Joint Service Commendation
Military Medal & Military Ribbon

Authorized by the Secretary of Defense, June 25, 1963.

The Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCM) shall be awarded only to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, after January 1, 1963, distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement or service.

The Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCM) shall be awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense

Authority to award the Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCM) is hereby delegated to the following:

The DA&M, OSD, or designee, for awards to Service members assigned to the OSD; the DoD Field Activities; the joint-DoD activities that report directly to an OSD Principal Staff Assistant or for which the Secretary of a Military Department has been designated as an "Executive Agent"; the multilateral and bilateral organizations; and the other offices in the Executive Branch, Executive Agencies and Departments, or independent establishments and Government corporations. (See "The United States Government Manual 1987/88" (reference (l)).)

The Director, Joint Staff, for Service members assigned to the Joint Staff and to those joint activities reporting directly to or through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or the Joint Staff, that are not delegated approval authority.

The CINCs of the Unified or Combined Commands for Service members assigned to their respective Headquarters or joint activities directly under their operational control. They also may approve that award for the commander, his or her staff, and other Service members attached to a JTF as individuals (not as members of an assigned and/or attached unit).

The Supreme Allied Commander, Europe; the Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic; the U.S. Representative to the Military Committee, NATO; the Defense Advisor, U.S. Mission NATO; and the CINC, NORAD, for Service members assigned their respective commands or associated Agencies.

The Directors of Defense Agencies (except the DARPA and the DSAA), for Service members assigned to their respective Agencies.

The Commander, U.S. Forces Korea, for Service members assigned to their headquarters and to those joint activities reporting directly to that command. C3.4.4.3.1.7. The President, NDU, for Service members assigned to the University, National War College, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and Armed Forces Staff College.

The Commandant, Armed Forces Staff College, for Service members assigned to the College.

The Executive Director, Military Postal Service Agency, for Service members assigned to his or her Agency.

The Commander, Military Entrance Processing Command.

That authority may be delegated further at the discretion of the awarding authority to general or flag officers of the Armed Forces of the United States in the grade of O-7 or civilian equivalent, when they occupy established command or staff positions. Such authority must be delegated in writing.

The Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCM) shall take precedence with, but before, the Service Commendation Medals. A bronze "V" is authorized if the citation is for an act or service involving direct participation in combat operations during the period June 25, 1963 to March 31, 1976. Effective April 1, 1976, the "V" device is authorized if the citation is approved for valor (heroism) in a designated combat area.

Authorized Devices:

Air Force: Bronze Oak Leaf, Silver Oak Leaf,Bronze V
Army:Bronze Oak Leaf, Silver Oak Leaf,Bronze V
Coast Guard: Bronze Oak Leaf, Silver Oak Leaf, Bronze V
Marine Corps: Bronze Oak Leaf, Silver Oak Leaf,Bronze V
Navy: Bronze Oak Leaf, Silver Oak Leaf,Bronze V