When is a recommendation for a decoration considered to be in official channels?

A recommendation for a decoration is regarded as being in official channels when the recommending official has signed it and a higher official has endorsed it. This process is vital for ensuring that the recommendation carries the appropriate authority and has undergone the necessary scrutiny and validation within the chain of command.

The endorsement from a higher official indicates that the initial recommendation has been reviewed and supported at a higher level, thereby officially recognizing the merit of the recommendation within military protocols. This is a critical step because formal channels require a structured process that adheres to regulations and standards within the military organization.

While submitting online or receiving acknowledgment may demonstrate certain procedural steps, they do not validate the recommendation in the context of the military’s formal approval process. Additionally, passing it to the next unit does not necessarily confirm that the recommendation has been properly sanctioned and elevated through the appropriate levels of authority. Thus, only when it has been signed and endorsed is it considered to be officially channeled.