1. Adjutant General School Administer Awards and Decorations Program
BOTD
SHOW SLIDE 1: ADMINISTER AWARDS AND DECORATIONS PROGRAM
SECTION I. ADMINISTRATIVE DATA
Academic Hours/Methods
0 hr/ 5 mins Introduction
3 hrs / 40 mins Conference / Discussion
0 hr/ 30 mins Test
0 hr/ 30 mins Test Review
0 hr/5 mins Summary
5 hrs Total Hours
SECTION II. INTRODUCTION: Today we are going to discuss Administering Awards and Decorations.
Method of Instructions: Conference / Discussion
Instructor to Student Ratio: 1:36
Time of Instruction: 5 mins
Media: Large Group Instruction
Motivator: The Army has been issuing awards since the Revolutionary War. In fact, George Washington instituted the first Badge of Merit, which we know today as the Purple Heart. Certificates of Merit were established to express appreciation to enlisted men, and later to NCOs. In 1862, Congress instituted the Medal of Honor for Soldiers and later extended it to officers. What was going on in 1862? (CIVIL WAR)
By WWI, the Army had only Certificates of Merit and Medals of Honor. There were no other formal awards established to recognize military gallantry and meritorious service as intended by Washington’s original Badge of Merit.
You may be a Battalion S1, Detachment XO, or Personnel Technician/Officer. What if, your unit has a 70% late rate on all awards, and 50% of recommendations sent to higher HQs are returned due to administrative errors. What if you also found a recommendation for award on a Soldier who PCS’d three weeks ago without an award. What are you going to do about it? You had better take action fast!!
Your responsibility is to understand the Army Awards Program. You must know how the process should work, approval authorities for awards, and how DA Form 638 is used. A good awards program is a valuable tool for commanders to motivate Soldiers and recognize them for excellence. Additionally, you may have the responsibility of preparing or endorsing awards for your Soldiers.
Administer Awards and Decorations Program

2. Terminal Learning Objective
ACTION:
Administer Awards and Decorations Program
CONDITIONS:
In a classroom environment, given AR (Military Awards), DODI Manual of Military Awards and Decorations, access to DA Awards Branch homepage, completed DA Forms 638 (Award Recommendations), students handouts (consisting of various HRC messages and letters pertaining to awards), and an extract of enlisted records brief (ERB), and awareness of Operational Environment (OE), variables, and actors.
STANDARDS:
The student will have met the standards when they have reviewed a completed award recommendations (DA Form 638) for accuracy and completeness and have accurately identified the processing requirements and procedures for award recommendations listed:
1. Identify the Goals & Objectives of Awards Program
2. Identify Award Policies
3. Determine Order of Precedence of military awards
4. Identify the types of Individual Awards
5. Process recommendations for Awards
6. Demonstrate iPERMS
SHOW SLIDE 2: TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE (TLO)
21st CENTURY SOLDIER COMPETENCIES STATEMENT:
This lesson covers the following 21st Century Soldier Competencies:
Character and Accountability
Comprehensive Fitness
Adaptability and Initiative
Lifelong Learner (includes digital literacy)
Teamwork and Collaboration
Communication and Engagement
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Culture and Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental and Multinational Competence
Tactical and Technical Competence (full spectrum capable)
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: In a training environment, leaders must perform a risk assessment in accordance with DA PAM , Risk Management. Leaders will complete a DD Form 2977 Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet during the planning and completion of each task and sub-task by assessing mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available-time available and civil considerations, (METT-TC). Local policies and procedures must be followed during times of increased heat category in order to avoid heat related injury. Consider the work/rest cycles and water replacement guidelines IAW TRADOC Regulation Everyone is responsible for safety.
No food or drink is allowed near or around electrical equipment (CPU, file servers, printers, projectors, etc.) due to possible electrical shock or damage to equipment.  Exercise care in personal movement in and through such areas.  Avoid all electrical cords and associated wiring.  In event of electrical storm, you will be instructed to power down equipment.
RISK ASSESSMENT LEVEL: Low
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS: Environmental protection is not just the law but the right thing to do. It is a continual process and starts with deliberate planning. Always be alert to ways to protect our environment during training and missions. In doing so, you will contribute to the sustainment of our training resources while protecting people and the environment from harmful effects. Refer to FM Environmental Considerations and GTA ENVIRONMENTAL-RELATED RISK ASSESSMENT.
Instructional Guidance: Throughout this lesson, solicit from students the challenges they experienced in the operational environment (OE) and what they did to resolve them. Encourage students to apply at least one of the critical variables: Political, Military, Economic, Social, Information, Infrastructure, Physical Environment and Time (PMESII-PT).
Conditions: With an awareness of the Operational Environment (OE) variables and actors.
EVALUATION. You will be given a graded end of module examination which will include Administer Awards and Decorations Program. A passing score on this end of module examination is 70% for AC students and 60% International Students.
 INSTRUCTIONAL LEAD-IN. Your responsibility is for understanding the Army Awards Program. You must know how the process works, approval authorities for awards, and how the DA Form 638 is used. A good awards program is a valuable tool for commanders to motivate Soldiers and recognize them for their excellence. Additionally, you may have the responsibility of preparing or endorsing awards for your Soldiers

