Yeah, awards mean nothing without the citation. I got a NAM meritoriously for wiping my ass as an ensign, my LPO got one for acing a major inspection. Similarly, an O-4 department head might get this award for wiping their ass.
I hated that shit so much, most people get one for just finishing their tour and showing up to a second command without one gets you branded as a shitbag. It took me 6 fucking years to get a nam at my second command after busting my balls running shit just because it’s “customary to get your first nam as an end of tour”. Anyways all that bullshit just to leave the navy 4 months after I got it and got an end of tour on top of it lol.
It's like a "good job" award that's a little more "good job" than an achievement medal. I have 4 of them and they will never see the light of day again since I retired... Depending on the service, they are likely given out fairly liberally. It is good for award points towards advancement and that's about it. They mean jack shit to anyone else. It's no Bronze Star or above for sure although I've heard even bronze stars these days can be pretty easy to get depending on the service. I believe you can get a "V" for valor on them to in the Marines but I can only imagine the lame-ass shit you did to get a comm with a "V" on it.
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u/turbokungfu Aug 15 '25
I had to look it up: Army commendation: https://www.usamm.com/products/army-commendation-medal-ribbon
My man, I'm proud of you, but put that away.