M
Master Blaster
Guest
Having served on both sides of the Canadian/US border and racked up a serious selection of gongs, dongs, bells and whistles, I find it somewhat disappointing to hear the fragging about what should or should not constitute a medal of ‘Worth‘.
Most americans that I served with, while still proud of the ribbons they wear, see the ribbons on their fellow soldiers as more of an instant resume than an indication of valour or bravery. A solid 3 or 4 ribbon rack on a S/Sgt with the appropriate campaign and qualification ribbons will indicate to anyone else that served during the same time period a commonality to share and discuss. When looking over the ribbons of a senior staff officer that has driven a desk and/or keyboard most of their military career it‘s quite easy to determine whose the soldier and who isn‘t.
Canadians and for that matter most of the soldiers of the Commonwealth have for the most part restricted medal giving to those who have served in ‘campaigns‘ as a matter of recognition. It‘s the way the canadian military has chosen to recognise their soldiers. I respectfully suggest that we start to change some of that by recognizing skills as well as campaigns by having more gongs and dongs (keep it clean!). It may seem like it minimizes the entire concept but I would argue that in a time when we are desparate to retain soldiers, we look at new ways to acknowledge the trained skills of our soldiers.
Positive reinforcement will go a lot longer if you can show your peers that your skills are recognised by your superiors.
Just an opinion of an Old Soldier
Dileas Gu Brath
Most americans that I served with, while still proud of the ribbons they wear, see the ribbons on their fellow soldiers as more of an instant resume than an indication of valour or bravery. A solid 3 or 4 ribbon rack on a S/Sgt with the appropriate campaign and qualification ribbons will indicate to anyone else that served during the same time period a commonality to share and discuss. When looking over the ribbons of a senior staff officer that has driven a desk and/or keyboard most of their military career it‘s quite easy to determine whose the soldier and who isn‘t.
Canadians and for that matter most of the soldiers of the Commonwealth have for the most part restricted medal giving to those who have served in ‘campaigns‘ as a matter of recognition. It‘s the way the canadian military has chosen to recognise their soldiers. I respectfully suggest that we start to change some of that by recognizing skills as well as campaigns by having more gongs and dongs (keep it clean!). It may seem like it minimizes the entire concept but I would argue that in a time when we are desparate to retain soldiers, we look at new ways to acknowledge the trained skills of our soldiers.
Positive reinforcement will go a lot longer if you can show your peers that your skills are recognised by your superiors.
Just an opinion of an Old Soldier
Dileas Gu Brath