Combat Readiness Medal

BACKGROUND

This medal was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force on March 9, 1964, and amended Aug. 28, 1967. Originally created as a personal decoration ranking above the Commendation Medals, Lifesaving Medals and the Purple Heart, its current status has been changed to an achievement/service medal.

CRITERIA

It is awarded to members of the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve, and to members of other services after Aug. 1, 1960, for sustained individual combat or mission readiness or preparedness for direct weapon-system employment.

Specifically, a service member must meet the following criteria: complete an aggregate 24 months of sustained professional performance as a member of U.S. Air Force combat or mission-ready units subject to combat readiness reporting; or be individually certified as combat or mission ready and have maintained individual readiness the entire period according to a major headquarters; or subject to an individual positional evaluation program according to a higher headquarters standard.

The term Combat Ready is defined as being professionally and technically qualified in an aircraft crew position in an aircraft that can be used in combat.

MEDAL DESCRIPTION

This striking medal (pictured below) was designed by the Institute of Heraldry. On the obverse, it has an inverted triangle on top of a delta-swept wing-like object, both representing supersonic aircraft. This design is enclosed by a stylized compass rose with triangles at the points indicating the worldwide nature of the mission of the Air Force. The reverse of the medal has the inscription, “For Combat Readiness - Air Force,” in a circle near the outer edge of the medal.

RIBBON DESCRIPTION

The ribbon has a wide center stripe of red, flanked on either side by a narrow stripe of light blue, thin stripe of dark blue, narrow stripe of light blue with a stripe of red at the edge.

AUTHORIZED DEVICES

Oak Leaf Cluster

WEIGHTED AIRMAN PROMOTED SYSTEM POINT VALUE: 0

Air Force Good Conduct Medal

BACKGROUND

This medal was authorized by Congress on July 6, 1960, with the creation of the other medals of the Air Force. The medal was not created until June 1, 1963 when the Secretary of the Air Force established it.

CRITERIA

It is awarded to Air Force enlisted personnel for exemplary conduct during a three-year period of active military service, (or for a one-year period of service during a time of war). Persons awarded this medal must have had character and efficiency ratings of excellent or higher throughout the qualifying period, including time spent in attendance at service schools, and there must have been no convictions of court martial during this period. Air Force personnel who were previously awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal and after June 1, 1963 qualified for the Air Force Good Conduct Medal could wear both medals.

MEDAL DESCRIPTION

The medal is the same as the Army Good Conduct Medal and was designed by Joseph Kiselewski. On the obverse is an American eagle with wings displayed and inverted, standing on a closed book and a Roman sword. Encircling this are the words Efficiency, Honor, Fidelity at the medal's outer edge. The reverse has a five-pointed star above a blank scroll suitable for engraving the recipient's name and above the star are the words, “For Good” and below the scroll “Conduct.” It is encircled by a wreath of laurel and oak leaves.

RIBBON DESCRIPTION

The ribbon is predominantly light blue with a thin stripe of dark blue, thin stripe of white, thin stripe of red and a thin stripe of light blue at the edge.

AUTHORIZED DEVICES

Oak Leaf Cluster

WEIGHTED AIRMAN PROMOTED SYSTEM POINT VALUE: 0

Army Good Conduct Medal

BACKGROUND

The Army Good Conduct Medal was authorized by Executive Order 8809, on June 28, 1941, and is awarded to enlisted members who have honorably completed three continuous years of active military service subsequent to Aug. 26, 1940, and who are recommended by their commanding officers for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity. Persons awarded this medal must have had character and efficiency ratings of excellent or higher throughout the qualifying period, including time spent in attendance at service schools, and there must have been no convictions by court martial.

CRITERIA

During wartime, the Army Good Conduct Medal may be awarded on completion of one year of continuous service rather than three. Executive Order 9323, March 31, 1943, lowered this time limit for service during World War II, and it was amended by Executive Order 10444 on April 10, 1953, applying the one-year ruling to the Korean Conflict, (1950-1954) and to any future period in which the United States is at war, including the war in Vietnam, (1964-1973).

MEDAL DESCRIPTION

The medal, designed by Joseph Kiselewski, has on the obverse an eagle with wings displayed and inverted, standing on closed book and a Roman sword. Encircling it is the inscription Efficiency, Honor, Fidelity. The reverse has a five-pointed star, slightly above center, with a scroll beneath for the recipient's name. Above the star are the words “For Good” and below the scroll the word “Conduct.” A wreath, formed of a laurel branch on the left and an oak branch on the right, surrounds the whole design.

RIBBON DESCRIPTION

Only one Good Conduct Medal may be awarded to any individual. Additional awards of the medal are indicated by a bar, with loops or knots indicating additional awards. Clasps are in bronze (one to five awards), silver (five to nine awards), and gold for 10 or more awards. An individual who is awarded a Good Conduct Medal while serving in another branch of service and is then awarded an Army Good Conduct Medal would wear both medals and ribbon bars.

