Decoding Commendations: More Than Just a Pat on the Back
Ever get that warm feeling when someone recognizes your hard work? That’s a commendation. It’s not just a casual “good job.” It’s an official acknowledgment. It’s a badge of honor for going above and beyond. Think of it as validation from your favorite game or in life.
Let’s understand commendations. Knowing about them can help in both real and digital worlds. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll learn to give commendations yourself. Spread the love!
What Exactly IS a Commendation?
Time for the dictionary! A “commendation” is praise or recognition for doing something outstanding. It’s a formal nod to your achievements. We’re talking about awards given by governments, organizations, or a guild leader after a successful raid. Like a police officer receiving a medal for bravery.
Commendations Come in Many Flavors
Like ice cream, commendations vary. An “award of commendation” is any recognition for being awesome. This can include heroic acts or solid performance. They typically come in tangible forms:
- Certificates of Commendation: Classic paper awards for framing. Companies use them for employee achievements, fancy like “Employee of the Month.”
- Letters of Commendation: These highlight specific achievements. They’re great when seeking promotions or new jobs. It says, “This person is legit.” Indeed.com noted their value for referrals recently.
The Commendation Family Tree: Meet the Relatives
Commendations exist in various forms, each with its flavor. Here are some common types:
- Military Commendations: Serious recognitions for bravery or service.
- Commendation Medal: A US military medal for heroism or outstanding service.
- Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal: For heroic achievement in those forces.
- Joint Service Commendation Medal: For exceptional merit across Armed Forces branches.
- Air Force Commendation Medal: Awarded for meritorious service in the Air Force.
- Army Commendation Medal: For outstanding service or achievement in the Army.
- Civic/Community Commendations: For everyday heroes.
- NASBLA Award of Commendation: Given for heroism in recreational boating incidents.
- Public Service Commendation Medal: For civilians contributing to the Army’s mission.
- Academic Commendations: For high achievers!
- Special Commendation for Students with the Best Academic Achievements: For those who ace exams, making others look bad.
Why Bother with Commendations? The Perks are Real
So, why do commendations matter? Besides the ego boost, they have real purposes:
- Acknowledgement and Celebration: They publicly say “you did great!” and celebrate excellence.
- Boosting Morale and Positive Culture: They foster appreciation. Recognizing good work boosts confidence and keeps morale high.
- Career Advancement: Those letters matter. They enhance your record and boost chances for promotions or jobs. Think of them as shiny resume badges.
Level Up Your Commendation Game: Gaming Edition
Now, onto commendations in games! These virtual accolades often feel as good as real-life ones. Games reward players for accomplishments, teamwork, and sportsmanship through commendation systems.
Monster Hunter Rise/Sunbreak: Quest for Commendations
In Monster Hunter Rise and Sunbreak, commendations are simpler. You earn them by completing quests at the Gathering Hub and Village Quest Counters. It’s about completing challenges for rewards, including commendations. Hunt monsters, get loot, get commendations.
Destiny 2: Commendation Farming (and Social Butterfly Status)
Destiny 2 raised commendations with the Lightfall expansion. They became a social feature. Here, you recognize fellow Guardians in team-based activities. Did someone clutch a tough encounter? Commend them! It’s a way of saying “props.”
A buzz arose about “commendation farming” after Lightfall. Some players found ways to quickly rack up commendations, like blowing themselves up repeatedly. While that method may be patched, the essence remains: recognize your fireteam.
Sea of Thieves (SOT): A Treasure Trove of Commendations
In Sea of Thieves, commendations are your pirate achievements. You earn them for completing tasks and actions across the ocean. They’re badges proving your pirate skills.
Want to collect commendation? Here’s how:
- Voyages and Deliveries: Complete quests for trading companies. Deliver chests and skulls to earn commendations.
- Emissary Grades: Raise your Emissary Grade to unlock commendations. Maintaining Grade 2 for a company leads to plentiful commendations.
- Hourglass Mode: Participate in PvP actions for commendations. Sink ships and claim victory!
- Tall Tales: These story-driven quests hold hidden commendations. Adventure results in rewards.
- Sailing and Exploration: Explore the ocean for long distances. World events yield commendation opportunities.