3. Goals/Philosophy/Objectives
Goals and Philosophy:
Objective - To provide tangible recognition for:
To foster mission accomplishment
Recognize excellence of both military and civilian members
Motivate personnel to high levels of performance and service
Acts of Valor
Exceptional Service or Achievement
Special Skills or Qualifications
Acts of heroism not involving actual combat
SHOW SLIDE 3: GOALS/PHILOSOPHY/OBJECTIVES
SECTION III. PRESENTATION.
Learning Step / Activity 1. Identify The Goals And Objectives Of The Awards Program
Method of Instruction: Conference / Discussion
Instructor to Student Ratio: 1:36
Time of Instruction: 20 mins
Media: Large Group Instruction
a. The goals of the Army awards program represent an indispensable element of the importance of the awards program:
Foster mission accomplishment by recognizing excellence
Recognize excellence of both military and civilian members
(2) Motivate personnel to high levels of performance and service
b. Timeliness is paramount to the awards program, as it is important that Soldiers receive their awards as close to the event as possible and prior to departure from the unit.
EXPLAIN TO STUDENTS: At the bottom right corner, the references for the information on the slide is shown in order to provide the location within the regulation and improve your familiarity with the regulation in general. Please follow along and tab appropriately.
NOTE: Identify a student to read paragraph 1-12 (a) and then (b).
NOTE: Ask the class what “administrative procedures will ensure prompt recognition of deserving Soldiers" means to them.
c. The basis of the Army awards program is to ensure that Soldiers receive tangible recognition for their acts of valor, skill, and exceptional service while serving the nation. Additionally, the program requires that commands take an active role in ensuring that Soldiers receive the recognition they earn and deserve.
d. The perception Soldiers have of awards relates directly to the emphasis that commands place on ensuring that Soldiers receive fair and expedient awards for their service and achievement.
EXPLAIN TO STUDENTS: You will play a vital role in the meeting this objective as either a commander or the personnel administrator.
Check on Learning:
Conduct a check on learning and summarize the learning activity.
Q: What are the goals of the Army Awards Program?
A: (1) Foster mission accomplishment by recognizing excellence
AR , Para 1-1 & Para 1-12 (a)

4. Awards Policies Time limitation Character of service Duplicate awards
Interim awards
Posthumous awards
Announcement of awards
Revocation
SHOW SLIDE 6: AWARD POLICIES (1 OF 3)
Learning Step / Activity 2. Identify Military Award Policies
Method of Instruction: Conference / Discussion
Instructor to Student Ratio: 1:36
Time of Instruction: 30 mins
Media: Large Group Instruction
 a. Listed below are the various award policies which will be discussed during this class:
(1) Time limitation
(2) Character of Service
(3) Duplicate Awards
(4) Interim Awards
(5) Posthumous Awards
(6) Supporting Orders
Revocation
AR , Para 1-14 thru Para 1-31

5. Award Policies (2 of 3)
Time Limitations
2 year limit on submission of awards; 3 year limit on receipt of awards (exceptions: Purple Heart (PH), Medal of Honor (MOH), Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), Distinguished Service Medal, and retroactive awards)
Character of Service
Awards must be received for periods of honorable service
Waiver possible for a Soldier who is flagged for overweight or APFT failure
Duplicate Awards
Can receive recognition for an achievement and for a period of service
Only one decoration awarded for same act or achievement
Interim Awards - To ensure recognition, the appropriate authority may promptly award a suitable lesser military decoration pending final action on a recommendation for a higher award
SHOW SLIDE 7: AWARD POLICIES (2 OF 3)
NOTE: Refer students AR , Para 1-14
b. Time Limitations:
(1) Each recommendation for an award of a military decoration must be entered administratively into military channels within two years of the act, achievement, or service to be honored.
(2) No military decoration will be awarded more than three years after the act or period of service to be honored, except for the following:
(a) Purple Heart, Medal of Honor (MOH), Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), and Distinguished Service Medal
(b) These time limitations do not apply to retroactive and conversion awards made in confirmation of recognition of previously issued orders, letters, or certificates or in exchange of decorations hereinafter authorized.
(c) If failure to meet above submission timeframe was due to POW or MIA status, or due to medical incapacitation, then awards of Silver Star and below may be approved independent of elapsed time.
NOTE: Refer students to AR , Para 1-17
c. Character of Service:
(1) A medal will not be awarded or presented to any individual whose entire service subsequent to the time of the distinguished act, achievement, or service has not been honorable. “Honorable” service will be based on such honest and faithful service according to standards of conduct, courage, and duty required by law and customs of the service.
(2) Commanders will ensure that individuals on whom favorable personnel actions have been suspended (flagged), neither are recommended for nor receive awards during the period of the suspension.
(3) Exception to the flagging rule is when a Soldier is flagged for being overweight or APFT failure. In this situation, a waiver is allowed, enabling the Soldier to be recommended for and presented an award based on valor, heroism, or for length of service retirement. Purple Heart is an entitlement and differs from all other awards and does not require an exception or waiver for presentation.
NOTE: Refer students to AR , Para 1-19
d. Duplicate Awards.
(1) Only one decoration will be awarded to an individual or unit for the same act, achievement, or period of meritorious service. The award of a decoration in recognition of a single act of heroism or meritorious achievement does not preclude an award for meritorious service at the termination of an assignment.
(2) However, subsequent awards that cover the same timeframe cannot mention previously recognized achievements. For example if a Soldier is Assigned to a Joint Command, he or she will not receive a joint award and a service award for the same period; moreover, a Soldier who retired from a joint command will be recommended for a Defense award for service and a retirement award from his or her service department.
NOTE: Refer students to AR , Para 1-20
e. Interim awards.
(1) To ensure prompt recognition, the appropriate authority may award a suitable lesser military decoration pending final action on a recommendation for a higher award. When a higher award is approved, the approving authority will revoke the interim award using a separate permanent order (PO) in accordance with AR An example of this is when a brigade commander awards an ARCOM as an interim award when submitting one of his Soldier’s for a Soldier’s Medal or Distinguished Flying Cross, for which he does not have approval authority.
(2) Exceptions to this rule apply for retiring U.S. Army general officers. They do not receive interim awards. An exception also exists if the higher award is given posthumously, then the next of kin are permitted to retain both the interim and final award.
AR , Para 1-14 thru 1-20

