Achievement Medal - Joint Service

BACK DEVICE(s)

These devices were added in March 2017

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th

These devices are included in DoD Inst 1348.33 series. Check your specific service regulations.

Example of ribbon placement (IF only "R", "C", or "V" is authorized - it is centered)

Description:

1. Authorized by DoD Directive 1348.28, March 29, 1984 b. Awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces of the United States, below the grade of O-6, who, while assigned to a joint activity after August 3, 1983, distinguish themselves by meritorious achievement or service. The required achievement or service, while of lesser degree than that required for award of the JSCM, must have been accomplished with distinction.
2. As of March 2017
   The JSAM may be awarded with the “C” device to recognize exceptionally meritorious service or achievement performed under combat conditions on or after January 7, 2016. The award narrative must clearly show that the nominee was personally exposed to hostile action, or was at significant risk of exposure to hostile action:
   (a) While engaged in action against an enemy of the United States;
   (b) While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
   (c) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
3. As of March 2017
   The JSAM for specific achievement may be awarded with the “R” device to distinguish that the award was earned for the direct hands-on employment of a weapon system or other warfighting activities that had a direct and immediate impact on a combat operation or other military operation (i.e., outcome of an engagement or specific effects on a target), including Title 10, U.S.C., support of non-Title 10 operations, and operations authorized by an approved execute order. To be designated as such, the action must have been performed through any domain, in circumstances that did not expose the individual to hostile action;, or place him or her at significant risk of exposure to hostile action on or after January 7, 2016, under one of the following conditions:
   (a) While engaged in military operations against an enemy of the United States,
   (b) While engaged in military operations involving conflict against an opposing foreign force; or
   (c) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in military operations with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

Background:

1. It is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense for either outstanding achievement or meritorious service and takes precedence before the Achievement Medals of the Military Services. It may not be awarded for any act or period of service which an Achievement Medal of a military service is awarded, and it should not be awarded for retirement.
2. To be eligible for this award, the individual must be a member of the Armed Forces of the United States below the grade of 0-6, and assigned to a qualifying organization such as The Defense Agencies, Headquarters of Unified Commands, Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The required service or achievement, while of a lesser degree than that required for award of the Joint Service Commendation Medal, must have been accomplished within distinction.