AUTHORIZED DEVICES

Clasp

Navy Good Conduct Medal

Authorization. The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) was established by SECNAV on 26 April 1869 to recognize the "all- around" good Navy enlisted person, well qualified in all phases of conduct and performance. Effective 1 February 1971, commanding officers were delegated authority to award the NGCM. The CNO has review authority over the NGCM and designates specific criteria for the award.

Eligibility Requirements

Period of Service. In accordance with NAVADMIN 305/95, subsequent to 1 January 1996, any three years of continuous active service as an enlisted person in the Regular Navy or Navy Reserve. For the period 1 November 1963 through 31 December 1995, inclusive, the qualifying eligibility period is four years. This requirement may be fulfilled by:

    (a) Continuous active service during a minority (see note) enlistment, provided the member served on active duty to the day preceding his/her 21st birthday, even though he/she extended the enlistment and remained on active duty. Note: The term "minority" as used in this paragraph and paragraph (b) below refers to being under the age of 18 and not to any particular racial or ethnic background.

    (b) Continuous active service during a minority enlistment, provided the member served on active duty within three months of the day preceding his/her 21st birthday.

    (c) Continuous active service during a three-year first enlistment. For first-term personnel who meet all eligibility requirements except length of service, the NGCM may be awarded up to three months prior to the eligibility date if the member is discharged or released to inactive duty; i.e., the last three months of service may be waived. This does not apply to members who are discharged for the purpose of immediate reenlistment.

    (d) A member not eligible for the NGCM who reenlists or reports for active duty within three months after discharge or release to inactive duty, is considered to be serving under "continuous active service" conditions. While the time between the date of separation and date of return to active duty is not counted as an interruption of active service, it may not be included in computing time served. A member who reenlists or reports for active duty more than three months after separating must begin a new three-year qualification period. 

    (e) An enlisted member appointed a temporary warrant or commissioned officer may include such temporary service, upon reverting to an enlisted status, regardless of the purpose (including discharge to accept appointment as a permanent officer). Naval Academy midshipmen who are not commissioned, but are retained in the service in an enlisted status, may include such midshipman service for the purpose of earning the NGCM. Except as provided above, service in warrant, commissioned, or Naval Academy midshipman status may not be included in computing time served.

Conduct. Within the required period of active service, the individual must have a clear record (no convictions by court-martial,no non-judicial punishment (NJP),no lost time by reason of sickness-misconduct,no civil convictions for offenses involving moral turpitude).

    (a) If confinement as a result of conviction by any court-martial (general, special, or summary) is involved, a new qualifying period shall begin with the date of restoration to duty on a probationary basis. If confinement is not included in the approved sentence of the court-martial, a new qualifying period shall begin with the date of convening authority action.

    (b) If the service record contains record of NJP, a new qualifying period shall begin with the date following the date of the offense. If the date of the offense cannot be determined, the new qualifying period shall begin with the date following the NJP.

    (c) If convicted by civil authorities for an offense involving moral turpitude, a new qualifying period shall begin with the date of return to active duty status.

    (d) If the record contains a disqualifying mark that is not the result of NJP, the new qualifying period shall begin with the date following the date of the mark.

Performance marks required during period of eligibility.

    (a) Subsequent to 1 January 1996, no mark below 2.0 in any trait.

    (b) Between 31 August 1983 and 31 December 1995, no mark below 3.0 in Military Knowledge/Performance, Rating Knowledge/Performance,Reliability, Military Bearing, Personal Behavior, and Directing.

    (c) Prior to 31 August 1983:
         1 E-4 and below. No mark below 3.0 in any trait.

         2 E-5 and E-6. No mark below EEL (Typically Effective-Lower) in Directing, Individual Productivity, Reliability or Conduct.

         3 E-7 to E-9. No mark below the bottom 50 percent in Performance, Reliability, Conduct or Directing. If an individual receives a disqualifying trait mark, a new period of eligibility shall begin on the day following the ending date of the performance evaluation report that contains the disqualifying trait mark.

Waivers. Subsequent to 17 May 1974, for the first award only, the NGCM may be awarded in the following cases, provided conduct and performance requirements are met

(1) For individuals who are killed in combat against an opposing armed force, or die as a direct result of wounds received in combat against an opposing armed force, the award may be presented posthumously to the next of kin.

(2)For individuals who are separated from the Naval Service for physical disability as a result of wounds incurred in combat against an opposing armed force, or in the line of duty where such wounds were directly related to action against the enemy.

(3) For individuals who die while in a POW status, the NGCM may be presented posthumously to the next of kin, provided

it has been determined the member's conduct while a POW was acceptable.

Limitations

(1) When the requirements have been met, but it is evident the individual is not deserving of the NGCM due to a repeated record of valid letters of indebtedness, or other acts which are not in keeping with the high moral standards required of all Navy personnel, the commanding officer will make an appropriate recommendation to CNO (DNS-35)stating the reasons.

(2) Although the period of qualifying service was revised to three years effective 1 January 1996, in accordance with Navy Uniform Regulations, this change does not affect the four-year requirement for service stripes.

(3) Active service in a Reserve status credited toward the Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal may not also be credited for the NGCM.

