Awards & Decorations

The highest decoration awarded by the unit. Bestowed upon members who distinguish themselves through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at extreme personal risk during combat operations.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk to self
• ·Actions above and beyond the call of duty in combat
• ·Must be witnessed and verified by chain of command
• ·Approved by the Commanding Officer

Awarded for extraordinary heroism in combat operations. The recipient must have demonstrated actions directly impacting mission success under enemy contact.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Extraordinary heroism in direct combat
• ·Actions that directly impacted mission success
• ·Must occur under active enemy engagement
• ·Nominated by squad leader, approved by HQ

Awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy force. Third-highest valor award, recognizing acts of courage that go significantly beyond what is expected.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Gallantry in action against an opposing force
• ·Actions demonstrating personal bravery
• ·Must be corroborated by at least one witness

Awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial operations. Recognizes aviators who distinguish themselves in combat or non-combat flight operations.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Heroism or extraordinary achievement during aerial operations
• ·Actions must go beyond the call of normal duty
• ·Applicable to aviators and aircrews
• ·Nominated by chain of command, approved by HQ

Awarded for acts of valor or heroic or meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against an armed enemy. The V Device denotes valorous action in direct combat.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Acts of valor or heroism in combat
• ·V Device attached signifying direct combat action
• ·Corroborated by at least one witness
• ·Nominated by squad leader or above

Awarded for acts of heroism or distinguished service not involving direct conflict with an enemy. Recognizes non-combat acts of bravery or exceptional service.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Heroism or distinguished service outside of direct combat
• ·Act must be above and beyond the call of duty
• ·Applicable in non-combat or training environments
• ·Approved by HQ

Awarded for exceptionally meritorious service to the unit in a position of great responsibility.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Exceptionally meritorious service in a position of great responsibility
• ·Sustained contributions to the unit at a leadership level
• ·Minimum 90 days in a key leadership or staff role
• ·Approved by CO

Awarded for exceptionally meritorious service in a joint or combined capacity, demonstrating significant contribution to combined operations or unit administration.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Exceptionally meritorious service in joint or combined capacity
• ·Significant impact on combined operations or unit structure
• ·Approved by HQ

Awarded for superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility within a joint or combined unit capacity.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Superior meritorious service in a joint capacity
• ·Consistent excellence over a defined service period
• ·Nominated by chain of command

Awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Exceptionally meritorious conduct and outstanding service
• ·Significant positive impact on unit readiness or operations
• ·Minimum 60 days of outstanding service
• ·Approved by CO or XO

Awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement in connection with military operations. Without the V Device, recognizes sustained meritorious service.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Heroic or meritorious achievement in military operations
• ·Sustained excellent performance in a combat or operational role
• ·Nominated by direct supervisor
• ·Approved by chain of command

Awarded for non-combat meritorious achievement or service while assigned to a joint activity.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Non-combat meritorious service in a joint assignment
• ·Contributions to joint or combined operations
• ·Approved by HQ

Awarded to members who have rendered outstanding meritorious service to the unit. Recognizes sustained contributions to unit readiness, training, or administration.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Sustained outstanding service to the unit
• ·Contributions to training, operations, or readiness
• ·Minimum 60 days of demonstrated service

Awarded for meritorious achievement or service in a joint capacity, reflecting credit upon the individual and the unit.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Meritorious achievement or service in a joint capacity
• ·Positive reflection on the unit
• ·Nominated by supervisor, approved by HQ

Awarded for meritorious achievement or service in a specific operation or training event.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Meritorious achievement in a specific event or operation
• ·Exemplary performance of duties
• ·Nominated by direct supervisor

Awarded for meritorious service or achievement that, while of a lesser degree than required for the JSCM, reflects credit upon the individual in a joint capacity.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Meritorious service or achievement in a joint capacity
• ·Performance reflecting credit on the individual
• ·Nominated by chain of command

Awarded for honorable and faithful service. Members who demonstrate exemplary conduct, efficiency, and fidelity over a sustained period are eligible.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Minimum 90 days of active, honorable service
• ·No disciplinary actions on record
• ·Consistent attendance at operations

Awarded upon successful completion of initial entry training and assignment to the unit.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Completion of BCT and AIT pipelines
• ·Assignment to an active unit element
• ·No disciplinary actions during training

Awarded for meritorious service or achievement of a lesser degree than required for the Army Commendation Medal.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Meritorious service or achievement in a specific area
• ·Performance exceeding normal expectations
• ·Nominated by direct supervisor

Awarded for completion of a tour of duty in a designated overseas area during a qualifying period.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Completion of a qualifying overseas deployment or operation
• ·Tour must be HQ-sanctioned
• ·No disciplinary actions during the tour

Awarded for successful completion of designated NCO professional military education.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Completion of an NCO-level leadership course
• ·Minimum rank of SGT to qualify
• ·Course must be sanctioned by HQ

Awarded for significant volunteer service to the unit community beyond the scope of normal duties.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Significant voluntary service contributions
• ·Service must be beyond the scope of assigned duties
• ·Minimum sustained period of volunteer contribution
• ·Nominated by chain of command

