Air Force officials clarify Bronze Star approval process

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Air Force officials clarify Bronze Star approval process

Posted 4/24/2012

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by Amaani Lyle
Defense Media Activity

4/24/2012 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Recent heightened interest in the Bronze Star Medal has led Air Force Central Command and Air Force Personnel Center leaders to further explain the criteria and approval process for its recipients.

Col. Scott Arcuri, AFCENT director of manpower, personnel and services, said candidates can expect a consistent and rigorous review process for BSM, Meritorious Service Medal or higher award packages submitted from any service through the organizations' channels.

Executive Order 11046 authorizes the secretary of the military department to grant the award for either heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving aerial flight, in connection with operations against any opposing armed force, or while serving with friendly forces engaged in an armed conflict.

While the BSM criteria do not necessarily prescribe direct combat engagement with opposing forces, the "V" for valor device distinguishes individuals who have been in engaged in conflict to a lesser degree than what might qualify them for a Silver Star.

"In processing high-level decorations, our primary focus at AFCENT is to determine the degree to which the individual's accomplishments can be tied directly to ground combat operations for the unit in which they served," Arcuri explained. "We're committed to a consistent, deliberative process that recognizes deserving individuals and reflects that consistency long-term across the Air Force."

Under the direction of AFCENT Commander Lt. Gen. David Goldfein, a bi-monthly board of independent military members comprised of senior officer and enlisted leaders, and a non-voting board president assesses each AFCENT candidates' decoration packages, Arcuri explained.

The board assembles at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., and does not use quotas in its determinations, but the approval rate is typically between 50-60 percent, Arcuri noted, adding that nominators can even resubmit a downgraded or disapproved package within a year to include supporting information.

"This intensive process is so important that General Goldfein or his deputy commander personally addresses each board to ensure that only the worthiest individuals receive this recognition," Arcuri said. "We bring in currently deployed wing, group and vice commanders and command chief master sergeants from across the CENTCOM (area of responsibility) to carefully consider the merits of the individual."

Board members receive clear and direct guidance to make decisions that represent the greater interest of the Air Force without regard to their particular wing or career field, Arcuri added.

As Airmen continue to support and embed with other branches and units in contingency operations, BSMs awarded from other services have become more frequent, Arcuri said.

The criteria, though generic, can be applied specifically to the mission and determination of each service's chain of command, Arcuri explained, noting the Air Force's shift to an administrative concur/non-concur role when another branch awards the decoration to an Airman.

"It is within the prerogative of any branch to award a BSM, and typically we have no reason to question that determination," Arcuri said, adding that even in rare cases of Air Force non-concurrence, the granting service can override the recommendation.

Arcuri also acknowledged that decorations can critically impact accrued points under the Weighted Airman Promotion System, leaving some service members to question whether BSM recipients might have an unfair advantage over MSM recipients.

AFPC officials have confirmed the BSM to be on par with the MSM from a promotion point system perspective.

"The Air Force can award either the BSM or the MSM in theater, while the Army typically awards the BSM - but each is worth five points in the promotion system," said Will Brown, Air Force Evaluations and Recognitions Branch chief at AFPC.

A finance Airman returning from an embedded tour with the Army is among 13,354 others who, since 9/11, have received the decoration, including 839 recipients recognized with valor for combat heroism, Brown added.

"The number of BSM recipients in no way diminishes the accomplishments of those individuals who have earned it; rather, allows commanders to recognize meritorious or heroic service which may have occurred in various capacities or missions within a particular unit or service," Brown said.

Still, Arcuri maintains that AFCENT and other approving officials are less interested in comparing award criteria or approval statistics to other services, so much as maintaining the integrity of the decoration process and its original intent.

During World War II, the BSM evolved from the "Ground Medal" developed by a U.S. Army colonel to raise morale and distinguish the actions of ground troops from those in aerial combat. On Feb. 4, 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized the Bronze Star Medal by Executive Order 9419, retroactive to Dec. 7, 1941.

"We want to ensure we apply the same criteria throughout the decades to recognize the achievements of our people in combat environments," Arcuri said. "We've got a tremendous force of modern Airmen doing incredible work across the AOR and we encourage commanders to laud the exceptional service of these Airmen through multiple channels."

Comments

5/14/2012 7:25:26 PM ET
Watered down the standard. My gramma always said it's far better to not receive an award you deserve than to get one that you didn't. Have fun in 30 years explaining what they did to earn the same decoration as George Vujnovich. Google it if you have to.

