Black Widow Company Battle Decorations Program:
About the Awards Program
Awards are given for two basic reasons, regardless of the branch, service,
or organization. First, they are intended as tangible evidence of recognition
for some achievement or service. Second, awards serve as a motivating factor.
The Black Widow Company Battle Decorations program exists for these same reasons.
The BWC Battle Decorations program is not a static concept. Rather it evolves
and changes to meet the needs of the organization as a whole. For this reason,
it is important to keep in touch with the chain of command for the latest
information on the awards standards. It is equally important and vital to
BWC troops to maintain active participation in awards concepts discussions,
and to propose ideas and changes to existing awards.
Awards are defined as ribbons and medals. Awards are earned by the member for participation. Examples are forum posting, operations attendance, kills and outfit points accrued, and recruits brought to the outfit. Decorations are given for skill or training, and are worn as tabs and skill identifier devices. Tabs are earned to denote the particular specialty of a troop. Skill identifiers denote members who have participated in specific skill certification courses or have achieved a certain proficiency at a specific type of skill, such as Demolitions, Advanced Medic support, or Aircraft operation. Specific types of Tabs are: fast-attack hard-hitting infantry (Ranger), scouts that maintain low profiles and provide constant intelligence to assist the maneuver forces (Scout), snipers who harass and demoralize the enemy (Sniper), commandos that travel lightly and independently and sabotage enemy facilities, structures, or vehicles and personnel (Special Forces), or simply (Air Assault) troopers who travel by HART or Galaxy and drop into the thick of combat and come out on top.
The Awards Procedure
To receive an award (ribbon or medal), you have to be nominated for it by
someone else. Usually this involves Outfit officer cadre, but it can also
include fellow members, especially if the fellow member served as squad or
platoon leader during the event which merits award. An award recommendation
is sent up the chain of command – this is done by email or private message.
The individual being nominated will be notified by Forum private message,
and the nominating person may elect to be anonymous. The officers will discuss
the pros and/or cons of the award based on the individual and circumstance.
If you have met or exceeded the standards for that award, it will be authorized
and then awarded to you.
Eligibility for Awards
BWC awards may normally only be awarded to Black Widow Company members. This
means that in order to receive awards, individuals must be Outfit members
in good standing. Members who are not active in forum participation (meaning
they are never seen on the board), or do not play regularly (meaning they
are absent and have no Leave of Absence post) are not eligible for awards.
These limits are intended to reinforce and support the link between participation
and communication that are essential for a successful and elite outfit.