Certificates. A certificate shall be prepared for each award. The member's rate, name, branch of Service, and number of the award shall be centered in the appropriate spaces. The ending date of the period of service for which the award was earned shall be centered after "Awarded for service completed on." The commanding officer's name, grade, and branch of Service shall be typed above "commanding Officer" and his/her signature affixed. 

Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal

Authorization. Special Order No. 49 of 20 July 1896 established the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (MCGCM) to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the Marine Corps. The CMC has review authority over the MCGCM and designates specific criteria for the award.

EligibilityRequirements

(1) Service

    (a) Any three years of continuous active service after 10 December 1945, regardless of expiration or extension of enlistments and any previous or subsequent disciplinary action, except as indicated in subparagraph (b) for enlisted personnel, Regular or Reserve, including service in temporary warrant or temporary commissioned status, provided such temporary officer reverts to enlisted status. Also, if reenlisted within a period of 90 days from date of discharge, it will not be construed as an interruption of continuous service, but the period between discharge and reenlistment will not be counted.

    (b) Individual Ready Reservists, mobilized for three continuous years, may elect the MCGCM in lieu of continuing their eligibility for the Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal. Administrative units should make an appropriate entry in the Marine's official military record (OMPF),which indicates the Marine was mobilized under Title 10, specifies the dates of the mobilization period, and that the Marine elected to receive the MCGCM for the period of active duty. A copy of the Marine's orders and the award certificate should be filed in the Marine's OMPF for historical purposes.

    (c) Provided the individual is otherwise qualified, an MCGCM shall be authorized for any three years of enlisted service consisting of a combination of periods of active service in a war, national emergency, or armed hostilities in which the United States is engaged. When the first period of such service terminated prior to 10 December 1945, a total of four years of enlisted service is required. In establishing eligibility for the MCGCM under this paragraph, service performed during World War 11, Korea, and Vietnam will not be creditable unless entry or reentry to active service occurred during the inclusive periods 8 September 1939 to 31 December 1946; 27 June 1950 to 27 July 1954; and/or 3 July 1965 to 30 September 1975.

    (d) For the first award only, the MCGCM may be awarded, provided conduct requirements are met, to the next of kin in cases when a service member is killed in combat against an opposing armed force, or dies as a direct result of wounds received in combat against an opposing armed force, or dies in the line of duty when such death was directly related to actions againsttheenemy. Inaddition,forthefirstawardonly,the MCGCM is authorized for individuals who are separated from the Naval Service for physical disability, as a result of wounds incurred in combat against an opposing armed force, or in the line of duty when such wounds resulted directly from action againsttheenemy,providedconductrequirementsaremet. For the first award only, the MCGCM may be presented posthumously to the next of kin of POWs if the service member's death occurs while in a POW status, provided it has been determined the individual's conduct while a POW was acceptable.

    (e) The three-year requirement for the MCGCM may be waived upon a Marine's completion of Offi-cer Candidate School (OCS), as long as the period waived does not exceed 90 days. Upon completion of OCS, requests for waiver of the three-year requirement shall be submitted to CMC (MMMA) for consideration.

(2) Conduct

    (a) The MCGCM shall be earned for otherwise qualifying service, involving no convictions by courts-martial or non-judicial punishment (NJP) under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 15, and no lost time by reason of sickness-misconduct or injury-misconduct. Prior to 27 April 1990, not more than one NJP was allowed.

    (b) When NJP or a court-martial voids creditability of service, a new good conduct period shall commence effective on the date of approval of the NJP, or on the date of the convening authority's action on the court-martial, except when the offense occurred within the three-year period and the date of approval of the NJP or of the convening authority's action is after the expiration of the three-year period; under these circumstances, the date of the offense shall be the commencement dateforthenewperiod. Offensescommittedinaprevious period will not be considered when determining eligibility during the current three-year period.

    (c) When sentenced to confinement as a result of conviction by any court-martial, a new period shall begin with the date of restoration to duty, even though in a probationary status. The date of approval by the convening authority on all courts-martial,not involving confinement, shall be the new commencementdate. (SeealsoIndividualRecordsAdministration Manual (IRAM), Para. 4008, MCO P1070.12K.)

    (d) In cases of time lost due to sickness-misconduct or injury-misconduct,the date of return to duty shall be the new commencement date for MCGCM qualifying service.

    (e) In the case of individuals placed on the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) who subsequently return to active duty, the period spent on the TDRL does not count as a break in service, nor does it count as active service for computing eligibility for the MCGCM.

    (f) When the foregoing requirements have been met, but it is evident the individual is not deserving of the MCGCM due to a repeated record of valid letters of indebtedness, conviction(s) by civil court for major offense(s), or other acts not in keeping with the high moral standards of the Marine Corps, the commanding officer will make the appropriate recommendation to CMC (MMMA) stating the reasons.

Certificates. A Good Conduct Award Certificate (NAVMC-11416(11-02))will be completed by the commanding officer at the time entitlement is confirmed for presentation to the member. 

Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal

Eligibility requirements. Awarded for satisfactory service which is defined as proficiency in rating, sobriety, obedience, industry, courage, and neatness throughout such period of service. As of 1 July 1983, an individual is required to perform three consecutive years of satisfactory service to earn this award. Subsequent awards are authorized for each additional three consecutive years of satisfactory service.

