Which types of awards contribute to promotion points?

Meritorious service awards contribute to promotion points because they are recognized as a higher level of achievement within the military. These awards acknowledge an individual’s exceptional service or specific achievements that exceed the standard expectations of duty. The significance of these awards stems from the rigorous criteria required to earn them, which reflects the soldier's dedication, leadership, and performance.

In contrast, while other types of awards might recognize service or participation, they may not carry the same weight in terms of promotion points. For example, time off awards generally serve as incentives but do not directly factor into the point system for promotions. Unit awards often recognize collective accomplishments rather than individual merit, while community service awards focus more on volunteerism and might not be considered as impactful when evaluating individual promotion potential. Therefore, meritorious service awards hold a unique and valuable position in the promotion point system, reflecting individual accomplishments that contribute significantly to a soldier's career progression.