Having been involved with AEA since it was formed in 1992, I have some knowledge of "how things used to be". For example, when AEA's Soldier recognition programs were introduced back in the mid-1990's, it was common to have a fair percentage of the total force participating. I'm talking about the annual Army Combat Engineer Sergeants (ACES) Award to recognize the best Squad Leader in units, and the Super Sapper Award to recognize the best Soldier. Today, participation is dismal, in fact embarrassing.
For example, only fourteen Soldiers were presented with the 2009 Super Sapper Award. Fourteen! Some offer excuses like, "We're deployed." Or, "We're getting ready to deploy." Hogwash I say. Taking care of Soldiers does not change based on what sorts of things you're doing.
Our Regimental leaders in troop units need to do a better job today taking advantage of the easy to administer Soldier recognition programs made available by the AEA. Details are here.