Creditable service. Only enlisted service counts toward the required service for initial and subsequent awards of the GCM.

1. Creditable service must have been accrued while serving on active duty for periods of three months or more while in the regular Coast Guard or the Coast Guard Reserve. Membership in the Coast Guard Temporary Reserve or Coast Guard Auxiliary is not creditable. Active duty for training performed by reservists is not creditable. Reserve time applied toward the Coast Guard Reserve Good Conduct Medal may be applied toward a good conduct award while on active duty; see chapter 5.A.2.a.7 for example.

2. Service must be continuous. Inactive duty for a period of more than three months is considered a break in continuous service for the purpose of this award. Reenlistment within three months is considered continuous service; however, the time spent out of service is not creditable.

3. Temporary retirement due to physical disability or an authorized temporary separation of two years or less does not constitute a break in service when determining good conduct eligibility; however, the time spent in either status is not creditable.

4. Concurrent service as a Coast Guard enlisted member and as a Coast Guard Academy cadet is not creditable when: (1) training is completed; (2) the enlistment is terminated, or (3) appointment is made to the grade of ensign. However, such enlisted service is creditable when the cadet’s appointment is terminated during training and continues service as an enlisted person.

5. Temporary service as a warrant officer or commissioned officer is creditable as enlisted service only when the individual reverts to enlisted status and meets performance and conduct requirements.

Conduct and performance.

Conduct and performance will be computed in accordance with and satisfy the requirements in effect at the time the service was performed. As of

1 July 1983, average marks must be three or greater in all factors and all conduct marks must be four or greater.

   1. When a person is convicted by court-martial and sentenced to a period of confinement, a new period begins on the date of release from confinement even though the release may be on a probationary basis. If no confinement is included in the approved sentence of a court martial a new period begins the day following the conviction; see article 10.B.2, Personnel Manual, COMDTINST M1000.6 (series).

   2. When an infraction of discipline results in non-judicial punishment, a new period will commence the day following the date non-judicial punishment is awarded.

   3. If convicted by civil authorities, a new period will begin on the date of return to Coast Guard jurisdiction. If confinement is not involved, civil convictions do not necessarily bar a person from a good conduct award; see article 10.B.2, Personnel Manual, COMDTINST M1000.6 (series). However, if the individual’s marks were lowered below the minimum requirements for that period, a new period would commence the day following the date of the adverse marks

To be creditable, conduct and performance during an enlisted member’s tenure as a cadet, or temporary service as a warrant officer or commissioned officer must not include any of the following:

1. Court-martial, non-judicial punishment, letter of censure, admonition or reprimand;

2. Suspension from duty or private reprimand, whether noted on fitness report or otherwise reported officially to the Commandant; and

3. Unsatisfactory fitness report, civil conviction not involving confinement or reversion to enlisted status for disciplinary reasons.

Posthumous award to deceased members serving in first enlistment. The GCM will be awarded posthumously in cases where the deceased member was serving in a first enlistment, and the member’s conduct, verified by record and last commanding officer, was such that if continued through a complete enlistment would have resulted in the member being eligible for the GCM. It is the responsibility of the deceased member’s last commanding officer to provide this information without delay to Commander, Coast Guard Personnel Command (CGPC-adm-3).

Certificates and attachments. Commanding officers complete a Good Conduct Award Certificate (CG-4178) at such time as an individual is issued a GCM or is authorized to wear a bronze star for a second or subsequent Good Conduct Award.

Awarding of these certificates shall not be retroactive. The commanding officer must ensure that Good Conduct Award Certificates are completed showing the name of the member who earned the award, rate, number of the award (i.e., first, second, etc.), and the date on which the service for the award was completed. The certificate(s) will be signed by the commanding officer and presented at an appropriate ceremony.

Subsequent awards. A 3/16-inch bronze star is authorized for subsequent awards of the GCM. A 3/16-inch silver star denotes the sixth award. 

Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal

BACKGROUND

This award was originally established as a ribbon bar by the Secretary of the Air Force on April 1, 1964 and was amended on May 1, 1973, when the medal was created.

CRITERIA

It is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a four-year period while serving in an enlisted status in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

Awarded for a period of three continuous years of service computed from the date of assignment to a training category A, B or D for individuals with a beginning date before July 1, 1972. For individuals with a beginning date after June 30, 1972, the length of service requirement is three continuous years of service.  Award the medal to individuals who accrue at least one year, but less than three years toward award of the medal and terminate their enlisted Reserve status as a commissioned or warrant officer regardless of the beginning eligibility date.

Creditable service ends when called to active duty. A period of more than 24 hours between reserve enlistments counts as a break in service. Credit must begin anew after the break. An active duty period is not a break in service. Do not credit service performed in the US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard Reserve components. When determining service computation, exclude service as a commissioned officer.

