Posted on 02/18/2006 4:37:50 PM PST by SandRat
2/17/2006 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The Air Force Uniform Board announced Feb. 6 that the Good Conduct Medal will no longer be awarded.
The Air Force director of Airman development and sustainment recently explained the reasons behind this decision.
"The quality of our enlisted personnel today is so high, we expect good conduct from our Airmen," said Brig. Gen Robert R. Allardice. "It begged the question, ‘Why do we have a Good Conduct Medal?’"
"Having a medal for good conduct is almost to say we don't expect Airmen to do well, but if they're good we will give them a medal,” he said. “It's kind of insulting in our Air Force today."
One must look at the history of why the medal was created in the 1960s. The military was using the draft and involved in the Vietnam War. The Air Force didn't have any other method to recognize Airmen. Today, the Air Force Achievement Medal recognizes outstanding Airmanship.
“When we looked at that history it was clear that the Good Conduct Medal has outlived its usefulness," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray. "Today’s all-volunteer force is committed to serving honorably, and good conduct is what we expect from every Airman -- officer and enlisted.”
“We live by our core values,” Chief Murray said. “When members of our service stray from those values, they do themselves and all Airmen a disservice. When that happens, commanders have the tools they need to evaluate the situation and the individual's worthiness for continued service.
"If a commander deems their conduct does not warrant discharge, then they remain a valuable Airman to our Air Force, and we expect them to continue to serve honorably,” he said.
General Allardice said that it is the uniform, not the Good Conduct Medal, that represents what Airmen are all about.
“In today’s Air Force, our Airmen understand that the uniform they wear represents good conduct,” he said.
Airmen who have previously earned the Good Conduct Medal are still authorized to wear it.
Articles from The Onion are not permitted at FR.
Unfortunately it's from an official AF url.
The Achievement medal and the MSM is no usually given out for merit or leadership but for ending a tour without screwing up or winning a Sq Commander's popularity contest.
I've seen both given to people who did nothing but show up for work every day. As for the Good Conduct Medal change the standards on it or get rid of it. Hell some of the Achievement Medals I've seen given out where just for good conduct.
To make room for all the new and exciting Air Force ribbons.
/S
The Achievement medal and the MSM are not usually awarded for merit or leadership but for ending a tour without screwing up or winning a Sq Commander's popularity contest.
I've seen both given to people who did nothing but show up for work every day. As for the Good Conduct Medal, change the standards or get rid of it. Hell, some of the Achievement Medals I've seen given out where just for good conduct.
Now those are some ribbons I can get behind. LOL Quite funny.
I alread read this in the "Air Force Times". It's true. (along with many other changes)
The one I liked the least was not being able to wear tabs from other branches, such as a Ranger Tab, on the Air Force BDUs.
Those are up on the wall of my office area. LOL!
(along with the ranger hand signals) hehe
This actually makes a little sense. Thats whay I find it hard to believe that anyone in a position of authority came up with it.
Once again the Air Force gives all of the other services a reason to bust their b@lls.
The Air Force has adopted a new mandatory P.T. program a few years ago. It not the same old Air Force anymore. You now have to be able to run a timed mile and half, push-up and sit-ups. You have to pass. I wished they started 15 years ago but oh, well.
I did manage to work my way back from Back Surgrey and pass it. I am still proud of that. I still run because I don't have too but it makes me feel good.
Big time!
I agree with the decision. I have 7 Air Force Good Conduct awards. The only thing I had to do was stay out of trouble.
Hmmmm.... Maybe that WAS an achievement.
Yep considering they recently busted up a drug ring being run by AF personnel out of D-M. CMs still underway for those that didn't allocute to cut a deal on reduced time in Leavenworth.
NEA anyone? "just don't murder, rape or cause discomfort to ANYONE, and you pass.......understood?"
What a pant load.
FMCDH(BITS)
I consider its significance equal to the NDSM issued after you pull fireguard at least once in Basic Training.
Truthfully, there are millions of GCM's on the chests of duds and chronic screw-ups......it IS meaningless.
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