William (Jason) Patrick’s Post

View profile for William (Jason) Patrick, graphic

Dad | Problem Solver | Leader | Director of Strategy and Plans | Director of Operations | Active TS/SCI

Reposting to see who in my network has a good POC for each individual Service that awarded combat awards 2001-2021ish. Access to this information for research purposes could create a more equitable awards process across the services and level the playing field on who is the target audience for awards. Great example is the Cpl a few weeks back that was awarded an MSM, who as a LCpl, saved the DoD $140 million dollars through dedication, analysis, and innovation. An Example of Two Paradigms or Problems: (1) Every officer gets a Bronze Star because they were in a combat zone. (2) No one rates a CAR, Bronze Star w/V, and definitely not higher unless they are a leader. The standard is unreachable because this is not WWII. Please direct POCs for access to combat awards in the Army, Navy, and Air Force to Owen West. The services and DoD ought to conduct a strategic engagement with Mr. West and define what everyone who served in combat over the last two decades already knows. ***the Awards System is Broken.

View profile for Owen West, graphic

Marine | frmr Asst Sec of Defense | Goldman Sachs Energy Trading Partner (ret.) | Writer-Investor | 2nd in Command West House (no chance of promotion) | Will help any servicemember

Assist needed: Military Awards Branches. Twenty years ago I wrote a Slate article on the bias inherent in our combat awards system, focused on the Bronze Star. The medal was disproportionately issued to a) officers; and b) units with low casualty rates. I'm updating the article. Most awards branches have removed their public data. I'm seeking POCs who can provide statistics. I focused on the Bronze Star because it has drifted farthest from intent, and additionally had the most egregious mismatch between risk and reward. Senior officers and SNCOs prefer the Bronze Star to the Meritorious Service Medal because of popular prestige. Civilians are unaware of the implications between tiny acronyms rarely used in popular media (BS v BV). This inside game should be abolished. GEN Marshall's original intent was to single out "the ground troops, infantry in particular, lead miserable lives of extreme discomfort and are the ones who must close in personal combat with the enemy … particularly the infantry riflemen who are now suffering the heaviest losses … and enduring the greatest hardships.” https://lnkd.in/gYXWJ6UD Thanks for the assist.

The military's unfair awards system.

The military's unfair awards system.

slate.com

Meriwether Ball MSc, MA

President/CEO @ Corps Stories, Inc. | Editorial Visionary

4mo

It's always surprising to me those who do not distinguish between meritorious awards and valor awards. The greatest military historian alive today is probably Marine Col. Jon Hoffman, and he can direct you anywhere you need to go. You likely know him, but if you don't, tell him I sent you 😊

Meriwether Ball MSc, MA

President/CEO @ Corps Stories, Inc. | Editorial Visionary

4mo

And don't get me started on misplaced combat awards. PERALTA.

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