Joint Service Commendation Medal

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 the Secretary of Defense Memorandum, June 25, 1963
2. Awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while assigned to a joint activity after January 1, 1963, distinguish themselves by meritorious achievement or service.
3. Letter “V” is authorized for wear by all the Services. 
4. As of March 2017
   The JSCM may be awarded with the “V” device to signify the award was made for combat heroism (valor):
   1. While engaged in military operations against an enemy of the United States;
   2. While engaged in military operations involving conflict against an opposing foreign force; or
   3. 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.
5. As of March 2017
   The JSCM 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.
6. As of March 2017
   The JSCM 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.

Award Criteria and Eligibility Requirements:

(1) The JSCM may be awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who, while assigned to a JDA after January 1, 1963, distinguished themselves by meritorious service or achievement.

(2) If awarded for an act(s) of valor the JSCM will be awarded with the “V” device. The award narrative must clearly show that the nominee performed a valorous act(s) above what is normally expected while engaged in direct combat with an enemy of the United States, or an opposing foreign or armed force, with exposure to enemy hostilities and personal risk. See Section 4 of DoDI 1348.33, for additional information regarding valor decorations.

(3) Refer to Paragraphs 1.2.b. and 1.2.c. for requirements and restrictions regarding award of Joint PMDs.

(4) The JSCM may be awarded with the “C” device to recognize 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 under significant risk of 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.

(5) The JSCM 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.

(6) Service members assigned or attached to a JDA or JTF as individuals (not as members of a Service unit) may be eligible for the JSCM. Members of military-specific units (i.e., Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force) assigned or attached to a JDA or JTF are not eligible for the JSCM but retain eligibility for PMDs and unit awards from their respective parent Military Service.

(7) The JSCM, when awarded for meritorious service, is intended to honor an individual’s accomplishments over a sustained period. It is normally awarded for a period of time greater than 12 months, encompassing the nominee’s entire joint assignment, including any extensions.

(8) The JSCM will not be awarded for any period of service or achievement for which a Military Department medal is awarded.