- Combat Prowess: Defeat enemies and master weapons for combat commendations.
- Random Events: Be at the right place and time to find potential commendation triggers.
- Generous Giving: Want to be known as a generous pirate? Deliver 200 gifts, with at least 100 being Generous Gifts.
- Humble Giving: Start with Humble Gifts.
- Humble Giving for Many: Deliver 25 Humble Gifts to up your generosity.
- Humble Giving for All: Deliver 50 Humble Gifts to solidify your reputation.
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- giver.
- Charitable Giving: Share Humble Gifts with other crews. Make sure they are delivered. Sharing means caring, pirate style.
- Charitable Giving for Many: Share 15 Humble Gifts. Ensure they reach their destinations. Become the ultimate gift-giving pirate!
Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV): Mentor Commendations – Guiding the Way
In the wide world of Final Fantasy XIV, commendations matter for Mentors. Mentors guide newcomers. To earn Mentorship, prove your experience and helpfulness. Commendations are key.
Want to be a Battle Mentor in FFXIV? Here’s how:
- Dungeon and Trial Master: Clear at least 1,000 dungeons, raids, or trials. Show you understand battle content.
- Commendation Superstar: Gain at least 1,500 player commendations. Be a helpful and appreciated teammate.
- Role Mastery: Level a Tank, Healer, and DPS job to their level cap. Complete related role quests. Display versatility and understanding.
Once completed, visit The Smith in any major city to register for the mentorship program. Unlock exclusive Mentor perks. Time to guide the next generation of adventurers!
Academic Accolades: Dean’s Commendation and Beyond
Commendations exist beyond gaming. They are important in academics. Think of them as gold stars in higher education. They recognize students for academic excellence and commitment.
Dean’s Commendation: The Academic Hall of Fame
The Dean’s Commendation is prestigious. It goes to students showing academic excellence during the year. Usually awarded at year-end, students can earn commendations for both semesters. Generally, passing the overall academic year is necessary. It reflects hard work and commitment.
The College Commendation List also recognizes outstanding undergraduate students. Being on this list is significant. It showcases academic achievement and commitment to a field. For more insights, visit BestColleges.com’s article on the Dean’s List.
Commendation Cards: Military Recognition in Your Wallet
Shifting back to military topics, let’s discuss Commendation Cards. These badges are like mini-medals you carry. The US military issues them for “individual acts of gallantry or distinguished service or devotion to duty.” They recognize you in operational and non-operational settings. Think of them as portable symbols of service and bravery.
Nailing the Response: How to Accept a Commendation Like a Pro
You earned a commendation! Congratulations! How should you respond without seeming boastful? Here are ways to accept praise:
- “Thank you, it makes my day.” Simple and sincere.
- “I put a lot of thought into this; thank you for noticing.” Acknowledges effort without arrogance.
- “Thank you; I appreciate you taking time to express that.” Highlights appreciation for the giver.
- “Thank you! I am happy you feel that way!” Shows pleasure at their positive feedback.
Keep it gracious. Stay sincere. Just say “thank you!”
Guild Commendations: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work (and the Currency Flow)
Back to gaming, Guild Commendations matter in some games, like Guild Wars 2. In Guild Wars 2, Guild Commendations serve as currency. You earn them by participating in guild missions. They reward teamwork and guild contributions. Spend them on guild-related perks and items. It’s about guild pride!
Commendations and Proclamations: Cousins in Recognition
A commendation is like a proclamation. Both offer official recognition. Proclamations often recognize broader events. Commendations focus on individuals or specific events. They highlight something noteworthy.
The “Fastest” Route? Sometimes the Sneaky Way Isn’t the Best Way
Recall the “FASTEST WAY TO GET COMMENDATIONS IN DESTINY 2! #shorts” tip about blowing yourself up? It may seem fast, but it undermines real commendations. Commendations should be earned through effort, teamwork, and contribution. Gaming the system may offer numbers but won’t bring true accomplishment.
Whether seeking a Commendation Medal in the military, a Dean’s Commendation in college, or accruing commendations in gaming, they signify real achievements. Embrace the challenge. Strive for excellence. Let those commendations represent hard work. When needing to request an official commendation, check the Georgia government’s Commendation Request page. Go forth and be commendable!