Jerry, Sin City

5/12/2012 10:31:49 PM ET
This is all ridiculous. Most Air Force ribbon racks are cartoonish at best. There are very few combat AFSCs in the AF that actually earn their medals. They know who they are. Those of us who are Flight Line maintainers work 12 hour days in 120' heat on antique fighter aircraft with little more than a pat on the back. We have plenty to complain about but awards and decs are not on the list. We may use the word nonner frequently and have disdain for those who don't have to slave day in and day out to support aggressive fly schedules but we don't whine about decorations. Probably because most fighter maintainers never wear their blues and actually hate too. With all that said a Services guy from my unit has a Brown Star and the story goes I'll write you an MSM if you write me a BSM. I wouldn't be surprised to learn this isn't the case more often with non-combat AFSCs. Bottom line quit your whining and do your job.

RJ, AFCENT AOR

5/11/2012 12:11:48 PM ET
It doesn't do any good to try and justify the process when people who are dying or being injured are being awarded the same medal as someone who has the same job at their deployed location as they do at their home station. To earn a medal you should have to do something above and beyond your normal day to day job. BL this isn't your kids sports team you don't get an award for participation.

DL, FL

5/10/2012 1:25:37 PM ET
So what about rated members - fighter pilot ISR etc - getting Air Medals for combat when we've claimed air superiority for nearly a decade Are they really combat hours If the argument is They support the warfighter then these finance troops do the same differently. Low slow flyers with threats are excluded.

Near My 20, JBER

5/10/2012 5:26:01 AM ET
EoT medal standards have always been applied inconsistently. Unfortunatley this will affect the careers of those awarded the BSM and those competing against them for promotion. Right or wrong the individual with a BSM will always garner a higher board score when competing for E-8 and E-9.

KT, LNK

5/10/2012 3:23:41 AM ET
The sad part of it all is beening denied what you have earned because of your rank. I am one MSM short becuae of this rule. Same job same work

Mike, texas

5/9/2012 2:25:48 PM ET
I will start with saying I did disagree with the reasonings for awarding the BSM to the two finance troops. Now that that is said, how would you feel after you earned an award and you cannot wear it with pride because of the lack of support from your peers. I never thought the BSM would be an award that brings humility to the one that wears it. It is not the two finance troops' fault. It is the fault of anyone that continues to discuss this situation. That includes the Air Force writing these articles and the individuals posting. Yes that implies to myself as well. I am hoping that people will wise up and stop leaving comments. Let the earned or just paperwork achieved accomplishments of these individuals be a proud matter

Aircrew, AR

5/9/2012 11:25:15 AM ET
Perhaps these two finance troops deserved thier decorations. The simple truth is some of us have worked just as hard or even harder and have been told you dont meet rank requirements for a BSM. During my last deployment I ran 200 patrols and convoys outside the wire. Additionally I led a multi-unit sweep to capture to escaped bomb-makers and eventually caugh them. I responded to multiple indirect fire attacks. At the end of the day I left with an ARCON because TSgts dont get BSMs. Thats whats frustrating.

Career SF, MAFB

5/9/2012 10:00:57 AM ET
You know I hear about this problem all the time. I am a Bronze Star recipent two in fact with one for Valor. So I have been there and done that for the Army so to speak. The problem is becasue of senior leadership wanting all the glory for sitting there calling the shots and the real go getters out there kicking the door in these people of rank generally E-7 and above want these medals just for showing up. In my opiion this not only is a discrace to the men and woman that hava actually earned these medals or deserve them but it is a slap in the face to the men who fought for this country in Desert Strom Vietnam Korenan War WWII WWI and Panama. Senior leadership really need to think about what this medal means. Just my two cents from a two time Purple Heart Recipent from Afghanistan.

SFC Montez, San Antonio

5/8/2012 9:10:06 AM ET
I served in Afghanistan in the Kunar and Nuristan Province with the Army National Guard. The way that the BSM is abused disgust me. Our command E-7 and above all received a BSM most of them never left the FOB or even saw any kind of combat. Unless the BSM has a V devises you were just a Fobbit that has no merit. It is disgusting how so many Fobbits want to build their battle rack and how many defend getting theirs or someone who did. You are demeaning the value of the medal period. You should get no medal for doing your job especially a BSM that is why they have Commendation medal and Achievement Medals. All that does is lower the value of the medal for the people that earned them.

SSG Ratliff, IND

5/1/2012 7:55:35 PM ET
As with any time, the AF gets egg on its face instead of fixing the problem - we are once again acting as if there never was a problem. see F-22. Best quote from the article our primary focus at AFCENT is to determine the degree to which the individeal's accomplishments can be tied directly to ground combat operations. Tell me again how that applies to finance. If the SF guys guarding the base disappeared that's really bad. If the finance office disappeared everyone would come back later-like we do every time we go there and it's closed. I'm with the guy who said bypass AF leadership and go to your congressman.