6. Award Policies (3 of 3) Posthumous Awards Announcement of Award
Awarded to Primary Next of Kin (PNOK)
Surviving spouse
Eldest child
Parents (Father or Mother)
Eldest sibling
Eldest grandchild
Announcement of Award
Decorations & Good Conduct Medal: permanent orders
Service medals & ribbons: no permanent orders
Badges: permanent orders
Exceptions: basic marksmanship badges, APFT badges
Revocation of awards
Revocation of an award will be announced in permanent orders and Department of the Army General Orders
SHOW SLIDE 8: AWARD POLICIES (3 OF 3)
NOTE: Refer students to AR , Para 1-24
NOTE: Ask the students: Who can tell me what posthumous means? Briefly discuss the answers given, then explain that posthumous awards are awards for deceased personnel.
f. Posthumous Awards.
 (1) Orders for posthumous awards to individuals who are deceased at the time that the award is approved will indicate that the award was received posthumously. It will NOT be indicated on the certificate or medal.
(2) Presentation of the award will occur to the Primary Next of Kin (PNOK).
g. Supporting Orders. Different awards require different types of orders to make them official.
NOTE: Refer students to AR , Para 1-27
ANNOUNCEMENT OF AWARDS
(1) Awards made by the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of the Army will be announced in DA General Orders.
(2) Awards of decorations and the GCM (Good Conduct Medal) require permanent orders, whether they are from principal HQDA officials or from a delegated authority.
(3) Service medals and ribbons are administratively awarded to individuals who meet the qualifying criteria. Orders are not required.
Permanent awards of badges require permanent orders by commanders authorized to make the award or permanent orders of HQDA. Exceptions to this are basic marksmanship qualification badges, identification badges, and the APFT badge.
h. Award Revocation AR , Para and Para 1-32
(1) Awards may be revoked after they are presented by the awarding authority. This is an action which cannot be delegated.
(2) Revocation of awards are announced with permanent orders.
(3) Revocation of badges are announced with permanent orders.
(4) Exceptions to permanent orders requirement are the following:
(a) Parachutist badge – if punished under UCMJ for refusing to jump or is in CMF 18 and initiates action which results in termination of jump status prior to completing 36 months of airborne duty.
(b) Parachute Rigger Badge – if Parachutist badge is revoked or Soldier refuses to jump with a parachute he/she packed.
(c) Aviator Badge – if findings of a Flight Evaluation Board find the individual guilty of refusal to fly or a flagrant violation of flying regulations, etc.
(d) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Badge – if convicted by court-martial for refusal to participate in EOD operations or initiates actions which terminates EOD status prior to 18 months of duty.
(e) Air Assault Badge
(f) Driver and Mechanic Badge
(g) Special Forces Tab – loss of parachutist badge
(5) In short, if a Soldier refuses to do what it takes to retain the earned badge, his/her actions can result in the revocation of the badge.
AR , Para 1-23, thru 1-31

7. Awards Formats DA Form 638 DA General Orders Permanent Order
Award Certificate
SHOW SLIDE 9: AWARDS FORMATS

8. Check on Learning
Q. What is the greatest amount of time an award can be submitted through military channels?
a. One Year
b. Two Years
c. Three Years
d. Four Years  
Q. Which decoration can be awarded more than 3 years after the act or period of service to be
honored?
a. AAM
b. ARCOM
c. Purple Heart
d. Certificates of Appreciation 
SHOW SLIDE 10: CHECK ON LEARNING
NOTE: Conduct a check on learning and summarize the learning activity.

9. Award Categories and Precedence
Categories of Individual Awards:
Decorations
Good Conduct Medal
Service Medals
Service Ribbons
Badges / Tabs
Certificates / Letters
SHOW SLIDE 13: AWARDS CATEGORIES AND PRECEDENCE
Learning Step / Activity 3. Determine Order Of Precedence Of Military Awards
Method of Instruction: Conference / Discussion
Instructor to Student Ratio: 1:36
Time of Instruction: 30 mins
Media: Large Group Instruction
NOTE: Refer students to AR , Para 1-41
Decorations, the Good Conduct Medal, service medals, and service ribbons are worn or displayed in the order of precedence established in paragraph In general they are classified in the following order of precedence when worn or displayed:
(1) Decorations
(2) Good Conduct Medal (enlisted only)
(3) Service Medals
(4) Service Ribbons
EXPLAIN TO STUDENTS: A great source for ensuring that the appropriate sequence of awards is worn is At this website, you can select the rack builder function. Also, various military magazines often publish documents that show the sequence of importance for military awards.
NOTE: Direct students to AR , Para 1-41 and Para Discuss these awards with students to ensure they understand the difference between the various types of awards.
AR , Para 1-13

