Underappreciated Roles and Honorable Mentions

[FGRSentinel]

Right, so everyone knows stories about people who get medals for amazing feats, roles and jobs that seem tailored for medals. There's even a thread dedicated to sharing screenshots of medals. However, no matter what, there's always roles that, either through roleplay reasons, lack of visibility, or both, almost never get medals. There are people who do noteworthy things that nobody seems to acknowledge, that don't get them medals since they work their magic in the background. Ranging from the PO that keeps flying after the queen kills the door locks on Alamo and no turrets while having a fractured leg to ensure the boots have no disruptions of supplies or medical treatment to the RO and SO that have every supply crate ready way before the boots need it to that lone PFC with a fractured groin that stands watch over the injured in the open by the LZ because they're still able to hold a gun, this thread is dedicated to the people who've done something that deserves a medal, but never gets them one.

The general idea is you talk about either a role you think the Marines take advantage of and don't show the respect they deserve, share a story about someone else's noteworthy achievement that didn't get them a medal but could have easily changed the course of the round, or both.


I had a round on Big Red earlier today as PO on Normandy. It was a tense round to watch, with an early push looking like it would seal a victory for the Marines, before they were pushed back. Forced to sit and listen as the Marines were pushed back to the FOB, I expressed frustration over Bravo comms (or at least I think I did) and made an interesting discovery; a PFC, Franklin (I forget their last name) had managed to snag the binoculars from the Scout spec, enabling them to call in airstrikes. After finding this out, he offered to use them to mark targets. Except for one friendly fire incident, Franklin managed, without fail, to lase a target I could hit every trip up. Some trips we managed to just scare the benos into cover, others his lasing might have allowed me to shred 2-3 hostiles in a single strike. At one point, he warned of a flank he spotted, which gave the Marines time to move to deal with it. After a few trips, an MT (the name of which I sadly can't remember) joined in and made sure every weapon system was fully armed between every drop, turning the three of us into a well-oiled machine.

This air support, which helped hold the xenos at bay long enough for the Marines to get a counterpush going, was only possible because of these two people; an MT with plenty of free time on their hands and a PFC that managed to steal just the right item to provide the best CAS lasing I've ever had. Sadly, however, the CO spent most of this time on the ground and was decapitated before I could recommend them for medals. The round warmed my heart, even as my character ended the round dead in the hangar from a Lurker; Franklin, my newest friend, grabbed my body after getting off Alamo and dragged me to medbay before outright threatening a doctor because he didn't want me to die. The map restarted before I could be revived, but I like to think my character (Goddard Pearsall) sat down and had a beer with Franklin after he recovered from his mauling and became good friends as they talked about the op.

[kastion]

I think medics are unappreciated. One round I remember the most is when I was just a pfc nobody with a shotgun and I got messed up somehow. I think the medics name was Perez or something close to that, a delta medic. He healed me up and got me back in the fight fast in which I was pretty much immediately captured cause im bad. After that though I got up out fo the nest and killed the queen with a shotgun and the marines heard it and all charged and killed the rest of the aliens. If that medic hadn't of been so good at his job I would have never been in the situation to kill the queen in her ovi. Little things like that make a giant difference. Its like the butterfly effect.

[KennyTGuy]

I feel doctors dont get enough love when they handle a massive medbay rush but i suppose can they even be awarded medals RP wise?

[x31stOverlord]

I have a medal awarded when I was playing CMP. Because I was just simply amazing

[Jakkkk]

Synths deserve more appreciation, the things we do for you people.

[KennyTGuy]

Synths deserve more appreciation, the things we do for you people.

What next, a medal for the autodoc!?


Jokes aside ive met some synths who were real lifesavers I give em kudos when i can to offset the 90% "get out of here clanker" i normally see them get

[Dolth]

I have a medal awarded when I was playing CMP. Because I was just simply amazing

Screw you Roscoe!

[FGRSentinel]

Synths are the ultimate example of an underappreciated role. I've rarely, if ever, seen a Synth get a medal, but they often work in the most dangerous or stressful part of the Op since they can do literally everything except shoot.

...Problem is, it's a synth's job to be good at everyone else's job and being good at your job in CM, unlike how I'd assume the military is in real life, doesn't get you any medals or much recognition. This is something it shares with every other job on this list: an ace pilot can stabilize wounded in transit as the transport pilot and optimize the ammo loading process on CAS; the CE and MTs can get everything running and keep the birds flying; the RO and CTs could have every crate ready with everything the squads need five minutes before they need it; the docs could have hands like lightning and reduce time in medbay to almost nothing (I've had a doctor that set like three bones in three different parts of my body so fast I was legit worried he only did one until I scanned myself); a PFC could show total mastery with a weapon or item that lets them make or break a siege or assault. None of these people will get medals for their achievements because it's, simply put, their jobs and the people who can recommend them for medals, as well as the single person who can actually give out medals, only care about what they can see and impressive kills.

