what do you think? should there be enhanced benefits for actual combat vets vs vets thats never been in a combat zone?
however i think infantry/combat arms should get payed more in country do to the living conditions and the day to day risk that come with the job.\
so thats a yes?
The reason I say "event related" is because many members are getting Bronze Stars as "end of tour" awards. (which IMO is bullshit but I digress) If you get a Bronze Star or other significant award for a specific battle or a specific series of events (like a patrol or convoy that lasts for several days- NOT a whole tour)then I'd say you should be eligible for more education money or perhaps something more for housing or something like that.
There is a difference between a Bronze Star and a Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing Device authorized. They are different awards with different criteria and a different Awarding Authority.
I was just saying, because I see the two get confused all the time (Junior Officers included). I agree with you on the Meritorious Service Medal being more appropriate most of the time. The award system can be bull shit a lot of times. I have seen some things that haven't made me very happy the past few years. This is why I think it would probably end up being bull shit to figure out who rated exra benefits and what not. I do my best to take care of my Marines when it comes to awards, fitreps, etc. That they are always fair and appropriate for how they have performed. "Even the poor enlisted foaves."Yes I understand that- even us poor enlisted foaves get complicated things like that. Being in a active theater and being in Combat are 2 different things. If you serve honorably in an active theater and your conduct merits above a Navy Commendation you should get a Meritorious Service Medal- NOT a Bronze Star. But hey- I'm just an enlisted guy. Not trying to diss your "Bronze Star" if you got one. SIR:nonono:
only in country and under certain condition's
I completly dont agree with only doing it for combat/infantry MOS's. I'm neither however I'm on a TAC team team (PSD in a way), I work with a shit ton of combat MOS's and do the same thing with them everyday. Plenty of other MOS's are in the same platoons as Infantry soldiers, mechanics, medics, supply, Fisters, (not really combat anymore, more of a support element it seems), why should an number and a letter make any difference when someones out there doing the same exact job?
I don't know man... One thing I do know is when I was pounding ground outside the wire everyday for 10months the only non infantry with me was our platoon medic some of the time. lol, come to think of it we were our own mechanics , lol and supply guys never left the wire to do foot patrols. They did some vehicle runs and such but were with heavy support. I did get to see some of the big military (disney land) places once or twice during my tour though. I couldn't believe how most of our forces lived over there compared to my suck...... lol
What about EOD? The job is just as dangerous and isn't a combat role.
this is exactly why the army started awarding the combat action badge.
What about EOD? The job is just as dangerous and isn't a combat role.