Awarded for participation in a military operation or outstanding direct support of a significant humanitarian act.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Participation in a designated humanitarian operation
• ·Direct support of a humanitarian act
• ·Operation must be sanctioned by HQ

Awarded for honorable active service in the unit during a designated national defense period.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Honorable active service during a qualifying period
• ·No disciplinary actions on record
• ·Automatically awarded upon meeting qualifying service

Awarded for participation in a military operation not qualifying for a campaign or expeditionary medal.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Participation in a sanctioned military operation
• ·Operation must not qualify for a campaign or expeditionary medal
• ·Approved by HQ

Awarded for service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom or any other designated operation against global terrorism.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Service in support of a designated counter-terrorism operation
• ·Must be performing authorized tasks in support of the operation
• ·Approved by chain of command

Awarded to any member who has been wounded or killed as a result of an act of any opposing armed force.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Wounded or incapacitated during an active operation due to enemy action
• ·Wound must be verified and documented by chain of command
• ·Posthumous award may be issued to next of kin

Awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial operations.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Meritorious achievement during aerial operations
• ·Sustained distinction or single act of merit during flight
• ·Applicable to aviators and aircrew
• ·Nominated by chain of command

Awarded for service in designated operations against global terrorism in an expeditionary capacity.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Service in a designated expeditionary area against terrorist forces
• ·Must have been engaged in or directly supporting combat operations
• ·Operation sanctioned by HQ

Awarded for participation in U.S. military operations not qualifying for a campaign medal.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Participation in a sanctioned expeditionary operation
• ·Must be operating in a designated area
• ·Approved by chain of command

Awarded for service in support of the defense of Korea.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Service in a designated operation in support of Korean defense
• ·Operation must be HQ-sanctioned
• ·Approved by chain of command

Awarded to units that have displayed extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. The unit must have performed with such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps as to distinguish itself above and beyond other units.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Extraordinary heroism in combat
• ·Collective actions above and beyond the call of duty
• ·Awarded to the entire element
• ·Approved by CO

Awarded for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. The unit must have displayed exceptional gallantry and intrepidity in combat.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Extraordinary heroism in direct combat
• ·Actions of exceptional gallantry as a unit
• ·Awarded to the entire element
• ·Approved by HQ

Awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services for at least six continuous months during the period of military operations.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Exceptionally meritorious conduct over a sustained period
• ·Outstanding services during a period of military operations
• ·Awarded to the element collectively
• ·Approved by chain of command

Awarded for meritorious performance of a difficult and challenging mission under trying and arduous conditions.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Meritorious performance of a challenging mission
• ·Mission completed under arduous or difficult conditions
• ·Collective unit effort
• ·Approved by CO

Awarded to infantry soldiers who have been under hostile fire while serving in active ground combat.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Infantry MOS assignment
• ·Engaged in active ground combat against a hostile force
• ·Satisfactorily performed duty while under hostile fire
• ·Approved by chain of command

Second award of the CIB for infantry soldiers who qualify in an additional qualifying period of combat service.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Holds first award CIB
• ·Additional qualifying period of ground combat service
• ·Met all original CIB criteria again
• ·Approved by HQ

Third award of the CIB recognizing extraordinary sustained service in ground combat over multiple qualifying periods.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Holds second award CIB
• ·Third qualifying period of active ground combat
• ·Met all original CIB criteria again
• ·Approved by CO

Awarded to infantry soldiers who have demonstrated a mastery of infantry skills and physical fitness standards.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Infantry MOS assignment
• ·Pass all EIB testing phases
• ·Demonstrate proficiency across required infantry skills
• ·Approved by Training NCO

Awarded to soldiers who are not eligible for the CIB or CMB but who have actively engaged or been engaged by an enemy force.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Non-infantry, non-medical MOS
• ·Actively engaged or engaged by an enemy force
• ·Satisfactorily performed duty while under hostile fire
• ·Approved by chain of command

Second award of the CAB for soldiers with additional qualifying periods of combat engagement.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Holds first award CAB
• ·Additional qualifying period of combat engagement
• ·Met all original CAB criteria again
• ·Approved by HQ

Third award of the CAB recognizing sustained combat engagement across multiple qualifying periods.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Holds second award CAB
• ·Third qualifying period of combat engagement
• ·Met all original CAB criteria again
• ·Approved by CO

Awarded to medical personnel who have been under hostile fire while serving with an infantry or special forces unit in active ground combat.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Medical MOS assignment
• ·Serving with infantry or SF unit in ground combat
• ·Satisfactorily performed medical duties under hostile fire
• ·Approved by chain of command

Second award of the CMB for medical personnel with additional qualifying combat medical service.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Holds first award CMB
• ·Additional qualifying period of ground combat medical service
• ·Met all original CMB criteria again
• ·Approved by HQ