Fighter Pilot, in disbelief

5/1/2012 5:55:38 PM ET
Continuing my comment that was cut off - Finance jobs are not always inside the wire. Sometimes we have to carry large sums of cash to make on-the-spot payments to vendors. Electronic commerce and the full faith and credit of the US Gov't doesn't mean squat in some places. I have had to do this job in civilian clothes trying to blend in to the community - as much as a Westerner can - without the benefit of armed escort or body armor. And no there was no BSM because you had to be an E8 or higher to be eligible. I'm just saying have you walked in our shoes.

MSgt, USA

5/1/2012 3:30:12 PM ET
Reading these posts makes me believe now more than ever that this is not about two Finance troops receiving awards. There is a deeper selfish issue lurking here people's desire to be recognized and lack of humility to show support for their peers. Think about this...these two troops could have been trailblazers for those of lower rank to receive such medals. Why would you question the integrity of the their leadership, who I believe got it right and issued the awards based on their performance...not their rank. This is something we have been fighting for years. What do you know of what they did for that unit? Too many naysayers have potentially ruined the chances of other deserving lower ranking individuals from ever receiving this medal because you forced our AF leadership to defend their decision to support the award of this decoration. Way to go...

For_the_troops, VA

5/1/2012 1:37:06 PM ET
Its a new AF and a new day in age. Wars are not fought the same as they were in WW2 or any other prior to the current. The front line is not the same battles are fought online and on the field. To assume that the criteria for these awards will apply the same now as in yesteryears is absurd. Perhaps we should take a look at the criteria as a whole. In WW2 a desk jockey was more likely to see combat than one now. IDF is the new threat. Much less likely to see a base overrun now. All jobs are important to the mission. Applying medals created so long ago is the real problem. Lets get with the times.

Surfs Up, Beachside

4/30/2012 2:58:50 PM ET
I think a lot of the problem stems from the officers/supervisors of some troops that may deserve a BSM, but are never submitted due to laziness ignorance of the system etc. I hear so often how much someone did while deployed to include outside the wire missions with sister services or engaging in combat operations with the enemy. These people sometimes are awarded with an ArmyAF Achievment Medal while others come back with BSMs for doing what seems like their normal job.

MSgt Keith Kitchin, Little Rock AFB AR

4/30/2012 9:25:07 AM ET
There's some severly flawed thinking here if the BSM is the, and I'm quoting here, "combat zone equivilant of an MSM," then why do we award MSMs in theater? Because they are not the same! Folks, set your standards higher, have integrity to realize the historical and cultural precidence here. Think about the fus we make to award a BSM vs an MSM from theater... stop telling me that people deserve it for taking incoming... make it about atypically meritorious service in theater... incoming, long days, crappy conditions and being away from family are all par for the course and need no special recognition. And while you're at it, call the DMV and tell them there should be MSM license plates because it's the same as a BSM.

JB, VA

4/30/2012 7:52:27 AM ET
I will deploy for 9 more months for the third time in 5 years to RC East on the 4th of July. I will fight in one of the most dangerous atmospheres on the planet. I will kill and try to be killed by a very capable enemy. I will probably not be considered for a BSM for one reason or another. Even if I was put in for a BSM it would probably be from the Army who submitted me for a BSM in my last deployment that got downgraded because I was just a staff. I worked with 2 ODA teams a NSW team 1 CAV unit and an infantry unit. I was one of just 2 JTACS allowed off of the FOB during the elections to work with the State Department by providing them close air support. I have set foot in neighboring countries of Iraq in support of other than conventional forces Iraq wearing black pajamas of the Iraq SWAT knowing that if anything happened it was up to me and the men on my small team to come home alive no QRF no support. I have had the pleasure of providing mission altering and miss

1C4, On the Move

4/29/2012 10:05:38 PM ET
Two words watered down.

Caveman, Bedrock

4/28/2012 1:07:31 PM ET
Many of the upset people commenting here don't seem to understand that a BSM for meritorious service is simply the combat zone equivalent of an MSM. Duties and performance that would be awarded an MSM in Conus are eligible for a BSM in Iraq or Afghanistan. A certain mythology has sprung up around the bronze star that it is only awarded to operators or people risking their lives outside the wire. While those people certainly deserve BSMs if their performance meets the standard there is an entirely separate award for acts of valor -- BSM-V. Full disclosure I'm an AF member with two BSMs. Both of them were given to me by the Army. One was for spending a year with the 82nd in Afghanistan during which I racked up some 140 missions outside the wire came under fire numerous times was awarded an AFCAM etc. The other BSM was for a staff job on a FOB that never saw me leave the wire once. The thing is when I look back at them my contribution to the overall war effort was the same on bot

John, SWA

4/28/2012 8:08:35 AM ET
If you were not outside the wire you do not deserve a BSM.

