Since my last post was hijacked by someone with a beef with local hams who are unrelated to my original post, I've opted to post my question again in a new, clean post.
As the AF State MARS Director for AZ, I believe it is my duty to look out for and recognize those who do a good job. I'm also a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary (CGAux). In the CGAux, they have their own awards/medals, but are also eligible to receive active duty awards/medals from local active duty commanders. Not all active duty awards, but some under certain conditions. That is covered under U.S. Coast Guard policy and is something the CG chose to do. Based on my experience with the CGAux, I'm curious to know what might be possible in the MARS arena. I don't know what CAP does.
I'm not as familiar with other branches for awards, and especially not familiar with Army or Navy MARS, I'm asking the question if AF MARS and the other MARS services if they have an awards program? Let me make this point clear again, I'm asking if there are existing or past DoD or service branch specific instructions/regulations/programs that authorize MARS members to be eligible for active duty awards and occupational specialty badges or similar; if a civilian DoD or service specific awards program is applicable; or if MARS has or once had its own program. I'm not advocating wearing or presenting anything that isn't authorized by instruction or regulation. While other non-related hams may be misrepresenting themselves, I'm instead asking if appropriate policy exists first; similar to CGAux. Asking the question is the first part of my research phase and I don't know exactly where to start looking. I've been told that there is a DoD Civilian awards program; but I'm not at all familiar with it. Maybe some of you know which regulations to read and where to find them at or specific people to talk to?
I have members with over 40+ years of MARS service; who operated Goldwater's station during Vietnam here in Arizona. I have a member who is 91 yrs old who puts in the second highest number of hours each month. I'm looking for a way to recognize their volunteer service to the nation and the troops.
I intend on suggesting a MARS specific lapel pin for years of service and a lapel pin for meritorious service. Those are the two categories I'm looking at for awards. I'd just like to know what else out there might be available under regulation/instruction. Because, if I find a regulation/instruction that advises a MARS member is eligible to receive a certain award, I will make sure they receive it if they meet the criteria to receive the award as per the instruction/regulation.
Receiving an award that is authorized by regulation or instruction is not being a whacker. Whackers are people that would deny someone an award because they personally don't like the regulation or instruction.