Frequently Asked Questions...
How would one write up request for Joint Meritorious Service Medal?
I am a member of Personnel Retrieval and Processing for the USMC. I am the NCOIC of a site, and I was trying to give my Marines everything I think they deserve. Mortuary Affairs is a joint service operation, and is definitely a mission of great significance. The USMC, Army, Air Force and DoD all work hand in hand to complete this mission. Weather it's a Search and Recovery done the USMC, remains processed at at a USMC or ARMY CP, all remains end up at Dover Air Force Base and are processed by Air Force personnel and DoD civilians. Marines and Soldiers train together at Fort Lee (92M, and 0471) and do training at Dover with the DoD and Air Force. It just seems like this is an award fitting for such a important mission. I know I can't write it up myself, but I would love someones input or advise on how to do this or convince my CO to pursue it more. Maybe a write up I could show him proving we meet the criteria.
Answer:
Hello Adam,
Sorry, it doesn't work that way...
The Joint Meritorious Service Medal is to be awarded to one individual for sustained performance (typically about 5 years).
"The Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM) is the third-highest award bestowed upon members of the United States military by the United States Department of Defense. The medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in a joint activity, distinguish themselves by non-combat outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a degree to warrant award of the Defense Superior Service Medal."
Do you really mean the: Joint Meritorious Unit AWARD?
"The Joint Meritorious Unit Award is the only ribbon award granted by the Department of Defense and is the organizational equivalent of the Defense Superior Service Medal. It is awarded to joint units or activities where the joint activity must either report through Unified, Combined, or Specified Command channels or pursue a joint mission under the cognizance of the Secretary of Defense; the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; the commander of a Unified, Specified or Combined Command that is also a joint command; or the Secretary of a military department that has been designated the Executive Agent for the Secretary of Defense."
"The Joint Meritorious Unit Award is the only ribbon award granted by the Department of Defense and is the organizational equivalent of the Defense Superior Service Medal. It is awarded to joint units or activities where the joint activity must either report through Unified, Combined, or Specified Command channels or pursue a joint mission under the cognizance of the Secretary of Defense; the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; the commander of a Unified, Specified or Combined Command that is also a joint command; or the Secretary of a military department that has been designated the Executive Agent for the Secretary of Defense."
Go to DOD Manual 1348.33 Volume 1, November 23, 2010. See figure 9 for the Citation.
But, if your guys were just doing their assigned duty - then the award is not appropriate. You can better recognize your squad by individual recognition for:
Highest to lowest:
Joint Services Commendation Medal
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Joint Services Achievement Medal
Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Consider the "achievement" medals for junior Marines with at least 1 year of sustained performance and the "commendation" medals for Marines who are Staff Sergeant and above who have sustained their performance for at least 3 years.
However, there must be some "specific" achievement other than doing their daily assigned jobs/functions.
Document at least 5 specific facts about each person that makes their recognition above just coming to work and doing their assigned jobs.
Once you are able to select specific Marines (you will not be able to get your entire squad recognized - unless they were on a "mission" as a group to excel) then pick out 1 for the Achievement Medal and 1 for the Commendation Medal.
Have a private talk with your NCOIC to gain his/her support and agreement. Then, the NCOIC should gain the Commander's support to proceed forth with the nominations.
You stand a better chance going for the Achievement Medal and Commendation Medal within the Marine Corps than a Joint Service Award.
Semper Fi
Larry Smith
Senior Master Sergeant, USAF (Ret.)
First Sergeant
P.S. Oh, once you get approval to proceed YOU WILL end up writing it all up yourself only to have your superiors "edit" it and bounce it back to you more than one time to "redo." And, it must be letter perfect, no spelling or grammar mistakes, and submitted in accordance with the appropriate Marine Corps manual or regulation. So, go see it and follow it to the LETTER! It will take you many, many hours of work. But if your "men" deserve it - that a good supervisor will give up his weekends to get it done - properly and proudly! Good luck.
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