Caveman, Bedrock

4/28/2012 6:59:24 AM ET
There is a serious long-distance disconnect between the AFCENT Commander Lt. Gen. Goldfein and the ground Airman actually involved in combat. The bi-monthly board of independent military members comprised of senior officer and enlisted leaders have failed.Thus the outrage from the military and civilian community. Still they dont make corrections but publicized an excuse.They have accepted Bronze Star packages that stretch the connection of paper pushers living in camp cup cake with in connection with operations against any opposing armed force or while serving with friendly forces engaged in an armed conflict.Suggestion for ALL if a 3-Star wont fix it WRITE your Congressional representatives.

DK, Kabul

4/28/2012 4:37:21 AM ET
People are complaining over nothing. You should really read the criteria for a bronze star before post things. Instead of trying to bring the individuals down congratulate them. I am sure a lot of people complaining never saw a bronze star in their military career other than on TV. If either of them would have received it with valor then I would see the complaints. For those military personnel complaining blame your deployed supervisors for the medals you received.

P, Somewhere

4/28/2012 2:14:15 AM ET
I was appalled by the recent award of the BSM to an individual who deployed for a 365 day deployment many people have done it where's theirs What did this person do that was so exceptional Not to mention this individual is in finance for crying out loud. What did you process some extra paperwork per day. You should be ashamed of yourself for even accepting this medal. People die to receive this medal or go way above and beyond the call of duty in combat and I stress combat. People who sit in an office all day is NOT combat. I say pull the medal you have done nothing to deserve it. It is demeaning to the ones who have sacrificed much more than just 365 days of your life.

Will, South Carolina

4/28/2012 2:03:49 AM ET
Two individual in Hawaii were just presented their BSM that actually deserved them. I wonder how they feel knowing they were in harms way and actually got less recognition than two people who have probably personally screwed up somebody's pay check at least once....

Jason, Hawaii

4/27/2012 7:26:39 PM ET
The biggest award I received from my deployment was when Army Soldiers contacted me and thanked me for saving their lives from IEDs. That will stay with me forever.

Former 61C, USA

4/27/2012 5:02:43 PM ET
@Ted ... is it really insulting I say again if service members are doing this job for a medal on their chest then it is the wrong reason. WE DO THIS BECAUSE WE WANT TO SERVE. I've swerved from many bullets and I love what I do. Take away the decorations. I don't care. I love my country and don't care who gets what decoration. I serve to protect our great nation and for our freedoms. I don't measure my self or anyone else on the fruit salad on their chest.

On the line, SWA

4/27/2012 4:54:56 PM ET
Some of you posting comments on here make me ashamed to be an Airman. Whatever happened to being team players Whatever happened to being professionals Sniping about someone who was awarded a decoration that you didn't receive is childish and sad.

Capt Jeremy Entwistle, Peterson AFB CO

4/27/2012 4:16:19 PM ET
This is a perceptual issue. The rules may say that it may be awarded much the same as a MSM but that's not how the general public percieves it. How many current and former 'office jocks' who got this award outside of the combat zones plan to use this award for public gain after leaving the service When an average citizen sees someone with the 'Bronze Star' on their license plate or someone introduced at a conference...they think that the individual was in the thick of the fight. Think about it top brass...think about it I knoq it's wrong but I've gotten a bit cynical each time I walk past the leadership bio pics around the force and see the plethora of O-6s and E-9s with BSM on their racks...makes me wonder if they fell into a quota system.

JJ, COLORADO

4/27/2012 3:48:35 PM ET
Here's the deal the Air Force MAY award an MSM to someone who is deployed but they won't. THE BSM is a deployed MSM. The criteria for the BSM is the same as an MSM with one distinct difference it is in connection with operations against the enemy. Since everyone deployed is somehow connected with operations against the enemy the BSM will be awarded. Hence finance PERSCO etc being awarded the BSM. I have not known a single individual awarded an MSM as a result of deployed operations. However I know of many that have been awarded the BSM. That does not mean that there are no Airmen walking around with MSMs who earned them while deployed but I've never met one.

Patrick, Texas

4/27/2012 2:13:50 PM ET
Somebody should take away some of these combat support troops BSMs and replace them with MSMs. Its insulting to those who have been awarded the BSM for the right reasons. After all for some it was their last medal because they were KIA. Combat support is not combat.

Ted, Beale AFB

4/27/2012 2:13:05 PM ET
My first experience with this was in 1973 hearing an NCO warded a BSM for what was at best USAF Commendation materiel. However since it was in Vietnam........ The requires for a BSM should be for valor only. No V device required. And while I definitely agree we are all required to accomplish the mission it was always interesting to me that office staff seemed to acquire decorations quicker than the logmaintenence side.