MEDAL DESCRIPTION

This circular bronze medal was designed by the Institute of Heraldry. In the center of the obverse is an American eagle, wings outstretched perched on a wide circle containing a five-pointed star with a disk in the center (like the symbols on early U.S. Aircraft); above the eagle and between its wing tips is a banner with the words, “Meritorious Service.” Around the edge to the left are the words, Air Reserve and to the right, the word “Forces” with delta wing shapes on either side of the word. Behind this design are 13 rays or lines from the center. The reverse of the medal has a cloud design in the center and within this at the top are the wings and thunderbolts of the Air Force Coat of Arms. Below this is the word, “To,” and encircling the outer edge of the medal is the inscription, “Exemplary Behavior - Efficiency - Fidelity.”

RIBBON DESCRIPTION

The ribbon has a very wide light blue center stripe flanked on either side by a narrow blue stripe, a thin gold stripe, a narrow blue stripe, a wide white stripe and at the edges a thin stripe of white.

AUTHORIZED DEVICES

Oak Leaf Cluster

WEIGHTED AIRMAN PROMOTED SYSTEM POINT VALUE: 0

Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal

Criteria. The Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (ARCAM) was established by the Secretary of the Army on March 3, 1971 and amended by Department of the Army General Orders (DAGO) 4, 1974. It is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity while serving as a member of an Army National Guard (ARNG) or USAR troop program unit (TPU) or as an individual mobilization augmentee (IMA). The first design bears the inscription “United States Army Reserve,” the other design bears the inscription, “Army National Guard.”

Personnel eligible. The ARCAM is authorized for award to Army personnel including Active Guard Reserve (AGR) officers in the rank of colonel and below. Individual must have been a member of an ARNG unit or USAR TPU, excluding enlisted soldiers in an AGR status. AGR enlisted soldiers are eligible for the AGCM under the provisions of § 578.37(b). The medal is also awarded to USAR soldiers serving as IMA after completing qualifying service and on recommendation of the unit commander or HQDA official to which the IMA is assigned.

Award approval authority. Approval authority for award of the ARCAM for ARNG units and USAR TPU soldiers is the soldier's unit commander. Commander, USA HRC-St. Louis, One Reserve Way, St. Louis, MO 63132-5200, is the approval authority for award of the ARCAM to USAR IMA soldiers. Orders are not published for the award of this medal. Approved ARCAM is announced using an official memorandum. The records custodian will then annotate the records.

Peacetime and wartime applicability. The ARCAM is awarded to eligible Army Reserve Component soldiers during times of peace and war. However, during periods of war, the length of qualifying service is subject to change at the discretion of the Secretary of the Army.

Basis or criteria for approval. 

(1) Between March 3, 1972 and March 28, 1995, the medal was authorized on completion of 4 years' service with a Reserve Component unit. Individual must have completed 4 years of qualifying service on or after March 3, 1972 and before March 28, 1995. A qualifying year of service is one in which a Reserve soldier earns a minimum of 50 retirement points during his/her retirement year. Qualifying service for computation purposes is based only by retirement ending year dates.

(2) Effective March 28, 1995, the period of qualifying service for award of the ARCAM is reduced from 4 to 3 years. That is, soldiers completing 3 years of qualified service on or after March 28, 1995 are eligible for ARCAM consideration. This change is not retroactive.

(3) All awards of the ARCAM must be made under the following conditions:

    (i) Such years of qualifying service must have been consecutive. A period of more than 24 hours between Reserve enlistments or officer's service will be considered a break in service. Credit toward earning the award must begin anew after a break in service. Service while attending Officer Candidate School or Warrant Officer Candidate school will be considered enlisted service, and termination will occur when the soldier is commissioned or appointed a warrant officer.

    (ii) Although only unit service may be credited for award of this medal, consecutive Ready Reserve service between periods of unit service will not be considered as a break in service and service in the first unit may be added to service in the second unit to determine total qualifying service.

    (iii) Soldiers who are ordered to active duty in the AGR program will be awarded the ARCAM if they have completed 2 of the 3 years required (Army Good Conduct Medal eligibility starts on the effective date of the AGR order). Soldiers with less than 2 years will not receive an award. Service lost may be recovered if the soldier is separated honorably from the AGR program and reverts to troop program unit service, for example, a soldier serves 1 year and 6 months of qualifying service and is ordered to an AGR tour. This service is not sufficient for award of the ARCAM. When the soldier leaves the AGR program that 1 year and 6 months is granted towards the next award of the ARCAM. Only the State adjutant general may determine that the AGR service was not sufficiently honorable enough to revoke the previously earned time, regardless of the type of separation given.

    (iv) The member must have exhibited honest and faithful service as is in accordance with the standards of conduct, courage and duty required by law and customs of the service, of a member of the same grade as the individual to whom the standard is being applied.

(4) A member must be recommended for the award by his or her unit commander whose recommendation is based on personal knowledge of the individual and the individual's official records of periods of service under prior commanders during the period for which the award is made.

(5) A commander may not delay award or extend the qualifying period for misconduct. A determination that service is not honorable as prescribed negates the entire period of the award.

Unqualified service. 

(1) Service performed in the Reserve Components of the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard may not be credited for award of the ARCAM.

