Pencil Tech said:
What kind of actions would they get ribbons for that we don't, for example?
Well, just looking at some of the pieces of paper I've got over the last few years:
- I got a certificate for swearing into the CF. In the US Army, I would have been awarded the
National Defense Service Medal.
- I got a certificate saying that I successfully completed QL2/QL3 training. in the US Army, I would have been awarded the
Army Service Ribbon (this is a ribbon only).
- Having got an "A" on my Basic Course Report, instead of a certificate, I would have been awarded the
Army Achievement Medal.
- For Marksmanship, you are awarded a patch for the DEU sleeve, in the US Army, its a badge that goes on the breast pocket.
- Being in the Army during the Global War on Terror, I can feel happy knowing that their is an enemy for me to shoot at. In the US, I would get a medal, the
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, to stick on my "salad bar" to remind me.
- In the Canadian Army, I got a gimme for going to the Balkans, the Canadian Peace Service Medal. The US has a gimme like that as well, the
Armed Forces Service Medal.
- I got a nice piece of paper signed by Jean Chretien (which I subsequently chucked) thanking me for an extended nature hike in Kananaskis during OP GRIZZLY. I'm sure I would have got a medal in the US Army.
- All the CDS Commendations, CLS Commendations, etc, etc would be medals in the US Army.
Like I said, it is just the way the US Army does things. I have my own view on how awards should work, and see too many "gimmees" even on our "salad bars", but whatever makes people happy, I guess.