GT, WPAFB OH

4/27/2012 10:31:24 AM ET
Completing earlier comment...Air Force leaders need to recognize the impact of awarding BSMs for staff work on a FOB when warfighter's who are clearly sacrificing more are not receiving the same recognition. This is not to say that everyone is not doing there part or that staff workers on the FOBs are not sacrificing. All sacrifices however are not equal. 14 hour days on the FOB do not equal 481632 hour missions off the FOB...Sorry. It's extremely insensitive and tactless to diminish an award that is often awarded posthumously by awarding it for staff work. MSMs would be more appropriate and far less contentious.

Army Combat Veteran, Robins AFB GA

4/27/2012 9:44:10 AM ET
I was recently deployed and I got a Bronze Star. The worst thing that happened to me was a paper cut while I was filing documents away. HaHa

Snuffy, Scott AFB

4/27/2012 9:40:05 AM ET
I understand it's not the troop's fault that they receive an award they are recommended for but leaders really need to start thinking of the implications of recommending awards like this in a joint environment. I recommended one of my platoon leaders for a Bronze Star after he and his platoon were attacked in Al Anbar province Iraq. He personally led the counterattack resulting in the confirmed death of one insurgent and the capture of another. He then coordinated a medevac and security for said medevac insuring that two critically wounded Soldiers did not die that day. In response to his award packet the Army response was to downgrade with the justification that he was just doing his job. Obviously I don't agree with the Army assessment and I don't believe the Air Force should use the same justifications but I do think that Air Force leaders need to recognize the impact of awarding BSMs for staff work on a FOB when warfighter's who are clearly sacrificing more are not rec

Army Combat Veteran, Robins AFB

4/27/2012 9:01:47 AM ET
@ Big_Picture...Are you really trying to compare combat to customer service In what universe does handling an irate dependent compare to being shot at and blown up Yes everyone should be acknowledged for their accomplishments. And of course there is going to be division and you opening your mouth just makes it worse. All you have to complain about is using the wrong cover on your TPS reports and maybe getting asked to rewrite it. There are Warriors who are fighting to stay alive out there while you whine about it. You work shorter hours less days get lunch breaks AC a desk etc. While you recite the Airmen's Creed real warriors are living it. Face it you are a sheep we are the sheep dogs. Keep your Baaing to a minimum and let us do our jobs.

TSgt J, Undisclosed Location SWA

4/26/2012 3:58:20 PM ET
Shaw is in SC not NC.

Jason, gulf coast

4/26/2012 3:04:48 PM ET
I suppose all convoy Airmen that received BSMs for combat should be awarded Valor devices to distinguish their roles. I've seen Combat Action Badges and Combat Action Medals denied because the IEDs were not successful at hitting our trucks. Too soon or too late or the enemies small arms fire wasn't effective. What the heck are you telling my truck needs to actually get hit or when I step out of my vehicle the rounds need to impact my body armor? No thanks, I'll keep my head down and rifle up and I'll suppress any target trying to kill me. We know what we've accomplished, so when we toast we toast to those like us not those riding our shirt tails to glory. No one sits around the table and listens to stories about how they supported the war effort. They sit around and listen to unbelievable stories of courage, fear, panic, humor, thrill, anger and love for the men and womn they served with.

PN, Hickam

4/26/2012 2:45:32 PM ET
People need to stop decrying these comments as slamming the member... with the exception of a few misguided souls these are and have been aimed at flawed policy. It's not an AF or AFCENT flaw, it's that commanders and unit leadership shouldn't be nominating these medals with such ease. We serve in a modern military where we're all -warriors- and it's turned into this. A BSM is not equivilant to an MSM except in WAPS, and if you look at history and heritage it's easy to see the value being stripped here. People need to be more worried about debasing heritage of things like this more than they are about wearing a flight suit.

Shocker, Va

4/26/2012 1:14:49 PM ET
Everyone seems to have the "my job is harder than your job" mentality. I have seen this bias alot over the last 21 years, not only with medals but also with award boards. Accolades should be based on individual accomplishments not job titles. Until everyone realizes the impact each one of us has the mission, there will always be bitterness, jealousy and envy.

