NutLoose: ok, playing 'devil's advocate', is that what you think all the airmen & reservists are, the 'chav brigade who would sell their soul for a bit of tacky bling'? They all proudly (I assume) receive their LSGCMs without (I presume) thinking that it's only being given to 'massage their egos'. If not, & it's genuinely awarded to recognise their long service (& in their case good conduct) then why should the same not be done for regular officers?
Wearing a medal for which I would have qualified had I not taken my commission makes me a chav with a need to massage my own ego, apparently. Having already spent 25 years in the service, undertaken my fair share of op tours and served both in the ranks and as an officer I will wear my LS&GCM (and clasp!) with pride (does that count as ego massaging?) That admission clearly means that I haven't undertaken what NutLoose refers to as "real service", whatever that might be. I await enlightenment.
No cross to bear here, I was trying to make Banaboy feel better.
But no other industry I know of awards anything for 15 years service, personally I feel the only reason it has been brought out is as a cheap retention tool to try and assist in stemming the flow of experienced personnel out of the services, as the other methods do not appear to be working as much as they had hoped for, after all, what does it cost, a couple of pence to make?
Cheap at twice the price if it aids retention.
I tell a lie
Asda ensures long-service awards are well celebrated. As well as celebrating one year’s service, the supermarket rewards staff at five year intervals.
After completing one to 10 years’ service, employees receive a certificate and a pin badge recognising their loyalty. After 15 and 20 years’ service, they are given a monetary voucher to the value of £15 or £20.
This year, Asda introduced the recognition of length of service on name badges for employees who have worked there for one year or more.
Asda also holds an annual ‘Big Anniversary’ event for all staff who have completed 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years’ service. These employees are invited to a a party and receive £300 and an extra week’s holiday in their anniversary year.
Kevin Trott, colleague engagement team leader-recognition and incentives at Asda, says: “Long service definitely engages colleagues in our business and makes it their business as well. It has a significant impact on our motivation mechanism.”
https://www.employeebenefits.co.uk/i...ll-have-value/
That's probably worth more than the medal costs!
Popular long-service awards
- Holidays, for example to Las Vegas or Paris
Afghanistan... Iraq.. Libya....
.