(2) Release from Army Reserve Component status for entry into service as a cadet or midshipman at any U.S. service academy or discharge from Army Reserve Component for immediate entry in the Regular Army, in an officer or enlisted status, is considered termination of service for the purpose of qualifying for the ARCAM.

(3) Service while in an enlisted AGR status may not be credited for award of the ARCAM.

Subsequent awards and Oak Leaf Clusters. Second and succeeding awards of the ARCAM are denoted by Oak Leaf Clusters.

Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal

BACKGROUND:

The Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal was established when Secretary of the Navy Fred A. Korth approved National Naval Policy Board (1960) Report, promulgated by BUPERS Notice 1650 of June 25, 1962. Originally authorized as a ribbon only, the medal was authorized by Secretary of the Navy Paul H. Nitze on June 22, 1964.

CRITERIA:

The Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal is intended to provide Naval Reservists an award which is the equivalent to the Navy Good Conduct Medal. 

The Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal is awarded on a selective basis to Navy Reservists who, during any three consecutive years subsequent to January 1, 1958, fulfill with distinction the obligations of inactive reserve. These requirements include the following: Performs three period of active duty of not less than twelve consecutive months each, unless any portion of a period is waived by the Commander, Naval Reserve Force, or his delegated authority. Any combination of Annual Training (AT) or Active Duty for Special Work (ADSW) satisfies the annual requirement. AT completed prior to August 31, 1994, must have been for periods of not less than twelve consecutive days unless waived by competent authority for reasons not initiated by the individual reservist. 

Attends a minimum of 90 percent of all scheduled drills each year prior to October 1, 1997, and a minimum of 85 percent thereafter, with an organized unit of the Naval Reserve, for three consecutive years (authorized equivalent instruction or duty may be credited in lieu of drills). Assignment to records review of six months or less may be counted towards eligibility for this award, provided the member maintains eligibility for a satisfactory year toward retirement completing correspondence courses. 

A period of eligibility interrupted for six months or more will result in a new three-year period beginning with a date of return to drilling status. 

When a member of the Naval Reserve is ordered to active duty, temporary active duty, or initial active duty for training, such periods will be credited toward fulfillment of the requirements under the following conditions: The active duty consists of at least thirty days; 

The member must have earned some credit toward an award while in an inactive duty drilling status, except for personnel enlisted in reserve programs with no drilling obligation prior to reporting to active duty for Two Year General Detail (GENDET), Three Year Enlistment Apprenticeship, Sea/Air Mariner (SAM), or TAR Enlistment Progrmams (TEP). Personnel enlisted in these programs may receive credit towards the NRMSM for period of active duty or Active Duty for Training, provided such a period is for less than three years. 

Upon completion of the three year eligibility requirement for the award while on continuous active duty, the membeer may not qualify for subsequent awards without returning to an inactive duty drill status. Continuous active duty may be applied toward award of the Navy Good Conduct Medal. 

Active duty time credited toward the award of the Navy Good Conduct Medal may not be credited toward eligibility for the Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal. Active duty not credited toward the Navy Good Conduct Medal may be credited toward the NRMSM provided the member affiliates with the Selected Reserves within 90 days of discharge or release from active duty and has met all other requirements for the Navy Good Conduct Medal. 

A member must have a clear record for the period of eligibility (no convictions by courts-martial or non-judicial punishment). If the service record contains a record of courts-martial or non-judicial punishment, the three year period shall begin with the date of the completion of courts-martial sentence or non-judicial punishment. 

No Enlisted Performance Evaluation mark below 2.0 in any trait subsequent to December 31, 1995, or below 3.0 in military knowledge/performance, rating knowledge/performance, reliability, military bearing, personal behavior, and directing between August 31 1983 and December 31, 1995 (or equivalent when other numerical values are assigned).

Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal

Authorization. The Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal (SMCRM) was established by a SECNAV directive of 19 February

Eligibility Requirements. Awarded to members of the Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR) who, effective 1 January 1996, fulfilled designated service requirements within any three-year period of service in the Organized Marine Corps Reserve. For the period 1 July 1925 through 31 December 1995, inclusive, a four-year period of service is required. The following are specific eligibility requirements for this medal:

(1)Attendance with an SMCR unit, including duty in an Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) billet in Training Category A, at three consecutive annual field training periods. A period of active duty for training which was authorized to be performed in lieu of a regular annual field training period will fulfill this requirement.

(2) Effective 24 April 1961, attendance with an SMCR unit, including duty in an IMA billet in Training Category A, of 90 percent of all scheduled drills each year for four consecutive years. Eligibility for the medal prior to that date is based on 80 percent attendance of all scheduled drills. (Appropriateduty or equivalent instruction-or-dutymay be credited in lieu of drills.)

