Who may request consideration for military awards and decorations?

The correct answer is that veterans, retirees, and primary next of kin may request consideration for military awards and decorations. This is based on the understanding that military awards and decorations recognize the service and sacrifices of individuals who have served in the armed forces.

Veterans, who have completed their service, are eligible to request awards that they feel they deserve based on their past contributions. Retirees, having served their time and moved into civilian status, maintain their eligibility for awards they may have earned during their active duty. Additionally, primary next of kin—such as immediate family members of deceased service members—can request awards on behalf of their loved ones, especially when those individuals posthumously deserve recognition for their services or sacrifices.

While current military members often have streamlined access to the processes for requesting medals and awards, it is not exclusive to them, as the criteria for making these requests extend beyond active duty to include those who have retired, served honorably, and the family members of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This inclusion of multiple groups ensures that the honor and recognition associated with military service are accessible to all who have been impacted by it.