Joint Service Achievement
Military Medal & Military Ribbon

Authorized by the Secretary of Defense, August 3, 1983.

The Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAM) shall be awarded only to members of the Armed Forces of the United States below the grade of O-6 who, after August 3, 1983, distinguished themselves by outstanding performance of duty and meritorious achievement.

The Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAM) shall be awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense. C3.4.5.3.1. Authority to award the Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAM) is hereby delegated to the following:

The Secretary of Defense or the OSD Principal Staff Assistants for Service members assigned to either the OSD, the DoD Field Activities, or the joint DoD activities for which a Principal Staff Assistant has been designated "Executive Agent for the Secretary of Defense."

The DA&M, OSD, or designee for Service members assigned to multilateral and bilateral organizations; and other offices with the Executive Branch, Executive Agencies and Departments, or independent establishments and Government corporations. (See "The United States Government Manual 1987/88" (reference (l)).)

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

The CINCs of 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 NATO Military Committee; the Defense Advisor, U.S. Mission NATO; the CINC, NORAD; and the Commander, U.S. Forces Korea, for Service members assigned to their respective commands or Agencies, as reflected in joint manpower documents.

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

The President, NDU, for Service members assigned to the University, the National War College, the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and the Armed Forces Staff College.

The Executive Director, Military Postal Service Agency, for Service members assigned to that activity.

The Secretary of a Military Department who has been designated previously as the "Executive Agent for a joint function" by the Secretary of Defense, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, or the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The Commander, Military Entrance Processing Command.

That authority may be delegated further in writing to an officer in the grade of O-6 in the Armed Forces of the United States or to a civilian of equivalent rank who is occupying an established command or staff position.

The authority to disapprove recommendations is given to officers with award authority.

The Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAM) shall take precedence with, but before, the Achievement Medals of the Armed Forces.

Authorized Devices:

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