What should accompany an award recommendation to strengthen its case?

• A. A brief summary of the Sailor's hobbies.
• B. Random anecdotes from peers.
• C. A standard template with no specifics.
• D. Clear justification, supporting documentation, and recommended action by the chain of command.

Answer: (D)

To strengthen an award recommendation, you want the submission to be concrete and persuasive by tying the nominee’s actions directly to the award criteria, backed by solid evidence and a clear next step for approval. Start with a clear justification that describes exactly what the Sailor did, when they did it, and the impact of those actions on the mission, safety, readiness, or unit morale. Use specific details and, whenever possible, numbers or measurable outcomes to show the significance of the performance and how it exceeded standard expectations. This justification should align with the official criteria for the award so reviewers can see why the actions deserve recognition.

Supplement the narrative with supporting documentation that corroborates the story: official performance records, tasking orders, after-action reports, certificates or training records, memos from supervisors, endorsements from witnesses or peers, and any tangible evidence like photos or awards already earned. The goal is to provide verifiable material that reinforces the written justification rather than leaving it to impression alone.

Include a clear recommended action by the chain of command. This should specify who should approve, what level of award is appropriate, and any steps the board or approving authority should take, along with a reasonable deadline. A precise recommended action helps ensure the process moves smoothly and signals confidence in the nominee’s qualifications.

Choosing anything unrelated to the award criteria—like hobbies, random anecdotes, or a generic template without specifics—fails to demonstrate the merit of the nomination and weakens the case. The strongest submissions combine focused justification, solid evidence, and a well-defined path to approval.