as the squad leader, Platoon Sergeant. AAMs are finalized by the Battalion Commander and the ARCOM are finalized by the Brigade Commander. You are correct on deployments and overseas assignments where a soldiers ribbons can start to grow. You are also spot on as far as medals like the good conduct medal every 3 years if the S1 is on point. I seen some soldiers get their GCDM late because the S1 was on bankers hours. Basically, some soldiers can be really good at their job, Never fail a PT test, Do well at the range, and never late to formation. Always at work on time an so forth and never get put in for an award. Others can go to a 2 week field problem and get put in for a AAM and get it. Others might just get a coin. It Depends on the UNIT and Leadership. The award system has always been a controversial subject because some soldiers get a lot of awards and others never get put in for awards and may even ETS from the Army a little disgruntle over that. Its the same with promotions. The biggest things soldiers strive for while serving is promotion, awards. schools, tabs, and/or badges, and great duty stations in good units.

[@vazz22]

Great Video Matt! Important goal & career setting information for all soldiers serving our grateful nation!

[@robertnorwood1824]

You do not get the National defense Medal for joining. it is connected to certain dates of service.

[@trevionedgar9574]

i just talked to them about that volunteer ribbon i was told as long as you got the 500 hr you dont need to have the 3 years

[@mnfrench7603]

Step one, enlist and graduate BCT/AIT, that gets you at least NDSM, GWOT-SM, ASR. survive 3 years and get the GCM. PCS and you’ll get an AAM. Do something really good, ARCOM. MoH, DSC, DFC, SS, BSM, PH. Gotta deploy for those. Campaign Awards, also deploy.

[@TraxhPnda]

Bruh.. I haven’t seen any videos from you since right before I left for BCT..🤣 almost 4 years later🤣

[@Out_of_Regs]

GWOTSM and GWOTEM are TWO different medals. Expeditionary meaning you were ACTIVELY DEPLOYED. you can wear a GWOTSM so long as you’ve served 30 days in a unit actively supporting a designated counter terrorism operation. In other words you can wear your GWOTSM if you have been in a unit for 30 days (Army)

[@UnknownEffectVids]

I believed they changed it as fare as the GWOTSM. And the GWOTEM is an odd one. Kinda sucks that soldiers that set behind a desk and eat chow in Kuwait that never leave the gate for missions or anything are given that award but those of us who run 1-3 day convoys constantly to the border and deploy to Iraq are given the same. Well we either choose to wear the OIR ribbon or the GWOTEM. Can’t wear both. Will say though at least the desk riders are over there. Some people go 20 years dodging tours

[@tylerbeach6465]

hey man, fellow reserve officer here. do you have any idea of how to "get" the awards you earned, particularly the service and conduct ones? most units i've served with in the national guard are pretty bad with submitting awards, particularly those for officers. ive hit my 10 year mark and also served from 2012-2017 as enlisted. how would i go about being awarded the service and conduct medals? -Beach

[@maeJoyBwithU-ux3fn]

interesting information! i always appreciate your service &work... thankYou

[@jimo5564]

Ha! I served as a 'Cold Warrior' from '63 to 69' all I got was Staff Sergeant strips not even a good conduct medal. Now it seems a you get a medal for what we from those days consider a clean barracks. No wait, no barracks any more. Go Army Beat Navy.

[@jimo5564]

I forgot to mention my younger brother did time in Nam. He's clerk typist and comes home looking like Audie Murphy.

[@UnknownEffectVids]

It’s hard to award someone something when they never deployed. Maybe combat would have made you feel better about your stack

[@jimo5564]

@@UnknownEffectVids I was in MI and simply got rank, which was nice. 5 years in a darkened room trying to figure out how to stop the Reds from coming through the Fulda Gap without NATO using nukes. I tried to get to Nam but no joy. Looking back all those years ago I can say I won MY war in 1989. Just sad about our other war in those days.

[@UnknownEffectVids]

@@jimo5564 respect. You did your part but we didn’t ask for these wars but with them comes decorations

[@jimo5564]

@@UnknownEffectVids Don't get me wrong I loved every minute of the Army.