EB, Randolph

4/26/2012 1:05:48 PM ET
How is someone from Qatar or any of the other places in the gulf possibly getting BSM? How are they justifying that an individual's accomplishments can be tied directly to ground combat operations for the unit in which they served? Qatar isn't Iraq, Afghanistan or other OEF related combat operations. I have seen Qatar, only officers with three BSM. How

Ground Guy, In the Dirt

4/26/2012 1:02:05 PM ET
It is apparent from many of these comments that most people have no idea what the job of a finance troop is like. Sure there are air-conditioned offices. Sure many financial and personnel functions have become self-service via web applications. However, if you think even half the finance job has anything to do with paying people or that when the customer service door is closed that the troops are not working, you are mistaken. We need uninterrupted time to make the many entries it takes to make things happen and analyze complicated cases. In my very long career, I have averaged a 50 hour workweek in peace time. When deployed it's been 12-hours a day seven days a week with maybe a holiday off on occasion. The BSM recipient in question along with many of us was handling budgetary issues. That means hours of mundane and tedious work in spreadsheets, analysis of contracts, tracking of metrics. All of this gets high-level attention, which means low injury but high-stress j

MSgt, USA

4/26/2012 10:54:44 AM ET
And yet a Finance troop - who never left the wire, went without AC or a warm meal - has a Bronze Star. I'm not sure how they can defend that as maintaing the integrity of the decoration process. Disgraceful.

Kris, US

4/26/2012 10:54:19 AM ET
I do not understand how the BSM can be awarded for the same reasons an MSM would be at a home station. I have seen people receive this medal for simply being the Command Chief at a deployed location that was really nice. I cannot say which location it was, but those that have been there know it is a really nice place to spend a year. Good for the AF for handing them out to people, but not sure that some should have been the BSM. I think the MSM would have been more appropriate in some of the cases I have seen.

David Gomez, Texas

4/26/2012 10:22:04 AM ET
I always love the way maintainers and SFS guys get all riled up at the thought of someone other than them receiving any sort of recognition that aren't performing what they term to be tough jobs. Its this kind of derision that divides us between petty distinctions. So what if an office worker got a bronze star as compared to a PJ that got a bronze star with V device. You know the difference between them? none. That office worker puts in just as many hours doing the job as any pilot. maintainer. SFS. C.E. troop or wing staff worker. Because everyone's stuck in their own world. you'll never see what they go through. If you want to really know. remember when you first wrote a performance appraisal and your supervision told you it was utter crap? Try being that guy or girl that gets that kind of scrutiny every day and then has customers with attitude walk in and demand the impossible. Truth is. you don't really know what the finance troop did to earn that medal and its not your c

big_picture, undisclosed location SWA

4/26/2012 9:52:53 AM ET
Everyone is complaining about the finance person that got the BSM...atleast the was down range. I was a part of the initial team that went into Afghanistan and busted my hump to help out whereever I could to include going on a couple convoys. climbing trees and on top of the tower building to run cables. and helped SFS patrol the perimiter...and was very thankful and proud that my boss thought to put me in the the BSM. Unfortunately. being just a desk jockey Comm guy. I was denied. Yet the very helpful. amazingly hard working air crew guys that loaded the bombs on the plane that flew to afghanistan...key word the plane flew to Afghanistan...not them Got awarded the BSM. So I say again. atleast she was down range...you have no idea what she did while she was there.

Lou, St. Louis

4/26/2012 9:49:58 AM ET
If there is so much outcry over BSM's, imagine the controversy when people find out a certain LtCol from Kirkuk earned a silver star without engaging an enemy. Pretty sure gallantry is needed, but not in his case.

Iraq Veteran, U.S

4/26/2012 8:15:33 AM ET
At least the finance airman that was awarded the BSM was in a country with actual combat going on. What about all the Chiefs and Colonels that got BSMs for serving at Camp Cupcake in Qatar or Saleem in Kuwait? The only thing those guys had to worry about was a sunburn at the pool or maybe some undercooked lobster at the DFAC.

Mike, Florida

4/26/2012 8:08:18 AM ET
Perhaps you should read LtGen Goldfein's editorial in latest AF Times. He is approval authority for all AFCENT BSMs. He has owned these two awards and praises ALL his Airmen saying no AFSC is better than another and all are working to a common end. Still got a beef with these 2 BSMs? Take it up with the 3-star.

Happy for the TSgts, DC

4/26/2012 6:58:21 AM ET
All this will do now is make it more difficult for the BSM to be awarded to those who truly deserve it.

BF, IN

4/26/2012 3:39:19 AM ET
So NO-ONE is going to comment now, uh, I guess all the trollers went back to their cages.

SSgt M, Cali

4/25/2012 11:08:35 PM ET
Capt J. I was deployed with TSgt Haynes. Yes, it was given by a joint command CFSOCC-A that was ran by an Army O-7.For anyone who thinks that all she did was push papers, think again. And for anyone who thinks pushing papers is less noble, less necessary or easier than maintenance... exercise some critical thinking and intellectual humility. Do some research before you voice your opinion.

Kaz, Tinker

4/25/2012 9:32:11 PM ET
Some of us that have been around during Kosovo should also be used to the mishandled of medals by now. Oh, Air Force, no matter how corporate you become, you still don't learn.

