Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal

The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM) is a multi-purpose decoration awarded to members of the United States Navy and Marine Corps for specific achievement or sustained meritorious service. The medal was originally established by the Secretary of the Navy on May 1, 1961, as the "Secretary of the Navy Commendation for Achievement" and was later renamed to the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal on August 19, 1994. ### Criteria and Eligibility The NAM is awarded to active duty and reserve personnel in paygrades O-4 and below. It can be given for specific achievements or for sustained meritorious service, where the recipient's performance is deemed to warrant more recognition than possible through a fitness report but does not justify the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. To qualify for the NAM, professional achievement must clearly exceed expectations based on the individual's rank, training, and experience. Leadership achievements noted in the award must be noteworthy and reflect positively on the unit's mission. The NAM is not intended for acts of valor or non-combat heroism. Those actions are recognized by higher decorations, such as the Navy Cross or the Silver Star Medal, which are designated for heroic actions involving personal risk during combat. ### Award Elements The NAM includes both a ribbon and a full-size medal, but it does not come with a citation or certificate. However, a letter documenting the award may be issued. If an individual receives the NAM for multiple achievements, subsequent awards are denoted by wearing a 3/16-inch bronze star on the ribbon, with a 3/16-inch silver star used to denote five bronze stars. ### Notable Recipients While there isn't an extensive list of famous recipients due to the nature of the achievement medal being more focused on specific, often non-public achievements, many enlisted personnel and junior officers have been recognized through this award for their dedicated service, exemplary performance, or contributions that significantly benefited their units. ### Regulations and Procedures The approval process for the NAM involves submission of a recommendation to the issuing authority, which typically includes the individual's command officer. Recommendations should highlight the specific achievements and address how they exceeded normal expectations for the individual’s rank and role. The policy governing military awards, including the NAM, is detailed in SECNAV M-1650.1 and underscores the importance of rigor in establishing eligibility and documenting achievements. Documentation related to awarded medals must also be entered into the individual's Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) to ensure record integrity. In summary, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal serves as an important recognition of the valuable contributions of lower-ranking members of the Navy and Marine Corps, emphasizing achievements that bolster both individual and collective success within the military.