JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Awards and decorations are a part of any military career. Knowing which decorations you qualify for and which awards you have earned is important, not only for your records, but also for your personal development. In the Air Force Reserve, we all come from different career paths and events such as prior service or a change in AFSC make each individual’s record unique. Additionally, the Total Force Integration shared missions with our active duty partners require special attention to ensure the proper documentation exists for those operations which earned meritorious awards.
What are some of the things we need to know about our awards and decorations as uniformed Airmen?
1. Know where to go to view your current record. Awards and decorations are listed in Virtual Military Personal Flight, which can be accessed with your CAC through the portal or MyPers.
2. Awards and Decorations should be supported with paper documentation (orders, award certificate, personnel records, etc.)
3. Some awards, such as the Air Force Longevity Service Award, are automatic however, you should still check your records to ensure these types of awards have been processed.
4. Awards and decorations are your responsibility as an airman, taking control of your record is important.
Searching for the award and decoration paperwork you need to correct a record can be challenging, so staying on top of accredited awards as they are earned is critical.
Here are some tips for accurate record keeping:
1. Keep a digital and paper copy of award and decoration certificates, to include any supporting documentation.
2. Check your award and decoration information at least annually (not when you retire).
*Your Unit Military Personnel Flight is there to help with your path to a successful career.