D, MDL

4/25/2012 8:42:37 PM ET
See the mistake everyone who's knocking desk drivers or saying, "They don't work long hours in the rain," is making is that working conditions does NOT equal mission impact. Ask that Army unit how important the Finance person who keeps the money flowing they use to deal with local Afghans is and I bet the answer would surprise you. Bottom line...I don't care if you work for three hours on the beach at Waikiki, if your work has sufficient mission impact it should be rewarded accordingly.

MSgt Joshua Gray, Hill AFB Utah

4/25/2012 8:01:26 PM ET
Here's some more food for thought. On a recent deployment a rocket attack damaged two generators and a diesel fuel tank next to a patient care area. Two people put the fire out in the middle of the attack and extreme risk to themselves. They weren't even given an Achievement Medal. So I guess money is WAY more important than human life.

A, SomewhereIL

4/25/2012 6:02:28 PM ET
This just backs up the growing trend in the US to give everyone a trophy even if you lose. If you signed up to be a Finance person in the Air Force then you must realize that your chances of receiving a Purple Heart are going to be slim to none. How can you even argue that it is not fair Some people put their lives at risk every single day and some don't. Those are the cards you were dealt. So why then do people argue that Finance personnel should get a BSM which was created to boost morale for ground troops If you want to read the regulation and apply it to a Finance person because they were stationed at a deployed location then why do we still hand out MSMs to deployed personnel The MSM is for meritorious service and the BSM is for meritorious service in support of COMBAT OPERATIONS i.e. you had a direct hand in some combat Also just as an FYI the BSM has precedence over the Purple Heart. Keep that in mind when you want to hand them out like candy just because t

RT, OK

4/25/2012 5:32:34 PM ET
@ F Texas - I'm sorry but when your office hours are 9 to noon for customer support and even then you get told to check online for your answer you are most certain people are upset with this so-called awarding of the Bronze Star to some office worker. And yes you are most certain correct but 9 to noon boy would our maintenance and security personnel LOVE to work those hours.

Ticked, Alaska

4/25/2012 5:18:32 PM ET
Perhaps the best way to resolve this issue is to tighten the requirements of the BSM to eliminate the chance of desk drivers being considered for the BSM. The AF Times issue that highlighed this story also had a story about a TACP that earned a BSM with a V. By giving BSMs to both the finance NCOs and the TACP the accomplishments that merited the BSM are made equal. The finance NCO's went home with their physical health completely intact the TACP lost his sight and will never get to see his wife or children again. Equal sacrifice I think not. Equal decoration by AFCENT...

D, Eglin

4/25/2012 2:53:27 PM ET
Bill TexasYou need to look at the criteria for the medal. It has nothing to do with whether you sit inside or work outside. You are saying that a maintenance airman is more important than the finance airman. Not true. The entire force is needed to make the jet fly. Everyone has a responsibility to make this happen. The dignation of the medal is clear. If it's not for V device then it can be given for merit. achivement.

F, Texas

4/25/2012 1:28:05 PM ET
Amazing. Amazing that AFCENT was compelled to have to explain its policy after two Airmen were targeted online sniping and subsequent AF Times feature. Amazing that even after this explanation we continue to deride not applaud two of own. This leads me to believe that we will never be a single culture of Airmen that support each other but a continued loose confederation of stovepiped career fields who snipe at each other while bound only perhaps by a uniform they all despise. Maybe AFNews should simply turn off commenting on its so-called good news stories as they seem to breed more hateful comments and envy than praise.

IM Dunn, CONUS

4/25/2012 12:12:29 PM ET
Questionshould AF Vets and all Vet's be given some kind of ribbon or award who are service connected for agent orange Kenneth Benson377TH sps tsn

Kenneth Benson, FredericaDelaware

4/25/2012 11:52:11 AM ET
Nonsense...We are all Warriors What is all the fuss about Don't believe me just read the next Squadron PT day flyer or the next burger burn flyer at a deployed location. Bet the word warrior is on a lot of them. Ahh the mentality now days just cracks me up.

Desk Warrior, Everywhere

4/25/2012 11:17:14 AM ET
Kudos to the AFCENTCOM and AFPC for helping ensure that the process is understood. Sadly it will not help get rid of the division in opinion over whether the finance Airman deserved a meritorious service BSM since the full explanation of why she deserved it can't be released to the general public due to the classification status. But since deployed maintainers don't get noticed enough for what they do every day I guess deployed Finance can deal with it as well.

Patrick, Missouri

4/25/2012 10:58:04 AM ET
The citation only provides an unclassified snapshot of what that person did. Not knowing what most individuals do they may be awarded a BSM due to the classified nature of their job.