(3) In the case of officers and noncommissioned officers (sergeant or above), the commanding officer (or the Commander, Marine Corps Mobilization Command (MOBCOM) in the case of IMA Category A) is responsible for determining whether the individual's service and performance of duty warrant the award. Enlisted personnel in the grade of corporal and below must have obtained a combined average of conduct and proficiency markings of4.0oraboveforthefirstthree-yearperiod. Forsubsequent three-year periods, enlisted personnel must have obtained a combined average of conduct and proficiency markings of 4.5 or above. When it is evident an individual who otherwise fulfills the eligibility criteria is not deserving of this award because of a repeated record of valid indebtedness or other acts which are not in keeping with the high moral standards required of all Marines, the commanding officer (or Commander, MOBCOM in the case of IMA Category A) will make an appropriate recommendation to CMC (MMMA) stating the reasons.

(4) When called to active duty in time of war or national emergency, SMCR members (including IMA Category A) may be credited, while on active duty, with the annual field training and required drill attendance, provided they have served not less than one month on active duty during each qualification year. Such active service may be credited only for the purpose of qualification for the medal or bronze star toward which the reservist is working at the time of mobilization. When the reservist's three-year period is completed, active duty subsequently performed may not be credited toward the issuance of a medal or star. If the period of active duty is of such duration that the reservist is ordered to 'inactive status prior to completion of the reservist's three- year period, the time spent on active duty may be credited toward the award of the medal, but credit for active duty will not be allowed for any three-year period which began with the reservist on active duty. Once the award is earned after mobilization, the reservist must return to drill and training status in the SMCR (including IMA category 'A") before a new qualification period begins.

( 5 ) When a member of the SMCR is unable to attend drills due to absence from the place of drill, or for causes beyond his/her control, exclusive of sickness, the reservist should request a leave of absence for such period, in order that the absence from the regular drill period will not count against the record of attendance for eligibility for the Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal.

(6) Retroactive to 12 January 1961, the medal will be awarded to officers prohibited by the rotation system, due to the lack of billets, from serving in the SMCR (including service as an IMA category A) for a three-year period, provided they have completed any continuous five anniversary years of satisfactory Federal service in the Marine Corps Reserve (including IMA Training Categories A, B, C, and D) as defined by regulations. This must include a minimum of two consecutive years of satisfactory participation as a member of an SMCR unit, or as an IMA Category A, during which attendance at drills and periods of annual field training meets the requirements cited above.

(7) Any period of qualifying service beginning with SMCR membership, interrupted by duty with the Active Reserve (AR) Program, shall not be considered a break in said period of three consecutiveyearsforeligibility. Furthermore,anysuchperiod of active duty may be credited with the annual field training and required drill attendance for the purpose of completing qualification only for the medal or bronze star toward which the reservist was working at the time of active duty in the AR Program.

(8) When enlisted Marine Corps reservists are assigned to active duty in the AR Program, they must elect whether to continue their eligibility for the SMCRM for which they have accumulated qualifying service, or commence qualifying service for the MCGCM. Officers may continue to earn qualifying service toward SMCRM. Under no circumstances may a Reservist commence an eligibility period for the SMCRM while on the AR Program.
MCO P1070.12K (IRAM) contains administrative instructions.

(9) Individual Ready Reservists mobilized for three continuous years may elect the MCGCM in lieu of continuing their eligibility for the SMCRM. Administrative units should make an appropriate entry in the Marine's official military record (OMPF),which indicates the Marine was mobilized under Title 10, specifies the dates of the mobilization period, and that the Marine elected to receive the MCGCM for the period of active duty. A copy of the Marine's orders and the award certificate should be filed in his/her OMPF for historical purposes. 

Coast Guard Reserve Good Conduct Medal

Eligibility requirements. This medal, like the Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal, is issued to reserve enlisted members who have been recommended by their commanding officers for proficiency in rating, sobriety, obedience, industry, courage, and neatness throughout each qualifying period of service. The required period of service is three consecutive years. The eligibility requirements have changed from time to time; the last change becoming effective 25 October 2002 (see Table 1 below).

1. Creditable Service. The consecutive three-year period of service applied toward a Coast Guard Reserve Good Conduct Medal and subsequent awards must be enlisted. Service must have been accrued in the Coast Guard Reserve or on active duty in the regular Coast Guard.

2. The Coast Guard Reserve Good Conduct Medal is issued to reserve enlisted members who earn at least 70 retirement points during each of three consecutive anniversary years in the Coast Guard Reserve. Members whose good conduct period of service spans years with disparate eligibility standards must apply the standard in place at the beginning of their anniversary year. Creditable time earned under a previous good conduct standard will be combined with creditable time earned under the new standard during the same period of service; see Table 1.

3. The consecutive three-year period is computed from the member’s anniversary date.

4. Conduct and performance requirements are identical to the active duty policy; see chapter 5.A.1.a.(2).

5. Reserve enlisted members serving on Extended Active Duty (EAD), Active Duty for Special Work (ADSW) for periods of three continuous months or more, or who enlist or reenlist in the active duty Coast Guard may be eligible for either the GCM or RGCM, but not both during the same time period. Award eligibility will be determined by the status in which the reservist performed the majority of time. For example, a reservist who served two eligible years toward the Reserve Good Conduct Medal then enters into an EAD contract must complete one additional year of active duty to earn an RGCM; a reservist who served one eligible year toward the RGCM then enters into an EAD contract must complete two additional years of active duty to earn a GCM. Eligibility periods for the RGCM and GCM may not overlap.