10. Individual Decorations
Recognition for:
Heroism
Meritorious Achievement
Meritorious Service
Based upon performance, not grade
Not to be used as prizes
Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) & Army Achievement Medal (AAM) may be awarded in combat theater for non-combat meritorious achievement or service
Army Commendation Medal & AAM not awarded to General Officers
SHOW SLIDE 16: INDIVIDUAL DECORATIONS
Learning Step / Activity 4. Identify The Types Of Individual Awards
Method of Instruction: Conference / Discussion
Instructor to Student Ratio: 1:36
Time of Instruction: 60 mins
Media: Large Group Instruction
NOTE: Refer students to AR , Para 1-13
a. There are many awards an individual Soldier can receive. Each award has certain qualifications and restrictions that you must be aware of. These awards are divided into several specific categories:
(1) Decorations
(2) Good Conduct Medal (Enlisted only)
(3) Service Medals
(4) Service Ribbons
(5) Badges & Tabs
(6) Certificates & Letters
(7) Foreign Awards
b. Department of Defense (DOD) awards and decorations are outlined in Chapter 2 of AR These are awards that any service member, regardless of branch, is eligible to earn. All joint awards are DOD awards.
NOTE: Explain to students that the Purple Heart is the only award for which pre-conditions exist. One is not recommended for the award; rather, it is an entitlement based upon meeting specific criteria. Refer students to AR , Para 2-8b and discuss the criteria for awarding the Purple Heart. Lead the students in a discussion of awards being awarded in the contemporary operating environment.
c. U.S. Army individual decorations are outlined in Chapter 3 of AR
(1) The intent of U.S. Army individual military decorations is to recognize heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service.
(2) In peacetime, decorations recognize achievements which have significantly contributed to the readiness or effectiveness of a unit or organization, or have made notable contributions to the morale or esprit de corps of units or organizations.
(3) All award decisions are subjective and based upon the decision of the commander having award approval authority. Awards are not to be based upon the grade of the recipient, nor should they be seen as an automatic entitlement upon departure from an organization or assignment.
(4) No preconditions for an award may be established (exception being Purple Heart where one must be wounded by enemy in combat). Awards are not to be used as prizes and there is no limit to the number of awards that a unit may earn.
Initial delegation will be requested consistent with the award approval authority outlined in table 3–2 (Peacetime Criteria and table 3-4 (Wartime criteria). Delegation is not automatic as we will see on the next slide.
Table 3-1 United States Military decorations depicts a list of the decorations listed in order of precedence what they are awarded for and if the award can be issued for combat or noncombat reasons.
AR , Chapter 3

11. Wartime Decorations
The following are awards authorized to be awarded for wartime valor, service or achievement:
Medal of
Honor
Distinguished
Service
Cross
Legion of
Merit
Distinguished
Flying
Cross
Silver
Star
Soldier’s
Medal
Bronze
Star
Meritorious
Service
Air
Medal
Army
Commendation
Army
Achievement
SHOW SLIDE 17: WARTIME DECORATIONS

12. Purple Heart Criteria
During wartime the Secretary of the Army delegates to the Senior Army commanders in theater authority to award the Purple Heart (PH). HRC is the approval authority during other times.
Requires wound, injury or death must have been the result of an enemy or hostile act, international terrorist attack, or friendly fire; and the wound for which the award is made must have required treatment by a medical officer and documented in the Soldier’s medical record.
The first general officer in the Soldier’s Chain of Command can disapprove the award.
The PH differs from all other individual decorations in that an individual is not recommended for the decoration; rather he or she is entitled to it upon meeting specific criteria.
DA General Order
SHOW SLIDE 18: PURPLE HEART CRITERIA
NOTE: Explain to students that the Purple Heart is the only award for which pre-conditions exist. One is not recommended for the award; rather, it is an entitlement based upon meeting specific criteria. Refer students to AR This administrative revision, dated 6 August 2015 Supersedes Army Directives , , and Lead the students in a discussion of awards being awarded in the contemporary operating environment.
d. U.S. Army individual decorations are outlined in Chapter 3 of AR
(1) The intent of U.S. Army individual military decorations is to recognize heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service.
(2) In peacetime, decorations recognize achievements which have significantly contributed to the readiness or effectiveness of a unit or organization, or have made notable contributions to the morale or esprit de corps of units or organizations.
(3) All award decisions are subjective and based upon the decision of the commander having award approval authority. Awards are not to be based upon the grade of the recipient, nor should they be seen as an automatic entitlement upon departure from an organization or assignment.
No preconditions for an award may be established (exception being Purple Heart where one must be wounded by enemy in combat). Awards are not to be used as prizes and there is no limit to the number of
awards that a unit may earn.
(5) Approval of the Purple Heart requires the following factors: wound, injury or death must have been the result of an enemy or hostile act, international terrorist attack, or friendly fire; and the wound for which the
award is made must have required treatment by a medical officer and documented in the Soldier’s medical record.
(6) Chain of command endorsement; ORB/ERB/DA Form 2-1, 2A, 2B, or 2C; DA Form 4187, deployment orders; statements from at least two individuals other than the proposed recipient; casualty report; SF 600; and DD Form 214 (if applicable)
NOTE: Show students the example of the 4187.
AR , Para 2-8,

