

Other awards are based on accomplishments, such as receiving an Army Achievement Medal for attaining the highest physical fitness score in the platoon, or - like the National Defense Service Medal commends - simply enlisting in the first place. These awards depending on service branch, showcase a SM’s military occupational specialty, unit, marksmanship skills, military schools attended, geographical location history, years of service, months in combat, or whether or not the SM has been wounded. While there are specific differences between the categories, I will refer to them all as “awards” for the sake of simplicity, unless otherwise stated.Ī service member (SM) displays his or her awards on the military dress uniform, exhibiting achievements in a precisely arranged order, acting as a worn résumé. Best Defense Council of the Former Enlistedĭecorations, badges, and medals are the distinct manner in which military societies recognize a service member’s accomplishments.