They can't see that PFC lasing the boiler and a Banshee/Widowmaker combo vaporizing it and the benos gathered around it, so nether the PFC nor the PO will get the medal, but if someone does, it'll be the PFC. They can't see Req run like a well oiled machine by Marine Santa Claus and probably wouldn't care, so the RO and CTs won't get medals. They can't see the Doctors blitz through 5-8 Marines in the time it takes a fully alert Alamo PO to drop to the LZ, load up, and return, which means they'll rarely get medals. They don't see the CE and MTs keep everything running at 110% and reducing dropship down time to near-zero when CAS is absolutely needed, so they won't get medals.

In my opinion, the Synth, PO, RO/CT, Doctors, and CE/MTs are the prime examples of underappreciated or unappreciated roles: if you do your job amazingly, at best you'll get a thank you from whoever you work with (generally boots or the SLs of squads) and at worst you just won't get yelled at as much for not doing your job at all/faster. If you're bad at it, everyone will hate you unconditionally.

[Renomaki]

I myself wish I could give out medals more often as a CO, but I am often much too busy having to organize the operation to spare a moment. Kinda makes me wish XOs could do it too so that I wouldn't have to worry about it as much.

Speaking of, XOs and SOs really need a bit more appreciation, mostly SOs. Now, not every SO is good at their job, that is true, but a good SO not only helps a squad out much better, but it really makes the CO's life easier knowing he doesn't have to juggle as much during a mission. Nothing sucks more than when you are a CO with no SOs for the majority of the round, and it really makes you appreciate HAVING a full roster to help run the ship and assist your squads.

A lot of people don't like being an SO, and I admit I'm not too big a fan of it either, but you gotta admit that without them, not much would get done. Someone's gotta do it, after all.

[CABAL]

I don't think Synth should be able to get medal. It's awarded for heroism/bravery and such. By the lore Synths always do 100% of what they can and they are unavailable to be brave becouse they don't feel stress, or fear etc.

Will you award medal to Autodoc? It works hard without OD'ing any marine during it's service. Maybe cigs vendor should get medal? It speaks some happy stuff and is brave enough to sell tabacco.

I'm not "machine racist", but if you can't feel fear, you can't be brave. For my taste: Stick to the lore with medals and appreciate Synths in other ways.

[KennyTGuy]

I don't think Synth should be able to get medal. It's awarded for heroism/bravery and such. By the lore Synths always do 100% of what they can and they are unavailable to be brave becouse they don't feel stress, or fear etc.

Will you award medal to Autodoc? It works hard without OD'ing any marine during it's service. Maybe cigs vendor should get medal? It speaks some happy stuff and is brave enough to sell tabacco.

I'm not "machine racist", but if you can't feel fear, you can't be brave. For my taste: Stick to the lore with medals and appreciate Synths in other ways.

Definitely agree about the fear part i suppose the medal is more for the players sake and enjoyment, it also probably explains why the roles people say are unappreciated dont get medals, theyre rarely put into situations where they have to be brave and competence doesnt draw attention like some good ol fashioned heroics does (even if the heroics doesnt amount to much)

[FGRSentinel]

The thing is there's times where even the roles I listed don't get medals when they end up in high-risk situations. POs that are attacked on Alamo and have all the turrets melted off and their ability to lock down the doors disabled are always dropping into a dangerous situation, for instance.

The issue is, rather than have the medals mean what they should imply, we have them just be different tiers of "holy shit, did you see that?" You rarely see the Bronze Heart one get given out since people rarely care that a random Marine's been slashed up multiple times and come back down.

[Garrison]

This is why I think bronze medals should be commonplace. Where as silver and gold can be reserved for more massive feats of heroism or stalwart duty.

[Dolth]

I'm not "machine racist"

[Survivor]

This is why I think bronze medals should be commonplace. Where as silver and gold can be reserved for more massive feats of heroism or stalwart duty.

That's what it's supposed to be like, but people give gold medals to people who overwatched a half dead squad

[Dolth]

Tbh in such a conflict any marine survivor would of have a huge ass medal. We currently get (tiny but still) medals for any common feat. 5 months ago we had someone openly congratulated by a division general because she "properly organized their workplace, allowing a higher quality of work".

But anyone involved in any firefight especially with BLUE & OPFOR casualties -will- get a huge medal. Also keep in mind civilians get medals for retarded stuff aswell. Artists/actors as an example.

Sooo. A synth getting a medal wouldn't surprise me.
And getting gold medals for pewpew'ing a queen makes sense RP-wise even if it's not much of a huge feat in our game.

[Survivor]

-Snip-

Also this.

[Garrison]

Lets talk Xenos for a sec.

Lets give thanks to that one Defender. You know, that one defender that sticks with the boiler at ALL times and does nothing but be a living shield for the fragile boiler and cover her escape if she gets rushed. And barely anyone will openly acknowledge that Defenders efforts cause shes a puny T1.

But you, Defender, you are the wall that keeps the boiler safe, which keeps the others safe in turn.

Lets not forget the Sentinels that actually decide to do their job and guard infected hosts to ensure they don't escape. Its a boring job. But one that must be done

And for that, I thank both you.

[Dolth]

Carrier is under appreciated.

Because those GOD DAMN infects aren't important since litterally everyone murderbone your infects. BUT JEEZ. A good carrier infects SO MANY marines at once.