13. Army Good Conduct Medal
Awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity throughout a specified period of continuous enlisted active Federal military service
Eligible personnel:
Active Component enlisted Soldiers
Active Guard Reserve (AGR) enlisted personnel
Retroactively to eligible Army of the United States (AUS) enlisted
Other Army enlisted as directed by the Secretary of the Army
Ready Reserve enlisted ordered to AD under Title 10, USC
Company Commanders are the Approval authority and are authorized to award the AGCM to enlisted personnel serving under their command
SHOW SLIDE 19: ARMY GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL
NOTE: Refer students to AR , Para 4-1.
e. The Good Conduct Medal is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active federal military service. It is awarded on a selective basis to each Soldier who distinguishes himself from among his fellow Soldiers by his exemplary conduct through a specified period of continuous enlisted active federal military service. Individuals who are eligible for the AGCM are:
(1) Active Component enlisted Soldiers
(2) Active Guard Reserve (AGR) enlisted personnel serving on extended periods of active duty (other than for training) under title 10, USC, provided period of service has not been duplicated with the award of the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal.
f. AGCM is awarded by the unit commander. The award is processed at the battalion level. The Battalion S1 verifies Soldier's personnel data and forwards respective rosters to subordinate companies. The company commander and first sergeant review the rosters and the company commander either approves or disapproves each Soldier's award on the roster. The roster is returned to the battalion S1, where orders are completed and a DA Form 4950 is created for each Soldier that is eligible for a certificate. Award ceremonies are held at the unit.
(1) Enlisted Soldiers receive the award for every three years of good service. For the first award only, a Soldier will receive an AGCM if he has completed more than 1 year but less than 3 years of service at the time of his separation.
(2) Soldiers will receive a certificate for their AGCM only for their first and last (separation) awards.
AR , Chapter 4

14. Service Medals and Ribbons
Service (campaign) medals and service ribbons
denote honorable performance of duty within
specified limited dates in specified
geographical areas.
Army
Service Ribbon
National Defense
Service Medal
SHOW SLIDE 20: SERVICE MEDALS AND RIBBONS Chapter 5
g. Service (campaign) medals and service ribbons denote honorable performance of military duty within specified limited dates in specified geographic areas. These awards are only for active federal military service with the following exceptions:
(1) Medal of Humane Action
(2) Armed Forces Reserve Medal
(3) NCO Professional Development Medal
(4) Army Service Ribbon
(5) Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon
No orders are published for service medals; however, they are annotated on Soldiers’ personnel records.
NOTE: Refer students to the HRC message in their student handouts that explains the criteria for the GWOTSM/GWOTEM. Explain to students that because they are on active duty while the Global War on Terrorism is ongoing, they will be authorized to wear the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Expeditionary Medals (if eligible) (GWOTSM/GWOTEM). Also, upon graduation from the Basic Officer Leader Course, lieutenants are authorized to wear the Army Service Ribbon (ASR). Only one award of the ASR is authorized, so if a ribbon was received for enlisted initial entry training, one does not get another award if he/she then completes officer initial training.
Iraq
Campaign Medal
Afghanistan
Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism
Expeditionary Medal
Overseas
Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism
Service Medal
AR , Chapter 5
No orders published

15. Appurtenances Oak Leaf Clusters
1 silver OLC = 5 bronze OLC
Worn on individual decorations and unit awards
Numerals - issued instead of a medal or ribbon for second and subsequent awards of the AM, MFO Medal, OSR and the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon.
"V" device
Denotes heroism when engaged with an armed enemy
Worn on BSM, Air Medal, ARCOM and JSCM
Clasps
Worn on AGCM to denote subsequent awards
Service Stars
5 bronze stars = 1 silver star
Worn on campaign & service ribbons to denote additional awards
SHOW SLIDE 21: APPURTENANCES
NOTE; Refer students to AR , Chap 6
h. Appurtenances are devices affixed to service ribbons and denote additional awards, participation in a specific event, or other distinguished characteristics of the award.
(1) Oak Leaf Cluster – a bronze or silver twig of four oak leaves with three acorns on the stem for wear with the service ribbon bar and the unit award emblem to denote the award of second and succeeding awards of the decorations. One silver oak leaf cluster equals five bronze oak leaf clusters, so every fifth award converts previous bronze oak leaf clusters into a silver one.
(2) Numerals – issued instead of a medal or ribbon for second and succeeding awards of the Air Medal, Multinational Force and Observers Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon. The ribbon denotes the first award and numbers starting with the number two (2) denote the number of additional awards. The number worn on the NCO Professional Development ribbon denotes the highest completed level of the NCO education system (NCOES).
(3) “V” devices – denotes participation in acts of heroism involving conflict with an armed enemy. These can only be earned in wartime and per table 3-1, are only awarded with ARCOM, Air Medal, and Bronze Star Medal (BSM). It is also authorized with the JSCM (Joint Service Commendation Medal). If multiple “V” devices have been earned for one medal, only one is worn. (6-5)
(4) Clasps – authorized for wear with the AGCM. See Para 4-9 for the color and number of loops associated with each award. (6-6)
(5) Service Stars – 5 pointed star worn on campaign and service ribbons to denote additional awards. One silver star equals 5 bronze stars. The bronze star is also affixed to the parachutist badge to denote participation in combat parachutist jumps. Service stars are authorized for wear with the campaign and service medals/ribbons outlined in 6-7b. Note: New guidance is in MILPER Messages and
NOTE: Solicit definitions of heroism from students. Lead students to define heroism IAW AR as follows: extreme courage demonstrated in attaining a noble end. Continue the discussion of heroism by pointing out that varying levels of documented heroic acts are required for the Bronze Star Medal with ”V,“ Air Medal with ”V,“ and the Army Commendation Medal with ”V.“ Next, solicit definitions of valor IAW AR as follows: heroism performed under combat conditions. Valor also includes heroism as a quality of mind enabling one to face danger or hardship resolutely. Once students have defined these words, ask for real-world examples of each. Allow time for students to discuss the examples and to classify each as heroism or valor. Finally, where appropriate, ask if each example merits a”V“ with a Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, or Army Commendation Medal.
AR Para 6-1 to 6-56, MILPER Messages ,