6. Active duty personnel who affiliate with the reserve within three months of their release from active duty may apply active duty time not previously credited toward a GCM toward the RGCM. A period of active duty time carried forward as a fraction of a year is applied as an equal fraction toward the Reserve Good Conduct Award retirement point requirement (rounded down).

7. EXAMPLE: An OS2 is released from active duty and immediately affiliates with the reserve. The member was awarded a Good Conduct Medal following three years of active duty. The member carries forward 1 year, 4 months, and 27 days creditable active duty good conduct time toward the Reserve Good Conduct Medal. Calculate that fraction of an active duty year (40%) as an equal fraction of the annual reserve 70-point requirement, or 28 points. As a result, this member may apply one year toward their initial Reserve Good Conduct Medal, plus 28 points toward the minimum point requirement during their first reserve anniversary year.

8.  Reserve retirement points calculated for the Reserve Good Conduct Medal are not creditable for any other purpose.

Table 1

Completion of a member’s ADT requirement for a specific year may have been waived, or IDT authorizations for a specific fiscal year may have been adjusted (e.g., an FY-92 appropriation shortfall caused IDT drill authorizations to be capped at 45, establishing 41 drills as the eligibility minimum).

Assumed point total represents IDT (43), ADT-AT (12), and membership (15), although points may be accumulated in any combination from any source, including correspondence courses and funeral duty.

Certificates and attachments. Commanding officers will complete a Reserve Good Conduct Award Certificate, CG-4178A, at such time as an individual is issued a Coast Guard Reserve Good Conduct Medal, or is authorized to wear a small bronze star for a second or subsequent award. The commanding officer shall ensure Reserve Good Conduct certificates are completed showing the name of the member who earned the award, rate, number of the award (e.g., first or second), and the date on which the service for the award was completed.

Subsequent awards. A 3/16-inch bronze star is authorized for subsequent awards of the RGCM. A 3/16-inch silver star denotes the sixth award. 

Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon 

BACKGROUND

This ribbon was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force on Feb. 21, 1968.

CRITERIA

This ribbon is awarded to enlisted airmen nominated by the major commands (MAJCOMs), field operating agencies (FOAs), and direct reporting units (DRUs) to HQ AFPC Special Trophies and Awards Office for competition in the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year (12 OAY) Program. Only one ribbon is awarded. The 12 members selected as the Air Force Outstanding Airmen of the Year will wear a bronze service star, centered on the ribbon, retroactive to June 1970.

RIBBON DESCRIPTION

A center stripe of white, flanked on both sides by thin stripes of dark blue and red, with wide stripes of light blue on each end.

AUTHORIZED DEVICES

Bronze Service Star (for selection as one of the 12 OAY) and/or Oak Leaf Cluster (for subsequent award of MAJCOM/FOA/DRU nomination to the 12 OAY competition). The bronze service star is worn to the wearer's right side of the oak leaf clusters, if both are awarded.

WEIGHTED AIRMAN PROMOTED SYSTEM POINT VALUE: 0

Air Force Recognition Ribbon

BACKGROUND

This ribbon was authorized by the Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force on Oct. 12, 1980. The Air Force Recognition Ribbon will be worn between the Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon and the National Defense Service Medal. Bronze oak-leaf clusters will be worn on the ribbon bar to indicate subsequent awards.

CRITERIA

It is awarded to named team and individual Air Force recipients of Air Force-level Special Trophies and Awards except the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year nominees.

RIBBON DESCRIPTION

This award ribbon is predominantly light blue, with a narrow center stripe of red, flanked on either side by a wide stripe of light blue, and thin stripes of white and red at the edge.

AUTHORIZED DEVICES

Oak Leaf Cluster

WEIGHTED AIRMAN PROMOTED SYSTEM POINT VALUE: 0

China Service Medal 

Awarded to U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Service member who served on shore in China or who were attached to any of the vessels that operated in support of the operations in China between July 7, 1937, and September 7, 1939. Authorized by the Secretary of the Navy, for the period after WWII, until January 22, 1945. The period of eligibility was subsequently extended on March 6, 1947. During the second period, the medal was awarded to Service members of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard during operations in China between September 2, 1945, and April 1, 1957. 

American Defense Service Medal 

The ADSM was established by EO 8808, announced in War Department Bulletin 17, 1941. It is awarded for service between 8 September 1939 and 7 December 1941 under orders to active duty for a period of 12 months or longer.

A clasp, with the inscription "Foreign Service", is worn on the ADSM to denote service outside the continental limits of the United States, including service in Alaska, as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters, flights over ocean waters, or as an assigned member of an organization stationed outside the continental limits of the United States. Possession of a clasp is denoted by the wearing of a bronze service star on the service ribbon. (See chap 6 for descriptions of the clasp and service stars.) 

Women’s Army Corps Service Medal 

The Women’s Army Corps Service Medal was established by EO 9365, announced in War Department Bulletin 17, 1943. It is awarded for service in both the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps between 10 July 1942 and 31 August 1943 and the Women’s Army Corps between 1 September 1943 and 2 September 1945.