(Vanity) Hey Iraq Vets - How Significant is the Army Commendation Medal?

today | me

[frankenMonkey]

Hey Iraqi Vets - My son has received the ARCOM. He isn't aware of it yet (command is holding back on all awards until they come home). I was wondering if they are giving them out like popcorn, or if it is indeed a significant award. I haven't seen the paperwork yet, so I don't know any specifics. Thanks for your feedback.

[fhayek]

I can't speak for vets, or other military types, but the medal sure is significant to me. Thank him, and thank you.

[mass55th]

My brother got one with bronze oak leaf cluster for his service in Vietnam. It was given to most of the company he was in. I believe it was awarded for their action in the various operations they participated in. The bronze oak leaf cluster is added to denote second and subsequent awards of the same medal.

[mmichaels1970]

Congratulations! It is certainly an honor. I can't speak for the Army and I haven't been to Iraq. However, I know that Navy Commendation Medals were a very high award. To us, they were above the Navy Achievement Medal (NAM). The NAM's were given out pretty frequently at the end of a successful tour, or for excelling at an important assignment, etc. The COM's were much rarer, but not unheard of even at a small command. They were awarded for Outstanding Achievement.

Here is a good link to learn more about the Army Commendation. The criteria looks very similar to the Navy Commendation. The key words are heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service. You should be extremely proud, and your son should too. He has my gratitude and I'll say a prayer for him tonight.

[mmichaels1970]

P.S. In the Navy, the Navy Commendation Medal helped you earn additional points towards promotion. I don’t think the Army promotes the same way as the Navy though.

[FlingWingFlyer]

I certainly am proud of the two that I have. It’s pretty significant. Be proud of your son and tell him that America is proud of him!

[Qatar-6]

He should be very proud, especially if he is a first term soldier

It does mean promotion points for enlisted soldiers

Congratulate him and be proud of his service.

And tell him "well done" from a fellow Iraq vet.

[TheThirdRuffian]

Criteria: A mid-level award presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. Awarded by local commanders, allowing for a broad interpretation of the criteria for which the medal may be awarded. For actions where such performance was in direct contact with an enemy force, the Valor device (”V” device) is authorized as an attachment to the decoration. The Army Commendation Medal is typically awarded to junior officers and enlisted personnel as an end-of-tour award. Additional awards are denoted by oak leaf clusters.

Attachments: Bronze Oak Leaf Device, Silver Oak Leaf Device, Bronze Letter “V” Device

Good for your son!

[frankenMonkey]

Thanks to you, and all who have replied - and have served!
He is on his first tour with 101st. 10 months in, 5 to go.
Seen plenty of action, some good - some heartbreaking.
And has his CIB.
Again, thanks to all of you who have served!

[Eagle Eye]

It all depends on the unit and accomplishment being cited.

I’ve seen ARCOMs handed out like candy or as an end of service award.

All in all it is an award of which one should be proud.

[yazoo]

Both the Bronze star and the army commendation medal can be given for meritorious service even if no valor is attached to it. The army commendation medal he is getting is for meritorious service and he should definitely be proud of it. Regardless of why he got it, it means he is a first class serviceman.

[napscoordinator]

Having been in the military for 21 years, any award that is awarded should be praised. Congratulate your son for me. You should be proud!

[jude24]

It’s not the Medal of Honor, but it’s still significant.

[redhead]

My son received the Army Commendation Medal when he was serving in Sinop, Turkey. Since he was in MI, and had a Top Secret security clearance, he never told anybody what he did to earn it, but his superiors were grateful enough to award it to him. I am VERY PROUD.

[vetvetdoug]

I served for ten years and was an Outstanding Airman of the year for Keesler AFB and the Air Training Command...I never got an AF Commendation Medal. You better believe I would have been honored to receive the Medal. God bless your son for his honorable service.

[ClayinVA]

a lot of times they are given for taking on duties over and above your pay grade or taking a really crappy job and doing well. Congrats in either case.

[Sci Fi Guy]

popcorn

[SES1066]

My father, still living but ailing, has multiple Purple Hearts, Bronze and Silver Stars and Legion of Merit as well as other awards from service in WW2, Korea and Vietnam. Of them all I think that he most rejoices in the company of his fellow Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) wearers. While he went from National Guard Private to Bird Colonel, the wearers of the CIB, regardless of rank, were and are his combat buddies, the people who have 'seen the elephant'.

I know he equally honors the Combat Medic Badge (CMB) wearers but the newer Combat Action Badge (CAB) is too new for him. As our veterans age we learn what is truly important to them and I find the fellowship of the CIB/CMB characteristic of the breed.

I wish that there was some memorable way to make my thanks for your son's service stand out but failing that all I can say is thanks to him AND TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY for raising a fine person!

[GulfWar1Vet]

I received mine after Desert Storm. Others in my unit received them as well.

No matter how you got them, you should be proud.

Congrats to your son!

[PalmettoMason]

I received mine after Desert Storm.

Me too.