16. Badges COMBAT IDENTIFICATION MARKSMANSHIP SPECIAL SKILL
SHOW SLIDE 22: BADGES
NOTE: Refer students to AR , Chapter 8
i. The purpose of awarding badges is to provide for public recognition by tangible evidence of the attainment of a high degree of skill, proficiency, and excellence in test and competition, as well as in the performance of duties.
(1) There are three types of badges:
(a) Combat and special skill badges (CIB, CMB, etc)
(b) Marksmanship badges (denotes level of qualification with weapon – marksman, sharpshooter, expert)
(c) Identification badges (Drill Sergeant, Recruiter, etc)
(2) The CIB is only awarded to members of the U.S. Army. The CMB may be awarded only to members of the U.S. Army, Navy, or Air Force.
NOTE: Refer students to their student handout for the updated criteria for wear of the CMB.
(3) Recommendations for awards of badges will be submitted by memorandum or DA Form 4187 through command channels to the commander authorized to approve the award.
NOTE: Refer students to Chapter 8 and discuss the various badges and highlight the requirements associated with some of the more common ones. (e.g. Senior Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, etc.)
NOTE: Refer students to Table 8-1, page 120, for the list of badges and tabs and which branches are authorized to wear them.
AR , Chapter 8

17. Combat Infantryman Badge
Must be Infantry or Special Forces
in the grade of colonel or below
(includes SF Medical Sergeant after
Sep 2001)
Assigned or attached as a member of an Infantry, Stryker, Ranger or Special Forces unit of brigade, regiment, or smaller size or an advisor in an equivalent coalition unit, during any period such unit was engaged in active ground combat, to close with and destroy the enemy with direct fires
A Soldier must be personally present and under fire while serving in an assigned Infantry or Special Forces primary duty
SHOW SLIDE 23: COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE
AR , Para 8-6

18. Combat Medical Badge
Medical personnel assigned, attached or under operational control of any ground Combat Arms units
The CMB was created as a “companion” badge to the CIB with criteria for its award intended to parallel that of the CIB.
Personally present and under fire 
SHOW SLIDES 24: COMBAT MEDICAL BADGE
Note: Soldiers possessing a MOS of 18D are no longer eligible for award of the CMB refer 8-6B(5) (C) and (d).
Note: The CMB was designed to provide recognition to the field medic who accompanies the infantryman into ballet and shares experiences unique to the infantry in combat.
AR , Para 8-7

19. Combat Action Badge May be awarded to any Soldier
Soldier must be performing assigned
duties in an area where hostile fire
pay or imminent danger pay is
authorized
Soldier must be personally present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy, and performing satisfactorily in accordance with the prescribed rules of engagement
Soldier must be assigned/attached to a unit that would qualify the Soldier for the CIB/CMB
May be awarded to members from the other U.S. Armed Forces and foreign Soldiers assigned to a U.S. Army unit, provided they meet the criteria
SHOW SLIDE 25: COMBAT ACTION BADGE
AR , Para 8-8

20. Tabs
SHOW SLIDE 26: TABS
j. There are four tabs authorized to identify skill:
(1) Ranger
(2) Special Forces
(3) President’s 100 (top 100 marksmen in nation as determined during the annual President’s Match)(8-51)
(4) Sapper (Approved 28 June 2004 for award and wear by engineer Soldiers who complete the Sapper Leader Course; retroactive for all graduates of the SLC since 14 June 1985.)
AR , Para 8-48 thru 8-53

21. Certificates
Certificates are presented with each award of a military decoration
Certificates of Achievement are issued according to local commander policy and provide recognition for acts and achievements that do not merit a military decoration
SHOW SLIDE 27: CERTIFICATES
k. Certificates for individual decorations - a certificate will be presented with each award of an authorized military decoration. All military decorations will be awarded with the standard DA certificate for the awarded decoration. Award certificates will be issued without reference to numbered OLCs.(10-3a)
Certificates of Achievement – used by commanders to recognize periods of service, acts or achievements that do not warrant receipt of a decoration. These certificates can be either on a DA Form 2442 (Certificate of Achievement) or one of local design.
For various types of Certificates see AR , Chapter 10, Section II Miscellaneous Certificates
AR , Chapter 10

22. Foreign Awards Foreign Badges - Must be qualification & skill badges
- Must be awarded for military activities only
- Individual must meet host country criteria
Foreign Decorations
German Armed Forces Proficiency Badges
Foreign Parachute Badges
SHOW SLIDE 28: FOREIGN AWARDS
NOTE: Refer students to MILPER Messages and Discuss the new guidance in comparison to Chapter 2 for campaign medals and Chapter 9 for general provisions.
l. Foreign awards are decorations which have been tendered in recognition of active field service in connection with combat operations or which have been awarded for outstanding or unusually meritorious performance and may be accepted and worn with the approval of HRC.
NOTE: Refer students to Chap 9 and discuss some of the various foreign decorations and awards. Briefly discuss the awards being presented in the contemporary operating environment. The Former Republic of Yugoslavia Medal is the most recent foreign award provided to US service members.
Iraq Campaign
Medal
Afghanistan Campaign
Received for operations and campaign phases
AR , Chapter 2 and 9, MILPER Messages ,

