Navy and Marine Corps Achievement
Military Medal & Military Ribbon

a. Authorization. SECNAVINST 1650.16 of 1 May 1961, re-designated by SECNAVNOTE of 17 July 1967. On 19 August 1994, SECNAV changed the name of the award to the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

b. Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal Eligibility Requirements. Awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the grade of lieutenant commander or major and junior thereto, for service performed on or after 1 May 1961. The award may be authorized for meritorious service or achievement in a combat or non-combat situation, based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature, and 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 warrant a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

(1) Professional achievement that merits the award must :

(a) Clearly exceed that which is normally required or expected, considering the individual's grade or rate, training, and experience; and,

(b) Be an important contribution of benefit to the United States and the Naval Service. must:

(2) Leadership achievement that merits the award

(a) Be noteworthy;

(b) 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,

(c) Reflect most creditably on the efforts of the individual toward the accomplishment of the unit mission.

c. Limitations. The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal will not be awarded for service involving participation in aerial flight after 1 January 1969. The Air Medal is the more appropriate recognition for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. This does not preclude award of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal to individuals who meet the eligibility requirements for service during which participation in aerial flight was incidental.

d. Combat Distinguishing Device. The Combat Distinguishing Device was authorized for service subsequent to 17 July 1967, and discontinued in April 1974; it was reauthorized on 17 January 1991.

Authorized Devices: Gold Star, Silver Star, Bronze V