vPC-GR Awards and Decorations Capability Published March 12, 2007 ARPC NOTAM 0003 -- Commanders/Directors - We recently launched the third vPC-GR capability automating the Awards and Decorations nomination process for approval at the wing commander, equivalent or higher level. The nomination capability streamlines the process by prepopulating standard statements required by Air Force Instructions. The automation does not eliminate the need to review each nomination's narrative for compliance with "The Tongue and Quill." The vPC-GR application provides a commander's staff the ability to review nominations through the use of the "other" option during electronic coordination. When the need for additional coordination, administrative corrections, or further justification is identified, the nominator will receive an e-mail stating -- "A coordinator on your awards and decoration nomination has recommended corrections." Within the automated process, it remains imperative that intermediate commanders review nominations and recommend approval or disapproval, recommend award of a higher or lesser decoration, or return nominations for administrative correction or for more supporting data via the vPC-GR. Approval authorities should not approve a decoration until they are satisfied with the quality of the decoration displayed via the "review certificate" hyperlink in the application information section of the coordination page. We strive to develop vPC-GR applications with flexibility to enable commanders to determine the best local process (i.e. decoration board, command chief review, etc.) for their organization. As such, I encourage you to publish a current policy specifying your local process and clarifying who should coordinate your vPC-GR nominations before you receive them for final approval. To learn more about the awards and decoration capability, the vPC-GR and other Personnel Services Delivery Transformation processes, visit the ARPC Web site at http://arpc.afrc.af.mil/default.asp or http://arpc.afrc.af.mil/vPC-GR/ . //Signed// ANN C. SHIPPY, Colonel, USAF HQ ARPC Commander