[@albertgonzalez3256]

I leave for basic July 1st at fort Benning. Your videos are and will forever be a godsend.

[@dimsuminab0x]

You don't need to deploy to receive the GWOTSM (Service Medal). If you were on active duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days in support of Global War on Terrorism which essentially is serving during from 2001 - Current you rate that medal. You only rate the GWOTEM (Expeditionary Medal) when you deploy overseas. Also, if you switch branches only personal awards and service awards transfer, for example an Army Commendation Medal can be worn on Navy/Marine Corps uniform and vice versa. However branch specific awards like the Army Service Award or NCO Ribbon cannot be worn on a Navy/Marine Corps uniform.

[@bomcstoots1]

Incorrect in the service ribbon. By regs they transfer. Now gunny might be like take that gay ass ribbon off XD

[@lucasbadalucco1900]

Your videos are so helpful and well done. You go in-depth into the topic and give honest answers, thanks

[@eshelly4205]

Matt can you help me. We have a family members uniform from the 8th Airforce. We can identify every decoration except one. Can I get a photo to you for your expertise?

[@AgustinHernandez-x8p]

I have been in the Iraq war and I remember getting the metal. It’s the metal of when you serve it into a war. I forgot it’s name though.

[@beasto_ogod2034]

you just blow my mind I did not know that thank you

[@collateral9159]

Volunteer medal no longer has a hour count. Its BN Commanders discretion

[@susancoyne6314]

What does it mean when there are 2 little stars then the next one up has 3 stars. Then one ribbon with 3 little leaves I think

[@jimmybob7028]

You don't get a National defense ribbon for completing AIT. The NDR is awarded to every member of the U.S. Armed Forces who serves during any one of four specified periods of armed conflict or national emergency from June 27, 1950 through December 31, 2022. As of 1/1/23, the NDR is no longer authorized.

[@l.b.7543]

I have 5 rows of ribbons… Purple Heart included- can’t even get a cup of coffee with those medals

[@pilgrum23]

In us you get medles like boy scouts in uk all our are campaign service you have some wich have value

[@therealscottyboy]

“You don’t get a GWOT ribbon just for joining.” *laughs in Air Force*

[@danmang923]

Army service ribbon looks sus 😊.

[@friscostreetstories5403]

Hey Brother, your 9th Infantry Div. Insignia hanging up is in the wrong position. The black subdued part should be on the bottom, not diagonal. Thanks 👍 for your service

[@ianworkman8458]

As a Senior NCO here is my advice to whoever reads this.If you are just joining to get ribbons you are joining for the wrong reason. Also do not expcet a ribbon for just doing your job.

[@jragadio]

There is no Navy service medal/ribbon. I don’t think the USMC has a service medal/ribbon also.

[@larrysmith1568]

Ribbons have rank, just like your insignia. Usually ribbons awarded by foreign countries are below those awarded by US.

[@GodsHerosGodsHeros]

That is great information sir thank you hero howdy from the international legion of Ukraine-Legionnaires

[@lykos4972]

Thanks for the video! You might've seen me on several videos on your channel, and I found out that the college that I'll be going to for Computer Science has ROTC! I'm flipping out that's how excited I am! 25A here I come!

[@Joker-11B-SYLV]

I have to slightly correct you on the GWoT ribbon bro... Deploying is not required. I had guys I went to basic with years ago that got GWoT ribbons in basic. Now idk if that was a recruiter thing that they pushed up the pipe or whatnot but I know a few guys I graduated with had three ribbons. Instead of just the Army Service ribbon and the National Defense Service ribbon, they were awarded the GWoT as well..... Maybe you can clear that up for me lol.... 8yrs Army Infantry. Much love brother... Hooah!

[@qweqwe3439]

Can i get an oak leaf for a service ribbon and national defense ribbon?

[@armynurseboy]

NO. ASR is awarded once. NDSM is awarded by time-frame, and the accoutrement for it denoting more than one award is a bronze campaign star.