Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON -- The Marine Corps took another step into cyber space with an on-line awards processing system that became effective Oct. 1.

The Corps-wide awards system was designed to decrease processing time up and down the chain of command.

With the previous method, once the awarding unit signed an award, a paper copy would be sent to Headquarters Marine Corps. 

With the new system, awards will be sent to the appropriate commander for endorsement or authorization.  The only other option commanders have is to return awards for modifications, keeping everyone involved informed on the progress of the award. 

According to Steve Mackey, director, military awards branch, HQMC, one of the benefits of the new system are reduction in work hours and the cost associated.  There will no longer be any ?lost? awards because once an award is received in the system, it will be retained in the system until the submission process is completed.  The new system is more expedient where awards could be received within days of submission.  It also enables units that are geographically dispersed a more fluid means of submission.  For example, reserve units before would have to mail award submissions to the next higher authority.  Since it is now done electronically, the mail delay is no longer a factor.  This expedience highly benefits forward-deployed units who may or may not have mail capability.
Linked to the Marine Corps website, the awards system is a web-based menu-driven application.  The Marine must be a registered user to submit for an individual or unit award.  All officers or civilians who originate awards and all enlisted personnel who aid in the process are required to register.  Only commanding generals, chiefs of staff, commanding officers or executive officers are authorized awarding authorities.

The whole system is done electronically through computer systems, altogether eliminating traditional mail and stacks of paperwork.

The website can be accessed at http://awards.manpower.usmc.mil.