I want to start by acknowledging that you have consistently met the basic requirements of your role. You've completed your tasks and fulfilled your duties in a satisfactory manner, and I appreciate your reliability in this regard. However, when reviewing the criteria for the award, it became clear that it is intended to recognize not just satisfactory performance, but those who go above and beyond in their contributions to the unit. The decision on your PCS award reflects the fact that, while you have done your job, your impact on the company has been limited to meeting expectations, rather than exceeding them. This Counseling is meant to help you understand what is expected if you aim to receive higher recognition in the future. Look for opportunities to take initiative and make contributions to the unit's success in ways that go beyond your standard duties. Also, bringing forward solutions to challenges or improving processes can significantly impact the unit's effectiveness. While the decision on your PCS award may be disappointing, I hope it motivates you to push beyond the minimum standards. Consistent effort in going the extra mile is what leads to greater recognition and success.
Although many Soldiers receive awards when they PCS, not all do. Only those Soldiers who meet or exceed established standards of service are eligible for and receive awards. In this unit, the minimum length of service requirement for an Army Commendation medal for meritorious service is 11 months. Due to your short-notice PCS, you don't meet time-on-station requirements for a Commendation Medal but an Achievement Award may be justified.
As you know, awards are not automatic entitlements awarded at the end of a tour. They must be justified. Because of your actions or lack of action, I was unable to justify an award package.
Because of your documented failure to comply with standards, an ETS award could not be supported.
Although every effort is made to present awards during PCS to keep our Soldiers competitive for promotion, we must also preserve the integrity of the awards program and the significance of awards by establishing a minimum level of performance. During this reporting period, due to your inability to meet weight standards, you did not meet the Commander's requirements for an award.
Awards: Awards are earned, they are not an entitlement. Certain minimum periods of service and levels of performance must be met or exceeded before an award is justified. As an NCO, I am responsible for ensuring the integrity of the award system by requiring adherence with established standards. Although I would like to, based on your documented performance, I am unable to support an awards package before you PCS.
Regulations dictate that personnel flagged for failure to meet standards will be ineligible for promotion and other personnel actions. Because of your documented failure to meet standards, you are not and will not be eligible for an award when you ETS.
