Navy Achievement Medal

BACK DEVICE(s)

These devices were added in March 2017

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

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

Description:

The NAM is a multipurpose decoration that may only be awarded to members of the Armed Forces in paygrades O-4 and below. The award may be authorized for specific achievement (i.e., as an impact award) or for sustained meritorious service. The performance shall be of such merit as to warrant more tangible recognition than is possible by a fitness report or performance evaluation, but which does not justify a Navy Commendation Medal.

1. Professional achievement that merits the award must:
   1.  Clearly exceed that which is normally required or expected, considering the individual’s grade or rate, training, and experience; and,
   2. Be an important contribution of benefit to the United States and the Naval Service.
2. Leadership achievement that merits the award must:
   
   1. Be noteworthy;
   2. Be sustained so as to demonstrate a high state of development or, if for a specific achievement, be of such merit as to earn singular recognition for the act(s); and, 
   3. Reflect most creditably on the efforts of the individual toward the accomplishment of the unit mission.
3. The NAM shall not be awarded in recognition of any act of valor or non-combat heroism.
4. As of March 2017
   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.
5. As of March 2017
   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. The Navy Achievement Medal may also be awarded to members of the armed forces of a friendly foreign nation consistent with the eligibility requirements specified in SECNAV M-1650.1.
2. Professional achievement which merits the award must:
   • Clearly exceed that which is normally required or expected, considering the individual's grade or rate, training, and experience; and
   • Be an important contribution of benefit to the United States and the naval service.