Awarded to medical soldiers who demonstrate mastery of field medical skills and physical fitness standards.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Medical MOS assignment
• ·Pass all EFMB testing phases
• ·Demonstrate proficiency across required medical skills
• ·Approved by Training NCO

Awarded upon successful completion of the Air Assault course. Demonstrates proficiency in air assault operations, rappelling, and helicopter operations.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Complete Air Assault qualification course
• ·Pass all phases of air assault training
• ·Demonstrate proficiency in rappelling and FARP operations
• ·Certified by course cadre

Awarded upon completion of Basic Airborne Course, demonstrating ability to conduct static-line parachute operations.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Complete Basic Airborne qualification course
• ·Pass all parachute training phases
• ·Complete required number of qualifying jumps
• ·Certified by jump master

Awarded to parachutists who have accumulated significant jump time and served in airborne assignments.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Holds Basic Parachutist Badge
• ·Minimum qualifying jump count for Senior status
• ·Served in an airborne assignment
• ·Approved by HQ

Awarded to parachutists who have demonstrated mastery of airborne operations through sustained service and jump experience.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Holds Senior Parachutist Badge
• ·Minimum qualifying jump count for Master status
• ·Demonstrated sustained excellence in airborne operations
• ·Approved by CO

Awarded to parachutists who have participated in a combat airborne operation, with the star device denoting each combat jump.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Holds Basic Parachutist Badge
• ·Participated in a combat airborne operation
• ·Combat jump must be in conjunction with an armed operation
• ·Approved by chain of command

Awarded to Army aviators who have successfully completed flight training and are qualified to pilot Army aircraft.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Complete Army flight training program
• ·Pass all flight evaluations
• ·Qualified to pilot at least one Army aircraft
• ·Certified by flight examiner

Awarded to Army aviators with significant flight hours and demonstrated proficiency in advanced flight operations.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Holds Basic Aviator Badge
• ·Minimum qualifying flight hours for Senior status
• ·Demonstrated proficiency in advanced flight roles
• ·Approved by HQ

Awarded to Army aviators who have demonstrated sustained mastery of aviation operations at the highest level.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Holds Senior Aviator Badge
• ·Minimum qualifying flight hours for Master status
• ·Sustained excellence in aviation operations
• ·Approved by CO

Awarded to non-rated crewmembers who serve aboard Army aircraft and have met qualifying flight hour requirements.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Non-rated crewmember MOS assignment
• ·Minimum qualifying flight hours as an aircrew member
• ·Demonstrated proficiency in crew duties
• ·Certified by aviation unit

A foreign unit decoration awarded to units that have been cited a specific number of times in orders.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Unit must have received requisite number of citations
• ·Awarded to the unit collectively
• ·Authorized by HQ
• ·Individual members may wear only while assigned to the unit

Awarded to soldiers who achieve the Expert level score on the Army Rifle Qualification Course, demonstrating the highest level of marksmanship proficiency.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Achieve Expert-level score on the rifle qualification course
• ·Qualification must be conducted under standard conditions
• ·Recertification required per qualifying period

Awarded to soldiers who achieve the Sharpshooter level score on the Army Rifle Qualification Course.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Achieve Sharpshooter-level score on the rifle qualification course
• ·Qualification must be conducted under standard conditions
• ·Recertification required per qualifying period

Awarded to soldiers who achieve the Marksman level score on the Army Rifle Qualification Course. Entry-level marksmanship qualification.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Achieve Marksman-level score on the rifle qualification course
• ·Qualification must be conducted under standard conditions
• ·Recertification required per qualifying period

Authorized for wear on specific service and commendation medals to denote participation in direct combat operations involving acts of valor.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Authorized only on specific medals (e.g., BSM, ARCOM)
• ·Awarded for acts of valor in direct combat
• ·Must be approved alongside the parent medal

Authorized for wear on certain service medals to denote participation in combat operations.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Authorized on specific service medals
• ·Awarded for participation in direct combat operations
• ·Must be approved by chain of command alongside parent award

Denotes that an award was made for remotely piloted aircraft or unmanned systems operations.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Award made in connection with remotely piloted or unmanned systems operations
• ·Authorized on specific medals
• ·Approved by HQ alongside parent medal

Authorized for wear on Army medals to denote second and subsequent awards of the same medal.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Holder of the parent medal
• ·Earned an additional award of the same decoration
• ·One cluster per additional award
• ·Approved by chain of command

Authorized for wear on campaign and service medals to denote second and subsequent awards or qualifying service periods.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Holder of the parent medal
• ·Earned an additional qualifying service period or award
• ·One star per additional qualification
• ·Approved by chain of command

Authorized for wear on campaign medals to denote participation in a combat parachute jump, combat glider landing, or amphibious assault landing.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Participated in a combat airborne, glider, or amphibious assault operation
• ·Authorized on specific campaign medals
• ·Approved by chain of command

Authorized for wear on the Army uniform to indicate periods of overseas service in a combat zone.

Eligibility & Criteria

• ·Completion of a qualifying overseas service period in a designated combat zone
• ·One bar per qualifying period
• ·Approved by chain of command