| People love to be recognized for their achievements | | | | promotion points to the soldier. |
| and hard work. Soldiers are no different. As a | | | | 3. Army Achievement Medal: Also known as AAMs, |
| company commander, you must ensure that your | | | | Army Achievement Medals are a great way to |
| soldiers feel appreciated. | | | | recognize soldiers. If a soldier does something |
| You want them to feel like they are appreciated and | | | | noteworthy, submit them for a AAM. Everyone loves |
| needed. Because they are needed. | | | | a "medal." In 15 years of service, I've never seen a |
| Recognizing soldiers is very easy and fun to do. | | | | soldier refuse a medal. |
| There are many different things you can do to | | | | 4. Unit Coin: Unit coins are a great way to show your |
| improve soldier recognition. Listed below are some | | | | soldiers you are proud of their achievements. When |
| things that worked for me. | | | | you give them a coin, tell them why you are giving |
| 1. Take your soldier to lunch: One way to recognize | | | | them the coin. And, tell them you are proud of them. |
| soldiers is to take your soldier to lunch. If they do | | | | 5. "Pat on the Back": This might sound corny, but |
| something great, you and your First Sergeant could | | | | even a simple "job well done" will go a long ways. |
| take the soldier to a local restaurant or even order | | | | Especially, when it comes from the company |
| delivery. Take 30-45 minutes and spend some quality | | | | commander. |
| time getting to know your soldier better. | | | | In summary, please know that most people are |
| 2. Certificate of Achievement: Also known as COAs, | | | | starving for appreciation. When you see one of your |
| Certificate's of Achievement can be a great way to | | | | soldiers do something well, take a few minutes to let |
| recognize soldiers. You can use a company COA or | | | | them know you appreciate their efforts. They will |
| use the battalion COA. If you can get your battalion | | | | feel better about themselves and respect you more |
| commander to sign the COA, it could be worth | | | | as the company commander. |