BZ, FB

4/25/2012 10:50:57 AM ET
Joining the service is not a competition to see who can earn the most or highest decorations. It is about service to one's country. A higher calling. I applaud those supervisors who took the time to recognize their personnel based on the decoration guidance. All too often I read stories and comments on AF link WRT supervisors not doing their job and taking care of folks. It does not matter if you are in the direct line of fire or in an air conditioned room as some of you put it. NOTE - Those rooms scan still take a mortar. So from admin clerk to EOD tech you still stand a chance of meeting your maker although percentages are definitely different. If you have performed to the standard in your craft AFSC or MOS and you are deserving of the recognition then so be it. Everyone else should applaud their efforts and their accolades. Don't be jealous and don't put it down. All jobs are different and bring their own challenges. That is not what we stand for in the military. W

Why do you serve, C-SPrings

4/25/2012 10:49:13 AM ET
I believe the Air Force has a good process as explained in the aricle and all decorations are well vetted. However if the Air Force officials are as confident as I am why retract the earlier article recognizing the BSM recipients. The Air Force needs to own it--the good the bad and the ugly. USAF Retired

Ted, Abilene

4/25/2012 10:44:38 AM ET
Having been in the Army a while Ive seen the same thing. My most recent deployment if you were a platoon sergeant or higher or a platoon leader or higher you automatically got a BSM. And the thing that drives me nuts is it was given out like candy to people that never left the FOB. It was just becuase of the position they held. The Army has a horrible way of handing out awards. But it is what it is and things will never change.

Derek, Carson

4/25/2012 10:24:36 AM ET
The issue here is that if na MSM has the same point value as the BSM then issue what is appropriate. The waters have been muddied by the process being looked at differently from different commands units. The thing is that servicemembers and the public are confused under who earned the medal when and under what circumstances. Most states offer very real financial rewards to servicemembers receiving the BSM. These can include tuition breaks tax breaks on vehicles and free tags and drivers lisences for life. So when I see a car with a plate that has a bronze star on it I think combat not payroll. CP I agree that anytime a medal is recieved by the member and not the next of kin we should be thankful. I liken this to the Army giving everyone a black beret when that had been the mark of Rangers for ceturies. Just because we can implement change doesn't mean we should. The BSM should not be treated as a theater participant award it should be given the gravity of it's combat derive

Rob, Fla

4/25/2012 9:37:13 AM ET
I have no questions concerning the approval process. That is not what people are upset about. People are upset because a huge portion of the Air Force puts in longer hours and harder more physically and mentally draining work days than any finance members will have to endure. Where are the BSMs for their dedication and hard work More weekends and 14 hour days are worked by maintainers and security forces than any other job yet theirs is the most thankless. How many finance troops have needed stitches just from performing their regular job How many have worked 14 hour days for weeks on end If this is something they do please enlighten me but in my opinion going above and beyond in finance just scratches the surface of an average day for many Airmen.

K, Kunsan

4/25/2012 9:36:09 AM ET
This article does nothing to address the fact that personnel are being awarded medals that traditionally are given to combatants. Despite the comments that this does nothing to diminish themedal or those have have earned it before it does. Not everyone warrants these kinds of medals. SUpport personnel have a very imprtant job but it is not the same as being a direct combatant it never will be.

Rob, Bragg

4/25/2012 9:30:50 AM ET
This article addressed every issue except the one that is foremost in all of our minds that is rank as a determinate factor for the awarding of the BSM.

paul ward, Lackland AFB Texas

4/25/2012 8:54:17 AM ET
Thank you to all the naysayers and to Air Force Crimes for stirring the pot. And glad to see AFCENT reiterate its criteria and process and stick to its guns. Now everybody just be thankful when an Airmen is awarded a BSM whether for front line or rear echelon service and be grateful when they are not awarded it posthumously.

CP, Colo Spgs

4/25/2012 8:47:14 AM ET
This Article has done little to answer my question. I do not question the number of bronze stars handed out nor do I question the unfair advantage someone might have over someone else with an MSM. I think its a great way for Commanders to give recognition to those that deserve of it. My questions are these How can a commander give a bronze star to someone that sits in an air-conditioned office all day telling people that if they need help with financial issues to go to this web site or that web site Is that really helping any one How do you justify that when you have Maintenance people working outside in extreme conditions ensuring that troops have land or air transportation necessary to go fight Or CE personnel ensuring the buildings and roads are in good repair. This has nothing to do with race creed sex or any of those sorts so the individual that tried to make those accusations was mistaken. All my co-workers that I have spoken with feel the same as I do how do you

Bill, Texas

4/24/2012 9:01:57 PM ET
Can anyone confirm whether the BSM for the Finance airman that initially provoked all the outrage was submitted by the Army not the Air Force

Capt J., Andersen

4/24/2012 7:39:00 PM ET
OccupyMDL a success

D, MDL

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