Xeno medals when?
Ancient defender 349 was awarded some golden jelly, "Defended boiler 781 from the beginning the the end of both. Stood willfully in front of a boomtube to attempt saving said boiler. She shall be remembered."

[Mister Jeether]

Oi, make It possible for the queen to give out resin medals, too.

By the way, i feel like medics are really underrated. Their job is often 150% harder then a doctor, and Just like any other marine, you can be pounced from the darkness and get slaughtered. You need to be shooting/running/treating wounded, and hell, maybe even having to defib multiple people all at once.

Its a stressfull role sometimes but hey, someone has to do It.

[FGRSentinel]

Definitely, medics don't get the respect they deserve. The roles most likely to get medals are the "kill everything" specs, the SLs (often simply for leading their squads into some difficult fight), and the dime-a-dozen PFCs. Unless you have a CO that respects professionalism over mindless bloodlust or understands the importance of less combat oriented or even noncombat roles you're unlikely to see anyone other than people with the highest kill count, most impressive kills, or that held the line almost solo (even that one would be rare) getting medals.

Personally I feel like each type of medal should have a different meaning attached to it and that there should be a tiered system for recommendation/giving medals: the Bronze Heart and Distinguished Service medals should be ones that can be granted to any CIC staff (SO/XO/CO) with the SO only being able to give them to members of the squad(s) they're overwatching, the Medal of Valor can be given out by the XO and CO, and the Medal of Exceptional Heroism can be given out only by the CO. A member of the CIC staff can write up recommendations for medals higher than what they can give out/for people on squads they can't give medals to and the related CIC staff can see and approve/deny/UPGRADE the recommendation on their console: Alpha's SO could write up a recommendation for a Delta medic to get the Bronze Heart/Distinguished Service medal for continuing to treat wounded after having an arm torn off, the Delta SO could see that on their OW console and approve it, or they could have it upgraded to a Medal of Valor/Exceptional Heroism recommendation that the XO/CO sees on their own console, if said officer doesn't see it beforehand. Another example would be if Delta's SO made a decision on it, the XO/CO has the ability to override them if they felt it was worth it, granting a denied medal or retroactively upgrading a granted medal by an SO to one only the XO or CO can grant.

Likewise, the aCO should be able to give out medals from every rank, so long as it's a member of CIC staff, so if the CO goes down to the planet he or she can make the XO aCO for shipside and medal responsibilities and the XO can grant any medal, which the CO can override at a later time if they survive. All of this combined means that even if there's no CO or they die early on, Marines can be given medals and for the big ones all the XO/CO/aCO needs to do is look through the list of granted/recommended medals, read the reason for giving/recommending the medal, and upgrade/approve it with a single click, which gives them something to do after an evac from the planet.

It'd also make it more interesting if medals are given a shown "history" of each officer's involvement in them: "Delta Medic granted Medal of Exceptional Heroism for x. Medal originally recommended as Distinguished Service Medal by Alpha SO, approved by Delta SO. Recommendation for upgrade to Medal of Valor made by XO. Approved and Upgraded to Medal of Exceptional Heroism by CO"

[Sulaboy]

Synths deserve more appreciation, the things we do for you people.

I have three synth medals, and I've only played like 12 full rounds.

[Awesomesauce935]

MP's deserve a mention, but only the good ones.

Keeping you safe from line-skipping and Req invaders, as well as crazy CL's trying to breed a beno army aboard the ship, or researchers who like to stab you with odd substances and then watch (without consent).

And if they're not doing that, they're being a helping hand to other departments, in my time i've seen MP's: Moving crates, stripping useful gear from the dead and helping them into the mourge, cleaning up messes on the ship, and teaching green boots how to use the vendors, and generally orienting them on what to do.

I'd like to see some kind of rework to give them more to do, but i'm not sure what that'd be.

A quick thank-you to all the players that cause some MP-level trouble to shake things up a bit.

[FGRSentinel]

The recent CO update made the CMP and RO (according to the wiki) LCDRs now, which makes them a role that should icly be treated with respect, especially the CMP who's able to arrest you on the spot if you disrespect him/her as the role is now an Officer position.

This, sadly for me, leaves the PO, the role so many people love to hate, as the lowest-ranking enlisted Officer and gets less respect than a large number of others, including some PFCs. It fits with my character (as Frans has stated, "a semi-depressed pilot that gives out Souto Classic") a bit more now since if asked he can quietly acknowledge that even PFCs feel they can freely scorn and mock him while literally anyone SL and above can just walk in and take over his dropship while he's helping unload/load wounded/supplies and the person won't get in trouble... but it still sucks.

It kind of makes me wish it was possible to have a bit of variance in rank for some roles where there's a small number of them. I'm not saying an SL that's very well known for being able to get things done should be an Ensign or LT or that a Pilot could be a LCDR, but it'd be nice if people who do their job well in a role that can make or break a round for the Marines are marked out by having 1-2 ranks higher to say "hey, you can count on me to be there when you need me and not accidentally murder you horribly."

[Madventurer]

Make XO/LTs able to give out bronze heart?