Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal

The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM) is a distinguished award recognizing U.S. service members for exceptional and sustained volunteer service to the civilian community, which reflects favorably on the Department of the Navy (DON) and the Department of Defense (DoD). **Authorization and Effective Date** The MOVSM was established under Executive Order 12830 and became effective on or after December 31, 1992. **Awarding Authority** The authority to award the MOVSM lies with Commanding Officers (COs) who also have the authority to award the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM). **Criteria and Eligibility** To qualify for the MOVSM, the volunteer service must meet several specific criteria: 1. It must be voluntary. 2. It must serve to benefit the civilian community, including military family communities. 3. The service must be significant in nature and produce tangible results. 4. It must reflect positively on the DON and the DoD. 5. It should be sustained and of a direct nature. 6. The service should not have been performed while deployed in a combat theater. The standard for qualifying service typically requires a sustained period of volunteer activity, generally set at 36 months, although exceptions can be made for individuals whose contributions are deemed exceptional despite shorter time frames. The core purpose of the MOVSM is to acknowledge service that demonstrates meaningful and impactful community engagement, rather than sporadic acts or attendance at meetings or social events. Examples of qualifying volunteer service activities include: - Coaching youth sports teams. - Tutoring students in schools. - Volunteering at food banks or shelters. - Working with youth organizations. - Engaging in community relations projects during leave. In contrast, activities like attending membership meetings or participating in events sponsored by the Navy or Marine Corps do not qualify for consideration. **Subsequent Awards** While the MOVSM may not be awarded multiple times during a single tour of duty, it can recognize sustained records of significant community service across different periods or tours. Subsequent awards are denoted with a 3/16-inch bronze star, with a silver star for five or more gold stars. **Award Elements** The MOVSM consists of a ribbon and a medal. There is no regulation citation or certificate for the MOVSM; however, an appropriate official letter may be issued to document the award and total volunteer service contributions. **Nomination Process** Nominations for the MOVSM can be initiated by any commissioned officer or a DoD civilian in a supervisory role over the awardee, provided they have knowledge of the volunteer service. Nomination submissions must be made within three years of the completion of the service in question, along with necessary endorsements affirming eligibility and detailing the service rendered. Overall, the MOVSM serves to honor and encourage significant volunteer service that enhances community well-being and reflects pride in military service.