[gonzoflip]

"automatically"

Do you have any evidence for this at all? That they are automatically awarded? We can discuss the low bar that O's seemingly have for earning some awards, but there is no reason to misrepresent the process. And I know at least one person that was awarded a Bronze Star without the V, even thought the award was for a specific valiant action they took, it's tough to say without reading the award or being there.

[boston_clone]

While anecdotal, every single O3 and higher in my company received one after our OEF rotation, despite spending their entire time on KAF and not at COPs or FOBs.

Here's an excerpt from the Military Times describing changes to awarding criteria: "The policy changes also seek to tighten the criteria for awarding the Bronze Star specifically, a combat award that can be presented without a “V,” and often was throughout the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, for “meritorious” performance.

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2017/03/30/...

And here's some details about Pete's own awards: "The first Bronze Star was awarded to Mr. Hegseth for his assignment in Iraq as a rifle platoon leader in Iraq from September 2005 to July 2006. The citation noted his “professionalism and commitment to excellence” while he was with the 101st Airborne Division. He received the second Bronze Star in 2012 after serving as a counterinsurgency instructor in Afghanistan."

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/dec/6/pete-hegseth...

Nothing valorous. He was a PL that did his job, then a teacher in Kabul. And the dude is still a christo-fascist with a drinking problem.

[gonzoflip]

OK, so they are not automatically awarded then?

EDIT: How about CIBs? are they automatically awarded for officers that never leave the wire?