23. Joint Awards Campaign Medals Individual Decorations
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Campaign Medals
AFSM
AFEM
Individual Decorations
DDSM
DSSM
DMSM
JSCM
JSAM
HSM
SHOW SLIDE 29: JOINT AWARDS
NOTE: DOD M, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards provides specific instruction regarding requesting and processing military decorations and awards.
m. Campaign Medals:
AFSM – Armed Forces Service Medal
AFEM- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
n. Individual Decorations:
DDSM - Defense Distinguished Service Medal
DSSM – Defense Superior Service Medal
DMSM –Defense Meritorious Service Medal
JSCM – Joint Service Commendation Medal
JSAM- Joint Service Achievement Medal
HSM – Humanitarian Service Medal
DOD M

24. Check on Learning Q. Which is NOT a campaign medal? a. DDSM b. AFEM
c. ARCOM
d. DSSM
Q. When can a Soldier be awarded an Army Good Conduct Medal with less than 3
years of service?
a. For individuals who died before completing one year (ONLY)
b. It cannot be awarded unless the Soldier serves three years (ONLY)
c. For first award, upon termination of service on or after 27 Jun 50 (ONLY)
d. Both a and c
Q. Which of the following is NOT considered a badge?
a. Ranger
b. Identification
c. Marksmanship
d. Combat and Special Skills  
SHOW SLIDE 30: CHECK ON LEARNING

25. Awards Submission Approval authorities DA Form 638 Peacetime Wartime
Used to process award recommendations
Becomes permanent order upon approval
Typed or handwritten in black ink
Filed in OMPF/MPRJ
SHOW SLIDE 33: AWARDS SUBMISSION
Learning Step / Activity 5. Process Recommendations For Awards
Method of Instruction: Conference / Discussion
Instructor to Student Ratio: 1:36
Time of Instruction: 60 mins
Media: Large Group Instruction
AR Table 3-5 & Para 3-20

26. DA Form 638 DA Form 638 SHOW SLIDE 34: DA FORM 638
NOTE: Have students retrieve an example of the DA Form 638.

27. PART I – SOLDIER DATA SHOW SLIDE 35: DA FORM 638 – PART I
Table 3-5: Steps for preparing and processing awards using the DA Form 638
Block 8: List all previous individual decorations to include oak leaf clusters or numerals in block 8
(for examples, AAM-2OLC). If no award, state “NO AWDS.” The user will click on the
PREVIOUS AWARDS button to complete.
Block 9: recommendations for award to member of other U.S. Armed Forces and
foreign military personnel. For members of the other U.S. Armed Forces, enter the Service
(for example, U.S. Air Force). For foreign military personnel enter the country (for example,
Federal Republic of Germany).
Block 10: Enter recommended award, to include oak leaf cluster or number of award
Block 12: Specify if the award is for valor, heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious
service. If interim award was made, state award given

28. Part II - RECOMMENDER DATA & PART III - JUSTIFICATION
SHOW SLIDE 36: DA FORM 638 – PART II
Table 3-5: Steps for preparing and processing awards using the DA Form 638
Block 20: Achievements
MSM, ARCOM, and AAM
-use bullet statements to list the individual’s
meritorious achievements or service. This block allows for up to 4 separate
achievements to be listed. A maximum of 4 lines may be completed.
LM and above
-narrative or bullet justification (not to exceed one page) is required and
will be added as an addendum (enclosure) to the DA Form 638. See paragraph 3-19 for
specific requirements for heroism and valor awards.
Block 21: Proposed citation
-MSM, ARCOM, & AAM are limited to six lines and will be restricted
to the space allowed on the DA Form 638
-All other awards above MSM are limited to nine lines
NOTE: For historical purposes, both the DA Form 638 indicating disapproval/downgrading and the certificate for the approved award should be forwarded for filing the OMPF. (3-19, (7w)

29. Part IV – RECOMMENDATIONS
SHOW SLIDE 37: DA FORM 638 – PART IV
Table 3-5: Steps for preparing and processing awards using the DA Form 638
Block 22: Check to see if Soldier is flagged. If flagged, check AR for award eligibility. If eligible, certify by signature in block 22 and return to Cdr/Supv. If ineligible, return the DA Form 638 through Cdr/Supv to recommender.
Block 23: Lowest level commander complete and check either approve, disapprove, upgrade or downgrade
the award recommendation. One block must be checked. If recommending downgrade/
upgrade, ensure to indicate which award next to the appropriate block. Take
final action and complete block 26 if authorized to do so or forward to next higher commander,
supervisor, or headquarters
Block 24-25: Follow same process for block 23 depending on level of approval authority.

30. Part IV – RECOMMENDATIONS (Cont.) &
PART V – ORDERS DATA
SHOW SLIDE 38: DA FORM 638 – PART IV
Table 3-5: Steps for preparing and processing awards using the DA Form 638
Block 26: Completed by final approval authority, approve/disapprove/downgrade to lesser award or upgrade.
Forward the DA Form 638 to orders issuing authority (PAC) for completion of Part V-Orders data.
Block 31: Soldier (1) OMPF (1) Unit (1) Files (1)

31. Approval Authorities Determine lowest level approval authority
Based on normal chain of command
HQDA
MACOM
CORPS
DIV
BDE BN CO
CSA
GEN
LTG MG
SLIDE SHOW: APPROVAL AUTHORITIES
NOTE: Refer students to Table 3-2.
a. Table 3-2 lists the lowest level award approval authority in peacetime. Notice that the MSM and AAM are only peacetime awards.
b. As a general rule, the Chief of Staff, U.S. Army approves the Distinguished Service Medal and all lesser decorations. If Table 3-2 does not specifically mention the award, then the Chief of Staff, HQDA is the approving authority.
c. Wartime delegation must first be requested from a theater commander and then approved by Department of the Army. In Operation Desert Storm, this request was forwarded by U.S. Army Central Command (CENTCOM) and approved by DA.
NOTE: Refer students to Table 3-4 Delegation of award approval authority-wartime criteria.
EXPLAIN TO STUDENTS: Being able to understand this chart will help you during the FTX/SIM Center.
NOTE: As the award recommendation on the slide appears, allow the students time to research the lowest approval authorities before showing the correct answer.
NOTE: Clarify any misunderstandings for the approval authorities for various awards.
COL
BG – Note change with
DA message
LTC
CPT
AR Table 3-2 & 3-5

32. Check on Learning
Q. Who is the approval authority for a colonel recommended for a LOM for PCS?
a. General
b. Lieutenant General
c. Major General
d. Brigadier General
Q. Who is the approval authority for a SGM recommended for a LOM for retirement?
a. General
b. Lieutenant General
c. Major General
d. Brigadier General
Q. Who is the lowest approving authority for SPC recommended for a AAM for
achievement?
a. Company Commander
b. Battalion Commander
c. Brigade Commander
d. Brigadier General  
SHOW SLIDE: CHECK ON LEARNING

33. SHOW SLIDE: Demonstrate the interactive Personnel Records Management System (iPERMS)
Learning Step / Activity 6. Demonstrate iPERMS
Method of Instruction: Conference / Discussion
Instructor to Student Ratio: 1:36
Time of Instruction: 30 min
Media: Large Group Instruction
MOTIVATION: The interactive Personnel Electronic Record Management System (iPERMS) is the records holding area for key documents related to HR. This system will become even more important as the Army transitions to IPPS-A and the number of documents we collect and retain increases.

34. Accessing iPERMS (Scenario)
SHOW SLIDE: iPERMS Login
Note to Instructor: Inform students that they will access the iPERMS Training Database to complete this portion of the lesson.
Access iPERMS at “URL: Click “I Accept”, then click “Certificate Login.” The system will connect to AKO for certificate verification. Click “OK” at your AKO user name and enter your “AKO Password.” “Accept” the terms for accessing the system and Click “Log in as Yourself.”
Click on “Authorized Official” and go to “Lookup Soldier by SSN” Type in the applicable Soldier SSN as indicated in the scenario to retrieve the requested data.

35. Scenario
Situation: Working within the Battalion S-1 for the 1-4 IN (WK8701) (Mech), 4th Infantry Division, you are required to provide Human Resource support to subordinate units. SFC Ritz, Crystal comes in your office upset because her record for the Master Sergeant Promotion Board is missing several award documents. She needs your assistance in verifying her Good Conduct Medals.
Use iPERMS to determine whether her Good Conduct Medals are stored in iPERMS.
SFC Ritz, Crystal, 9CL(87)-12-84SN(01)
SHOW SLIDE: (SCENARIO)
NOTE: Have the student Login into iPERMS, review awards for SFC Ritz, Crystal,9CL(87)-12-84SN(01)
USA GOOD CONDUCT MDL
USA GOOD CONDUCT MDL
USA GOOD CONDUCT MDL
USA GOOD CONDUCT MDL

36. Questions
SHOW SLIDES: QUESTIONS

37. Additional References
HRC Military Awards Branch Website:
HRC Military Awards Branch Message Reference Index:
DODI Manual of Military Awards and Decorations
Human Resources Individual Readiness Policy:  Army Uniform Policy
AR 670-1
S-1Net
SHOW SLIDE: ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

38. Terminal Learning Objective
ACTION:
Administer Awards and Decorations Program
CONDITIONS:
In a classroom environment, given AR (Military Awards), DODI Manual of Military Awards and Decorations, access to DA Awards Branch homepage, completed DA Forms 638 (Award Recommendations), students handouts (consisting of various HRC messages and letters pertaining to awards), and an extract of enlisted records brief (ERB), and awareness of Operational Environment (OE), variables, and actors.
STANDARDS:
The student will have met the standards when they have reviewed a completed award recommendations (DA Form 638) for accuracy and completeness and have accurately identified the processing requirements and procedures for award recommendations listed:
1. Identify the Goals & Objectives of Awards Program
2. Identify Award Policies
3. Determine Order of Precedence of military awards
4. Identify the types of Individual Awards
5. Process recommendations for Awards
6. Demonstrate iPERMS
SHOW SLIDE: RESTATE TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Learning Step / Activity 7. Test
Method of Instruction: Test
Instructor to Student Ratio: 1:36
Time of Instruction: 30 Mins
Media: Individualized, self-paced Instruction 
Learning Step / Activity 8. Test review
Method of Instruction: Test Review
Time of Instruction: 30 mins
Media: Large Group Instruction
SECTION IV. SUMMARY
Method of Instruction: Conference / Discussion
Time of Instruction: 5 mins
Check on Learning
Determine if the students have learned the material presented by:
1. Soliciting student questions and explanations.
2. Asking questions and getting answers from the students (Include questions and answers).
3. Providing immediate feedback in context to the material presented and correcting student misunderstandings.   
Review / Summarize Lesson
NOTE: Emphasize what the TLO was for this block of instruction.
FEEDBACK REQUIREMENTS: Feedback is essential to effective learning. Schedule and provide feedback on the evaluation and any information to help answer students’ questions about the test. Provide remedial training as needed.